Despite Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson's swift-as-possible sacking of Gareth Southgate in mid-week, the club have failed to announce a successor in time for today's clash with Preston.

It is football's worst-kept secret that the man set to take over at The Riverside is jovial Scot Gordon Strachan. Indeed, immediately after Southgate's departure was confirmed the former Celtic boss was chalked up at 1/6 with most bookies to be his successor.

But like most things in football, it appears the process is far from straightforward. No official announcement has been made regarding the appointment of the ex-Coventry supremo, and Colin Cooper will know lead the team as they travel to Deepdale.

Southgate was given the axe after some dissapointing home results this season. Despite 'Boro sitting in the upper echelons of the division, Gibson was thought to be un-impressed by the manner of some of the teams performances, despite their lofty position.

Promotion is a must this season, and Gibson just wasn't confident enough that the former Aston Villa defender could guide the club back to the promised land. So in his time of need he has turned to the man who won three SPL titles in a row with Celtic before walking out on the club.

The chairman revealed his fears in the wake of Southgate's sacking on the club's official website.

"Before last night, our five home games had brought in seven points. That will not get us promoted - and promotion is the only objective for the season."