There's a big task awaiting Jakirovic

CHAMPIONSHIP BOSS MERRY-GO-ROUND PERILOUS

- By BARRY COOPER

The departure of Michael Carrick from Middlesbrough signals something of an end of an era in the Championship.

Carrick's sacking last Wednesday brought an end to his stay on Teesside which lasted more than two-and-a-half years.

Carrick was appointed just before Liam Rosenior was brought in at Hull City, but after a month-long wait following the end of the season, Boro chief Steve Gibson pulled the trigger.

Ultimately, given the money spent in recent seasons, finishing 10th in the campaign just gone was deemed a big failure, and he paid the price with his job, rather like Rosenior a little over 12 months ago.

During his three seasons with Boro, Carrick guided the club to 4th, 8th and 10th place finishes and now, he leaves with the Riverside Stadium outfit the latest to be searching for a new head coach.