Middlesbrough Under-23s boss Paul Stephenson leaves by mutual consent as players and academy staff react with shock Paul Stephenson has been told his services are not required at Middlesbrough The Under-23s manager has left Middlesbrough with immediate effect Stephenson was only appointed two years ago by the Championship side By Craig Hope for MailOnline Published: 19:45 BST, 23 May 2019 | Updated: 19:46 BST, 23 May 2019 Viewcomments Middlesbrough's academy staff and players have reacted with shock after Under-23s boss Paul Stephenson was told he has lost his job. Sportsmail can reveal that Stephenson has been told his services are no longer required and he has left the club with immediate effect. The former Newcastle and Millwall winger was only appointed two years ago and Sportsmail understand he is disappointed by the decision. Paul Stephenson has been told by Middlesbrough that his services are no longer required The news has come as a surprise to those connected to the academy and players and parents have been discussing Stephenson’s mystery departure on WhatsApp groups. It means Boro are now searching for a new first-team and Under-23s manager after Tony Pulis’ exit last week. Sportsmail understand Jonathan Woodgate remains in pole position for the senior role, although former Fulham boss Slavika Jokanovic has also been spoken to. Jonathan Woodgate remains in pole position for senior role at Middlesbrough Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility