After a promising start, the Teessiders looked like genuine contenders for the play-offs, after significantly improving on last season’s performances when they were nearly relegated from the second tier.
There were some memorable wins and fine showings, yet there were also some hugely disappointing results as well.
The way the second half of the season petered out was frustrating for Warnock and Boro supporters, leaving a sense of what could have been.
After sitting just a point off the top six at the start of 2021, the Teessiders finished 17 points off a play-off place in May, highlighting the work that needs to be done ahead of next term.
We’ve picked out 11 games that defined Boro’s season, including the highs and lows throughout the campaign.
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1. Middlesbrough 2 Barnsley 1
This was Warnock's first game back on the touchline after testing positive for Covid-19. It was also the manager's 1,500th game in management. Goals from Jonny Howson and Chuba Akpom secured Boro's first league win of the season. Photo: George Wood
2. Middlesbrough 1 Nottingham Forest 0
The Barnsley win gave Boro momentum as the Teessiders went on to take 11 points from theri next five games, concluding with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest when Marvin Jonhson bagged an 81st-minute winner. Photo: Richard Sellers
3. Middlesbrough 0 Norwich 1
Boro were excellent in the first half against the league leaders and should have taken the lead, only for Marcus Tavernier to double-kick a penalty which was disallowed. Hayden Coulson then conceded a spot kick, allowing Teemu Pukki to convert for the visitors. It ended a 10-game unbeaten run. Photo: George Wood
4. Middlesbrough 2 Swansea 1
For me this was Boro's best performance of the season, and also marked the emergence of Duncan Watmore. The forward bagged his first two goals for the Teessiders as Warnock's side nullified the in-form Swans. Photo: Mike Egerton