Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate reacts to Adrian Bevington exit and provides January update

Middlesbrough last week announced the shock departure of Bevington just a week before the January transfer window opens.

The recruitment chief, who has held the role for 18-months, will officially leaving the club at the end of December.

Bevington is not expected to be replaced at this stage.

Woodgate, speaking for the first time about Bevington’s departure, said: “It won’t have any effect, not one bit.

“The club issued a statement on it, so I don’t need to comment any more.

“We’ll be absolutely fine. It’s just how it is.

“The club made a statement on it, and we move forward from there.

"I don’t need to make any more comments on it, it’s over now.”

Last week a Boro statement read: “Middlesbrough Football Club can confirm that Head of Recruitment Operations Adrian Bevington will part company with the club at the end of the month.”

Adrian Bevington added: "It has been a pleasure to work with Steve Gibson, Neil Bausor and everyone at the club.

“I’d like to wish Jonathan Woodgate, his staff, the players and supporters every success in the future."

The club’s chief executive Neil Bausor said: "On behalf of everyone at the club I’d like to thank Adrian for his work over the past 18 months and wish him well for the future.”

Woodgate will look to strengthen in January but is pleased with the recent performances of his Boro squad.

Asked about the club’s January planning, Woodgate said: “Let’s see how many games we can win before that. That could adjust quite a bit.

“Let’s just wait and see, I’m concentrating on the players I’ve got at the minute. And what a fine job they’re doing.”

Boro beat Huddersfield Town 1-0 on Boxing Day and travel to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon (KO 3pm) aiming to build on their recent revival.

Boro have won their last four home games at the Riverside to relieve the pressure on Woodgate.