Speaking after his side had slumped to their fifth defeat in six home matches, Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock singled out some of his players for criticism, and claimed: "I thought we started alright, the first 20 minutes, but I still can’t see how (Marc) Bola can’t score when he’s through (on goal).
“I don’t know why he’s passed it, he’s said he’s heard Ashley Fletcher screaming at him to square the ball but it’s on his left foot at a good angle with the goalie to beat – it doesn’t make sense to me."
He continued: “I said at half-time the scoreline is embarrassing but I want us to win the second half and it’s hard when you’re 3-0 down because you are defeated."
Next up, Boro take on in-form Cardiff City tomorrow afternoon, in what could prove a pivotal clash in the race for the play-off places.
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Middlesbrough and the rest of the Championship, following an action-packed couple of days of midweek action:
1. Rowett eager for fans' return
Millwall boss Gary Rowett has claimed he feels "cheated" having spent the majority of his time at the club with no fans in the stadium watching the team, and argued their home form would have been better with supporters in attendance. (London News Online) Photo: Catherine Ivill
2. Leeds target speaks out on transfer decision
Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson has revealed he believes he made the right decision to remain on loan with Lincoln in January, due to getting more game time. He was linked with both Leeds United and Cardiff in the last transfer window. (Nottingham Post) Photo: Jan Kruger
3. Ex-Preston man favourite for League Two job
Colchester United's interim manager Wayne Browne has been named the strong odds-on favourite to get the job permanently at the end of the season. He featured for the likes of Preston and Watford during his playing career. (SkyBet) Photo: Justin Setterfield
4. Jordan joins Woodgate at Bournemouth
Bournemouth has snapped up ex-Bristol City and Stoke boss Joe Jordan as their first-team coach, who will join Jonathan Woodgate's backroom staff. The 69-year-old's previously worked with him at Middlesbrough. (BBC Sport) Photo: Stu Forster