Middlesbrough no longer have their fate in their own hands as they bid to reach the play-offs this season.
Even if Chris Wilder’s side win their three remaining fixtures, starting with Cardiff City at the Riverside on Wednesday, they will be denied a spot in the top six if the team who currently sit above them pick up enough points.
Despite that, the Boro boss had a defiant message when it came to their chances.
He said: “The teams above us have difficult games to play, the teams around us have difficult games to play – as do we.
“We’re back home on Wednesday night (against Cardiff) and it’s a season-defining game.”
Boro currently sit eighth in the table with Millwall and Sheffield United immediately above them.
With fifth place Luton Town currently eight points better off it looks like the Blades and the Lions are the two sides that Wilder’s team will have to outperform.
After the Cardiff match they will face Stoke City (H) and Preston North End (A) in their final two fixtures.
Away from the action on the pitch there is plenty going on across the division as clubs prepare for the summer transfer window.
Here are the latest transfer news stories making the headlines on Monday morning:
1. Swansea sack sporting director
Swansea City have sacked sporting director Mark Allen after just eight months in the job and are searching for a replacement (FLW via The Telegraph’s John Percy) | Getty Images
2. Keane set for management return?
Manchester United legend Roy Keane, who most recently worked as assistant manager at Nottingham Forest, has emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacancy at Scottish Premiership side Hibs (The Sunday Times) | Manchester United via Getty Imag
3. Gunners and Magpies monitoring Mitro
Arsenal and Newcastle are monitoring the situation of Championship Player of the Season Aleksandar Mitrovic (Ekrem Konur - Fichajes) | Getty Images
4. West Brom confirm deal is done for Brighton midfielder
A permanent deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby is “done” West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has confirmed (BirminghamLive) | Getty Images