I'm Boro through and through and have great admiration for Steve Gibson. I believe Gareth Southgate is the right man to take us back up and I think that the best thing Gareth could do is to succeed in bringing Gary Neville to the Riverside as this would be amazing for the club - a natural leader in the heart of defence once again! I also think that we should keep Afonso Alves as I am positive he will come good in the Championship. Why make a massive loss when we could have a £12m striker to put fear into the Championship defences? I'm gutted Ross Turnbull is leaving as I think he is better than Brad Jones and we now mus keep Mathew Bates. C'mon Boro, back to the Premier League.
Steven Joynes, Gateshead 

Another fan gutted by relegation. But as many have already said, we will be back, we are too good not to be a Premier League side. My request is, please do all you can to keep Tuncay, we needed him this year and will need him again next year. He worked his socks off every match and always gave 110%. I don't doubt that most of the other players gave their all most of the time but Tuncay always stood out as he was everywhere on the pitch - and some of those goals! A team of Tuncays would almost guarantee we bounce straight back, please keep him as a Boro player.
Fran Martin, Basingstoke

I'm Boro through and through and will be supporting the lads and Gareth in the Championship next season. It was a sad day today to see players like Tuncay, O'Neil and Hoyte, who have worked their socks off all season, in tears sitting bewildered at the end of the game. I take my hat off to so many of the lads as they have worked hard and tried to get the team in a position that would have saved them from relegation. However, it has to be said that we have ended up in this position simply because we were not good enough over 38 games. So many goals conceded through set pieces and in the last quarter of games have cost us dearly and something we must address and improve upon next season. Tuncay has been an inspiration and has proved himself an amazing player. Take a bow, you deserve every accolade that comes your way. Truly an inspirational player, he never stops running, working and believing. My only thought now is to the next season ahead in the Championship. By the sounds of things Gareth isn't going anywhere and I urge all fans to get behind him and the team, don't dwell on what should have been and get behind Gareth and the lads, because they will need every bit of support they can get in the tough and physical Championship. It isn't going to be easy but let's fill that Riverside Stadium, get behind the team and the manager and show the Championship how it's done and show those Geordies how to go back up in style!
Jennifer Allport, Middlesbrough

I was just thinking when David Wheater came out and stated that he wanted to stay here at Boro and fight to help us gain promotion again back where we belong in the Premier League. That is the spirit and the kind of response that you want to here from players and which rekindles and relights my belief in the players and that of the club. I know it probably won't happen but it would have been great and another further boost to morale if the likes of Stewy Downing, Tuncay and O'Neil, along with the other players, were to also come out and say the same kind of thing. That attitude in my eyes would have given them true legend status on Boro. C'mon Boro, I'm already looking forward to next season. Have faith and believe.
Wayne Laville, Ormesby

I am a Boro fan through and through and even on the last day of the 2008-2009 season I was the only optimistic Boro fan who had hope we'd stay up. One player who I'd love to see at the Riverside is Jermaine Beckford, the prolific Leeds United striker, who seems to score goals for fun. He would be perfect and I'd be the first to get his name and number on the back of my new Middlesbrough shirt when it comes out and many others people would too. Time to stop looking abroad for players who aren't up to the cause and start looking at the lower leagues for players who will be great, who will be proud of the Boro and will make this club an English force once again. We will be back but please Gareth, for the sake of supporters like me, please look in the lower leagues for talent, there is absolutely loads there. Remember Robbie Mustoe? What a legend he was and in my eyes always will be! Up the Boro.
Michael Kipling, Newton Aycliffe

I'm Boro through and through. The players should be trying to help the Boro get back up, not wanting to go and move on. I have renewed my season ticket but it's sad to see lots of the about to go. And I do not want Ross Turnbull to go! Come on Boro!
Kirsty Heatley, Stockton

I've been supporting MFC for almost 12 years now. They are good but they need to show some faith. When I was six weeks old mum and dad took me to my first Boro match and I am now nearly 12. I've been through the ups and downs with managers and players. I'll support Boro for the rest of my life, whether short or long, like mum, dad and grandparents have from Ayresome Park days when my grandad took my dad when he was my age and I am Boro till I die. My Boro Brick is "Jacob E Ross, simply special just like my team, Boro forever".
Jacob Ross, 12

It's sad Boro's 11-year stint in the top flight is over but it's not life or death or even the end, since the new season could be the making of a new exciting chapter in the clubs history, once the fat of the side has been trimmed down into a leaner, fitter side ready to bounce straight back up. But Tuncay must be kept rather than sold off.
Robert Thorpe, Pickering, North Yorkshire

I would like to give my support to Gareth Southgate, who has been both a great captain and manager of this club. He has shown grace through all the challenges that have beset him this season but remained positive and determined. He is an inspiration to would be footballers and managers. I waited after the Villa game and was saddened to hear fans booing a person who clearly has given everything to the cause. I hope that he continues to be our manager I am sure his passion and know how will steer us back to the Premier League. My best wishes to Gareth.
Dr Gerard Austin

Relegation is not the end for Middlesbrough Football Club. The end nearly came when the club was locked up and the Receivers came in. Together, the club and the people of Teesside overcame that and we can and well over come the drop. Boro will be back.
Al Taylorson, a fan since 1971

Here is a bit of football trivia. In the last four seasons whoever have knocked Boro out of the FA Cup has gone on to the final and lost, this season being Everton, last year Cardiff, then West Ham and before that, Chelsea. We'll be back, up the Boro!
Lisa Maloney

Like thousands of fellow Boro supporters, I'm gutted that the team I love have dropped out of the top league. But unlike a few who have abandoned the Boro, I would like to offer any help to join the cause to get back up into the Premier League.
Adam

Years ago, I met an Englishman who introduced me to the Premier League and the best football in the world. Luckily for me, he was a Boro supporter. He introduced me to Boro. The more I learned about the club history, the chairman, the manager, the players, the supporters and the integrity of each of these, the more I knew I had been blessed by being introduced to the best club. Each matchday, I support Boro proudly in the pub with team shirts, scarves and my team mug! On relegation Sunday, there was not a one that wanted to see Boro relegated, but all were cheering the relegation of Newcastle. Having supporters of other teams supporting Boro confirmed I had chosen the best team in England. Whether in the EPL or the Championship, I will support Boro until my last hoorah! I have full faith in Steve Gibson and his decisions for the team. Boro will be an EPL team again with his leadership and the support of the fans. Up the Boro!
Janet Abel-O'Neill, California

I'm a Boro supporter - we're down, but we're never out.  We've been relegated, so now that we've all had our little weep, let's get on with the important business of rebuilding and promotion. I would like to voice my total support for Gareth, and I ask the entire club to get behind him. This is no time for sentimentality, so I'll be blunt. I disagreed with the appointment of Gareth - I said at the time that the appointment of a manager without experience in a senior division of league football is a grave risk for any club playing in one of the three premier leagues of Europe. The decision at the time was that Boro knew the risks, but were building for the future. That means you don't go sacking him when things get tough because the whole premise is that we know things are going to get tough but that's part of the experience that we are looking for the manager to gain and build on.  Eventually - so the argument goes - you will have a manager who is there for the long haul - like Fergie and Man U - and won't be swapped out every few seasons. Whether or not the theory is sound only time will tell. Boro have made an investment in training up a manager and it must be allowed to play itself out.  If Gareth can bring Boro out of the Championship within two years then he will have learnt a lot and be well on his way to being a manager who might just be able to make Boro into a consistently achieving club.  Gareth has some tough decisions ahead of him - one of them I believe is learning to let players go. The staff also have to be looked at; in fact, it's time for the rule to be run against us all - players, staff and supporters. Anyway good luck Gareth - hold your course true. Let's build a winning team.
Ian Spenceley, Tokyo

Just a quick note to say there are still lots of fans who are 100% behind Gareth. We appreciate everything you've done for the club and we don't want you to leave us anytime soon. I've been at almost every home and away game this year and it is clear to me that it is not effort that has been lacking. You are the man to bring us back. We still love you Gareth.
Joe

After Steve Gibson's comments on BBC Tees, then the news about Steve Bruce going to Sunderland, I've been sitting reflecting on our club or, more accurately, our manager. Football is a very mercenary sport, from the players all the way up to the coaching staff. Look at managers; once they have a little success, they start looking elsewhere - Steve McClaren did, Steve Bruce is the latest, doing a reasonable job at Wigan, only for his name to crop up as the next Sunderland manager. Look at Sam Allardyce, Harry Redknapp, the list goes on! Gareth Southgate is a new manager and still learning his trade, but his loyalty matches Steve Gibson's. He stated when he took over, 'It's the Boro I want to manage, and I won't be going anywhere'. It would have been easy for the fella to walk away, nobody would have blamed him for quitting, but he has stuck to his guns and soldiered on through. I jumped, rather quickly, on the Southgate out bandwagon, as many of us did. Some still are, but now, my mood has changed. There were hints from Steve Gibson that there will be a change in backroom staff and this may be the key. We have in Southgate a manager who we have seen, when we are down, won't quit. We could, given time, have the next Martin O'Neill or Brian Clough. Thank you Steve Gibson for clearing things up and returning the faith to the Boro faithful
Steve Terry

I would like to say well said to West Ham supporter Stuart Boyle. He hit the nail on the head regarding Boro's performances this season and the club as whole in general. I have received the same comments from many other clubs supporters here in Thailand and everyone outside of Sunderland, Newcastle and Hull wanted the Boro to stay up because of our continued contribution to English football as whole. Steve Gibson has done a fantastic job at the helm and Gareth has been committed more than anyone before him. All good companies have "lessons learnt" sessions and then correct the direction they are taking as required. Let's Keep the Faith and continue the with Gibbo's journey. Maybe Alfonso will score next year. After all, he played well but just could not find the net or the keepers had blinders. Let's get behind them again and push our way back into the Premier League any which way we can! Come on Boro, stick together!
Brian P Abbott, Boro on tour Thailand

We are all devastated. This last six months has been awful in many ways. I blame the banks! Seriously though, what went wrong? It all baffles me as I really thought we had a good enough squad at the start of the season. I worried about our goalkeepers, true, but I thought in Mido, Tuncay, Alves and Emnes we had plenty of firepower. How wrong I was! I also thought that we had a good defence with depth. Yet we couldn't handle set pieces. Why, when we had the likes of Gareth and Coops to sort out any problems at the back? So many more questions.
Jeremy Newbegin, Southampton

It's hard to contemplate what has to be done with out team this summer in terms of ins and outs. We may have to be resigned to losing Downing. But please can the club do everything possible to get Adam Johnson on a five-year contract? We need a class winger and won't be able to replace him with anyone nearly as good. His offer should reflect the fact that one day he will keep Cole out of the England team. The best news we could have this summer is that Tuncay is up for the promotion fight. Fingers crossed. Can you find the next John Hickton please? (Maybe Wheater? After all, Big John began as a centre-half). Aliadiere can play the John O'Rourke role. But seriously, we all know that we need a 20-goal a season man and very soon. This is pure dreaming, but can we get Boateng and Zenden back please? If Bolo really is available he could just be as inspirational as Merson was in the last promotion push. Like all fans we have to be very patient for a few weeks, but the summer break is mercifully short this year and we do need to make the changes as quickly as possible before pre-season training begins, so hopefully we won't have to wait too long to know who will be fighting for our cause next year.
Ken Dunn, Ingleby Barwick

Gareth Southgate, there have been times during the season where I have doubted you and I only think that you should take a slight bit of the blame. But you love the Boro, you are manager, and I know it wasn't in your intentions and whatever anybody else says about you, you have my backing all the way. You're a Boro legend and will always stay that way.
Callum Smiles

MESSAGES FROM OVERSEAS FANS

Never give up, you're a winner. This relegation has to be seen as a great opportunity to come back to the victory way. It happens to my team, Corinthians, in 2007. It was very painful, for me and for the 30 million other supporters, but served to give us time to breathe, to regain the fans with the team and return to become a champion as ever. The world turns and when we least understand, we will be celebrating wins again. Good luck in this new challenge Boro, best wishes from one of the biggest fans of you in Brazil.
Rafael Serra, Brazil

I just want to say this is not end of the world. Relegation is always hard, but new sun is rising already...somewhere! Here in Finland I will be always a loyal Boro fan, whatever happens. And I will be in your games at Riverside whenever it is possible, no matter which level we play. The Championship is one of the most interesting leagues so I guess that season 09/10 might be absolutely thrilling. I hope you all the best and strength to move on. See you at the Riverside, when the new season is ready to start. Come on Boro, forever!
Kape Jarvinen, Vantaa, Finland

To all Boroean, The season is over, and Boro is going down, today is my second saddest day in my life, my first was 13 years ago. But it is okay, I strongly believe we will come back again. Boro till die.
David Yeo, Singapore Boro supporter club

I have supported Boro for 35 years - only seen them play once, in 1974, as I live in South Africa. Next year I will continue my support despite the drop to the Championship.  Anyone who now changes loyalties cannot be called a true Boro supporter.  We will be back!
John Folster, South Africa

In Ukraine we usually say, "Hope springs eternal". Steven Joynes, at the top of the Letters page, said: "We are not a PLC or run by billionaire owners, but we have a club that can compete with the bigger clubs".  That's why we love Boro. You still hold a spirit of the England football. We want to see your fight for the highest places. You are just a small town in England; I am just from small town in Ukraine and I really believe you will win, you will fight, no matter where. Fight till the end. Come on!
Valery Kryvoviazyi, Ukraine

I was introduced to the Boro in 1985 when I married the woman of my dreams, who was born and raised in Middlesbrough. I have full faith in the decisions of Steve Gibson and Gareth Southgate. I'm keeping the faith. Away the lads - we will be back in the Premier League soon.
Terry Hoskins, Sunny Southern California, USA

MESSAGES FROM FANS OF OTHER CLUBS

I just wanted to let you know how devastated I am that Middlesbrough failed to stay in the Premier League. I am a loyal West Ham fan but was so disappointed when I saw the result. I have always had a soft spot for your club (my dad's cousin, Don Mackay worked there for years) and have always enjoyed your style of football and the respect that the fans show when they visit Upton Park. You were the last team that I thought would go and I want to congratulate your team and fans for the way they acted after the game - true sportsmen and true fans. I hope that you will soon be back where you belong and I hope to see you all once again at Upton Park. I just wanted to express my sadness and let you know that your position has affected other team fans. Good luck for next year and let's hope you are back in 2010.
Janine Heaney, West Ham fan

Cork City and Oxford United fan here. Absolutely gutted you went down. But, despite what Sky Sports would have you believe, there is life after the Premier League! Hope you win the Championship and we'll see you next year. Come on the Boro! PS Please come to Turner's Cross to see Cork City over the summer for your football fix.
Mike Hodder, Cork, Ireland

I am an Aston Villa fan of very long standing and I would like to pass on a message to the fans, players, management and staff of Middlesbrough Football Club. I think you are a fantastic club, which has never been rewarded for the wonderful efforts over the years. I am of the opinion that you have the best chairman in the league, who deserves a great deal of admiration for what he has tried to do for your club. Whatever the future holds for you all, my sincere wish is that you do eventually achieve the success your club and in particular, your chairman, thoroughly deserves.
Des Cordelle, Aston Villa fan

TRANSFERS

Jermaine Beckford - please signs this lad from Leeds! He would turn us around. I think the Geordies want him though so we'll have to do it soon!
Phil Gowland

I am another fan gutted by relegation but even though we have been relegated and lost a lot of money, I would love Middlesbrough to consider signing Jermaine Beckford from Leeds. He is a very talented striker and a goalscorer. I think that's what Middlesbrough have lacked for a long time, a goalscorer.
Alex Birkbeck, Redcar


I heard that we were looking for fighting experience so I would go for one of the older boys from a top club, someone like a top four legend who's a bit passed it but motivational.
Bernie McFee

It's a shame to see the Boro relegated but it's not the end of the world. This could a good opportunity to move on a few players who don't give their all for the team. And we can also look forward to a much more positive season, where we are winning games and challenging for first place. One final note, have a look at Jason Scotland. He's already proven he can score in the Championship and could be a fantastic addition to the Boro.
Leon Pengilley