After seven rollercoaster years at the Riverside, Bryan Robson parted company with Middlesbrough yesterday at the request of his successor elect, Steve McClaren.

While the Boro chairman Steve Gibson was at pains to stress his close friend's departure was by "mutual consent", it appears McClaren had insisted Robson left before he agreed to quit Manchester United for Teesside.

The new manager, who could be unveiled this weekend, issued the ultimatum from Florida, where he is on holiday, and has been given the go-ahead to assemble his own backroom team.

Robson was apparently surprised when Gibson informed him of the club's decision on Monday but a £2 million pay-off, representing the two outstanding years of his contract, may temper that disappointment. The 41-year-old hopes to remain in football, although he will not be joining Sunderland as Peter Reid's No 2.

Robson insisted his friendship with Gibson had not been affected and pointed instead to a breakdown in his relationship with the supporters. He was roundly booed after the victory over West Ham on the final day that hauled the Teessiders, inspired since December by the coaching of Terry Venables, into 14th place.

"The fans helped make my mind up," he said. "The reaction I received at the end of that game made me think it was time for me and the club to go our separate ways. When I first came here I had a great rapport with the supporters; when you lose them it's time to move on."

The Boro and Republic of Ireland winger Keith O'Neill argued that Robson had been given "a raw deal" by the fans. "The one man who really cared was Bryan Robson and he proved that by bringing in Venables. Sure there were ups and downs but to leave like this, under a cloud, is not right," he said.

While Boro privately concede Venables is unlikely to accept a role as director of football, they hope the appointment of McClaren will appease the supporters. He is expected to name Aston Villa's Steve Harrison and Paul Barron among his coaching team, although Gordon McQueen will remain with Boro's backroom staff.

McLaren may also look to sign Gareth Southgate from Villa. When he was talking to West Ham about filling their managerial vacancy he told the Upton Park board he wanted to sign Southgate as club captain. He is likely to take that same request to Boro where Southgate could renew his Villa partnership with Ugo Ehiogu.