MIDDLESBROUGH boss Michael Carrick is now the longest serving manager in the Championship after Derby County sacked Paul Warne.

The Rams, who were promoted from League One last season, have lost their last seven second-tier games to sit in the relegation zone, two points off safety.

One of their recent defeats came at home to Sunderland. Derby head for the North East to face Middlesbrough in early March. The Rams signed Matt Clarke from Boro in the January transfer window.

Warne's sacking means Carrick is now the longest serving boss in the second tier, and Regis Le Bris is the 12th longest serving, despite only taking charge at the end of June, last year.

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After the sacking of Warne was confirmed, Derby owner David Clowes told the club’s website: “Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County.

“No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.

“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change.”

A Derby statement added: "The search for Paul’s replacement is underway and there will be no further comment until the position has been filled."