Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson is now 'considering' a surprise new managerial candidate in former midfielder Lee Cattermole.

The Lowdown: Boro search continues...

Former Boro boss Chris Wilder was handed his marching orders by club chiefs after a dismal 1-0 defeat to Coventry City at the start of October, ending his 11-month tenure in charge at the Riverside Stadium.

Since then, Gibson and co have been searching for his appropriate successor and there has been no shortage of names linked with the likes of Michael Carrick, Rob Edwards and Carlos Corberan all mentioned.

Boro currently sit just above the bottom three of the Championship table and could be in real trouble if they don't turn things around as soon as possible.

The Latest: Gibson now 'considering' Cattermole...

Now, as per a new development, it appears Gibson is 'considering' a surprise new name in ex-player Cattermole - even despite his lack of managerial experience when compared to other candidates.

As shared by journalist Graeme Bailey of 90min, Boro's chairman could potentially be set for a 'huge call'.

The reporter stated (via Twitter):

"Middlesbrough are considering Lee Cattermole as their new manager, with Steve Agnew as number two.

"A local lad with the club in his heart, but would be a huge call by Steve Gibson."

The Verdict: Good candidate?

Gibson must weigh his next manager very carefully, especially given Boro's lowly league position nearing the critical festive point of the season.

Cattermole would be a gamble going by his lack of senior coaching, but that being said, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has proved a success at the Emirates Stadium after only previously working as an assistant under Pep Guardiola at Man City.

The 34-year-old has coached the Boro's Under-18s side and moved into an assistant role for the first team following Wilder's sacking, and as a 'local lad with the club in his heart', Cattermole will be hungry to prove himself as outright manager.