Middlesbrough: Three promotion chances snuffed out in three weeks

Head coach Kim Helberg called the period an “emotional rollercoaster” because despite doing so much well during the season, Boro had nothing tangible left to show for it.

They spent 35 days of 46 matches in the Championship’s top two and went top after a blistering run of six straight wins at the start of February, but have been crucially undone of late with just two wins in 10 games.

The Swede has been a revelation since he replaced Rob Edwards in November after his predecessor left for Wolves, his side have played some great football and the 38-year-old’s humility really shines through to the Teesside crowd.

But Hellberg’s biggest task is likely to be in front of him in the coming weeks to pick the whole club to go again in August.

“It’s two heartbreaking losses in two weeks, which makes it very, very difficult,” he said.

“It’s been an emotional drain, so when the game is over today, you feel very, very empty. Frustrated, sad, emotionally flat.

“All the things you put in during the year and in the training sessions. It’s a very difficult moment, a sad moment.

“I wish I could have done better this time – that’s what I always do. If I didn’t score those goals I could have found better solutions.

“It’s my responsibility and I have to try to build myself up after the break to help the players score more and create more and work forward.”