Mildly relevant aside, Boateng was well thought of at Boro but 'On 22 January 2008, Boateng had his captaincy rescinded by Gareth Southgate. Southgate cited his desire for Boateng to "concentrate on his game". He was replaced as captain by
Emanuel Pogatetz.'
Shortly afterwards, Boateng left the club for Hull. Despite heavy investment in the squad in 07/08 Boro would be relegated the following season with Southgate still at the helm. They would finish just 3 points behind George Boateng's Hull City.
Hmm...