Malcolm Christie has confirmed he will leave his role as a coach at Middlesbrough.
Christie, a former player at the Riverside Stadium, had been coaching the academy sides while working towards his coaching badges over the past two years.
After achieving his UEFA A-license, he has now moved on in pursuit of finding a full-time role and put his recent qualifications to use.
Malcolm Christie pens emotional letter following Middlesbrough departure
The former striker, who departed Boro in difficult circumstances back in 2007, took to Instagram to confirm that he would be leaving the club.
In an emotional letter, he referred to the “hard decision” he made when choosing to return to Middlesborough.
He wrote: “Two years ago I made a decision to go back to the club that is, and always will be, close to my heart. For anyone that knows my story, it was an incredibly hard decision to step back into a training ground that I had left in tears back in 2007.
“However, today has marked the last day that I will coach at Middlesbrough. I’ve decided now is the right time for me to leave and explore my coaching journey elsewhere. A huge thank you to all the talented kids that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching within the academy.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working through the age groups and learning from some excellent coaches along the way. I leave the club a better coach, gaining the highest possible practical qualification, and more importantly, a better person, using my past experiences as lessons. Hungry for the next challenge.”
Malcolm Christie’s Middlesbrough career
Starting out in non-league with Deeping Rangers, Christie rose through the divisions before eventually being signed by Boro in 2003.
Injuries hampered his time on Teesside but he did have a part to play in the League Cup winning run in 2004.
He was eventually released in 2007 after his contract expired but has always remained a popular figure at the club.