Hasselbaink not given Boro deal Hasselbaink scored 17 goals for Boro in all competitions last season Middlesbrough have revealed they will not offer a new contract to 34-year-old striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The former Holland international's deal ran out at the end of June and Boro boss Gareth Southgate has decided against extending his stay. Southgate told the club's website: "I have spoken to Jimmy and explained we're not going to renew his contract. "Jimmy was naturally disappointed with the decision but I'm sure he will move on to another challenge." Hasselbaink scored 16 goals during the 2004/05 season to finish Middlesbrough's top goalscorer. He followed it up by hitting the back of the net on 17 occasions in all competitions during the last campaign. Southgate added: "It was a very difficult decision to make because he has done an excellent job for us. I have to make some tough decisions in this job and this one certainly wasn't easy, but I have to do what I think is right for the club. "Jimmy's a good player and I'm sure he will score goals for somebody. But I've got excellent striking options here and feel we really need to strengthen in other positions that have to take priority. "He scored some very important goals for us over the last two seasons, helping to get us into Europe in the first place and then playing a big part in our run to the Uefa Cup final." Hasselbaink joined Boro on a free transfer in July 2004 after spending four years at Chelsea. The former Leeds and Atletico Madrid forward won 23 caps for Holland and scored nine goals. RELATED BBC LINKS: Your Say - 606 Premiership chat BBC Where I Live - Tees Middlesbrough weather BBC Sport Premiership RELATED INTERNET LINKS: Middlesbrough The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
