Despite relegation and pressure from fans, chairman Steve Gibson backed Gareth Southgate to lead Middlesbrough back to the Premier League as manager. However, on 20 October, both Southgate and football consultant, Alan Smith, were relieved of their duties with immediate effect. With regular skipper Emanuel Pogatetz injured, Robert Huth was named captain at the start of the season. After Huth's departure, that honour fell to Gary O'Neil.

Middlesbrough entered into a new shirt supply agreement with Adidas for this season. The new home shirt and goalkeepers' kit was announced on 18 June 2009. The club's sponsorship agreement with satellite navigation firm Garmin continued into the new season. The new all-cyan away kit was not revealed until 13 August, the week after the season had kicked off.

Out of contract defender-cum-midfielder Matthew Bates ended much transfer speculation, which linked him with moves to Premier League clubs, by re-signing with Middlesbrough in a new three-year deal. Middlesbrough's first signing of the summer saw in-demand winger Mark Yeates arrive from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee, reported to be worth an initial £500,000, plus £250,000 dependent on appearances.

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