The Middlesbrough defender Franck Queudrue has been cleared of violent behaviour after an incident involving the Southampton striker Kevin Phillips.

The Frenchman was charged on the basis of video evidence of the incident during Boro's 1-0 victory at the St Mary's Stadium on 27 September, but he was cleared yesterday by an independent disciplinary commission in Manchester, whee he was supported his manager, Steve McClaren, and Boro's chief executive, Keith Lamb.

"A disciplinary commission held today was of the opinion that the charge of violent behaviour against Franck Queudrue could not be proven," a Football Association spokesman said.

Phillips was sent off by Barry Knight for lashing out at Queudrue after the defender appeared to catch him from behind as he shepherded the ball out of play.

The Boro full-back, who was suspended for the first five games of this season as a result of three red cards during the last campaign, would have faced a three-match ban had the charge been proved.

John Gorman has resigned as Tony Adams' assistant manager at Wycombe Wanderers. Gorman, who acted as caretaker manager before Adams was appointed as the permanent successor to Lawrie Sanchez, worked alongside the former Arsenal and England defender for Wycombe's last two games but he is keen to renew his partnership with Glenn Hoddle, if and when the former Tottenham manager finds a new job in football.