Wednesday 21 October 2009

Middlesbrough sack Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate has been sacked as manager of Middlesbrough.

He was dismissed in the early hours of Wednesday morning, after Boro had beaten Derby County 2-0 at home in a league game.

Chairman Steve Gibson said: "This has been the most difficult decision I've ever had to make in football."

Thirty-nine year-old Southgate was appointed in June 2006 and survived last season’s relegation. Middlesbrough are currently fourth in the Championship table, only one point behind leaders West Brom. Before last night’s win, Boro had lost three home games in a row.

Gibson said: "Gareth has given Boro magnificent service as a skipper and, in very difficult circumstances, as manager.

"I appointed Gareth in a situation that was greatly unfavourable to him. He is a good man and has all the qualities and integrity that we wanted in a manager.

"However, the time is right for change and that change has had to be made. Gareth will always be welcome at our football club. English football needs people of his stature and we feel certain that this experience will serve him well.

"Gareth deserves another opportunity once he has had the chance to rest and refresh himself."

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