Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson finally lost patience with Gareth Southgate after sacking him following Tuesday night 2-0 victory over Derby County.
“The long term future of the club was a key decision in replacing Southgate. One good result wasn’t going to change that decision,”
“We had a strategy for Gareth’s replacement. Timing was determined by the implementation of that strategy.” Gibson said.
Former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan who has been out of work since May looks favourite for the job. His charisma may be exactly what the Middlesbrough dressing room needs right now. Ex Boro hardman Graeme Souness has also been mentioned.
Middlesbrough actually moved to within one point of the top of the table with a home win in front of only 17,000 supporters, their lowest league attendance for years. However, with four defeats at the Riverside this season, Gibson admitted promotion and the long term future are more important than short term.
“When I sat down and considered our start to the season, I felt that the league table was actually more favourable than some of our performances,” said Gibson on the club website.
“Then I looked at the important games against the teams immediately around us, and took those results into account.
“In general the results and the performances have not been to the level I would have hoped for.
“His integrity and knowledge of the game can’t be questioned and I think in the long term he has the attributes to become a very good football manager,” said Gibson.
“He has been absolutely fantastic to work with because of his honesty and the dignified way he conducts himself.
“He will never be forgotten in Middlesbrough. As skipper he was the first ever from the club to lift a major trophy. He has guided the club through difficult times as a manager.”
Member of the Middlesbrough supporters south Ollie Amsden said “Southgate is a great man, he socialized with the fans and treated everyone as an equal, he is a man of dignity. However, his reign has been somewhat turgid of late. Our home form has been appalling and attendances are down, there was only so much our loyal chairman Steve Gibson could take. I wish him all the best for the future, he will one day be a top flight manager again of that I have no doubt. Remember even the great Bobby Robson took Fulham down before he went on to have a fantastic career. It really goes to show that nice guys really do finish last”
