Southgate: I could have been sacked
by Tom Adams, 08 May 2008
Gareth Southgate has thanked Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson for shunning the approach of some of his Premier League contemporaries and keeping faith with his manager despite some difficult times.
Boro only secured their top flight status in the penultimate weekend and even if they win at home to Manchester City on the final day of the season they will still finish four points worse off than last year.
Southgate has readily admitted that there have been times this season when Gibson would have been justified in handing him his P45, but has praised the highly-regarded chairman for eschewing the trigger-happy approach that seems to have infiltrated The Premier League in recent seasons.
"When times are difficult, that is when the chairman is at his most supportive,” said Southgate on the club’s official website.
"But when you look around and see what's happening everywhere else, it makes you think twice from time to time.
"I have to accept that there were stages in the season where if he had turned round and said, 'Thanks very much, but enough's enough', then I could have had no complaints.
"I am delighted for him because he's given me an opportunity here knowing that I am lacking experience.
"But I am picking that up all the time and I am determined to reward the faith he has had in me."
Southgate continued: "It has been a draining experience for everybody.
"Players in the dressing room have rallied when times have been tough, and most pleasing is the chairman's faith in me.
"He didn't react the way other chairmen were doing in the early part of the season. We have rewarded him by keeping the club in this division, and now we have to take the club forward."
Meanwhile, winger Stewart Downing has been named Middlesbrough Official Supporters Club's Player of the Year, with David Wheater being named Young Player of the Year.