Gareth out: Southgate sacked by Steve Gibson after Middlesbrough beat Derby

21 October 2009 02:27
Gareth Southgate was sensationally sacked by Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson last on Tuesday night, just hours after securing a 2-0 home win over Derby County that took his side one point behind Championship leaders West Bromwich. Southgate's No 2 and former Boro defender Colin Cooper is expected to be in temporary charge for the trip to fellow promotion chasers Preston North End on Saturday. Although last night's win ended Boro's run of three successive home defeats, it was in front of the Riverside's lowest-ever league attendance of 17,459. Winger Adam Johnson took his season's tally to eight in a comfortable victory which appeared to have eased the pressure on former England centre half and Middles- UP brough captain Southgate. 'Gareth has given Middlesbrough 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.' Speaking after the game but before being sacked, Southgate, 39, admitted he would have been on the brink had Middlesbrough lost at home yet again. He said: 'You know a fourth home defeat on the bounce would have been difficult for everyone involved with the club to accept. There would have been more speculation and that would have made life much more difficult.' After having stood by Bryan Robson, Steve McClaren and then Southgate, the decision will not have been an easy one for Gibson. But the popular chairman has witnessed a dramatic fall in attendances this season, and Tuesday night's crowd was even worse than the previous record low set in Watford's 1-0 win on Saturday, a game Gibson missed. Southgate, who captained Boro to their only major trophy, the 2004 Carling Cup, was appointed manager three years ago. The former England defender had a tough first season as McClaren's successor, replacing an ageing and well-paid squad and bringing in players while still trying to set up his own scouting network. He was also forced to study for the UEFA badges throughout his reign , completing his pro-licence in the summer, just as Boro were relegated from the Barclays Premier League. Southgate was heavily criticised for his transfer record and was forced to let £12million signing Afonso Alves leave in August.

Source: Daily_Mail