Middlesbrough FC

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• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Boro make Bates a priority

16 Jun 2009 - 13:10:41

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate hopes he can persuade promising defender Matthew Bates to remain at the Riverside Stadium.

Following Boro's relegation to the Championship, Bates has been linked with moves to West Ham United and Sunderland but Southgate hopes the 22-year-old will opt to remain on Teesside.

He told the club's official website: "One of my priorities is trying to get Matthew to re-sign for the club. In fact, if we can convince him to stay, I'd see him as a key signing.

"He's got the right drive, mentality and attitude - the sort of qualities I want players to have.

"Plus, the football he played for us during the final weeks of the season was enough to make me feel he can have a real impact for us next season.

"He overcame some serious injuries and the time he's spent out of the game seems to have made him hungry to make up for lost time.

"I've been impressed with him and I'd like him to stay."