Boro set for Southgate talks
13 Jun 2007 - 16:41:18
Middlesbrough will again ask for special dispensation to allow Gareth Southgate to continue managing the club without the necessary coaching qualifications.
Southgate spent two weeks at Lilleshall earlier this month studying for his UEFA A Licence, but will not be able to enrol on the Premier League required Pro Licence course by the start of next season.
However, chairman Steve Gibson doesn't envisage any problems in Southgate continuing at the Boro helm despite facing a meeting with the Premier League board to discuss the situation.
"We have spoken to the FA, and part of the problem is that the courses have not been there for Gareth to go on," said Gibson.
"You imagine stepping out of the dressing room, where you perhaps have a two or three-hour day, and then suddenly you are into management and you have to eat, breathe, sleep, drink it.
"For him to find time during the season to progress, it's a bit of a nonsense. There is no fast-tracking.
"The FA know our problems and to be fair to them, they have been very helpful and we hope there is not going to be a problem.
"I cannot say categorically that we do not expect a problem because that's not the case.
"But we will have to deal with it if and when it happens."