Ex-boss earns Wheater praise

24 October 2009 09:14
MIDDLESBROUGH defender David Wheater believes that Gareth Southgate made him the player he is today and insists it will take a big figure to fill the gap left by his former boss.[LNB] When Gordon Strachan takes charge of team affairs next week he will inherit local talent like Wheater, produced by the clubs Rockliffe Park academy and nurtured by Southgate.[LNB] Wheater has hailed the influence that Southgate had on his career, first as inspirational figure in the Boro defence then as manager.[LNB] Under his tutelage Wheater broke into the senior England ranks and the Redcar-born centre-half reckons Southgate proved to be an ideal rolemodel.[LNB] Gareth was a massive influence on my career, confirmed Wheater, who is expected to continue his defensive partnership with Sean St Ledger at Deepdale this afternoon.[LNB] I used to look up to him when he was Middlesbrough captain. He was one of the best defenders of his generation so I could hardly have a better person as a mentor. My game came on in leaps and bounds under him and I have a lot to thank him for.[LNB] Asked whether he would be happy to see Strachan installed as Southgates replacement, Wheater said: I have read in the papers that he is the front-runner but we havent heard anything internally.[LNB] I dont know Gordon Strachan so I cant really say if I think it will be a good appointment but he seems to be a character. It will take a big character to fill Gareths shoes but its up to the chairman.[LNB] The players dont usually get a say in these things.[LNB] Wheater has revealed that the timing of Southgates sacking, coming an hour or so after an impressive 2-0 win against Watford, sent shockwaves through the squad.[LNB] I was driving home when I got a text saying that Gareth was gone. To be honest I thought it was a wind-up so I called Gareth himself to check it out, he admitted.[LNB] When he confirmed that it was true I was just stunned. I told him how sorry I was that he was going.[LNB] He seemed OK about things, he told me that he wasnt going to get upset and it was part of football and you just have to take it on the chin.[LNB] He wished me luck and told me just to focus on myself and not let it distract me. I must admit that it feels strange not having him around the place.[LNB] But Colin Cooper is someone we all know and trust so that gives us continuity going into the Preston game.[LNB] Colin is a safe pair of hands, a great coach so I have no problem with him being in charge.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo