Middlesbrough FC

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• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Gareth grateful for patience

09 May 2008 - 08:07:29

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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to the patience of chairman Steve Gibson during a difficult season on Teesside.

Boro confirmed their top-flight survival with last weekend's 2-0 win over Portsmouth and Southgate has conceded that Gibson could have decided to end his two-year managerial reign at points during the season.

"When times are difficult, that is when the chairman is at his most supportive," he told 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, 'Thank very much, but enough's enough'.

"I am delighted 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."

Meanwhile, Southgate admits he now needs to take the club to the next level after finding his feet in management.

"It has been a draining experience for everybody," he continued.

"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."