Source: SKY_Sports
Gibson looks for experience
Steve Gibson has admitted that he is likely to appoint a more experienced manager to succeed Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough.
Southgate was sacked late on Tuesday night and despite the decision coming as a shock to many, considering Boro are just one point off Championship leaders Newcastle, Gibson revealed Southgate's future was decided three weeks ago.
The Boro chairman has not been afraid to give young managers their chance at the Riverside with Bryan Robson, Steve McClaren and Southgate all beginning their managerial careers in the North East.
Although not ruling out bringing in another 'rookie' manager this time round Gibson believes a more experienced candidate could get the nod.
"When this situation happens, there's a lot of speculation and I am not going to narrow down that speculation in any way," he said.
"I have employed three managers fresh, Bryan Robson brought us in a fantastic six years and I hope he is remembered for that, Steve McClaren was the most successful manager in the club's history.
"The circumstances for Gareth were somewhat more difficult in a changing football world where it became more and more competitive.
"A period of Gareth's reign was quite successful, Steve McClaren was very successful, so I wouldn't rule out a rookie manager, but I suspect that's not the path I will be going down."
Former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has emerged as the outstanding favourite for the post and Gibson is hoping to announce the identity of his manager before the weekend's game with Preston.
It has been confirmed that first-team coach Colin Cooper will take charge of team affairs for the game at Deepdale on Saturday.
Fellow coach Steve Agnew and goalkeeping coach Stephen Pears will assist the former defender.
