Source: Northern_Echo
Is it no more Mr Nice Guy at Boro?
GARETH Southgate is one of the nicest guys in football. A statement to be proud of, or an albatross around the Middlesbrough managers neck[LNB] Throughout the second half of last season, as Boro slipped inexorably towards the Championship, Southgates nice-guy persona sat uneasily with the extent of his clubs plight.[LNB] Where, supporters asked, was the fire in the belly and the raging against the dying of the Premier League light[LNB] To coin a phrase that has been attributed to Southgate, the Riverside regulars wanted Winston Churchill they were in danger of getting Ian Duncan Smith.[LNB] The criticisms ignored the fact that, below the genteel exterior, Southgate felt as angry and let down as any Middlesbrough supporter.[LNB] But there was substance to the statements of discontent, and as he reflects on the events of the three years since he replaced Steve McClaren, the Boro boss admits he has had to change.[LNB] Players have been sold and staff have been dismissed.[LNB] Detractors have been challenged and ultimatums issued. Its not exactly a case of No more Mr Nice Guy, but it is certainly a subtle shift of character to match a stiffening of Middlesbroughs resolve.[LNB] Ive made decisions this summer that, two or three years ago, Im not sure I would have been able to make, said Southgate, who suffered relegation from the top-flight as a player with Crystal Palace.[LNB] When you sit with people and have to talk to them about losing their jobs, you quickly toughen up. Thats been the most difficult experience Ive ever had.[LNB] Im a different person now. The experiences of this summer have hardened me.[LNB] Standing on the touchline getting abuse hurled at me has hardened me. And even going on phone-ins and fielding questions from angry fans has hardened me.[LNB] All of those experiences change you as a manager. I had to stand in front of the cameras every week last season trying to explain away what was happening and take responsibility for it, and thats not nice or easy.[LNB] But Im dead certain how everything is going to operate this season and itll be exactly how I want it. If theres anything I dont believe in 100 per cent, it wont happen.[LNB] Players will always be dealt with fairly but firmly.[LNB] Everybody will have clear roles and responsibility, and there will be accountability right the way through.[LNB] In the eyes of some supporters, accountability has been lacking in the wake of last seasons relegation.[LNB] Malcolm Crosby departed from his former role as assistant manager this summer, and Stewart Downing and Mido left for pastures new, but Southgate and coach Colin Cooper retained their positions, while the changes to the playing staff could hardly be described as wholesale.[LNB] Southgate accepts that some supporters wanted a more radical restructuring, and having admitted he personally failed last season, the Boro boss admits there will be excuses if things do not improve in the Championship.[LNB] We cant hide behind things, he said. Theres a financial reality to things and Ive just seen the report from two years ago by Deloittes and our wage bill was the fourth lowest in the Premier League. We reduced that a lot last year.[LNB] That doesnt leave you a lot of margin for error, but the bottom line is that we didnt survive. We didnt achieve what we did the year before so collectively we failed and, as a manager, I failed.[LNB] You cant just hide behind finance. I made certain decisions and certain players didnt deliver. So collectively we didnt get there.[LNB] Thats not just about finance. Finance gives you a good start, but I dont want to hide behind that.[LNB] Its not a time to be making excuses, and in the division were going into, well have one of the highest budgets and wage bills. So the flip side of that is that weve nowhere to hide.[LNB] Promotion is effectively a minimum requirement, and having trumpeted his desire to play open, attractive football at the start of last season, Southgate is adopting a more pragmatic approach ahead of the start of the new campaign.[LNB] His side will never be longball merchants, but with the Championship famed for its physicality and attrition, Win at all costs has become an increasingly prominent mantra.[LNB] Were here to win, said Southgate. The style of how we play is important to me, but the bottom line is that we have to get out of this division.[LNB] The types of players we have will play in a particular way so Im not concerned about that. If we play as I believe we can, we will be quite attractive to watch.[LNB] But my priority is to try to win the Championship and everything is totally geared towards that.[LNB] And while Downings £12m departure has robbed Middlesbrough of one of their genuine matchwinners, not to mention the sickening cruciate injury that has sidelined Matthew Bates, Southgate feels his squad are capable of bouncing back to the topflight.[LNB] Theres a really positive feel within the club, he said.[LNB] Everything weve thrown at the players this summer, theyve handed really well.[LNB] Weve lost people, but the people that are here are very tight now. We feel well be very competitive. We know this group can go close.[LNB] What are Boro chances of making a swift return to the top-flight Share your thoughts below.[LNB]
