Source: Telegraph
Middlesbrough confirm Gordon Strachan as Gareth Southgate's replacement as manger
The Teesside club have issued a brief statement to announce that the former Celtic manager will mastermind their push for promotion to the Premier League following the sacking of Gareth Southgate. [LNB]Strachan, 52, will be publicly paraded by his new paymasters at the Riverside Stadium this afternoon at a news conference which will get under way at the ground a 2.30pm. [LNB] Related ArticlesGareth Southgate tipped to bounce backMiddlesbrough job did Gareth Southgate few favoursStrachan's first job to keep hold of JohnsonPreston 2 Middlesbrough 2Gareth Southgate sacking stuns Gary O'NeilBoro poised to confirm StrachanThe former Manchester United player will spend this morning meeting his new players and staff at Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park training ground in County Durham before addressing the media. [LNB]Strachan stood down as Celtic manager last May following four trophy-laden seasons and he will take over a team that is currently fourth in the Championship table following a 2-2 draw at Preston over the weekend. [LNB]The press conference could become a little awkward for Strachan because Southgate revealed over the weekend that he was approached by Boro chief executive Keith Lamb a fortnight ago. [LNB]The club's decision to appoint the former Scotland international who has managed Coventry and Southampton has been applauded by former Boro assistant manager Viv Anderson. [LNB]'Gareth has had his chance,' Anderson said. 'He has been there for three or four years and they needed an experienced manager and of what is available Gordon Strachan is one of the best. [LNB]'I think the fans voted with their feet. They have been getting around 18,000 when they used to regularly get 35,000 so they obviously don't like what they have been seeing. [LNB]'So it is a combination of a lot of things. It's not just about results.'[LNB]Anderson, who was Bryan Robson's right-hand man in his seven-year rein as Boro boss, also jumped to the defence of Boro chairman Steve Gibson who has faced criticism for the manner of his dismissal of Southgate. [LNB]'I can tell you first-hand and for me he is the best chairman in the league,' Anderson said. [LNB]'He gives you lots of support which he has given Gareth over the years. I have full admiration for him but I think he has had his hand forced by the results and it has been down to how they have been playing. The supporters haven't been happy with the way they have been playing and it was time for a change. [LNB]'Having spoken to him just recently he has got the passion and enthusiasm for that football club that he had when I was there. He takes it to his heart because he loves the club dearly. [LNB]'If he walked away the club would be in decline. Where they are going to get somebody like Steve Gibson again who so feels passionately about the club and is willing to put his money in as well. So if anyone should stick with him it should be the Middlesbrough supporters.'[LNB]
