Rumours annoy Southgate
14 Nov 2007 - 17:16:26
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed reports suggesting former Tottenham striker Mido is unhappy on Teesside.
The beleaguered Boro boss has also denied that he will be sacked if his side fails to beat Aston Villa in their next game later this month.
Chairman Steve Gibson has already handed his backing to the Boro boss amid rumours that Paul Jewell is willing to take on the job if Southgate is sacked.
Southgate told the club's official website: "As with every story at the moment that surrounds this football club, there's half an element of truth and half an element that builds momentum through Chinese Whispers.
"Everything gathers momentum at this time and with the internet being how it is now, people can print anything without foundation and a story can build up out of nothing.
"There have been stories about Mido going back to Egypt without permission, which is nonsense.
"He had an injection into his injury and we told him to go home because he had to rest for a week.
"Most things are a bit of truth, a bit of fabrication and a bit of gloss.
"It's difficult for players because they read articles about players coming or going or changes happening and we haven't made any decisions on any of these things."