Southgate determined to win over fans

18 June 2009 12:24
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has warned his players they will only win back the fans by winning Coca-Cola Championship games. The Teessiders have been presented with the fixture list they must negotiate if they are to return to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt in the wake of a demoralising relegation. Devastated supporters are still waiting to see which of the current squad of players they could lose as Southgate prepares to rebuild for the challenge ahead. However, he knows there is only one way faith can be restored and said: "The fans will be a big element for us. We have got to win them over and we appreciate the support many of them have already given us in buying season tickets. "But last season was understandably a big disappointment for the fans. As a team and for me as the manager there is a big task to with that support back. The only way to do that is to win matches. "I'm well aware of how people feel. We have got to win games. If we play good football and win games, then we will get the crowds in."

Source: Eurosport