Middlesbrough FC

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Southgate praises Schwarzer

22 May 2008 - 13:05:33

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to long-serving goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who has decided to leave the club to join Fulham this summer.

The 35-year-old Australian had been with Boro for more than a decade, racking up nearly 450 appearances in all competitions for the Teessiders.

However, he has opted against extending his stay with Boro to head to Craven Cottage.

Southgate told the club's official website: "I felt it would have been good to have retained Mark's experience, because he was always a good example for younger players.

"With that in mind we made him a fair offer, but he decided to take up a different offer and move on.

"I enjoyed playing alongside and managing Mark because he was always an outstanding professional.

"He was a very consistent goalkeeper for us for more than 11 years, so he deserves great credit for that, though the club has looked after him too.

"I have wanted to see what Brad Jones and Ross Turnbull are capable of and they will now get the opportunity to show me.

"They will come back for pre-season training on an equal footing with the first-choice goalkeeper's shirt up for grabs. It's up to them to take that opportunity."