Middlesbrough Football Club News

• Nickname:Boro
• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

• Ground:Riverside Stadium
• Capacity:35,049

Southgate targets progress

25 Jun 2007 - 12:19:26

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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is determined to improve on his first season in management and bring success to Teesside.

The former Boro defender was something of a surprise choice to replace Steve McClaren when he left the Riverside to take the helm of the England national side last summer.

Southgate was handed the reins by chairman Steve Gibson and led the club to a 12th-placed finish in his first season.

But rather than be content with a comfortable mid-table place, the former England international wants to transform the club into one capable of challenging for honours.

"I think there is a clear difference between being a player and a manager and that's something I've had to come to terms with during the course of the season," he told the club's official website.

"Yes it's been difficult but I don't expect next year to be any easier.

"We want to progress from what we've already done. It was certainly a transitional season of getting used to the role. But we have to improve and that will bring its own pressures and problems.

"It's certainly been an education, there are situations that I've been involved in that I'd never have encountered. It's been a real fascinating life experience and I've enjoyed the challenge."

Meanwhile, Southgate has reportedly made a £6million offer for Manchester United's unsettled striker Alan Smith.

Boro have already landed England defender Jonathan Woodgate and Turkey forward Tuncay Sanli this summer.