Middlesbrough begin search for new manager
- 00:00:30
- ITN
Middlesbrough begin search for new manager
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been relieved of his duties within hours of guiding his side to victory over Derby. The 39-year-old former England defender's departure was confirmed in a brief statement issued through the club's official website, www.mfc.co.uk. It read: "Middlesbrough FC have tonight announced that manager Gareth Southgate has been relieved of his position with immediate effect. "Football consultant Alan Smith will also be leaving the club as part of the change." Chairman Steve Gibson admitted the decision to dispense with Southgate's services had been the toughest of his reign to date. He said: "This has been the most difficult decision I have had to make in all the time I have been in football. Gareth has given Middlesbrough Football Club magnificent service as a skipper and, in very difficult circumstances, as manager. However, the time is right for change and that change has had to be made." Rumours had been rife for several days that Southgate's days at the Riverside could be numbered, particularly after successive home defeats by West Brom, Leicester and Watford left sections of the club's support in rebellious mood.
ITN | October 21, 2009
