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Southgate: Gibson support

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Gareth Southgate has admitted there were times this season when chairman Steve Gibson could have ended his spell as Middlesbrough manager.

The Boro boss has endured a tough second season at the helm of the Riverside outfit, with top-flight survival only assured with last weekend's 2-0 victory over Portsmouth.

Gibson has always given the Boro boss his full support after selecting him as Steve McClaren's replacement.

But the former England defender accepts that other chairman might not have shown as much patience as the Teesside supremo.

Opportunity

He told the club's official website: "When times are difficult, that is when the chairman is at his most supportive.

"But when you look around and see what's happening everywhere else, it makes you think twice from time to time.

"I have to accept that there were stages in the season where if he had turned round and said, 'Thank very much, but enough's enough', then I could have had no complaints.

"I am delighted for him because he's given me an opportunity here knowing that I am lacking experience.

"But I am picking that up all the time and I am determined to reward the faith he has had in me."

Draining

And Southgate has pledged to take Middlesbrough forward next season after a tough campaign for everyone at the club.

He said: "It has been a draining experience for everybody.

"Players in the dressing room have rallied when times have been tough, and most pleasing is the chairman's faith in me.

"He didn't react the way other chairmen were doing in the early part of the season.

"We have rewarded him by keeping the club in this division, and now we have to take the club forward."