No Boro move for Smith

Southgate rules out bid

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 16th May 2008

Smith Alan

Smith: No Boro bid

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed that he will not be making a move for Newcastle striker Alan Smith.

Smith was a target for Boro last summer when he was allowed to leave Manchester United but he opted for Tyneside ahead of Teesside.

And now Southgate says he will not be going back - mainly because he sees Smith as a striker.

"My view of Alan Smith is he's a striker and the situation at our club is I'm quite happy with the four strikers that we've got," he said.

"I would not foresee us bringing in another striker this summer."

Talks are also continuing with Mark Schwarzer - who could yet remain at the club, but Southgate insists he would have no qualms about letting Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones compete for the number one spot.

"Mark's been first choice and they haven't had the run of games that they need, so if Mark doesn't stay there's a chance to grab that spot," he said.

"Because of what I've got underneath I'm quite relaxed about that.

"We've not necessarily got to go and get somebody to fill the role in that space of time. It's not a concern, these two need to be given a chance and let's see what we can do."

Captain Pogatetz

Meanwhile, the Boro boss also confirmed that Emanuel Pogatetz would begin next season as captain.

The Austrian finished the campaign as skipper, after Southgate relieved George Boateng and then Julio Arca of the duty, and now he is being given the chance to continue in the role.

"The way Emanuel captained the side over the last few months has been exceptional," he said.

"I think through a difficult period he was very comfortable stepping into that role. He's a natural leader and an outstanding professional and I think his mentality and way of thinking is very much like mine.

"It's important for the manager to have that sort of relationship with the captain."