Southgate applauds Schwarzer

Keeper's time at Boro will not be forgotten

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th June 2008

Mark Schwarzer

Schwarzer: New challenge awaits

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Gareth Southgate has praised the impact Mark Schwarzer made during a decade of service at Middlesbrough.

The keeper, who recently opted against signing a contract extension at Riverside Stadium, is set to take up a new challenge with Premier League rivals Fulham next month.

He racked up almost 500 appearances for Boro during his 11 years on Teesside and helped the club claim their first piece of silverware in 2004 when they lifted the Carling Cup.

Southgate admits that the giant Australian's reassuring presence between the sticks will be greatly missed next season, but is convinced that in Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones he has two able replacements.

"We offered Mark a new contract, we felt his experience would be a help around the place for us," Southgate told Boro's official website.

Grateful

"But all the time, I was very conscious that we have got two good young goalkeepers who need an opportunity.

"We are very grateful for what Mark did for this club. I had the good fortune to play with him and manage him, and from a manager's point of view he was a very low-maintenance player.

"He is a very dedicated professional and a pleasure to work with, never a moment's trouble.

"He has been a fantastic servant to the club over the 10, 11 years he has been here.

"He played in some massive games for the club, cup finals, and was involved in us winning the first trophy and in our first European runs.

"I can't speak highly enough of him as a person and we wish him well with what is a new challenge."