Southgate joy at Boro chance

Gareth Southgate has spoken for the first time since taking charge of Middlesbrough.

The former England international has revealed his delight at being handed The Riverside hot-seat, in succession to Steve McClaren - who takes charge of England following the World Cup finals.

Southgate was understandably happy to be confirmed as Boro boss.

"I am absolutely delighted, it is a fantastic opportunity for me," he said.

"I spoke with the club at the end of the season and said if there was anyway I could help the club then I would, but I expected in my own mind I would be playing - but when the chairman asked me to reconsider that it didn't take me too long as it had gone over in my mind.

"The opportunity to do this at this stage in my playing career - I think it was the right decision to say okay, I have enjoyed my playing career but I am excited about this challenge and want to take the club to the next level.

"We are still working on that but I don't see there would be much change as I am very fortunate, and one of the reasons I took this job is because of what is in place already - this club is in excellent condition and the foundations that Bryan Robson and Steve McClaren have put in place over the last 10 years, and the coaching staff that are already here, have provided and excellent base for the previous manager and I know they will do the same for me.

"I discussed at the end of the season that the ideal scenario would be to have a couple more years working towards the licence, but opportunities like this don't come up in life very often and because of what is here and my feeling for the club, my experiences here - that caused me to think again and it didn't take long and I am relishing it."

Southgate confirmed that he does not intend to carry on his distinguished playing career.

"I don't think it is feasible to go into this as a player-manager," he said. 

"I still have a playing contract and I will keep myself fit because if there was a crisis I might be able to do something that others managers couldn't - but in my mind I want to manage.

"I don't mind the chairman has spoken to other people and there is nothing wrong with being behind other people - I am his next choice and that fills me with pride."

The appointment of Southgate has caused controversy as he does not possess a Uefa coaching Pro Licence, but he is hopeful that storm will soon blow over. 

"It is a shame for me that that (his lack of qualification badges) has over-shadowed a few things," he said.

"We want to progress with that as much as we can and the way it is being dealt with, I am very comfortable with that and I am committed to getting the qualifications as soon as I can.

"Obviously because of my playing commitments over the last ten years, last summer was my first opportunity I had to do anything, this summer I was enrolled on the first phase but we qualified for the Uefa Cup and I wasn't able to do it.

"I agree people should work towards the badges, but it is not always as straightforward as it seems.

"I have already been working for two or three days and I have already a couple of talks with players.

"The support of the chairman is the most important thing and a five-year deal shows he has belief in me."