SOUTHGATE GRATEFUL FOR GIBSON SUPPORT

Southgate - grateful for chairman's backing.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admits there have been times this season when he could not have complained had chairman Steve Gibson decided to sack him.

The 37-year-old has endured a tough second campaign at the Riverside Stadium helm and admitted after last Saturday's 2-0 win over Portsmouth which secured Boro's Premier League status that changes would have to be made.

However, the one thing that has been unswerving on Teesside is Gibson's support for the man he appointed as Steve McClaren's successor two seasons ago, and Southgate knows how fortunate he is in that respect.

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."

Saturday's victory left Boro in 14th place in the table with just this weekend's home clash with Manchester City to go.

A victory against Sven-Goran Eriksson's side, coupled with anything less for 13th-placed Wigan, who entertain title hopefuls Manchester United, would see Southgate's men to climb above the Latics and finish on 42 points.

However, even that would be one place and four points worse than last season, and Southgate admits the campaign has been a tough one.

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."

Meanwhile, England winger Stewart Downing was named Player of the Year by the Official Supporters' Club last night with David Wheater claiming the Young Player of the Year title.

Downing, 23, said: "As a local lad, there's nothing better than playing for your local team and getting support from your local fans."