Odds on championship: 1,750-1. Odds on relegation: 9-2
Manager: Gareth Southgate (since June 2006). Odds on first out the job: 12-1
Last season: 12th, 46 points; FA Cup sixth round; Carling Cup first round
In: Luke Young (Charlton, £2.5m); Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal, £2m); Tuncay Sanli (Fenerbahce, free)
Out: Mark Viduka (Newcastle, free); Abel Xavier (LA Galaxy, free); Stuart Parnaby (Birmingham, free); Danny Graham (Carlisle, free).
The principal reason not to back Gareth Southgate to be first manager sacked is Steve Gibson. The Boro chairman tolerated Bryan Robson long past the point that most chairmen would, then stood by Steve McClaren, too. He went out on a limb over Southgate, regarding his lack of coaching badges, so as well as damaging his own reputation for loyalty Gibson would be acknowledging a serious mistake if he axed his amiable appointee.
Southgate's first year in charge was not without its highlights and drama. Boro played one more match in the FA Cup than the eventual winners, Chelsea did, as replays were required in every round of a run to the quarter-finals. And the tie that ended their challenge.....
Read the full article here
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment