Southgate Gets Vote Of Confidence

"We've not got the results we'd have wished for and already there's a noise about the continuation of the manager. It's nonsense," the Boro chairman told the Evening Gazette.

"There's even been some trash about us having lined up a replacement. We know that's not true and Gareth knows that's not true.

"I've spoken to Jonathan Woodgate and one or two others to tell them it's rubbish and to let the other players know.

"We gave Gareth a five-year contract because he had to be given a chance to develop.

"Our income through the gate will be about £8million this season. So we have to find a way to stay financially secure while keeping our fans interested in what's becoming a very non-competitive league.