Southgate Names His 'Backbone'!

Last updated : 24 June 2009 By Boro Mad

Gareth Southgate: "Throughout the club, people have to realise that we have got a huge challenge on our hands if we want to win promotion this season.

"It's not going to be a case of just turning up and getting straight back up.

"It's going to be a scrap and we need people with a winning mentality who will embrace that challenge. I know Matthew has that mentality.

"We want the heartbeat of the club to be local boys and we feel that the likes of Matthew and David Wheater can be the backbone of the side, along with others like Brad Jones, who also came through the club's Academy.

"We have got other local lads too, of course, who will play a big part, though they might have to be patient in their development."