Steve Gibson at Boro

[Benitez]

Surely English FA wouldn't be so daft as to give him the job anyway! Maybe just wishful thinking on Gibson's behalf

 

After the negativity of Eriksson's dullarse footy, McClaren would send everyone right over the edge. Is there a more cautious coach in the prem?

 

Boro chief makes England pledge

Middlesbrough will not stand in manager Steve McClaren's way if the Football Association wants him to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss.

 

McClaren is already an integral part of the England coaching set-up.

 

"If your country comes calling then you have to answer that call," Boro chairman Steve Gibson told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

 

"I wouldn't stand in Steve's way. It's up to the FA bigwigs. My preference is for a British manager."

 

Reports have suggested that former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill is the FA's favourite for the position.

 

However, Manchester City's Stuart Pearce, Charlton's Alan Curbishley and Guus Hiddink, who is in charge of the Australian national team and PSV Einhoven, also being linked with the role.

 

The FA has a three-man panel charged with finding the new manager.

 

They are FA chief executive Brian Barwick, international committee chairman Noel White and Premier League chairman Dave Richards.

 

The three men are set to report to FA chairman Geoff Thompson at the next board meeting on 27 February.

 

Before this season started Gibson privately thought Middlesbrough, who are currently languishing in the bottom half of the table, had the ability to finish higher than the seventh place they achieved last year.

 

Despite the disappointment of this season, Gibson gave McClaren his full backing.

 

"We've had a bad month but Steve is in his fifth year at the club," added Gibson.

 

"Under him we have won the Carling Cup - our first trophy - we've reached an FA Cup semi-final and we have competed in Europe.

 

"We have been on an upward curve, although this year we have hit a blip.

 

"You do not go ending a contract when someone hits a bad spell."

 

ere

[Kahnee]

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[Cobs]

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[Kahnee]

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