Zero to Hero by Rob Mason

Author:Rob Mason
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: G2 Rights Ltd

CHAPTER 9 MIDDLESBROUGH PLAYER

Having made it clear before Euro 2000 that he saw his time at Villa as being up and been quoted as saying, “ If I am to achieve in my career, it is time to move on" then for an established current England international maybe Middlesbrough might not be thought of as the likely destination for an ambitious high class player. Boro had never won a trophy in their entire history and were cast in the shadows of Sunderland and Newcastle to the north and Leeds to the south. So why Teesside?

Well presumably the finances were lucrative and there was the attraction of being wanted as the first signing of Steve McClaren, who Southgate had been coached by on international duty. In July 2001 as he made the move from one of England’s most historically successful and grand clubs to Middlesbrough, the Boro were enjoying a high profile and had just snapped up his coach at Villa, Steve Harrison, a week earlier.

“ I wanted a new challenge. I really believe that something positive is going to happen here,” said Southgate. “ I’m coming to a club with a manager I’ve got a great deal of respect for who really wants to go ahead… I want to improve as a player and with the coaching staff here I believe I can do that.”

McClaren had well thought out motives for making Southgate his first buy, “ There are four main reasons why I chased Gareth. He’s a damned good player, he’s got great experience at the very top level, he’s a model professional and he’s a tremendous leader both on and off the field.”

Having moved from Ayresome Park to a brand new stadium six years earlier, Boro had been managed since before then by north-east born England legend Bryan Robson who had brought a retinue of big names from home and abroad to the club. From December 2000 Robson had worked alongside Terry Venables who effectively controlled all team affairs from that point, although Robbo retained the title of manager.

As Gareth lined up for his club debut at home to Arsenal in August 2001 following a £6.5m transfer, his team mates included Alen Boksic the former Juventus, Lazio and Marseille striker from…er…Croatia, Paul Ince, Mark Schwarzer and the now sadly dear departed Ugo Ehiogu who he had played alongside for both Villa and England.

Boro lost 0-4.

The inauspicious start continued as after losing their next two games away from home they conceded four in Southgate’s second home league game too, this time losing a derby at the hands of a Newcastle team previously without a win. McClaren and Southgate found themselves propping up the table. It was a time for cool heads which is where Gareth started repaying his big fee. The air started to clear with wins over West Ham and Leicester before a well-earned draw at Chelsea. Making his first league appearance of the season at Stamford Bridge was young full-back Robbie Stockdale who remained as a regular in the back four alongside Southgate for almost all of the rest of the season.

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