Sink or swim, we must change

May 24 2009 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

COME what may today, Gareth Southgate should remain as manager of Middlesbrough.

But, Gary Gill warns, only if he believes himself up to the job.

The Teessiders face West Ham, and a date with destiny, this afternoon. That destiny could be in the Premier League, could be in the Championship.

Either way, the club is in for a “massive, massive summer”, Gill says. The former Boro star – now an eloquent observer of the club for BBC Radio Tees, who has mixed feelings about Southgate’s mixed managerial success – insists a “restructure” is a must.

First things first, though.

Boro aren’t down yet, and must do their utmost to end a low season on a rare high.

“They’ve got a chance – a very outside chance,” Gill said.

“The biggest factor is that we’re not in control of the situation, we’re relying on others. If they slip up, can we take advantage? Either way, I’d like to see us going for a win, and giving a good account of ourselves.

“It’s all a bit sad but they ought to have a duty to the club, the fans and their own professional pride.”

Speaking of which, would Gill – who backs some of Southgate’s big decisions, but not others – keep faith with the man in charge?

“It’s up to Gareth – does he believe he can do the job? Does he believe in himself?” he said.

“He’ll be given the chance, we know what Steve Gibson’s like. He backs his managers, and he’s obviously fully aware of the situation Gareth’s been working in.

“They’ll both be disappointed, no one wants or likes the current situation. But I believe he should, and will, be given the opportunity to put things right. It’s only when things are going badly that you really learn from your experiences, when things are going well, it’s easy to dismiss them. Bad times make or break you. Gareth’s a strong-willed man, with integrity. He has the players, and the support of the chairman. You want to see him get it right.