Gareth Southgate has demanded his Middlesbrough players show professional pride and put any personal agendas to one side for their do-or-die encounter with Aston Villa on Saturday.
Only a victory will keep the club's slender survival hopes alive, but Southgate said any players already planning their exit strategy owe it to Middlesbrough to not abandon ship.
Southgate said: "I don't want people here to be thinking they are getting the life-rafts ready. We have got to perform and continue to the end and give a performance on Saturday that shows the hunger and passion to stay in this league. Whatever personal agendas there may be have to be put to one side."
He added: "You just have to remind the players of their jobs and professional obligations.
"Everyone at this football club is our player until their contract runs out or we decide that we are prepared to accept an offer for them.
"Professional pride has to be foremost."
A number of players are expected to seek a move in the summer including Stewart Downing, Gary O'Neil and Tuncay, but Southgate said every player had to assume responsibility for the club's predicament.
"Every player in this squad has played a part this season and we are where we are because collectively we have not done enough," said Southgate.
"I don't think anyone can feel that we are too good to go down. Being good covers a lot of different qualities - it's not just technical ability but mental strength, physical toughness and character.
"If you don't survive in the division you have not been good enough. You may have technically good footballers but it's the whole package that makes you a success or a failure in sport."
Comment 1 - 8 of 8
David S am quite aware of Steve Gibsons background, he saved the club from bankruptcy.I have watched the ups and downs of the club for the last 59 years,and Steve came in at just the right time. Where I am at odds with you is in the belief that because a guy was an accomplished player he would also be a good manager. Mistake with Bryan Robson and now with Southgate. Money is important but the on paper the players Boro have are easily capable of remaining in the premiership ,in my opinion, if managed with more experience and skillful fashion.
our problem was letting Rochemback go. Whoever made that decision needs to be shot. and it wasnt just letting him go it was letting him go and not replacing him. C'mon Boro!
aw an cameron w u r right boro arent down yet we still have a couple of games left!!! so keep the spirits up fellow boro fans lol
what would have keeping schwarzer done? it would have just giv us more trouble because to be honest he was getting old and isnt as good as he used to be an boateng wouldnt have made a difference. for me the problem started a while ago now we sold jimmy floyd hasselbaink and yakubu and frank quedrue. and also james morrison would have been a great player for us!!!
jlwebber you obviously do not know the chairmans background to make such an ill informed comment about Steve GIBSON. The man bleeds Middlesbrough Football Club and will not accept second best from anyone. However he is well aware that Gareth SOUTHGATE
is working under a strict budget and the club has a large debt so buying ur way out was not an option.
Don't worry we will be back better and stronger with a group of young players with a influx of experience players to help them out.
UP THE BORO
You're not down yet!!!!
More twists and turns for sure - 2 wins might well keep you up!!!
Every last one of them should be made to stay, and together with Soutgate restore some pride to the club! the only exception should be Downing, as we could get plenty of money for him, and use it to by a decent keeper. IMHO had we kept Shcwazer and Boetang, we may not have been in this mess. Alves will bnefit from a year playing at a lower level, he may regain some confidence and composure.
Yes, every player should take responsibility for the club's predicament but the bottom line is inept management. Some of the excuses for poor performance have been pitiful. The chairman obviously sees mediocrity as acceptable but please remember the cash contribution from the supporters. Over the last three years they have deserved more, but management have not delivered.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account