Southgate appointed as Boro boss

Southgate says he will not be player-manager

Middlesbrough have appointed Gareth Southgate as their new manager.

Southgate, who won 57 caps for England, joined Boro from Aston Villa in a £6.5m deal in summer 2001, and has made more than 200 appearances for the club.

The 35-year-old defender has been given the job despite not possessing the relevant Uefa coaching qualifications.

Southgate said: "I've enjoyed my playing career, now it's time to take the club forward to the next stage. It's a challenge I'm relishing."

Interview: Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate

Southgate also confirmed that he will not continue as a player, saying: "I don't think it's feasible to go in as a player-manager."

Southgate's appointment has been overshadowed by a row over his apparent lack of qualifications for the job.

Premiership managers are expected to possess the Uefa Pro Licence for coaching - the qualification above the Uefa 'A' Licence - before taking charge of a club.

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And the BBC understands that Boro have until 12 weeks after the league season kicks off on 19 August to explain why Southgate should be permitted to manage without the required certificates.

If they are unable to make a case that is satisfactory to the Premier League, the Football Association and the League Managers' Association, action could be taken against them.

The Premier League said in a statement: "As our rules stand it is a necessity to have the Uefa Pro License or equivalent to manage in the Premier League.

"As Middlesbrough have stated, they are seeking discussions with the Premier League, FA and LMA to discuss this situation. We will, of course, take a full part in those discussions during the close season."

LMA chief John Barnwell recently said: "They can't do it - it's as simple as that."

However, if Boro could persuade 75% of Premier League chairmen to agree to Southgate's appointment, they could get dispensation.

If I make a list of values I'm looking for in a manager, a certificate doesn't come into it Boro chairman Steve Gibson

And Boro chief executive Keith Lamb was confident a resolution could be reached.

"We've been in discussions with the Premier League, the FA and the LMA and they're all very supportive of Gareth's appointment and the issues that need to be addressed," said Lamb.

"We've all agreed we're going to work towards a satisfactory solution for all parties involved and I'm sure that will happen over the next few weeks."

Meanwhile, chairman Steve Gibson is confident that a precedent was set when Glenn Roeder took over at Newcastle even though he did not have a Uefa Pro Licence.

On that occasion, the top flight's club chairmen voted to allow Roeder to take charge because illness had prevented him from completing his coaching courses.

"The rules are not clear but there is no risk to Gareth's appointment," said Gibson. "Any rule that could prevent it would be absolutely wrong.

"The burden of responsibility falls on me and if I make a list of values I'm looking for in a manager, a certificate doesn't come into it.

"What I'm looking for is judgement in players, tactics and man-management. Gareth also has experience, intellect, character and determination and I'm happy with my decision."