Middlesbrough are ready to hand captain Gareth Southgate a five-year contract to become new player-manager.
Chairman Steve Gibson will hand Southgate a deal despite opposition from the Premier League and League Managers’ Association.
Former England defender Southgate, 35, has not taken his coaching badges.
But Boro chief executive Keith Lamb said: “Gareth has not had a chance — until recently he has spent his summers serving his country as a player.
“It makes little sense such players should be denied rare opportunities like this.”
And Gibson added: “The reason we fast-tracked Gareth is because we let Steve McClaren become England coach. Surely now we should not be denied.”
Former Sunderland boss Malcolm Crosby will be Southgate’s No 2.
Chairman Steve Gibson will hand Southgate a deal despite opposition from the Premier League and League Managers’ Association.
Former England defender Southgate, 35, has not taken his coaching badges.
But Boro chief executive Keith Lamb said: “Gareth has not had a chance — until recently he has spent his summers serving his country as a player.
“It makes little sense such players should be denied rare opportunities like this.”
And Gibson added: “The reason we fast-tracked Gareth is because we let Steve McClaren become England coach. Surely now we should not be denied.”
Former Sunderland boss Malcolm Crosby will be Southgate’s No 2.
