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Southgate named Boro boss

Gareth Southgate has been unveiled as Middlesbrough's new manager
Gareth Southgate has been unveiled as Middlesbrough's new manager

Middlesbrough have appointed former England defender Gareth Southgate as their new manager.

Boro have announced the former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa central defender as the successor to England-bound Steve McClaren.

Putting the 35-year-old in charge at the Riverside Stadium had sparked controversy as he does not have the required UEFA Pro Licence.

The League Managers' Association initially opposed the elevation of Southgate but Boro went ahead as they believe a precedent has been set by Newcastle's appointment of Glenn Roeder.

FA Premier League rules state coaches without the Pro Licence can only take charge of a club for 12 weeks but the top flight's club chairmen recently voted to allow Roeder dispensation.

Roeder had been enrolled on a Pro Licence course in the past but was forced to withdraw due to illness. He will now take the year-long course in order to be fully qualified by the end of next season.

Boro argued Southgate had been unable to acquire all his coaching qualifications because of his playing career.

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