Ex-Aston Villa captain shock contender for Middlesbrough job as odds crash
Gareth Southgate has emerged as a shock contender for the Middlesbrough job just over a year after leaving the England position.
The former Aston Villa captain has not taken up a job since he departed England after leading the Three Lions to a successive European Championship final.
Since then, Southgate has been linked to numerous domestic jobs, including West Ham, with the manager now one of the favourites for the Boro position.
Rob Edwards has left Middlesbrough for Wolves this week, which could allow the former Aston Villa captain to take the position.
Gareth Southgate just 5/1 for Middlesbrough job
Multiple names associated with Aston Villa have been linked with the Boro job.
Steven Gerrard is believed to be a frontrunner at Middlesbrough, with the manager on a three-man shortlist.
- Southgate left Aston Villa for Middlesbrough in 2001.
- The centre-back went on to make over 200 appearances for Boro before managing the side.
- To date, Middlesbrough is the only domestic team Southgate has managed.
However, Southgate has now seemingly joined the race it what could be a sensational return to the Riverside Stadium.
The former centre-back captained Middlesbrough to the League Cup back in 2004, and went on to manage the Teesside club between 2006-09.
Now, according to BetVictor on 12 November, the odds of a return are just 5/1, with Southgate one of two managers who have recently had their odds shortened.
Gary O’Neil and Gerrard are the current favourites at 3/1.
Southgate not actively looking for management roles
Southgate had recently been questioned about his future as a football manager.
Given his work for England, many would think it would be relatively easy for him to get a role. Yet, this has not happened.
Now, it appears this is due to Southgate not actively pursuing another job in the industry.
| Gareth Southgate’s managerial record at Middlesbrough | |
| Wins | 45 |
| Draws | 43 |
| Losses | 63 |
beIN SPORTS reported on 12 November that he said: “You can’t say never to anything because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and I wasn’t certain I would manage then.
“Then I ended up on a strange path into managing the national team. But it’s not something I’m actively looking at the moment.”
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