Gareth Southgate has received assurances from Steve Gibson confirming that he will still be Middlesbrough's manager next season. The chairman is so impressed by Southgate that he is determined to keep him in charge even if the club are relegated.

As he prepared for tomorrow's crucial home game against Manchester United, Southgate revealed: "The chairman and I have had conversations where he's said 'Carry on next season'. He said he does not intend to change things.

"To receive backing from a chairman like that is rare. It clears and focuses your mind on trying to affect things that are important. It means I think about the long-term future of the club rather than making short-term decisions which could, ultimately, hurt the club."

Southgate is ready to wield the axe among his squad next season. "It's fascinating to see how people respond under pressure, and some players have disappointed me," he admitted. "Staying up this season is maybe the only chance some of them will have to play in the Premier League during their careers."