Boro New Manager?
-
Boro make shock move for old-boy Venables
Middlesbrough's interest in Terry Venables to become their new manager could be firmed up within days as chairman Steve Gibson prepares to make his move.
The 63-year-old has been in talks with the Teessiders, with whom he performed a valuable cameo at the end of the 2000-01 season, over the possibility of succeeding Steve McClaren.
Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb are currently out of the country, but are due to return at the weekend.
However, it is understood they have already spoken to the former England boss, as well as Martin O'Neill and Alan Curbishley, following McClaren's appointment as Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor.
Boro, as is their policy, were not commenting on the matter today, although Venables would meet many of the criteria the Teessiders' chairman will insist upon.
Gibson is determined to build upon the legacy McClaren has left behind with his team having reached the UEFA Cup final and FA Cup semi-finals despite a disappointing Barclays Premiership campaign.
However, it is perhaps the blossoming Academy set-up, which produced 14 of the 16 players named for the final day league fixture at Fulham, which gives greatest hope for Boro's future.
O'Neill, as he was for both the England and Newcastle jobs, was immediately installed as favourite, although his continuing family commitments and seeming unwillingness to make a move to the north-east are complications.
There were suggestions the Irishman could take the job on a part-time basis - something neighbours Sunderland would reportedly consider - although that does not appear to be an option on Teesside.
Curbishley's departure from Charlton after 15 years put him in the frame, but his determination to take a break from the game could rule him out, while former defender Tony Mowbray, who is now being linked with the vacant post at Ipswich, has distanced himself from the speculation.
With Gibson having vowed to keep skipper Gareth Southgate and experienced defender Colin Cooper at the club, Venables, renowned as one of the country's top coaches, would be the ideal man to nurture them through the early years of their coaching careers.
However, there is an added complication with McClaren understood to have considered asking Venables to be part of his England coaching team, although Gibson's willingness to allow his departing manager to combine his club and international duties could provide a solution on that front.
The former Tottenham boss was first drafted in at the Riverside Stadium in December 2000 as Bryan Robson's side headed alarmingly towards the relegation zone.
Together, they managed to stem the tide and put together a series of hard-fought results to preserve the club's Premiership status.
Venables was offered the job on a permanent basis, but after weeks of agonising over his decision, turned it down to concentrate on his business and television commitments. -
-
souness?
-
venables la what souness?Originally posted by dragg:souness? -
They should go for Eriksson
-
venable?
the one from spurs? -
former england manager also if i'm not wrong..Originally posted by dragg:venable?
the one from spurs? -
he is very defensive minded right?Originally posted by stellazio:former england manager also if i'm not wrong.. -
can't rmb..but if i'm not wrong, he was also roped in to save leeds or some relegated club or something like that, couldn't do it, den end up the club pay alot of compensation to sack him..Originally posted by dragg:he is very defensive minded right? -
Gareth southgate
-
Carlos Quieroz...I hate that guy man..action action only
-
venables is past his expiry date. don try to b another bobby robson
-
i think his appointment is a mistake.Originally posted by used:venables is past his expiry date. don try to b another bobby robson -
yes hes terry venables... the man who famously use the christmas tree formation in england management days... he last brought england to euro 96 semi...Originally posted by stellazio:former england manager also if i'm not wrong..