Gibson vows to stand by embattled Southgate

MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson yesterday resisted a growing chorus of disapproval by insisting he has no plans to sack manager Gareth Southgate.

The 38-year-old former England defender has found himself firmly in the firing line in recent weeks as his side has slipped down the Premier League table.

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Stoke left Boro four points from safety with only bottom-of-the-table West Brom worse off, and they have now been installed by many as certainties to fall through the trapdoor into the Football League along with the Baggies.