Southgate handed development role

Gareth Southgate has been confirmed as the Football Association’s new head of elite development.

Southgate, who has been out of the game since being sacked by Middlesbrough in October 2009, will work with Sir Trevor Brooking on developing and implementing recommendations from the FA youth development review, with the key objective of bringing through better players and coaches to aid the national team.

He will also be responsible from maintaining closer contact with the Premier League and Football League, and play an active role in the development of the new FA coaching centre at St George’s Park in Burton.

Southgate will be allowed to continue in his role as an expert for ITV Sport, and Brooking is delighted with the news.

“Gareth has a wealth of experience as a player. He is also a very high-calibre individual,” said Brooking.

“He is a fully qualified pro-licence coach, who has recently retired as a player and managed in the Premier League. This gives him a genuine understanding of the various challenges facing us.

“Gareth will work directly with me, Ray Clemence, Stuart Pearce and all our development team coaches.

“He will also work closely with general secretary Alex Horne, Adrian Bevington and our FA learning staff.”