Think southgate has been smoking something

[Middlesbrough No1 Fan]

ARETH Southgate is refusing to write off Boro’s prospects of challenging the Premier League’s top four.

Kevin Keegan hit the headlines recently by claiming that Newcastle are a million miles away from competing with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

And while the Boro boss accepts that his own side are currently some way behind the league’s elite, he insists that bridging that gap has to be the club’s long-term aim.

“I think what we have to say at this point in time is that we know we cannot compete with Manchester United,” Southgate admitted.

“But what we might say is ‘can we breach that gap?’ And I refuse to accept that we can’t.

“It’s not necessarily a case of spending a lot of money, it’s about getting the right people in and having the right mentality.

“That has to be our aim as a club and I refuse to write off the possibility.”

Southgate captained Boro to their historic Carling Cup win before leading them to an unlikely UEFA Cup final in Eindhoven.

And the former England defender was then a somewhat surprise choice to take over as Boro manager two years ago.

But Southgate says the opportunity to overcome the odds and prove life’s doubters wrong is something which spurs him on.

“In life people tell you what you can’t do and what you can’t achieve,” he said.

“People have told me I can’t do this job and that they don’t want me to do this job. But you’ve got to crack on and strive to be the best you can possibly be.

“And at this moment in time the best we can possibly be doesn’t match the top four. But that’s got to be the aim for everybody.

“If everybody writes it off and says we can’t get there we might as well forget the league and do something else.”

BORO have been pitted against Scottish champions Celtic in the pre-season Algarve Cup.

The draw paired Boro with the Glasgow giants on the opening day of the annual four team round robin tournament.

Gareth Southgate’s team will jet out for a week-long warm weather training camp then play Old Firm outfit Celtic on Tuesday July 22 (KO 7.15pm).

They then face Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes, who finished third this term behind Porto and Sporting, on Thursday July 24 (KO 9.15pm).

Cardiff, who torpedoed Boro’s FA Cup dream then went on to lose against Portsmouth at Wembley in the final, are the fourth team involved

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc...4229-20978919/

i think he must have been taught his management qualifications by a geordie

[Artetas Gem]

Hey we did it on a budget no reason noone else can

[Middlesbrough No1 Fan]

Originally Posted by Artetas Gem

Hey we did it on a budget no reason noone else can

well its good to see him aiming high anyway. we should be aiming for about 7th place. maybe push top 6. just need to sign a coupe of decent midfielders.

[Artetas Gem]

Originally Posted by Middlesbrough No1 Fan

well its good to see him aiming high anyway. we should be aiming for about 7th place. maybe push top 6. just need to sign a coupe of decent midfielders.

But if he would of come out and said *ah i think we should aim low maybe 7th* then some fans may have jumped on his back critising him for not aiming higher vicious circles sometimes

But with some hidden Gems who knows what will happen

[gb]

Originally Posted by Middlesbrough No1 Fan

well its good to see him aiming high anyway. we should be aiming for about 7th place. maybe push top 6. just need to sign a coupe of decent midfielders.

Isn't it great that we all get this buzz of anticipation before the next season starts. I'm already thinking of a top six place for Spurs.

[Artetas Gem]

Originally Posted by gbnine

Isn't it great that we all get this buzz of anticipation before the next season starts. I'm already thinking of a top six place for Spurs.

Is that all i am aiming for Uniteds crown

[paulbarker7]

Lmao, I read this in the gazette this morning lol.

[alexxturner]

Top 6 maybe
but we need a few new players though..