Southgate confirmed as new England manager
Date published: Wednesday 30th November 2016 2:00
Gareth Southgate is England’s new manager after his long-expected appointment was confirmed by the Football Association.
The 46-year-old signed a four-year deal on Wednesday after his nomination as Sam Allardyce’s successor was nodded through during an FA board meeting at St George’s Park.
Southgate became interim manager in September, stepping up from his role as under-21 boss, winning two and drawing two of his four games in charge and was the only candidate interviewed for the job.
Southgate said: “I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. However, I’m also conscious that getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there’s huge potential. I’m determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they’re proud of and one that they’re going to enjoy watching play and develop. For me, the hard work starts now.”
Martin Glenn added: “We are delighted to confirm Gareth as England manager. He’s obviously somebody we know well but it’s his understanding of international football and the development set-up at St. George’s Park that is important.
🎥 @GarethSouthgate speaks to FATV about his appointment as new #ThreeLions manager https://t.co/wZayKR65Px
— England (@England) November 30, 2016
“He performed extremely well during the four games he was in temporary charge and he impressed us during a tough interview process.
“Gareth is a great ambassador for what The FA stands for, he’s a very good football tactician and a leader but beneath that he’s a winner and that’s an important part of the job.”
FA chairman Greg Clarke, chief executive Glenn and technical director Dan Ashworth, who were joined by Howard Wilkinson and Graeme Le Saux in questioning Southgate over three hours last Monday, agreed unanimously they had the right man and presented their findings to the remainder of the 12-strong board in a scheduled session at the national football centre.
No vote was required and, with no opposition forthcoming and Southgate on site, the paperwork was finalised.
The finer points of the contract have not been made public but it is understood he will earn around £2million a year, four times his previous salary and higher than initial forecasts.
There is likely to be a performance-related element to the deal, with a break clause after the 2018 World Cup.
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