That was the issue with most candidates again harking back to this we do things differently here approach.From memory, Gibson didn't want a new manager/head coach bringing his own people in, possibly because our academy was in its pomp, possibly because he knew we were at the limit of financial investment
IIRC MON wife was ill at the time and could only partly commit to the role which wasn't acceptable to Gibson
Venables was offered it first but declined because of business commitments abroad. Would have been great with him as manager and Gareth as player coach to learn from him.The German who sent his CV was Felix Megate who went on to manage Fulham.
My choice at the time was Terry Venables. If we were paying Viduka big money I would have made him an offer he could not have turned down.
from memory we offered Martin O’Neil the job he turned us down.
You are right, it was Hitzfield not MagatheOttmar Hitzfeld
In hindsight probably would have been a good choice but at the time most would have baulked at the idea.The one and only Neil Warnock
It wasn't. The speculation at the time was that it was Hitzfeld, especially as he'd been linked with a few jobs in England but it came out a few years ago that it was Magath.You are right, it was Hitzfield not Magathe
I'm not sure. He's brilliant in this league but hasn't been successful in the top flight. You could argue he's not had a fair crack at it though.In hindsight probably would have been a good choice but at the time most would have baulked at the idea.
No thanks.Martin O'Neil
Felix Magath that had just lead Bayern Munich to a back to back league & cup doubles and was still their manager until 2007, that Felix Magath?It wasn't. The speculation at the time was that it was Hitzfeld, especially as he'd been linked with a few jobs in England but it came out a few years ago that it was Magath.
Southgate learning the ropes wasn't too much of an issue, it was when he decided he'd learnt enough and broke up the team he'd played in & replaced them with duds.El Tel as director of football with Round as head coach would have been exciting. Gareth could have been a coach while he learnt the ropes. I wouldn't have minded someone like Lennie or Brucie as director of football either.
I put £100 bet on Martin O'Neil being the next Boro at the time, after he and Gibson were spotted dining together in Yarm. Gibson was agaoinst bringing in different backroom staff (Martin's gang John Robertson, Steve Walford and co). Hence I was disappointed when Big nose was appointed.
Venables was offered it first but declined because of business commitments abroad. Would have been great with him as manager and Gareth as player coach to learn from him.
O’Neil was then reportedly offered it but infamously said “Right Chairman, wrong club”.