'I'M READY FOR ABUSE'.Byline: SIMON Simon, in the Bible. 1 One of the Maccabees. 2 or Simon Peter: see Peter, Saint. 3 See Simon, Saint. 4 Kinsman of Jesus. 5 Leper of Bethany in whose house a woman anointed Jesus' feet. BIRD GARETH SOUTHGATE Gareth Southgate (born 3 September 1970 in Crawley Town, West Sussex) is a former English footballer, currently manager of Middlesbrough in the English Premiership. He is married to his wife Allison and they have two children together. has told chairman Steve Gibson he is willing to take the flak from Boro fans as he prepares for a Riverside exodus. The Boro boss will lose half a dozen stars including Tuncay Sanli, Mido, Robert Huth Robert Huth (born 18 August 1984 in Berlin, Germany) is a German footballer who currently plays for Middlesbrough. He was signed for Chelsea from the youth system of German club Union Berlin in 2001 by then Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri. , Matthew Bates and, once he has recovered from a broken foot, Stewart Downing Stewart Jason Downing (born July 22, 1984 in Middlesbrough) is an English football player, who currently plays for Middlesbrough, and is in the England squad. A natural left-footer, Downing plays on the left side of midfield in a traditional winger's role. . Gibson will hold talks with Southgate this week but the former England defender is likely to stay as boss despite dissent from the terraces. Southgate said: "I know there'll be a large element of supporters who want change, but when you're relegated you have to take the abuse which comes your way. "My heart is in this club, I'm determined to fight and repay the faith shown in me but we have to make significant changes. There are some huge lessons to be learned. "I have to accept that there are going to be personal agendas. It's important that I get a clear picture as quickly as possible. "That's why I needed to see a lot of players this week. As soon as I know what the players want, then I will know what I have to do. "I want people who want to be here and are ready for the fight." Star defender David Wheater David James Wheater (born February 14, 1987) is an English footballer, currently playing for Middlesbrough, having recently returned from loan at Darlington. He is a central defender with a penchant for scoring from set-pieces. is one player keen to stay - but fears he will be sold to balance the books. Boro fan Wheater (below) insists the prospect of Championship football will not prompt him to ask for a transfer. He feels a year in the second tier will not harm his England ambitions. "I've got two more years left here so it is up to the manager," said Wheater, 22. "I'm happy to stay, I won't ask for a transfer but if the manager accepts a bid then that is a different matter. "Maybe if I was 28 or 29 and still hadn't played for England then I might be thinking differently but I've got plenty of years ahead to get in the England squad. "I've supported Boro all my life so they are the team I want to be playing for and trying to get them back up. "That's where I want to be, the Premier League with Middlesbrough. We can get straight back. We have enough quality to do that." Wheater believes Downing and Tuncay are "too good" for the Championship, while Bates is out of contract in the summer and is attracting interest from West Ham. CAPTION(S): THE DEPARTED Boss Southgate will lose stars including Tuncay |
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