Middlesbrough skipper Gareth Southgate has been chosen to succeed Steve McClaren who will replace England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup, the Premiership club announced on their official website on Wednesday. The 35-year-old defender signed a five-year contract with Middlesbrough and will continue playing in the first team until he announces his retirement from his playing career. However, Middlesbrough are facing opposition from the League Managers Association (LMA) and the Premier League as Southgate is still short of the UEFA Pro License necessary to coach the team. "In appointing Gareth Southgate, Middlesbrough were fully aware that as our rules stand that it's a necessity to have a UEFA Pro License or equivalent to manage in the Premier League," a Premier League statement was quoted by Sky Sports. Middlesbrough expressed their dismay at such opposition and the club will be counting on the approval of more than 75% of the League clubs to complete Southgate's appointment. "Until recently Gareth has spent his summers serving his country as a player," Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb said. "It makes little sense that such players should be denied rare opportunities like the one he has now simply because he didn't have a chance to gain qualifications," Lamb added. Southgate played over 600 League games with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, he also won 57 caps for England.
