What next for Gareth Southgate?
- Southgate has left his role as England manager
- 53-year-old spent almost eight years in the position and led his country to back-to-back European Championship finals
- Next steps to be assessed ahead of potential return to club management
For the first time in eight years, the FA are on the hunt for a new manager having parted ways with Gareth Southgate.
Southgate departs his role with a cemented legacy. While his tenure failed to finally bring football home, he came closer than anyone before him. Twice were his England team beaten in the European Championship final, and their defeat to Spain in Euro 2024's showpiece event has proven to be Southgate's 102nd and last game in charge of his country.
A progressive patriot who's emerged as a stable figurehead amid laughable political turbulence and Royal changeover, it's hard to imagine an England team that isn't led by Southgate.
Much of the focus in the immediate aftermath of the manager's decision has surrounded Southgate's successor, but little discourse has accounted for what the future holds for the now-former England statesman.
Could Gareth Southgate get another job in club management?
Southgate offered no hints as to what's next on his agenda in a heartfelt 331-word statement confirming his departure from the England job.
The former defender is unlikely to get back into management right away with the 2024/25 season getting started in mid-August. Southgate is not going to be taking on another international role, and it's unlikely that a club overseas will come in for his services.
If Southgate does get back into management, it'll surely be in his homeland and there have been tenuous links with Premier League clubs. INEOS were believed to be considering him before Euro 2024 but have ultimately stuck with Erik ten Hag. However, if the Dutchman does struggle next season, then Southgate is a name to keep an eye on in regard to the Manchester United job.
The stark difference between international and club football means it's quite hard to assess the level of manager-needy club that would be interested in Southgate. Despite the Man Utd links, the Englishman is unlikely to get offers from elite clubs. However, there's a situation where Newcastle are on the hunt for a new manager if Eddie Howe opts to succeed Southgate.
His previous ties to Crystal Palace would perhaps open a door if Oliver Glasner fails to build upon the excellent start made to his tenure. Southgate also spent five years as a player at Middlesbrough, who currently reside in the Championship. Another former club, Aston Villa, are unlikely to be interested anytime soon.
Has Gareth Southgate managed at club level before?
Southgate's sole experience as a club manager arrived with Boro after he ended his playing career in the North East. Southgate made 160 league appearances for Middlesbrough between 2001 and 2006 before becoming their manager at the start of the 2006/07 season.
It wasn't the most prosperous of reigns, with Southgate ending his three-year tenure with a 29.8% win rate. Boro finished 19th in the Premier League during his final full season and were relegated to the second tier. He was sacked in October 2009 despite a strong start to the 2009/10 Championship campaign.
Before England, Southgate led the Under-21s for three years between 2013 and 2016. His first role within the FA set-up came as their head of elite development, which he took on in 2011. There's a chance that if Southgate opts against returning to management, he could return to the FA in a hierarchical role.
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