Middlesbrough Happy To Sit In Newcastle's Shadow
By Nu Mad
Updated Monday, 6th August 2007
I've heard of setting low standards, but I must admit I was rather shocked to hear that Gareth Southgate feels it was an "achievement" for Middlesbrough to come close to signing Alan Smith.
Smith marked his debut with the winner against Sampdoria on Sunday and said he wanted to become a Geordie legend.
With Mark Viduka heading up the A19 to set up shop on Tyneside, I wonder if Jonathan Woodgate is wishing he had done the same.
However, before signing for the Magpies, Smith also gave serious thought to a move to
Middlesbrough, according to Southgate.
Southgate: "I spoke with him and we were in there right until the very end.
"That was quite an achievement in that obviously we weren't offering the same transfer package as other teams who fell by the wayside much earlier.
"But Alan felt his career opportunities were better at Newcastle.
"We would ideally like to bring in a couple more players if we can.
"We have to cut our cloth accordingly and the gates we get will have an impact, so we are appealing to fans.
"We are desperate to succeed and we need the fans with us."
