Former Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth has opened up about the awkward dynamic that arose when Gareth Southgate moved from being a player to manager at the Riverside Stadium. Huth, who arrived as one of Southgate's first signings in a £6 million move from Chelsea, believes the shift in relationship with his former teammates hampered the ex-England boss's chances of success in club management.
From teammate to boss
Southgate took charge of Middlesbrough in 2006 after Steve McClaren left to become England manager. The decision ended his playing days, having captained Boro in the UEFA Cup final the previous season. The centre-back had spent five years at the club, lifting the League Cup in 2004 and securing European qualification.
Speaking on the All Out Football podcast In The Mixer, Huth explained: "I really enjoyed it. The only thing that was kind of different was because he went from being a player to being a manager and that was a real change in dynamic. He played with Schwarzer and Mark Viduka; Mendieta was still there. It was a big group of players that were really good mates with him."
Struggles at the Riverside
Boro finished 12th and 13th in Southgate's first two seasons before dropping to 19th and being relegated from the Premier League in 2009. He remained in charge as the club started life in the Championship but was dismissed that October, despite the team sitting in the play-off places. Boro stayed in the second tier until 2016.
Reflecting on the timing, Huth added: "That timing I think was just slightly off. Maybe, having waited another year, two years or a different club, even. I think that scenario just doesn't work. I can't remember many players doing that either, going straight in at the same club."
A lasting impression
After four years out of the game, Southgate was named England U21 coach in 2013. He later took charge of the senior side in 2016, leading them to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final, where they lost to Italy on penalties. He also reached the Euro 2024 final, losing 2-1 to Spain, before stepping down.
Huth recalled a personal gesture from Southgate when he left for Stoke City in 2009: "It was just wishing me all the best. Just giving me some sort of clues going forward, some tips... It was real, genuine. These little touches you don't get anymore."
