GARETH SOUTHGATE has been tipped to make his anticipated return to management this summer by one of his closest friends.
The 55-year-old has taken some time away from the world of top-level management since ending his eight-year stint as England boss following Euro 2024.
But now his friend and former best man, League Two manager Andy Woodman, has said he is “sure” that the former Crystal Palace man will find himself back in the game this summer.
Woodman, who is enjoying his own good fortune in management as he oversees Bromley at the summit of League Two, told talkSPORT it would be a “tragedy” not to see him involved in the game again soon.
When asked if he could see his pal making his return, he said: “Yeah, I hope so. I hope so.
“I think it would be a real shame if Gareth isn’t involved in football. You know, we know him personally. I’ve known him all my life. But he’s a football person and a good person.
not too keane
Keane claims Carrick shouldn’t get Man Utd job ‘even if he wins every game’
TRANSPORTER
Win a VW Campervan + £2,000 or £36,000 cash from just 23p with our code
“I think for him not to be involved in football in any capacity would be a real tragedy.
“We don’t need someone like him, another good English coach, going out of the game.
“I’m sure you’ll see him, hopefully, back in the summer somewhere. I’m pretty sure he’ll turn up somewhere.”
There are likely to be a number of top-club jobs available in the summer that might draw interest from the former Middlesbrough boss.
He has been tipped by former team-mate Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to take over from interim boss Michael Carrick at Manchester United.
The Red Devils will be looking at permanent appointments in the summer, with the Dutchman also telling talkSPORT: “He will take his time, he’s a very smart guy.
“I think it has to be right for him, the feeling has to be really good, he’s not going to jump into something quickly.
“I think personally he would be great at United because he’s good with the press, he’s good with the players and he knows the game inside out.”
Another potential landing spot for Southgate would be his former club Crystal Palace, with current manager Oliver Glasner confirmed to be leaving at the end of the season.
Read the full article here
