Boro make shock move for old-boy Venables
Middlesbrough's interest in Terry Venables to become their new
manager could be firmed up within days as chairman Steve Gibson
prepares to make his move.
The 63-year-old has been in talks with the Teessiders, with whom he
performed a valuable cameo at the end of the 2000-01 season, over
the possibility of succeeding Steve McClaren.
Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb are currently out of the
country, but are due to return at the weekend.
However, it is understood they have already spoken to the former
England boss, as well as Martin O'Neill and Alan Curbishley,
following McClaren's appointment as Sven-Goran Eriksson's
successor.
Boro, as is their policy, were not commenting on the matter today,
although Venables would meet many of the criteria the Teessiders'
chairman will insist upon.
Gibson is determined to build upon the legacy McClaren has left
behind with his team having reached the UEFA Cup final and FA Cup
semi-finals despite a disappointing Barclays Premiership
campaign.
However, it is perhaps the blossoming Academy set-up, which
produced 14 of the 16 players named for the final day league
fixture at Fulham, which gives greatest hope for Boro's
future.
O'Neill, as he was for both the England and Newcastle jobs, was
immediately installed as favourite, although his continuing family
commitments and seeming unwillingness to make a move to the
north-east are complications.
There were suggestions the Irishman could take the job on a
part-time basis - something neighbours Sunderland would reportedly
consider - although that does not appear to be an option on
Teesside.
Curbishley's departure from Charlton after 15 years put him in the
frame, but his determination to take a break from the game could
rule him out, while former defender Tony Mowbray, who is now being
linked with the vacant post at Ipswich, has distanced himself from
the speculation.
With Gibson having vowed to keep skipper Gareth Southgate and
experienced defender Colin Cooper at the club, Venables, renowned
as one of the country's top coaches, would be the ideal man to
nurture them through the early years of their coaching
careers.
However, there is an added complication with McClaren understood to
have considered asking Venables to be part of his England coaching
team, although Gibson's willingness to allow his departing manager
to combine his club and international duties could provide a
solution on that front.
The former Tottenham boss was first drafted in at the Riverside
Stadium in December 2000 as Bryan Robson's side headed alarmingly
towards the relegation zone.
Together, they managed to stem the tide and put together a series
of hard-fought results to preserve the club's Premiership
status.
Venables was offered the job on a permanent basis, but after weeks
of agonising over his decision, turned it down to concentrate on
his business and television commitments.
