Southgate gets green light

Boro made an application to grant Southgate extended dispensation to work without the requisite formal qualifications - in particular the UEFA Pro Licence.

Southgate replaced Steve McClaren as the manager at the Riverside Stadium in the summer but his initial three-month period of dispensation expired on Sunday.

Southgate is studying for his 'B' Licence and hopes to begin his 'A' Licence in January before enrolling on the Pro Licence course during the summer.

The former England international said before the verdict was reached: "I don't know what we'll talk about after the decision because it seems I've been speaking about it for months.

"But I think we're pretty close to having the situation resolved.

"It'll mean a bit more work in the Southgate household - as if there's not enough already - but it'll be nice to have a clear picture of what lies ahead and exactly which courses need to be done and on what timescale.

"I'm committed to continuing taking these qualifications and, whatever happens, I need to be enrolled on the Pro Licence by the end of the season, I would think, to be able to continue.

"So it's whether we get the dispensation to manage for this year and at the same time finish my 'B' and 'A' licences.

"I can't complain because I'm being allowed the opportunity to do something that might not have been possible. The job is hard enough and it's just one more challenge for me - but I like a challenge."

Premier League chairmen came into line with other European leagues by amending their rules earlier this month to allow a manager who is in the process of gaining the Pro Licence to be in charge of a top-flight club.