Southgate

Gareth Southgate's tactical intelligence and quiet authority earned him the respect of fans and players alike, leading him into management after a successful career on the pitch. This biography is one of Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series, offering a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Ransom Publishing

Gareth Southgate's journey to becoming the most successful England manager since 1966 was far from predetermined. Initially labeled as the boy from Crawley who would never make it, his tactical intelligence and quiet authority earned him the respect of fans and players alike. After a successful career on the pitch, he ventured into management, where he has achieved remarkable success.

Born in 1970 in Middlesbrough, England, Southgate began his football career at his local club, Middlesbrough. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his professional debut in 1988 at the age of 18. Southgate's performances on the pitch were impressive, and he soon caught the attention of bigger clubs. In 1992, he joined Leeds United, where he spent three seasons and helped the team win the Premier League in 1995.

After his time at Leeds, Southgate moved to the Premier League with Aston Villa in 1996. He spent five seasons at Villa Park, where he again enjoyed success, including winning the FA Cup in 1996 and the European Super Cup in 1998. However, his career hit a setback in 2001 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Southgate was able to return to football and continue his career.

In 2004, Southgate was appointed manager of Middlesbrough, where he spent three seasons before moving to England's national team in 2012. His appointment was met with skepticism, as many believed that he was not experienced enough to lead the team. However, Southgate's tactical intelligence and calm demeanor quickly won over fans and players alike.

Under Southgate's management, England has enjoyed a period of unprecedented success. The team has qualified for the World Cup finals in three consecutive tournaments, including reaching the semi-finals in 2018. In addition, England has won the Nations League in 2019 and the European Championship in 2020, becoming the first European nation to win both tournaments in a single calendar year.

Southgate's success as England manager has been attributed to his ability to develop young players and create a positive team culture. He has also been praised for his tactical flexibility, which has allowed him to adapt his approach to different opponents and situations.

In addition to his success on the pitch, Southgate has also been recognized for his work off the field. He has been an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his own experiences with depression and anxiety. Southgate has also been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting the homeless and raising money for cancer research.

In conclusion, Gareth Southgate's journey to becoming the most successful England manager since 1966 is an incredible story of resilience, determination, and talent. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, Southgate has achieved his dream of leading his country to success on the international stage. His tactical intelligence, calm demeanor, and ability to develop young players have made him a beloved figure in English football and beyond. Southgate's success is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams.

Weight: 150g
Dimension: 128 x 199 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800476110