Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Championship

Next Boro manager: Steve Gibson holds surprise talks with former midfielder as new dream management team is considered

Lee Cattermole (left) and manager David Moyes survey the pitch before kick off during the Premier League match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have spoken to Lee Cattermole about becoming their new manager, sources have told TEAMtalk.

The Teessiders began the new season among the favourites for promotion with Chris Wilder at the helm. However, a poor start to the season – culiminating in a loss at bottom club Coventry – led to his dismissal on October 3.

Behind the scenes, his axing probably came as little shock. Among claims of broken financial promises and the amount of money at his disposal, Wilder was often linked with a string of alternative jobs. Burnley were among those linked with him over the summer, while just a week prior to his dismissal, Wilder’s name was connected to the Bournemouth vacancy.

However, just a week later, the Teessiders are yet to settle on a permanent replacement.

We revealed their early shortlist contained both Carlos Corberan and Rob Edwards. Indeed, both men are reported to have had interviews on Teesside over the past week.

However, TEAMtalk now understands that chairman Steve Gibson has held talks with Cattermole over taking up the position.

The former Boro midfielder is currently part of the club youth coaching set-up and is highly regarded at the Riverside.

As such, Gibson is giving serious consideration to promoting him to the position of first-team manager.

Were that to happen, we understand the club would look to bring Steve Agnew back to club as his assistant.

Lee Cattermole appointment would be welcomed by Boro

Cattermole’s appointment makes plenty of sense for Middlesbrough.

The Teessiders have a history of giving upcoming managers their first major jobs in the game. Indeed, Gareth Southgate, Bryan Robson and more recently, Jonathan Woodgate, are among those to offered the managerial role.

As such, Cattermole – who made 69 appearances for the club between 2005 – 2008 – would fit the bill.

Cattermole also played for Wigan and, most notably, Sunderland in the Premier League.

Indeed, he clocked up 395 appearances at the top level, gaining a reputation as a hard-working, no-nonsense midfielder. He has taken that work ethic into his coaching role with Boro’s youth set-up.

And while something of a gamble, Boro believe it may be a risk worth taking.

The 34-year-old was born in nearby Stockton-on-Tees and knows the Teessiders inside out.

Boro currently sit 21st in the Championship table with just three wins from 13 matches so far this season.

They next face Blackburn at the Riverside on Saturday afternoon as they look to push their way back up the table.