By Betting Zone
May 20 2006

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

VENABLES INCHING TOWARDS BORO JOB

By Bettingzone.co.uk

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, will not comment on the matter, 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 Colin Cooper at the club, Venables 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.

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