Middlesbrough on defensive over Smith appointment

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been explaining his decision to add his former manager Alan Smith to his backroom staff.

"My reasons for bringing Alan in were that he had skills and experience which we did not have. It is a behind-the-scenes role as he is not on the bench on match days, but he has got bags of knowledge which is beneficial to me," he told the Daily Express.

"He is someone I can trust 100 per cent and he has had a team which has won this division in the past. The style of this league has not changed since Alan won it and he can challenge myself and all the coaches to keep improving.

"I didn't want to bring a mate in, we got on very well but he would let me know in no uncertain terms if I did something which he thought was wrong.

"You need different voices as a manager and I needed that to challenge me. At times that is difficult for anyone at any football club because the manager decides who works at their club. But Alan does not have that fear as he is slightly detached from that.

"He occasionally agrees with me. Alan can point out things to players which will help them and since he has started a lot has been achieved by using him and dipping into his knowledge.

"We have a pretty young coaching staff and they need some experience. Our attention to detail and preparation is better now.

"We are leaving as little as possible to chance and everybody knows their job. Ultimately though, it will be judged by results and I understand that."