ONE of the most respected players of his generation, Southgate was appointed manager on June 7 2006 as he succeeded the England-bound Steve McClaren.

Southgate is already Boro's most successful captain of all time, having led the team to their first ever trophy, the Carling Cup in 2004, and to the UEFA Cup final in Eindhoven in 2006.

His new role meant giving up his playing role with a year remaining on his contract, although he said he would still keep fit and be available to play in emergencies.

Born in Watford on September 3 1970, Southgate began his league career in midfield with Crystal Palace, helping them win the Division One title in 1984.

After the Selhurst Park club's relegation he made a £2.5m move to Aston Villa, amassing 151 appearances in four seasons at Villa Park, where he won the League Cup.

Shortly before Euro 2000 he handed in a transfer request and it came as a surprise to many when he chose to move north to Boro in a £6.5m deal in 2001.

He was Steve McClaren's first signing and would remain the one the current England coach considered his best.

At the Riverside he was reuinted with Villa defensive partner Ugo Ehiogu and he immediately established himself as a firm fans' favourite.

A model professional on and off the field, he was regularly seen representing the club at community and charity events throughout Teesside.

He was handed the captaincy for the 2002-03 season after Paul Ince's departure to Wolves.

Proud and patriotic, Southgate continued to add to his tally of England caps while at Boro, eventually winning 57 in total.

He made his debut for his country as a substitute against Portugal in 1996 and was in Terry Venables' squad for Euro 96, held in England.

After playing a key role in England's progress to the semi-finals, he will sadly be more remembered for his penalty shootout miss in the semi-final against Germany.

He also took part in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.