The 37-year-old has endured a tough second campaign at the Riverside Stadium helm and admitted after last Saturday's 2-0 win over Portsmouth which secured Boro's Barclays Premier League status that changes would have to be made.

However, the one thing that has been unswerving on Teesside is Gibson's support for the man he appointed as Steve McClaren's successor two seasons ago, and Southgate knows how fortunate he is in that respect.

He said: "When times are difficult, that is when the chairman is at his most supportive.

"But when you look around and see what's happening everywhere else, it makes you think twice from time to time.

"I have to accept that there were stages in the season where if he had turned round and said, 'Thank very much, but enough's enough', then I could have had no complaints.

"I am delighted for him because he's given me an opportunity here knowing that I am lacking experience. But I am picking that up all the time and I am determined to reward the faith he has had in me."