Twelve months ago, chairman Steve Gibson promised to target big names which would make the people of Teesside and further afield sit up and take notice.

Gibson backed his manager with hard cash in the transfer market both during the summer and in January as he funded big money moves for Mido, Gary O'Neil and club record signing Afonso Alves, as well as snapping up Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli.

But this time around, Southgate is not convinced he needs to involve himself in the same level of activity and he said: "I have not discussed the absolute finances of it because I know if it is the right thing for the club, the chairman will always try to fund it.

"We have got a considerable reduction in the wage bill with Gaizka Mendieta and Fabio Rochemback going, so that does help the situation of the club.

"In terms of there being spectacular signings, I am not sure that's what we need. It's exciting for the supporters, at times, to see a name come in, but in the long-term, is it productive? From my perspective, it doesn't have to be spectacular - but I understand why there is an inclination to look that way."