Southgate hits back at Woody

Southgate: Woodgate 'wrong'

Gareth Southgate has hit back at Jonathan Woodgate after the defender claimed Middlesbrough lacked ambition.

The England international left The Riverside for Tottenham in a £7.5million January transfer window move, citing a lack of progress since his arrival from Real Madrid.

And the centre-back added that he was glad to be playing for a 'proper manager' after joining Juande Ramos' squad at White Hart Lane.

But Southgate, who smashed Boro's transfer record to land Brazilian striker Afonso Alves on the final day of the transfer window, is adamant Woodgate's comments were wide of the mark.

Wrong

He told The People: "He got it wrong. We have ambition.

"It didn't bother me that he said he was working for a proper manager now. I am a young guy learning his trade. Juande Ramos is experienced.

"The ambition of the club was an issue. But I think he got it wrong.

"Spending £12million on a player is proof to anybody that there is ambition here."