Gareth Southgate feels it was an 'achievement' that Middlesbrough were close to signing Alan Smith.
Boro boss still aims to strengthen
Gareth Southgate feels it was an 'achievement' that Middlesbrough were close to signing Alan Smith.
The England striker has signed for Newcastle United from Manchester United and marked his Magpies debut with the winner against Sampdoria on Sunday.
But Smith also gave serious thought to a move to Middlesbrough, according to Riverside boss Southgate.
And the Boro manager has gleaned encouragement from his club's efforts to sign Smith as he looks to strengthen his squad before the start of the season.
Desperate to succeed
"I spoke with him and we were in there right until the very end," said Southgate in the Daily Mail.
"That was quite an achievement in that obviously we weren't offering the same transfer package as other teams who fell by the wayside much earlier.
"But Alan felt his career opportunities were better at Newcastle.
"We would ideally like to bring in a couple more players if we can.
"We have to cut our cloth accordingly and the gates we get will have an impact, so we are appealing to fans.
"We are desperate to succeed and we need the fans with us."
