Middlesbrough have appointed former England defender Gareth Southgate as their new manager. The former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa player succeeds England-bound Steve McClaren.

Putting the 35-year-old in charge at the Riverside Stadium had sparked controversy as he does not have the required Uefa Pro Licence.

The League Managers' Association initially opposed the elevation of Southgate but Boro went ahead as they believe a precedent has been set by Newcastle's appointment of Glenn Roeder.

FA Premier League rules state coaches without the Pro Licence can only take charge of a club for 12 weeks but the top flight's club chairmen recently voted to allow Roeder dispensation.

Roeder had been enrolled on a Pro Licence course in the past but was forced to withdraw due to illness. He will now take the year-long course in order to be fully qualified by the end of next season.

Boro argued Southgate had been unable to acquire all his coaching qualifications because of his playing career.

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb said: "Middlesbrough and Gareth should not suffer because he has had such a successful career at club and international level.

"Until recently Gareth has spent his summers serving his country as a player. It makes little sense such players should be denied rare opportunities like the one he now has simply because he hasn't had the chance to gain the qualifications."

Boro chairman Steve Gibson has turned to Southgate, who won 57 caps for England, after talks with Terry Venables, Martin O'Neill and Alan Curbishley failed to bear fruit.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have agreed an undisclosed fee for Chelsea defender Robert Huth. Boro have also agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old German international and are awaiting his answer.

In addition, American international defender Oguchi Onyewu has been on Teesside to discuss a possible move, and Sporting Lisbon winger Roudolphe Douala could finally complete a £2million switch later this week.

Standard Liege central defender Oguchi visited the Riverside Stadium today as the club prepared to unveil Southgate, who is unlikely to play during the final year of his existing contract after being appointed manager. That has increased
the need for defensive reinforcements.