By Betting Zone
May 31 2006

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson will have to step up his search for a new manager after it emerged that former Leicester City and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill rejected the oppurtunity to replace England-bound Steve McClaren.


O'Neill didn't believe he could give total committment to the club whilst caring for his ill wife and follows former England boss Terry Venables in turning down Boro.

This is a big blow to Gibson who is no closer to naming a new manager than he was when McClaren announced he was leaving to manage England.

According to The Daily Mirror and The Sun, Alan Curbishley, who left Charlton at the end of last season, is now the favourite to take over at the Riverside although Boro captain Gareth Southgate, who is a close friend of Gibson, is also in the frame.

However, Gibson has said that he wants an experienced manager at the helm which would rule out defender Southgate.

In contrast The Daily Star has said that Gibson has cooled his interest in Curbishley with the front two runners being Hibernian chief and Boro legend Tony Mowbray and Bolton manager Sam Allardyce.

Mowbray, who seems to have the backing of the fans on Teeside, would jump at the chance to manage in the Premiership and is a name who has continued to be mentioned throughout Gibson's search.

Allardyce, however, may not be as enthusiastic about the job and could well prefer to remain at the Reebok Stadium.