‘Pretty sure’ – Gareth Southgate tipped to take new job in summer by key ally

It would be a ‘tragedy’ if former England manager Gareth Southgate didn’t return to management.

And talkSPORT have been told he may well make a comeback to the touchline next summer.

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That’s the view of Andy Woodman, who has known him since he was 14 years old and was best man at his wedding.

Southgate hasn’t taken a coaching role since leaving the England job in July 2024.

The former Premier League defender spent eight years in the position, leading his nation to two European Championship finals.

Both were lost as the Three Lions missed the opportunity for immortality in 2021 and 2024, beaten by Italy and Spain, respectively.

To get them there, Southgate had succeeded were so many had failed and united a nation – and a squad full of club rivals.

As such, his stock has remained high, despite not taking another job in the 18 months since his England exit.

Manchester United have previously been linked to an interest in Southgate.

It was believed that he, along with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola were potential replacements for the sacked Ruben Amorim.

He has also recently been linked to a return to management by Premier League legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, his teammate at Middlesbrough, with Man United mooted as a great landing spot.

When queried if he was surprised Southgate hadn’t been targeted by a top club, the Dutchman told talkSPORT: “In a way, yes but on the other hand, no.

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“He will take his time, he’s a very smart guy.

“I think it has to be right for him, the feeling has to be really good, he’s not going to jump into something quickly.

“I think personally he would be great at Man United because he’s good with the press, he’s good with the players and he knows the game inside out.

“He would stabilise them. He wouldn’t be up and down like Amorim was.

“I think he would be great but does he want to take it if he was offered it? I don’t know.”

And now Woodman, currently Bromley manager in League Two, insists he’s hopeful Southgate will return soon.

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“Yeah, I hope so. I hope so,” he told talkSPORT.

“I think it would be a real shame if Gareth isn’t involved in football. You know, we know him personally. I’ve known him all my life. But he’s a football person and a good person.

“I think for him not to be involved in football in any capacity would be a real tragedy.

“We don’t need someone like him, another good English coach, going out the game.

“I’m sure you’ll see him, hopefully, back in the summer somewhere. I’m pretty sure, you know, he’ll turn up somewhere.”