Southgate tipped for managementFulham manager Chris Coleman hopes his old Crystal Palace defensive partner Gareth Southgate will one day continue their friendship as rival managers.
Coleman, 35, is into his third season as Fulham manager but Southgate, just a few months younger, is still Boro's `Mr Dependable' in defence.
Coleman admitted: "I do not know how much longer he will go on as a player but for me he has the perfect temperament to be a manager. And you need temperament.
"He is a perfect professional, he is really dedicated and he is a lovely lad.
"Like me I am sure he wants to stay in the game. I always wanted to try management eventually and I was lucky because I got a Premiership chance straight away. Normally you have to go through the system.
"But people used to look at managers and think of a stereotype. You know, collar and tie, suit on every day, briefcase and so on. But I think the game is changing. You have a lot of younger, tracksuit managers now.
"David Moyes at Everton is only about 40, Alan Pardew at West Ham just a few years older. There are lots of examples and I think Gareth could be another of them.
"If he has a bit of belief in himself I would certainly recommend it. Sure, I was lucky getting a big job straight away but you can't be lucky for two-and-a-half years keeping a smallish club in the Premiership.
"I am proud of the job I have done and although I am still always learning I love doing what I am doing."
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