Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has admitted the club's relegation battle is beginning to take its toll on his and his players' morale.

Saturday's 1-0 defeat by fellow strugglers Stoke means Boro are now four points from safety and Southgate can sense hope slipping away.

"It's very difficult to be positive about the situation, as that was a significant result," he told BBC Tees.

"We knew the pitfall of losing here, we have eight games to save ourselves."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version