Southgate wants top-flight return

Southgate has been Middlesbrough boss since 2006

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate says he is determined to win promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.

In a special BBC Tees phone-in, Southgate said everyone at the club has their sights set on an immediate return to the top flight after relegation.

"We realise that we're under pressure to try to get back the in Premier League at the first attempt," he said.

"But that's the sole focus of everyone at the club."

I take full responsibility for what happened last season

Gareth Southgate

The Boro boss added: "It will be very difficult because there's some good quality teams in the league and I would think it'll be the most competitive of all the leagues.

"It will take 10 months of hard work and dedication but, at the moment, the attitude of the players tells me they are ready for that challenge.

"I'm only prepared to have players who have pride in playing for the shirt because we won't be able to carry anybody."

Southgate has faced strong criticism from sections of the Middlesbrough supporters following their relegation from the Premier League in May.

But despite the heartbreak of losing their top-flight status, the former England defender insisted he was never going to walk away from the club, and accepts the blame for what happened.

He said: "I take full responsibility for what happened last season and I totally accept that there's a large percentage of our fans who wanted to see change.

"I wanted the challenge of taking the club back to the Premier League but I know that I've got to get results very quickly.

"I know that I'm on the back foot with the supporters but I care passionately about this football club, I believe that we can get back up and I will give every ounce of sweat and blood to make sure that happens."

Southgate also confirmed that striker Mido is likely to move on, once the club receive a suitable offer for the Egyptian international.

"There is some interest in him and at the moment talks are on going," he said.

"He has expressed a desire to move on and if we find an offer that's acceptable to us, we'll allow that to happen.

The full Gareth Southgate phone-in on BBC Tees can be heard on the BBC iPlayer.