Gareth Southgate has been backed to make a surprise return to club management with former side Crystal Palace, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
The former England boss has been enjoying a lengthy break from football since stepping down from his role with the Three Lions after defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
During his time away, Southgate has continued to be linked with several high-profile vacancies, most notably the managerial position at Manchester United.
However, the 55-year-old has so far resisted the temptation to return to work and recently stressed that he is in no hurry to step back into the technical area.
Before his eight-year tenure with England, Southgate’s only previous managerial role came with Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009.
He led Boro to two mid-table Premier League finishes before suffering relegation in his third season in charge.
Southgate: ‘No passion’ for Premier League job
Speaking on The Football Boardroom Podcast, Southgate admitted he is not driven by the idea of returning to Premier League management, explaining that only a “big club” would truly tempt him.
He said:
“I’ve got no passion to just go and manage in the Premier League.
“I did that at 35 and finished 11th and 12th. Who’s in those places now? Probably Bournemouth or Brighton.
“So I don’t feel the need to do it just to say I’ve managed in the Premier League.
“I’ve had one of the biggest jobs in world football, so I’ve been spoiled – big nights, top players, and no owner interference.
“The outside narrative is, ‘Well, he didn’t win.’ So how do you show you can win? You have to go to one of those big clubs.”
Southgate came close to ending England’s long wait for a major trophy, losing in the finals of Euro 2020 and 2024.
The former Three Lions manager also said he understood why club owners might hesitate to appoint him because of the criticism surrounding those near misses.
He added:
“Do I think I could have done better than some managers who have been in those big clubs recently? Yes, I do.
“But there’s baggage that comes with appointing me if you’re an owner.
“I understand that noise, and that’s what could make me a complicated choice for a club.”
Crook: Southgate a ‘good fit’ for Palace
Although Southgate has played down the idea of returning to club football soon, that did not stop talkSPORT from discussing where he could eventually end up.
Crook quickly pointed to Crystal Palace, where Southgate began his playing career and made 191 appearances between 1988 and 1995.
The Eagles are expected to search for a new head coach after Oliver Glasner confirmed he will leave the club in the summer.
Recommending Southgate for the role, Crook said:
“I think he would be a good fit at Crystal Palace.
“He knows the club, he’ll know Steve Parish, and I think he would get the respect his record deserves there.
“But the question he has to ask himself is this – he’s had the biggest job in the country. Even though Palace has a special place in his heart, will he get the same motivation from managing Crystal Palace as he did taking England to finals?”
Southgate’s Man United credentials questioned
Despite Southgate suggesting he would be more tempted by a top-club role, Crook was unconvinced that Manchester United would be the right fit for him.
Michael Carrick is currently in interim charge of United until the end of the season after replacing Ruben Amorim following his dismissal.
Southgate has been linked with the Old Trafford job several times during his break from management, especially after both Amorim and Erik ten Hag were sacked.
Explaining why Southgate would not be his first choice, Crook said:
“I don’t think he’s a top-level manager domestically.
“Look at what happened at Middlesbrough – there’s a big difference between managing England and managing Manchester United.
“One of the things Gareth did well with England was remove ego from the dressing room.
“There’s still a lot of ego in that Manchester United dressing room.”
