GARETH SOUTHGATE is determined to reward Steve Gibson for the faith he has shown in him by pushing Boro to a new level next season.

The boss was full of praise for the chairman after seeing his side guaranteed Premier League safety in the penultimate game of the season.

"It's been a draining experience for everybody. Players in the dressing room have rallied when times have been tough and most pleasing is the chairman's faith in me.

"He didn't react the way other chairmen were doing in the early part of the season.

"We've rewarded him by keeping the club in this division and now we have to take the club forward."

Although the Boro boss believed in his own ability and was confident of getting Boro safe, he did admit there were times when he feared for his job.

"When times are difficult, that is when the chairman is at his most supportive. But when you look around see what's happening everywhere else it makes you think twice from time to time.

"I have to accept that there were stages in the season where if he had turned round and said, 'Thank very much but enough's enough', then I could have had no complaints.

"I'm delighted for him because he's given me an opportunity here, knowing that I'm lacking experience.

"But I'm picking that up all the time and I'm determined to reward the faith he has had in me."