There Were Others

Luke Young today confirmed, in a press conference, that there were other teams interested in signing him, but he chose Boro because Gareth Southgate assured him that he would be first choice and because he believed that Boro's strong English squad would help his chances with Steve McClaren's England squad.
"I see Middlesbrough as a big club and the fact that Jonathan Woodgate and Stewart Downing are here means the England manager will be watching them play. From what I've seen already over the last couple of days, there are a lot of good young English players here as well."
Young also told of how it was a very tough decision for him to leave Charlton, but he thanked the club for not standing in his way as he looked for a return to the Premiership.
Boro boss, Gareth Southgate, added "He's been captain of his previous club so he's a leader. He ticks all the boxes and I was very pleased we were able to secure the deal in the manner we did."I know Charlton would ideally have kept him but credit to them, they felt he had been a good servant to them so they let him go."