Former England coach Don Howe yesterday predicted the arrival of Terry Venables would create a managerial dream team for crisis-torn Middlesbrough.

Howe was part of the Euro 96 set-up that guided England to the semi-finals under the leadership of coach Terry Venables and his assistant, Bryan Robson.

And he has known Robson since signing him for West Brom as a teenager when he was manager at the Hawthorns.

Boro have offered Venables the manager's job, with Robson as his number two, until the end of the season - and Howe believes it is the perfect ticket to salvation for the Premiership's biggest under-achievers.

"They are made for each other," he said.

"Looking back to 96, they gelled perfectly. They think along the same lines, have similar views on how the game should be played and respect each other's opinion.

"I've known Bryan Robson for 30 years and from the very first day I saw him it was obvious he was a fighter, not a quitter.

"It's clear that he loves Boro. And if he thinks this is the way the club can succeed, so be it. Terry is the right choice. He has this aura about him.

"He gives off an air of optimism because his attitude is so positive."

But Howe hinted that Venables was taking his time over the decision because leaving London is a major concern. "The only problem I can see is that he's a Londoner through and through, he loves the place," he added.

"But Middlesbrough have made it clear the job is full-time - they do not now want him as a part-time manager. ''

Venables is close to saying yes to the challenge but must accept it is a seven-day job and not one to be fitted in alongside his varied business and media interests.

He spent yesterday weighing up a huge financial approach from chairman Steve Gibson against the knowledge he will have to sacrifice some of his other ventures.

Boro want a seven-days-a-week commitment from the former Tottenham and Barcelona boss, who has already indicated he is interested in the job, whether that applies only to the end of the current season or beyond.

''This is one of the biggest and most difficult decisions I have had to make in my career,'' Venables admitted.

Further discussions took place and now Boro are pressing for a quick answer as they face three away games in the next four matches which could dump them deep into trouble.

They are hoping to make an announcement today but last night a club spokesman would only say: "We have no comment. We will do so when we have something to tell the fans."

But they are desperate to complete the swoop for Venables and want him to work with Robson and his staff until the end of the season, when the whole situation will be reviewed.

Until then it is a case of crisis intervention management with Venables taking full control of the playing side of the club.

But skipper Paul Ince warned that he faces major problems.

"I don't know what's going to happen but if the players continue to make mistakes like they have been doing it won't make much difference who is in charge," said the midfielder.

"Players work and prepare on the training pitch all week and then they are supposed to carry that out on a Saturday.

"If they don't do it properly, it doesn't matter who the manager is. You can have a Cruyff, Pele or Terry Venables, if the players make these basic mistakes you're going to lose games. That's the way it is and that's the problem we've got. It's why we can't win games and only the players can put it right."

And Ince had praise for the fans at the Riverside on Saturday. ''We needed them, 2-0 down at one stage, then down to 10 men when we looked like getting back in the game. We needed the fans then and they were there for us.''

l Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt insists there are no hard feelings between himself and compatriot Patrick Vieira despite their clash during Arsenal's defeat at Elland Road on Sunday.

Vieira was one of the few Arsenal players not cautioned - they had seven booked - but there was one contentious moment during the game when he tangled with Dacourt. Dacourt declared: ''Patrick is my friend before and after the game even if, in between, everyone can see we are not that friendly. But we enjoy playing against each other. We both try to give our best for our clubs.'

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