MIDDLESBROUGH first team coach Steve Agnew has offered an insight into Gareth Southgate’s methods on the training ground by comparing the Middlesbrough manager to Guus Hiddink.

With Boro’s Premier League future hanging by a thread ahead of Monday night’s vital Tyne-Tees derby with Newcastle United, Southgate’s position has been questioned by supporters.

But with chairman Steve Gibson standing by his third managerial appointment, and Southgate under the impression that he will still be in charge regardless of what division Middlesbrough are in next season, Agnew has revealed the extent of the dedication his boss has for the job.

“I know for a fact, as a member of staff who works alongside him, how much effort and time and analysis goes in to preparation for games,” said Agnew. “When I listen to John Terry talking about how thorough Guus Hiddink I think ‘but we do that every week’.

“Gareth’s the best manager I’ve ever worked under as player or coach – without any doubt. He’ll be the first to admit he’s got a lot to learn but for me he’s the best and we just want to continue working with him.

“We have a philosophy here that’s shared by the coaching staff, players and supporters that we want the game to be played in the right way – passing and moving the ball.

“We’re also fully aware that this game is about winning, but I’m not sure the remaining games are about being pleasing on the eye – we have to win games anyhow.”

Such will be the intensity at St James’ Park on Monday it is difficult to imagine anything other than a full-throttle derby – even if both sets of players have failed to live up to the occasion on so many outings this season.

But with Middlesbrough and Newcastle level on points, three adrift of Hull who play Stoke tomorrow, there will be no excuses for anaemic individual displays in a fixture where defeat would leave relegation a near certainty.

“If I’m totally honest I’m surprised to see all three clubs struggling,” said Agnew, a former Sunderland player.

“There is so much passion for football in the North-East from all.

“But more than anything it’s the passion of the supporters that sets this region apart. I firmly believe the fans of Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland are the most passionate in the country.

“Traditionally it’s always been like that. It’s very disappointing that all three have struggled this season. But it’s all about how we get out of this situation at Middlesbrough.

“We have good relationships with the likes of Newcastle, and all of the North- East clubs. You’ve got to be realistic and one or even two of the local clubs could be going down. All we can focus on is getting our club out of this situation.”

With just 12 goals and two wins from their last 23 league matches, it does not take too much research to look for the major reasons why Boro are in such a dreadful position with three matches to go.

But, despite such a poor record, the backroom team at the Riverside are in no mood to give up on survival just yet.

“You have to be able to handle the pressure and as a coaching staff we’ve pulled together to do that,” Agnew.

“We have remained positive throughout this and that runs from the manager right through to Malcolm Crosby, Colin Cooper and Stephen Pears.

“We’re a tight-knit group and we work together we just hope all the hard work we’ve put in over the season pays off.

“Gareth is young but I don’t agree when people say he’s inexperienced at Premier League level it’s his third season.

“Other managers are older and have more experience of managing in different leagues but I think he has a manner and dignity that he goes about his business in a totally professional way.”

Boro defender Rhys Williams, meanwhile, has returned to the relegation strugglers rather than playing in Burnley’s push for the Premier League.

Williams, 20, has been on loan at Turf Moor but under the terms of the agreement – which can’t be extended – sees him back on Teesside as Burnley prepare for the Championship play-offs.