Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has paid tribute to Bryan Robson after his treatment by FA Cup opponents Sheffield United last week.

"It probably doesn't make our job tomorrow any easier because, as we know, the supporters at Sheffield United were a bit anti-Bryan and with the new man (Kevin Blackwell) going in, they will presumably have a new lease of life, however temporary," he said.

"We have had Sheffield United watched for four or five weeks. We respect them greatly - they have got a lot of players with Premier League experience and some good players there.

"It's sad for Bryan. He did so much for this football club in his time here. Bryan, initially, along with the chairman, is the person who put this club on the map.

"Without his profile, I don't think they would have been able to attract the like of Fabrizio Ravanelli and Juninho."

He added: "He oversaw the move to the new stadium and the move to this training ground (Rockliffe Park). A lot of the work he did here was overlooked when he left, but not by the people here.

"He was very popular with everybody here behind the scenes. They all enjoyed working with him, and we are very sad to see him lose his job in this way."