Southgate Steps Away: No Plans for Premier League Comeback

Gareth Southgate has made it clear he does not foresee a return to Premier League management anytime soon. Reflecting on his tenure as England manager, he admitted that by the end of his time in charge, even victories brought him little joy. Since departing from his role after England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, Southgate has stepped away from the game entirely. The last match he attended was the FA Cup final in May 2025, where his beloved Crystal Palace triumphed over Manchester City. The 56-year-old's only experience in club management was a challenging stint at Middlesbrough, which lasted nearly four years. He struggled to keep the team in the Premier League and now, during a chat on the Amol Rajan Connection podcast, he expressed a lack of interest in diving back into top-flight football. "I don’t see a scenario where I do that," Southgate stated. He shared that towards the end of his England reign, the thrill of winning began to fade. "I didn’t even enjoy the wins for any longer than a couple of minutes," he confessed, emphasizing that he has hardly watched any football since. Southgate's focus has shifted dramatically since leaving the England job. He has embarked on various new projects, including launching a podcast and hosting a BBC documentary that explores the challenges faced by young men and boys across the UK. "I’ve loved the last 18 months of my life," he said, sharing that for 37 years, his identity was tied to the outcomes of Saturday matches. Now, he relishes the opportunity to experience life beyond football. "I’ve met politicians, engaged with media professionals, and learned about leadership in diverse fields. I’ve traveled the world to gain insights. It’s refreshing to play a different role in my life," he concluded.