[1] Managers linked to take over as new Boro boss included Terry Venables,[2] Martin O'Neill, Tony Mowbray and Alan Curbishley,[3] with Steve Gibson expecting whoever took over to achieve a Champions League place in the near future.
Southgate signed a five-year contract and decided to finish his playing career, at the age of 35, to focus entirely on his new job.
[7] However, at a Premier League meeting on 22 November 2006, Southgate was granted a dispensation to continue in his role until the end of the season, during which time it was announced that he will study for the Uefa Pro A Licence.
[8] Several players, including Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink[9] and Doriva[10] left the club at the end of the previous season, and Franck Queudrue was sold to Fulham for £3 million.
[14] Charlton Athletic's Jamaican international striker Jason Euell was signed on the final day of the transfer window.
[15] Lee Dong-Gook arrived from Pohang Steelers in the January transfer window, while Ray Parlour,[16] Ugo Ehiogu[17] and Massimo Maccarone[18] all left the club for free.
[42] Middlesbrough ultimately finished 12th in the table with 46 points, winning twelve, drawing ten and losing sixteen matches - slightly better than last season, but their dismal form in the early and late part of the season prevented them from attaining an even higher position and at one time put them in danger of being relegated.
It was a nerve-wrecking 2–2 draw, with Boro winning 5–4 on penalties, presenting them with a tie at the Riverside with former player Tony Mowbray's West Brom.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck from the spot to force a replay, won by Manchester United 1–0 and ending Boro's run.
Due to every possible match going to a replay, Middlesbrough actually played more FA Cup games than Liverpool had in the competition the previous season, when they emerged as winners.
First team coach Steve Round left the club on 15 December 2006 following a "difference in philosophy and ideas" with Gareth Southgate, and was replaced by Colin Cooper.