In 2009, Middlesbrough defeated numerous clubs’ interest in signing striker Lita on a free transfer.
Leroy Lita, a former striker for Middlesbrough, is unsurprised by Gareth Southgate’s success as England’s manager as the former Boro manager gets ready for this summer’s European Championships.
After playing for the club, Southgate started his managerial career on Teesside. In 2009, he brought Lita to Teesside when Boro defeated interest from multiple clubs to sign the former Reading forward. The club had been keeping an eye on him for some time after his successful stints at Reading and Bristol City.
And Boro jumped at the chance to sign him in 2009 when he became available on a free transfer, beating out Scottish powerhouse Celtic. Lita concedes that the “Southgate factor” played a significant role in his decision to join Middlesbrough, despite having a great two seasons at the Riverside with 20 goals in 82 appearances.
“Southgate had attempted to recruit me for a period of two years,” he revealed to the Undr the Cosh podcast. Before I arrived, I knew nothing about Middlesbrough.
“I had no idea it was that far! I went up there and we sat down and he told me about the team and his plans and all that kind of stuff. We talked for about an hour. I don’t think it’s surprising that the England team has performed so well under his leadership because he spoke so well.
You want to give your all to this manager because he is honest with you. I was sold on the club by Southgate. At the same time, I went up to Celtic and had a conversation with Gordon Strachan. It was a large club, which I liked, but I wasn’t sure if I should travel to Scotland.
“I ultimately decided to sign a Championship contract with Middlesbrough. Money was not the issue. At the time, I was offered more money by Coventry, Leicester, and Celtic. It was ultimately Southgate that made me pick Boro.
“I was at ease there, having already gotten to know a few of the guys, and everything about it, including visiting the training area, felt natural. We were a young group with a strong squad and one of the favorites to advance. It was a wise choice for me and a nice club to be a part of.
Before transferring to Swansea City in 2011 for £1.75 million, Lita played for Teesside for two seasons. despite spending three seasons in South Wales on loan at Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday, and Brighton, he only scored two goals in the Premier League. He recently left Coalville Town, a Southern League Premier Division Central team, though he is still active.
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