GARETH SOUTHGATE last night insisted that Steve Round's departure from the Middlesbrough coaching staff was a decision made for the good of the club - then confirmed he has asked Colin Cooper to fill in.

The Boro boss rubbished the suggestion that Round, one of the men who was alongside Steve McClaren throughout his five-year reign at the Riverside Stadium, had walked out because he had another permanent job lined up.

The departure of Middlesbrough's first-team coach has been on the cards for some time, given that he still has a close relationship with McClaren and is in contact on a regular basis.

Round's moving on has meant local hero Cooper has been given a chance to prove his credentials at first-team level after being promoted from within to take his place among Southgate's coaching staff for Monday's trip to Fulham.

Southgate took the decision after becoming increasingly frustrated with a difference in 'philosophies' on the training field between himself and one of McClaren's closest allies, a factor that has led to the ending of the former Derby coach's contract.

"I just think Steve and myself had a different way of wanting to do things," said Southgate. "I think it's important you have people that aren't just yes men - people who question what you are doing in the right way.

"It's also important that people are happy in their working environment and the atmosphere is right.

"Steve felt he was comfortable with moving on at this stage as well. There's nothing lined up for him. He will continue to work with England but I know he has nothing else lined up. It's a decision I've taken as it's important for me to have my own people in.

"You think about all the decisions long and hard. It's not enjoyable to part company with people but sometimes you have to stick to your principles and do what you think is right."

Southgate's appointment in the summer came with an instruction from chairman Steve Gibson that he had to work alongside the existing coaching staff.

And the former Middlesbrough captain will continue to work alongside Steve Harrison, Paul Barron and Malcolm Crosby, while Cooper's graduation from reserve team and Academy coach to the first team fold will fill the gap.

It is not planned for Southgate to bring another man in at this stage, but that door has been left open should he feel the need arises.

"I've been here six months and had a chance to assess the club and I felt it was important to have things working the way I want them to," said Southgate.

"It's a managerial decision that I needed to take. But I wish him every success, especially with England. There was no power struggle - I'm the manager. There was a need for change and I decided we needed to change the coaching side.

"It's never a nice thing to go through but my job is to manage this club and I have to make decisions I think is best.

"I have respect for Colin Cooper and he'll be more involved with the first team. I think a tremendous amount of him and it's important to have people you are comfortable with alongside you.

"Harrison, Barron and Crosby are very much part of the way I want to go. Colin is proud to have played and been on the coaching staff here. You have to have an affinity and that can only add to what we are trying to do here."

Having taken the brave decision to sever ties with Round, Southgate is now pushing ahead with his plans to add new players to his squad in the January transfer window.

He spoke at length about the sort of characters he was looking to bring in, with Arsenal's young striker Jeremie Aliadiere thought to be among his list of options.

But he is also aware that Round will not be the only figure in the dressing room who could move on before January 31, with Fabio Rochemback, Massimo Maccarone and Gaizka Mendieta three to be looking elsewhere.

"I want players who are hungry and ambitious and who will buy into the way of thinking here," said Southgate. "We have great ambition even though we're in the middle of a difficult season.

"We are progressing as a team and will get better - it would be a great lift for everyone if we could bring a couple of players in. I don't want to go down the route of confirming or denying (referring to being asked about interest in Aliadiere). But we are looking to strengthen.

"Massimo is not involved in the squad. It's similar to Mendi in that if he's not playing and involved in the squad it might be that you want to look elsewhere, to get some football. We've had no enquiries about any of them."

But, after renewed interest in Stewart Downing from Tottenham, Southgate reaffirmed his determination to retain the services of the England winger.

"I see his future as being here. Nobody has indicated otherwise and that's it really," said Southgate. "Anyone that has watched us this season has seen what a massive asset he is and he's coped with all the difficulties surrounding the England situation. He's been top drawer when he's been fit and firing."

Blackburn have announced an early Christmas present for Middlesbrough fans by reducing ticket prices for the last Premiership game of the year on December 30.

Adults will pay £15, senior citizens and children £5.