WITHOUT trying to appear Scrooge-like, Gareth Southgate last night claimed Christmas has been cancelled at his North Yorkshire home as he strives to turnaround Middlesbrough's fortunes.

Southgate's first festive fixture list in management is destined to be spent away from his family while he looks to make inroads on changing personnel and results at the Riverside Stadium.

A run of six matches without a win has left Boro level on points with third from bottom West Ham in the Premiership, only goal difference keeps them from dropping into the relegation zone.

It is hardly the start Southgate must have dreamt about when he accepted the job offer from chairman Steve Gibson while he was on holiday in Florida in June.

And it would inevitably worsen if points do not arrive from a programme that starts tomorrow with the visit of Charlton.

Southgate is more than aware, and has informed his family of the consequences. "There will be no Christmas in my house!" he said.

"That is how it is with the job being all-consuming. I get a newspaper and just have time to read the back page. You lose touch with what is happening in the real world.

"With it being my first year and getting used to what is happening, it takes more time up. But I have people around me helping.

"There is nothing else in my life but football. Which is a bit sad. The last time I saw the family they were OK about it! It is the sort of job where your family suffers. My wife always knew that and we are working together to make sure it doesn't affect the kids. It is all-consuming."

Middlesbrough travel to Everton on Christmas Day, ahead of the Boxing Day meeting at Goodison Park, and there is a feeling at the Riverside they need to head there with three points from tomorrow's game.

Good results from those and another at Blackburn on December 30 would ensure they see in the New Year in a whole different light.

It will also, once the visit of Sheffield United is out of the way on January 1, help in the extensive recruitment process Southgate is looking to carry out in the month-long transfer window.

He is looking to move on Massimo Maccarone and Gaizka Mendieta, while Fabio Rochemback could also still move back to Sporting Lisbon if the Portuguese club get their way.

And Southgate - who could also have to deal with attention from West Ham and Newcastle United for Stuart Parnaby and Chris Riggott respectively - will be looking to strengthen.

"There is a need for change," said Southgate, now being referred to by his players as 'gaffer' rather than Gareth he asked to be called when he first took charge.

"January is not an easy month to do business. It is important to make changes if it improves the club. All circumstances are different. There is a need for change. If guys are not in the team they will be wanting to play.

"We have no offers for any of the players. It is all a bit speculative. There are players who I would not want to lose.

"We have highlighted potential targets but there are no bids on the table yet. I can't be more specific."

Southgate will at least be boosted against Charlton by the return of both Emanuel Pogatetz and Jonathan Woodgate, while midfielder Jason Euell is back in training after an ankle problem.

But Abel Xavier is still struggling with a similar problem and Southgate hopes to have him involved on Boxing Day. Robert Huth remains weeks away from recovery from his foot problem.