Gareth Southgate: An Appreciation

Recent shot of Gareth Southgate

The divine David!

SO, Gareth Southgate has resigned as England’s football manager and suddenly, after a life of total disinterest in any sport, I am interested! My view of football at national or international level, has always been that of aforementioned disinterest, distaste and prejudice! I see football as full of under-educated, intellectually limited, working class boys with a great talent for kicking a ball around, for which they are paid, sometimes, obscene amounts of money which they never, ever seem to use even tangentially, on say, improving life for their communities. There ARE honourable exceptions like the wonderful David Beckham and the thoughtful Marcus Rashford who have obviously not forgotten

Magic Marcus

whence they came and who do things to improve the lived life of others.

In spite of my jaundiced view of the world of football, my own family members demonstrate to me the sheer power and fascination of the Game as an example of that experienced by a large proportion of the English/ British nation. My family What’s App is emblematic of this Ingerland adoration with prolonged triumphant/dejected chat during important Euro-type activity and quotes such as, “best fucking day ever!” giving a flavour of How National Football Matters. And How Much!

Southgate quote.

And so to Gareth whose calm civilised manner in lieu of the usual frantic machismo on display, had impressed me already but whose eloquent Dear England letter in June, totally, bowled me over! I have discovered a new-found respect for football, not a sentence I ever anticipated writing. His letter was written originally in response to the booing by fans when players were taking the knee in tribute to Black Lives Matter. It is worth noting that, in spite of decades of powerful awareness campaigns, education initiatives, gestures and symbols, sport still has a Big Racist Problem. Dear England shows us an intellectually philosophical man, brave, honest, pragmatic and a gifted writer. I was stunned to read it as my firm prejudices took a fatal battering and below, I supply one or two sentences/paragraphs of Southgate prose which particularly impresses as he calmly tackles nationalism, racism, inequality, community, responsibility, cross-generational inclusion.

"I tell them [team members] when you go out there, in this shirt, you have the opportunity to produce moments that people will remember forever. … You are part of an experience that lasts in the collective consciousness of our country.”

Gareth with Cole Palmer of the England team.

“You remember where you were watching England games. And who you were watching with. And who you were at the time."

“For me personally, my sense of identity and values is closely tied to my family and particularly my grandad. He was a fierce patriot and a proud military man who served during World War 11…. The idea of representing “Queen and country” has always been important to me.”

“I have a responsibility to the wider community to use my voice, and so do the players. It’s their duty to continue to interact with the public on matters such as equality, inclusivity, and racial injustice, while using the power of their voices to help put debates on the table, raise awareness and educate.”

“For many of that younger generation, your notion of Englishness is quite different from my own. I understand that, too. I understand that on this island, we have a desire to protect our values and traditions – as we should – but that shouldn’t come at the expense of introspection and progress.”

Southgate with Jadon Sancho of England.

“However, there are things I will never understand. Why would you tag someone in on a conversation that is abusive? Why would you choose to insult somebody for something as ridiculous as the colour of their skin? Why?

“Unfortunately for those people that engage in that kind of behaviour, I have some bad news. You’re on the losing side. It’s clear to me that we are heading for a much more tolerant and understanding society, and I know our lads will be a big part of that.”

There is such a personal feeling to Southgate’s letter; he has clearly thought through his own philosophy. Here are his dearly-held opinions and feelings and he is really telling us his story from humble beginnings to reflective father-figure and national football manager who cares deeply about ‘his lads’, his patriotism and values, his standards and honesty. From this letter, we know he is a man proud to represent his country and our country. There is so much about Gareth’s character, capabilities and example one might extol, but a quote from Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis on X seems to sum up his achievements rather well:

Prince William paying tribute as Gareth dutifully
clasps his hands in thanks.

“Gareth Southgate’s greatest achievement was not on the pitch, but in the standard that he has set for how a role-model and representative of our county should conduct themselves. In a job which has subjected him to a degree of national scrutiny and criticism that most people will never appreciate, he has been a real mensch ***, remaining dignified, respectful and considerate throughout. His legacy will be a generation of young people who have learned from him that leadership is primarily about decency, integrity and bringing honour to others. That is worth more to our country than any trophy. The crown of a good name supersedes all. Thank you, Gareth.” 

***In Yiddish, mensch means 'a good person.' The word has become part of American English where  it signifies a particularly good person, a person with the qualities one would hope for in a friend or trusted colleague. A person of honour and integrity.

 

Farewell Ingerland