Introduction to Sir Gareth Southgate’s New Chapter
Monday 03 November 2025 10:48 am
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 30: Sir Gareth Southgate is seen in the Royal Box prior to the Gentlemen’s Singles first round match between Fabio Fognini of Italy and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain on day one of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Sir Gareth Southgate insists he is happy to keep a return to football management on ice and focus on delivering lessons in leadership to business and wider society.
Southgate walked away from the England job after eight years in 2024, having taken the team to two major finals in a spell noted for repairing the team’s culture as well as improved results.
The 55-year-old has been periodically linked with club jobs, including Manchester United, but maintains that he currently has little inclination to return to football’s front line.
Southgate has written a book on leadership entitled Dear England and continues to work on the speaker circuit, delivering the BBC’s Richard Dimbleby Lecture earlier this year.
“The great thing with England is there’s this higher purpose,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“I joined the FA to try and help English football become better, to try to help youth development in particular. I somehow stumbled into the first team manager’s job and we had a pretty good period. But I’m not desperate to stay in football. I’ve had 37 years.
“You can never say never because I’ve just seen Martin O’Neill at his age [73] go to Celtic but it’s not something that’s high on my agenda.
“I’m enjoying the work around leadership, I’m enjoying my work with young people – I’m very determined to make a difference there – so I’m very relaxed about not being in football at the moment.”
Southgate’s New Role and Interests
Since stepping down from England, Southgate has stayed somewhat connected to football by accepting a role as a Uefa technical observer but has otherwise enjoyed a break.
He is a keynote speaker for hire on “leadership, change management, teamwork, culture and resilience to the corporate and academic worlds”, and has appeared at investment summits.
Southgate believes the impact he helped to foster on the perception and culture of the England team can be applied more broadly during a period of societal polarisation.
“We had a huge disconnect with the public when we started,” he added on Radio 4’s Today Programme.
“People saw us as high-ego players but we were able to turn that around. I saw the power that the team had to bring people together of every community.
“Economically lots of places are in tough situations now and that’s going to prompt desires for change. But I have seen the ability to unite the country.”
Southgate’s Leadership Lessons
Southgate’s experience as the England manager has given him a unique perspective on leadership and teamwork. He has been able to apply these lessons to his work with young people and in the corporate world.
His book, Dear England, offers insights into his approach to leadership and how it can be applied in different contexts.
Southgate’s message is one of hope and unity, and he believes that the power of sport can be harnessed to bring people together and drive positive change.
Southgate’s Future Plans
While Southgate is not currently looking to return to football management, he is committed to continuing his work in leadership and development.
He is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and is dedicated to using his platform to promote positive change.
As he looks to the future, Southgate is excited to see the impact that his work can have on a wider scale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sir Gareth Southgate is a true leader and a role model for young people everywhere. His commitment to making a positive impact and his passion for leadership and development are an inspiration to us all.
Through his work with the England team, his book, and his speaking engagements, Southgate is spreading a message of hope and unity that can be applied in many different contexts.
As he continues on his journey, it will be exciting to see the impact that he has on the world of sport and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Sir Gareth Southgate’s current role?
A: Southgate is currently a Uefa technical observer and a keynote speaker on leadership and development.
Q: What is the title of Southgate’s book?
A: Southgate’s book is entitled Dear England.
Q: What is Southgate’s message to young people?
A: Southgate’s message is one of hope and unity, and he believes that the power of sport can be harnessed to bring people together and drive positive change.
Q: Is Southgate looking to return to football management?
A: Southgate is not currently looking to return to football management, but is instead focused on his work in leadership and development.
Q: What is Southgate’s goal for the future?
A: Southgate’s goal is to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young people and to use his platform to promote positive change.
