WILL England's loss be Middlesbrough's gain ?

One thing's for sure, the Premiership has certainly got lucky, in my humble view.

Terry Venables is back and coming to a ground near you, unless you happen to support all but 20 of the country's 92 League clubs.

El Tel's appointment as Boro's new coach alongside beleaguered boss Bryan Robson should breathe new life into a flagging top-flight season.

Manchester United have already got the title in the bag, while the usual suspects are gathering near the foot of the table.

So at least Venables's return to club football will provide some extra interest in the relegation dog-fight.

Love him or loathe him, and I fall nearer the first category than the second, Venables adds a dash of colour and charisma to the game.

He might be a Cockney wide boy who has sailed pretty close to the wind in some of his business dealings but he will bring some extra vim and vigour to the domestic scene for the next six months before moving in alongside Des Lynam for ITV's version of Match of the Day.

And by appointing the former Spurs and England boss, Boro have given themselves a chance of featuring on next season's Premiership highlights programme.

Many of those far better equipped than me to comment recognise Venables as an outstanding coach and tactician. And given that Boro's training ground is to be his new work-place the struggling Teessiders should get the best out of one of the game's great survivors.

Of course, his appointment could never have been straight-forward.

A will-he, won't-he saga allied to plenty of column inches in the tabloids was for more in keeping with the Venables way. And in the drama to come, who's to say he won't guarantee a thrilling end for Boro.