Gareth Southgate remained in defiant mood following Middlesbrough's relegation from the Premier League, insisting he was the right man to lead the club back into the top flight.
Boro only had a faint chance of staying up on the final day of the season and, although other results went their way, they suffered a 2-1 defeat at West Ham.
It brought an 11-year stay in the Premier League to an end but Southgate promised not to dwell on the disappointment for too long.
"We have flirted with relegation for many of the 11 years we have been in the division and unfortunately the sands of time have run out on us today," he told Sky Sports.
"But we have a strong football club and we have very loyal support.
"Tonight we will grieve for what has happened and tomorrow we will come out fighting again."
Southgate has yet to discuss his future with chairman Steve Gibson but is keen to stay in charge and plans to make changes to his squad if given the opportunity.
He said: "Nothing else has been discussed with the chairman. I have to sit down with him and sort out what will happen.
"It will be a tough challenge. We cannot assume that what we have got at the moment will be enough to get us out.
"We will have to improve on what we are now and we are ready to make those changes."
Asked if he would like to stay, Southgate confirmed: "Yes I would.
"We have flirted with relegation for the last five years and unfortunately we have had to reduce everything each season which makes it more delicate and this season we have been punished."
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