Middlesbrough have confirmed former defender Jonathan Woodgate as their new manager on a three-year contract. The 39-year-old replaces Tony Pulis, who left following the end of the season.
Jonathan Woodgate New Middlesbrough Manager
MFC are delighted to confirm that Jonathan Woodgate will head up a new-look senior coaching team ?⚪️ #UTB
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) June 14, 2019
Jonathan Woodgate – Playing Career
The Middlesbrough-born defender began his career in the academy. However, he left at an early age to join Leeds United. He made 104 appearances for Leeds, before departing for the north-east again to join Newcastle United.
Woodgate then spent two years with Newcastle United and a year with Spanish giants Real Madrid before returning home to Middlesbrough. He first returned on loan, before signing a four-year deal in April 2007.
However, Jonathan Woodgate only lasted a further nine months at Middlesbrough as he joined Tottenham Hotspur in January 2008. It was at Tottenham where he won his only silverware as a player. He scored the winning goal as Tottenham defeated Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final.
Woodgate and Middlesbrough would eventually be reunited once more though, as he signed a three-year contract in 2012. He made 57 appearance, before retiring in 2015.
Woodgate also had a short international career with England, making a total of eight appearances.
The former central defender did suffer a number of recurring injuries throughout his career. Speaking to BBC Sport in 2013, he believes the injuries stopped from achieving his full potential.
Coaching Career
Middlesbrough will be Jonathan Woodgate’s first job as a manager. However, he has been part of the coaching set-up under two previous managers. He was an assistant coach to Steve Agnew during their last spell in the Premier League. Woodgate held the same role under the previous manager, Pulis.
It is expected that former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane will join Woodgate as his assistant manager. The pair were former team-mates at Leeds and Tottenham.
Keane is currently assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland national team but will combine both roles.
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