Middlesbrough have announced Jonathan Woodgate will be their new manager for the upcoming campaign via their official website.
The 39-year old has made his first steps into management with his boyhood club, agreeing a three year deal with Middlesbrough.
Along with Woodgate, Republic of Ireland and Tottenham legend Robbie Keane will join his backroom staff, taking up the role as Assistant Manager. Also, former Goalkeeper Coach and fan favourite Leo Percovich, who was on Aitor Karanka’s team, has returned to the club in an unconfirmed role. Leo will not return to goalkeeping coach, with former-Boro man Danny Coyne taking that position.
MFC are delighted to confirm that Jonathan Woodgate will head up a new-look senior coaching team 🔴⚪️ #UTB
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) June 14, 2019
The report claims the club’s hierarchy went through a ‘robust process’, speaking with ‘a number of potential candidates both in the UK and abroad’. Rumours circulated in recent weeks of who exactly Chairman Steve Gibson had interviewed, including the likes of John Terry, Slavisa Jokanovic and Jorge Simao.
Woodgate has been described as ‘the perfect candidate’ and had impressed when giving his vision for the club under his tenure, with the club statement reading: ‘Jonathan’s vision is very much aligned to our own for the club as we look to develop a new identity.’
The experience of previous manager Tony Pulis seriously differs from that of Woodgate’s, who has never managed at senior level in his career. He has a wealth of experience within his playing days however, starring for Leeds United, Newcastle, Tottenham and Real Madrid amongst others.
He will take charge of his first training sessions ahead of pre-season next month.
