Jonathan Woodgate named new Boro head coach on a 3-year deal

Jonathan Woodgate has been announced as Middlesbrough FC's head coach on a three-year contract.

Jonathan Woodgate, who served as Tony Pulis' first-team coach, has been appointed the new head coach of Middlesbrough FC.

The 39-year-old has signed a three-year contract following Pulis's departure from the club at the end of last season, having failed to guide Boro to the Championship play-offs.

Former Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Robbie Keane joins the Boro coaching team, combining his role at the Republic of Ireland with his Boro position.

A club statement said, "Middlesbrough Football Club are delighted to confirm that Jonathan Woodgate will head up a new-look senior coaching team."

"Jonathan has been appointed as the club’s new head coach and has agreed a three-year contract."

"Our former captain will be joined by his ex-Leeds and Tottenham team-mate, and current Republic of Ireland assistant manager Robbie Keane, Leo Percovich, who was previously on the coaching staff at the club from 2013-2017, and one-time Boro man Danny Coyne, as goalkeeping coach."

"There was huge interest in the coaching positions following the departure of Tony Pulis and in a robust process the club spoke with a number of potential candidates both in the UK and abroad."

"It was during this procedure that it became clear that Jonathan was the outstanding candidate to head up the new structure, and his staff bring a wealth of experience and knowledge."

"Jonathan’s vision is very much aligned to our own for the club as we look to develop a new identity."

Jonathan Woodgate made 112 appearances for Boro before retiring in 2016 to take a job working for the Boro academy.

Woodgate later had a spell working as a scout for Liverpool, before returning to Boro in March 2017 to join Steve Agnew's coaching staff, where he has also had a spell working with the club’s Under-18s before being appointed the first-team coach by Tony Pulis.