Middlesbrough coaching role for former Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate

Jonathan Woodgate has rejoined struggling Premier League outfit Middlesbrough as a first-team coach.
Jonathan WoodgateJonathan Woodgate
Jonathan Woodgate

Woodgate, who made eight appearances for England during his playing career, finished his playing career at Middlesbrough in May last year after playing just once in the North East club's promotion-winning campaign.

The 37-year-old's appointment follows the arrivals of coaches Joe Jordan and Paul Jenkins as caretaker boss Steve Agnew rebuilds the backroom staff following Aitor Karanka's dismissal earlier this month.

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Agnew said: “Jonathan is someone who we know very well, and who in turn knows this club inside and out.

“He brings a wealth of experience from the highest level of the game, and he’s a fantastic character. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Woodgate, who won eight caps for England, started his career at boyhood club Boro before attracting the attention of Leeds as a teenager.

The defender helped Leeds win the FA Youth Cup in 1997 before a transition into the senior side the following year, where he made 104 appearances for the Whites.

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He left Elland Road in 2003 following a £10m switch to Newcastle.

Real Madrid then swooped for the defender just one season later but he only made nine appearances for the Spanish giants in three seasons and returned to Middlesbrough in 2006.

The defender also had spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City prior to moving back to Boro in 2012.