Jonathan Woodgate confirmed as Middlesbrough head coach on three-year deal

Jonathan Woodgate is the head coach of Middlesbrough after agreeing a three-year contract with the Sky Bet Championship side, with Robbie Keane being appointed as his assistant manager.

The former England defender had been one of Tony Pulis' assistants until the Welshman left the job at the end of the season.

Woodgate's former Leeds and Tottenham team-mate Keane will join as his number two along with ex-Boro goalkeeper Danny Coyne and Leo Percovich.

A club statement read: "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."

Woodgate made 112 appearances for Middlesbrough before calling time on his playing career in 2016 to take a job in the club's academy.

The former England centre-back was unveiled as Tony Pulis' replacement at the Riverside on Friday; Woodgate says he is taking inspiration from his predecessor as well as coaches he worked with as a player prior to taking up the new role.

"He (Tony Pulis) was a superb man and I got my grounding from him," Woodgate said.

"You look at the different coaches I've worked under: Bobby Robson, Terry Venables, Harry Redknapp.

"I want to impose my style on this team. I know every single player, I know the club inside out and I know what needs to change.

"We need to get more fans in the Riverside Stadium and we can do that with the style of football we will play."

Boro finished seventh in last season's Championship, one point outside the play-off places.

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