Jonathan Woodgate set to be named Middlesbrough manager

Woodgate is set to take his first managerial job

Jonathan Woodgate looks set to be named as the new manager of his hometown club, Middlesbrough. BBC Tees Sport reports that Woodgate, a former Middlesbrough player, is set to step up from the club's coaching staff and replace Tony Pulis, who left the Riverside last month. He is expected to be joined by Steve Round, who will act as his assistant. The 39-year-old had two spells as a Boro player in a career that also saw him represent Leeds, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Tottenham and Stoke. A former England international, Woodgate's career was hampered by injury. He eventually called time on his playing days at the end of the 2015/16 season, where he helped steer Boro back into the Premier League. Middlesbrough only lasted a season back in the top flight, relegated back to the Championship in 2017. They finished last season seventh in the division under Pulis - just outside the play-off places. Prior to returning to the club's coaching staff, Woodgate also took on a scouting role for Liverpool.