Middlesbrough are set to announce Jonathan Woodgate as their new manager – can he battle Leeds United and co for the Championship title?
Jonathan Woodgate is looking to take inspiration from Leeds United as he prepares to begin his managerial career with Middlesbrough, according to TEAMtalk.
The 39-year-old is expected to be named as Boro’s new boss in the next few days, having spent the last two seasons working at the Riverside as the assistant coach to the departed Tony Pulis.
Woodgate, who had two spells at Middlesbrough during his playing days, appears to have fought off competition from a number of experienced coaches to land one of the most attractive jobs outside of the Premier League.
And, after a season of dire, goal-shy performances from a side coached by the arch-pragmatist Pulis, TEAMtalk claims that Woodgate wants to introduce a more attractive, attacking style – a promise that won over Boro chairman Steve Gibson.
It is understood that the former England international is keen to follow a trend set by the club where he started his career; Leeds United.
Leeds might have missed out on promotion but they enjoyed their best season in years under Marcelo Bielsa, whose free-flowing, possession based blueprint helped the club accumulate an impressive 83 points.
And with the likes of Marcus Tavernier, Lewis Wing and Britt Assombalonga on board, Woodgate has the talent at his disposal to make Middlesbrough a far better team to watch.
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