Jonathan Woodgate and Robbie Keane reunite on Boro coaching staff

This isn’t an article about Tottenham Hotspur, but it is an article about two former Spurs players who are still remembered fondly in north London. Today, Championship side Middlesbrough announced that they have appointed former Boro, Leeds, and Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate as their new Head Coach. Former Tottenham and Ireland striker Robbie Keane joins Woody as an assistant coach on Boro’s staff.

“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.”

—Statement, Middlesbrough Football Club

Woody’s been a Boro fan for a long time — he was born in Middlesbrough and spent some time in their youth academy as well two stints at Boro as a senior player, where he made over 100 appearances, so this appointment makes sense. Since his retirement as a player, Woodgate has been coaching at Boro, heading up their academy and serving as an assistant coach. This is Woodgate’s first managerial appointment and takes place after Tony Pulis resigned at the end of last season after Boro narrowly missed the Championship playoffs.

Former Irish international striker and Tottenham legend Keane joins Woodgate as an assistant coach. Keane and Woodgate were part of the Tottenham team that lifted the League Cup back in 2008 (with the winning goal headed in by Woodgate), and the two are reportedly good friends. This is the third time

Tottenham’s social media team noted the appointment and wished them good luck.

If you’re looking for a Championship club next season to follow, Middlesbrough Hotspur might just be one you’ll want to keep an eye on!