JONATHAN Woodgate has made a return to coaching, taking on a new role at Middlesbrough.

Former Cherries boss Woodgate has not been employed by a club since leaving his position on the south coast when his contract expired in June 2021.

The ex-Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and England defender joined Cherries as first-team coach under Jason Tindall in February 2021, replacing the outgoing Graeme Jones.

But, within two days, Woodgate was thrust into the role as interim head coach, after Tindall was sacked.

Having won three and drawn one of his five games in temporary charge, including guiding Cherries into the FA Cup quarter-finals, Woodgate was given the job of head coach on a permanent basis, signing a deal until the end of the 2020-21 season.

One of Woodgate's first acts as permanent boss saw him hire Gary O'Neil as first team coach, who has subsequently gone on to take charge of the first team on an interim basis himself.

A six-match winning run towards the end of the campaign saw Cherries secure their spot in the play-offs, where they were beaten 3-2 over two legs by Brentford in the semi-finals.

Woodgate subsequently left Cherries upon the expiry of his contract and was replaced by Scott Parker.

Since, the 42-year-old has been working in punditry, regularly commentating for the BBC.

Prior to joining Cherries, Woodgate's only managerial experience came during his year-long stint in charge of hometown club Middlesbrough.

And he has now returned to Boro, to work as a first team coach, underneath new boss Michael Carrick.

It is the former Manchester United man's first permanent role in management, although he did have a brief spell as caretaker boss of the Red Devils last season.

Woodgate and Carrick played alongside each other for the England national team.

Boro were on the lookout for a new boss, after sacking Chris Wilder earlier this month, with the club struggling towards the wrong end of the Championship table.