JONATHAN WOODGATE has returned to Middlesbrough as first team coach.

The former Boro defender, who retired shortly after the club's promotion in May last year, has been scouting for Liverpool in recent months.

But Woodgate, who has spoken before of a wish to coach, is back at the Riverside Stadium where he joins Steve Agnew's backroom team.

Agnew said: “Jonathan is someone who we know very well, and who in turn knows this club inside and out.

“He brings a wealth of experience from the highest level of the game, and he’s a fantastic character. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Woodgate follows Agnew’s other recent additions to his first team coaching staff.

Former Tottenham and Portsmouth coach Joe Jordan and Boro's Under-23s boss Paul Jenkins are already assisting Agnew.

Teessider Woodgate, brought up in Nunthorpe, played for Real Madrid and England. He had two spells with Middlesbrough having also had spells with Leeds, Newcastle, Tottenham and Stoke City.