MIDDLESBROUGH have confirmed Jonathan Woodgate as their new head coach.

Woodgate has signed a three-year deal to take over at the Riverside and replace former boss Tony Pulis.

The former skipper will be joined by his former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate, Robbie Keane, who has agreed to combine a senior coaching role at Middlesbrough with his current job as the assistant manager of Republic of Ireland.

The Northern Echo: Robbie Keane during his time as Republic of Ireland assistant manager. Picture: Simon Galloway/PA Wire/PA ImagesRobbie Keane during his time as Republic of Ireland assistant manager. Picture: Simon Galloway/PA Wire/PA Images

Leo Percovich also returns to the coaching staff, after previously working at Rockliffe Park under Aitor Karanka, while another former employee, Danny Coyne, has been appointed as Boro's new goalkeeping coach.

Woodgate's appointment as head coach completes a remarkable journey for the 39-year-old, who was a boyhood Boro fan who watched the club at Ayresome Park.

The centre-half had two playing spells on Boro's books, and enjoyed a stellar playing career that also saw him represent Leeds United, Newcastle United, Tottenham, Real Madrid and England.

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He worked as a senior first-team coach under Pulis last season, and will now take his first steps into frontline management with his hometown club.

A Middlesbrough statement said: "There was huge interest in the coaching positions following the departure of Tony Pulis and in a robust process the club spoke with a number of potential candidates both in the UK and abroad.

"It was during this procedure that it became clear that Jonathan was the outstanding candidate to head up the new structure, and his staff bring a wealth of experience and knowledge.

"Jonathan’s vision is very much aligned to our own for the club as we look to develop a new identity."