ALAN FETTIS will play a leading role in Middlesbrough’s pursuit of a new number one goalkeeper following his arrival from Manchester United.

Fettis was confirmed as Boro’s new goalkeeping coach earlier this week, replacing Ian Bennett, who left at the end of last season.

The former Northern Ireland international boasts extensive experience, having made almost 500 senior appearances as a player before entering into a coaching career that saw him work at Sunderland before moving to Manchester United.

He worked with the likes of David de Gea and Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford, and also played a pivotal role in the development of Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone, and has taken on a key role as part of Boro’s senior coaching team.

He was involved in the discussions that led to Liam Roberts joining from Northampton, and is a key part of the ongoing talks over the identity of Boro’s new number one.

The Teessiders have held talks over Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow and Leicester City’s Daniel Iversen, and also have an interest in Tom Heaton, who worked with Fettis at Manchester United last season.

“He (Fettis) is going to be part of the recruitment process,” said Wilder. “I’ve always tried to have that with my goalkeeper coaches. It’s a specialist subject and specialist position now, and so important to the team.

“So, is Alan part of the senior management? Yeah. He’s played football at a good level and been involved at one of the best clubs in the world.

“He was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson and has worked with and helped improve some fabulous goalkeepers as well. I’m all-inclusive from a staff point of view in terms of how we get to the finishing line. Alan will be involved in all aspects.”

Once the season begins, Fettis’ main responsibility will be coaching and improving Boro’s goalkeeping contingent, and his appointment reflects Wilder’s determination to make changes from last season’s situation, when goalkeeping errors damaged his side’s hopes of making the play-offs.

Joe Lumley, Sol Brynn and Zach Hemming have all departed, with Luke Daniels also understood to be available for offers, with Fettis’ arrival part of a much broader overhaul.

“In terms of recruitment and the work that goes into that, he will play a key role in all of that, continued Wilder. “And then, with the coaching, it’s such an important role now and has evolved a lot.

“Goalkeepers can start your attacks now, and we’ll be working heavily on that. Ultimately, they’ve got to make some big saves as well, and hopefully Al will help make sure they’re ready to do that.”