Jonathan Woodgate and his Middlesbrough squad find new way to keep in touch with fans

With the country in lockdown and all football suspended as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Boro squad have taken to calling supporters who are in isolation in a bid to cheer them up.

Boro skipper George Friend was joined by Rudy Gestede, Ashley Fletcher, Britt Assomablonga, Aynsley Pears, George Saville and Daniel Ayala to surprise fans with a chat.

Friend said: “We have a fantastic community here, and that togetherness will see us fight this virus.”

Head coach Woodgate also reached out and Boro fan Neil Fox said: "My 77-year-old self-isolating father received a phone call out of the blue from Jonathan Woodgate.

"He is self-isolating at home with his family and took the time to make that call, which says a lot about the man.

“It's not something that has been done for him to receive a pat on the back but something he wanted to do. Fair play to him."

Woodgate and his players have also taken part in a Middlesbrough Council-led initiative asking people to ensure they stay home and follow government advice.

All football is suspended indefinitely in England though the Premier League and EFL are hoping to conclude the campaign when it is safe to do so.

The EFL are working on a plan to play all games behind-closed-doors over a 56-day period.

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