Middlesbrough appoint ex-Leeds United and Sheffield United coach as Neil Warnock's side step up pre-season preparations

Short, who played under Boro boss Neil Warnock at Scarborough and Notts County, will take on the role of first-team fitness coach at the Riverside.

Following a playing career which included almost 300 games, Short has worked at several top clubs as part of the backroom staff, including at Blackburn, Sheffield United, Leicester, Derby and Leeds.

The 51-year-old recently worked as the head of sports science at Oxford before leaving the role in May this year.

Short will now work closely with Boro’s first-team strength and conditioning coach John Thrower.

Speaking about the addition of Short, Warnock told the club’s website: “I thought it was important to bring someone in. JT has done a great job, but it needs two people because of the amount of work we do on a fitness side.

"I think this season especially it is so important that we do everything we can to limit the muscle injuries.

“I’ve known Chris a long time, he’s very good at what he does, as is JT. We have two top class staff members here now, and that will stand us in good stead.”

Boro’s squad are set to return to pre-season training on Thursday as they gear up for the new Championship season, which is set to start away to Fulham on Saturday, August 7.

The Teessiders’ first pre-season friendly will take place at Bishop Auckland on Wednesday, July 14 against the non-league side.

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