Middlesbrough FC news: Jonathan Woodgate's admission, Boro hope for Reading boost plus Ravel Morrison eyes Championship return

Former Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate says he couldn’t turn down the chance to manage his hometown club but wishes he’d appointed a more experienced coach to join his backroom staff.
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Woodgate became the Teessiders’ head coach in June 2019 but lasted just over a year as the club battled to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Since then, the former defender has been appointed first-team coach at Bournemouth and has taken caretaker charge of the Cherries following the sacking of Jason Tindall.

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Looking back on his time at Boro in an interview with the Coaches Voice, Woodgate said: "I absolutely nailed my presentation in my interview and the buzz from that was incredible. I’d earned the chance to manage Middlesbrough.

Former Middlesbrough head coach Jonathan Woodgate.Former Middlesbrough head coach Jonathan Woodgate.
Former Middlesbrough head coach Jonathan Woodgate.

"Unfortunately, we started slowly, and we were always playing catch-up from then, so that was difficult.

"Looking back, I wish I’d had a bit of grey hair among my staff – someone who brought a bit more experience to help me, Robbie Keane, Leo Percovich and Danny Coyne out. There were certain things we didn’t have enough experience of."

Boro await Paddy McNair red card decision

Back at Boro, the Teessiders are awaiting the EFL’s decision whether Paddy McNair’s red card against Huddersfield will be overturned.

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McNair was shown a straight red card after a tackle on Terriers midfielder Juninho Bacuna, which was deemed as ‘serious foul play.’

Boro appealed the decision, with a hearing expected to be held on Thursday looking at video evidence of the incident.

As things stand, McNair would be suspended for this weekend’s game at Reading, yet Boro will hope the decision is reversed.

Ravel Morrison looks set for Championship return

Finally, former Boro midfielder Ravel Morrison could be set for a return to the Championship.

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Speaking with former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on the FIVE podcast, Morrison said he’d met with a second-tier side as he looked to return to English football.

According to the Sun’s Alan Nixon, Huddersfield are looking at bringing the 28-year-old in for a fitness check ahead of a potential move.

The player has been a free agent since leaving Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.

Morrison made just three appearances for Boro last year.

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