Middlesbrough news: Rising star tied down to deal plus Jonathan Woodgate fires Championship goals warning

Rising star Joe Gibson has signed his first professional deal with Middlesbrough – and academy chief Craig Liddle is delighted to get the midfielder tied down.
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: General view outside the stadium prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Hull City at Riverside Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: General view outside the stadium prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Hull City at Riverside Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: General view outside the stadium prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Hull City at Riverside Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Prospect Gibson has, according to the club website, “been rewarded for the progress he has made since accepting a scholarship two summers ago”.

Speaking about the South Durham 18-year-old, academy manager Liddle said: “He’s been in the system since under-9 and he has progressed really well over the last couple of years. We’re delighted to offer him a professional contract.”

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The youngster’s signing comes in the same week that it was announced 12 players have been offered scholarships for next season.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Woodgate has warned Middlesbrough’s upcoming opponents to be wary of attacking duo Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher – having praised the pair after the win over Barnsley.

Fletcher netted the decisive goal in the 1-0 win against the Tykes having also scored against Hull City, while Assombalonga bagged a brace at QPR before the international break.

And Woodgate believes that the pair will be a handful for any defence in the Championship.

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Boro & Woodgate needed it, and the players produced. But what did Joe Nicholson think of the performance?

And while we’re at it, here’s our Boro writer’s analysis of a much-needed three points for under-fire Woodgate.