Neil Warnock quizzed on Leo Percovich, Jonathan Woodgate and coaching roles at Middlesbrough

Percovich, who first worked as a goalkeeping coach at Boro and became a fans’ favourite under Aitor Karanka, re-joined the Teessiders last summer to be part of Jonathan Woodgate’s backroom team.

Woodgate was dismissed as Boro’s head coach in June, yet Percovich stayed at the club to work under Neil Warnock.

The new Boro boss brought trusted assistants Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson with him to the Riverside and at times it looked like Percovich had taken a backseat role.

Yet Warnock says he’s been impressed with Percovich’s contributions and says the Uruguayan can still play a big part.

When asked if Percovich will still have a role in Boro’s coaching set-up, Warnock replied: “Yeah very much so, I think Ronnie and Blacky have got on really well with him.

“He’s the best we’ve ever known at putting substitutes on and telling everybody where they’re going and what they’re doing and who they’re marking.

“He’s pretty amazing at that, it might be a new job for somebody that – the substitute coach.”

Warnock is hopeful the club can sign three or four more players before the end of the month and has already identified several targets.

The Boro boss will hold further discussions regarding coaching and playing staff in the next few weeks ahead of next season’s start date on September 12.

When asked how he’s found blending his own staff with those already at the club, Warnock replied: “We haven’t really had a lot of time to go into details.

"I think every manager wants to bring their own staff in, I think that’s a normal thing.

“We are going to be talking about everything this week and next week and making decisions both staff-wise and playing-wise.”

Warnock was also asked if Woodgate will still have a role at the club but says that decision lies with chairman Steve Gibson.

“I’ve no idea if I’m honest,” said Warnock when quizzed on Woodgate’s position. “I think Steve said he would be talking to Jonathan so I’ve not really any idea on that.”

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