Grant Leadbitter

Grant Leadbitter. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images).

Middlesbrough chief explains ex-Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter's role

Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter

Ex-Middlesbrough and Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter lands first coaching...

Grant Leadbitter has backed former team Middlesbrough to reach the Championship play-offs. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Former Middlesbrough captain backs Chris Wilder's side to reach the play-offs

Hartlepool Team (rear left to right) Tommy Miller, Mark Tinkler, Michael Nelson, Adam Boyd, Evan Horwood and Kevin Henderson. (Front left to right) Tommy Butler, Michael Barron, Jonathan Franks and Peter Hartley. in the Gemma Lee charity game played at The Suits Direct Stadium, Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID

Michael Barron on 'brilliant' Gemma Lee charity event

Hartlepool United's management duo Graeme Lee and Micheal Nelson will put on their boots in Monday's charity match at the Suit Direct Stadium in aid of Lee's wife Gemma. Picture by FRANK REID

Michael Nelson to feature in Suit Direct Stadium charity match

Grant Leadbitter has announced his retirement. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images).

Fans pay tribute to club legend and 'Teesside's favourite Mackem'

Ex-Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter has announced his retirement. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images).

Middlesbrough and Sunderland pay tribute to 'legend' and 'modern day Boro great'

Aitor Karanka and captain Grant Leadbitter lift the trophy after Middlesbrough were promoted to the Premier League in 2016.

Sunderland midfielder raises money for Boro coach's family

Britt Assombalonga wore the captain's armband for Middlesbrough during a pre-season friendly against Plymouth.

Making Assombalonga captain against Plymouth shows Warnock’s intentions

Jonny Howson has signed a one-year contract extension at Middlesbrough.

How Howson become such a key player at Boro

'We've signed a goal machine' read one of the banners at the Riverside following Alves' club-record £12million transfer from Dutch side Heerenveen. The Brazilian's Boro career got off to a decent start too, following a brace against Manchester United and hat-trick against Manchester City in his first half season. Yet four league goals the following campaign simply didn't justify the price tag as Boro were relegated from the Premier League.

11 signings fans thought would be brilliant but weren't

Grant Leadbitter celebrates scoring for Middlesbrough against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Ranked: Boro's best 11 signings of the last decade

Grant Leadbitter spent six-and-a-half years at Middlesbrough before rejoining boyhood club Sunderland in January 2019.

Former Boro captain is very appreciative of supportive messages

Middlesbrough fans unfurled this banner showing their support for Sunderland captain Grant Leadbitter

Middlesbrough fans show support for Grant Leadbitter

GET IN: Middlesbrough's Lee Tomlin scores his team's first goal against Brentford

Middlesbrough 3 Brentford 0: Boro on their way to Wembley

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka.

Boro boss questions players after Nott’m Forest loss
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Aitor Karanka cut a frustrated figure after this damaging away defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Patrick Bamford

Middlesbrough boss hails big win over Charlton

Dimi is the Bees knees for Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka.

Boro boss’ best day after Derby victory

Middlesbrough's Grant Leadbitter

Boss praises Middlesbrough skipper Leadbitter after Huddersfield win

STATUES: .Owls Atdhe Nuhiu knocks in the first goal past a dozing Boro defence

Players think they are untouchable says angry Boro boss Aitor Karanka

PIECE OF KIKE: Spaniard Kike scores Boro's second goal against Bolton Wanderers

Adam Clayton hails Middlesbrough unity after 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers