EXCLUSIVE: Former Boro defender is frontrunner to succeed Pulis

Middlesbrough are set to offer the manager’s role to a former defender after parting company with Tony Pulis, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

Tony Pulis and Steve Gibson shook hands after meeting in London, with the chairman confirming that the Welshman’s contract would not be extended after Boro missed out on the play-offs.

Sources at Boro believe have informed us they already know who they want, and first-team coach Jonathan Woodgate is firmly in contention – as we revealed earlier this year.

Boro are working on a severely reduced budget this coming season after Premier League parachute payments ended.

Woodgate is a highly-regarded coach, who despite being a defender, has an attacking footballing mentality – drilled into him during his formative years at Leeds United.

The 39-year-old has been on the coaching staff at his hometown club for a number of years and was promoted to first-team duties when Pulis took charge, and he has impressed with his work with the squad.

Get the latest personalised Boro products on our new TEAMtalk Middlesbrough shop!