Jonathan Woodgate sacked by Middlesbrough as Robbie Keane also departs

Northern Ireland International duo Paddy McNair and George Saville will have a new manager to work with on Teeside. 

Middlesbrough have announced that they have parted company with Jonathan Woodgate and replaced him with Neil Warnock. 

The North East club lost 3-0 on Saturday in their championship return to Swansea City at home thanks to a double from Liverpool loanee Rhian Brewster and an Andre Ayew penalty. 

Woodgate leaves the Riverside Stadium with just eight games of the season remaining, and with Boro outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Following the Middlesbrough boss’ departure from the Riverside Stadium, his assistant Robbie Keane will no longer remain at the club.

A club statement read: “Robbie Keane has opted to leave the club following the decision to relieve Jonathan Woodgate of his duties as head coach.

“The Irishman’s contract was due to expire at the end of the current season and with Neil Warnock bringing in his own coaches, Robbie has decided to leave with immediate effect.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Robbie for all his hard work and wish him well for his future in coaching and management.”

The former Real Madrid defender led Boro to nine wins in his 38 games in charge, with his side drawing 14 games and losing 15.

His successor Warnock has been without a club since leaving Cardiff City after more than three years last November.



A club statement read on Tuesday morning, “MFC can confirm that head coach Jonathan Woodgate has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

“Jonathan was relieved of his role on Tuesday morning and will be replaced by the experienced Neil Warnock. Warnock will assume responsibility immediately.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Jonathan for all his work in the role of head coach.”

Warnock will take charge of his first match on Saturday as they travel to take on former Northern Ireland manager Micheal O'Neill's Stoke City side.