Woodgate ‘crucial’ from the start as his local knowledge
MICHAEL Carrick has praised Jonathan Woodgate’s decision to return to Middlesbrough as part of his backroom team, with both the head coach and defender Darragh Lenihan discussing his importance.
In many ways, it was such a brave decision from Woodgate to return to Boro in October, accepting the role as Carrick assistant coach.
Proving his love of the club, Woodgate accepted the role despite previously serving as head coach. And though that didn’t work out, his stock was high after a decent spell at
Bournemouth last season. But after Kieran Scott had been impressed by Woodgate during a meeting with the former England and Real Madrid defender, it was the Boro head of football who suggested him to Carrick as putting together a suitable backroom team proved the final hurdle in convincing the Manchester United legend to take his first full-time management role.
Carrick said of Woodgate: “He’s been absolutely crucial from the start.
“It tells you everything about who he is and what he stands for, the fact that he would come back and give everything. He’s obviously from here and the club means a lot to him. That’s shone through.
“I’ve relied on him a lot and leant on him a lot over a period of time. He’s been unbelievable, I couldn’t praise him enough.
“Around the place and around the players, he just has a knack for saying things at the right time. People pick it up, and he’s got that personality that everyone loves. He’s a big influence.”
A world-class defender in his prime playing days, Woodgate has naturally lent on those experiences when coaching Boro, taking a particular focus on Boro’s defence. And while the team have shipped a high amount of goals, that can be credited to the expansive style they play, rather than any majorly concerning issues around shape or function.
On what it’s been like to work under Woodgate, centre-back Lenihan said: “He’s been exceptional, especially for us as defenders. The work he does with the defensive unit – not just the defenders but the goalkeepers and midfielders included – is really detailed and really thorough.
“Danksy as well, is another really
top coach, with Fetts as well as the goalkeeper coach. All in all, the coaching team we have here are really, really good and have been great since they’ve been here.”
Carrick feels Woodgate has been a big help in building the connection that has grown between the team and supporters.
With Carrick from Newcastle, Danks from Birmingham and Alan Fettis from Northern Ireland, Carrick says Woodgate has been excellent in helping with the understanding of the club, the fanbase and what the fans expect of the team.
“I think you have to do that,” he said of having some local influence in the club.
“I think you have to understand what people are after, what people want and what type of team and feeling the supporters want from the club.
“That genuine connection is important – and you can’t buy that.
“You can’t fake it. We’ve got that connection. You can’t always have it, and I understand that.
“I’m not saying it’s everything, but I think it’s important to have some sort of connection and understand what the club and supporters need.”