Middlesbrough opinion: Can Woodgate successfully replace Tony Pulis?

The Sun has reported that Middlesbrough will look towards former player Jonathan Woodgate if they lose Tony Pulis. The former West Brom manager has done well with the club and has led them into a Championship play-off spot.

However, four losses on the trot has seen the club drop out of the top six. At the moment, they sit in 8^th place but are level on points with Bristol City and are only one point off Derby County.

But unlike the other two, Boro have struggled in recent weeks as mentioned, gaining just one point in their last five games. Furthermore, they’ve managed only seven points in their last eight games, and 11 in their last ten games.

So far, the club have heavily depended on Britt Assombalonga and the forward has responded. He’s managed 10 goals so far but hasn’t scored in any of his last six games.

It has coincided with Middlesbrough’s winless run and one that could see them lose Tony Pulis if they do not finish in a play-off spot.

While Steve Gibson isn’t interested in sacking Pulis, the two will have talks at the end of the season, according to the Sun. One man that the club believe can replace him is Jonathan Woodgate, with the former Middlesbrough star retiring as a player three years ago.

Currently an assistant coach with the club, the Englishman is among the top contenders for the job, according to the Sun. The former Real Madrid and Newcastle United star has had a rather exciting career, which could help him as a manager.

His appointment as manager would be well received by the fans given Jonathan Woodgate’s status at the club.

Only time will tell whether the move would be right or wrong, as Woodgate has no past history as a manager. It would certainly be a risky move and one that could pay off well if it does actually work.

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Conclusion

Tony Pulis’ main issue this season has been a severe lack of spending by the club (Sun) and that could potentially affect any incoming manager.

While Jonathan Woodgate did have a massive playing career, the 39-year-old could face the same issues that Pulis has. This might prove to end up being detrimental to both Middlesbrough and Woodgate’s career as a manager.