Jonathan Woodgate facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Woodgate

Woodgate playing for Middlesbrough in 2014
Personal information
Date of birth	(1980-01-22) 22 January 1980 (age 45)
Place of birth	Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, England
Height	6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m)
Playing position	Centre-back
Club information
Current club	Middlesbrough (first team coach)
Youth career
	Nunthorpe Athletic
	Marton
1993–1996	Middlesbrough
1996–1998	Leeds United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1998–2003	Leeds United	104	(5)
2003–2004	Newcastle United	28	(0)
2004–2007	Real Madrid	9	(0)
2006–2007	→ Middlesbrough (loan)	30	(0)
2007–2008	Middlesbrough	16	(0)
2008–2011	Tottenham Hotspur	49	(2)
2011–2012	Stoke City	17	(0)
2012–2016	Middlesbrough	57	(2)
Total		310	(9)
National team
1997	England U16	1	(0)
1997–1998	England U18	7	(0)
2000	England U21	1	(0)
1999–2008	England	8	(0)
Teams managed
2019–2020	Middlesbrough
2021	AFC Bournemouth
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Jonathan Simon Woodgate (born on January 22, 1980) is an English football coach and former player. He is currently a first team coach at Middlesbrough.

Woodgate started his football journey at Middlesbrough. He then moved to Leeds United when he was 16. Later, he joined Newcastle United in 2003. His strong performances even with injuries caught the eye of Real Madrid, one of the world's biggest clubs.

He played for Real Madrid, then returned to his hometown club, Middlesbrough. After that, he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. He scored the winning goal for Tottenham in the League Cup final against Chelsea. This helped Tottenham win their first trophy since 1999.

After facing more injuries, he played for Stoke City for a season. He then rejoined Middlesbrough, where he played until he retired in 2016. After retiring, Woodgate became a coach. He managed Middlesbrough and AFC Bournemouth before returning to Middlesbrough as a coach.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting at Leeds United

Jonathan Woodgate began his career at Middlesbrough. But he moved to Leeds United at 16 years old. He helped Leeds win the FA Youth Cup in 1997. In October 1998, he played his first game for the senior team.

Woodgate was a strong player for Leeds. He competed with famous players like Rio Ferdinand. He was seen as one of the best players to come from the Leeds academy. During his time, Leeds played in big European competitions.

Moving to Newcastle United

In January 2003, Woodgate signed with Newcastle United. He quickly became a fan favorite. One of his best games was in the 2004 UEFA Cup semi-final. He played against Olympique de Marseille and stopped their star player, Didier Drogba.

Playing for Real Madrid

Woodgate joined Real Madrid in August 2004. This was a surprise to many because he often had injuries. He didn't play any games in his first season in Spain.

He finally made his debut on September 22, 2005. It was a league match against Athletic Bilbao. This game was tough for him. He scored an own goal and was sent off. He scored his only goal for Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League game. This was against Rosenborg BK on October 19.

By February 2006, Woodgate was playing regularly. But more injuries stopped him again. In July 2007, fans of a Spanish sports newspaper voted him the "worst signing of the 21st century."

Returning to Middlesbrough

On August 30, 2006, Woodgate joined his hometown club, Middlesbrough, on loan. He made his debut against Arsenal on September 9. He was voted man of the match by a local radio station.

In April 2007, Middlesbrough signed him permanently for £7 million. He signed a four-year contract. In October 2007, he was named North East Player of the Year. This was a special award from the Prince's Trust.

Time at Tottenham Hotspur

Woodgate playing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2009

Woodgate joined Tottenham Hotspur on January 28, 2008. He made his debut two days later. He scored his first Tottenham goal on February 24, 2008. This was a header in the League Cup final against Chelsea. This goal won Tottenham their first trophy since 1999. He was named the Man of the match.

He scored his first league goal for Tottenham on March 19, 2008, also against Chelsea. He became a vice-captain for the team. Woodgate faced more long-term injuries. He played only a few games in the 2009–10 and 2010–11 seasons. Tottenham released him on June 16, 2011.

Playing for Stoke City

Woodgate signed a one-year contract with Stoke City on July 11, 2011. He wanted to get his career back on track. He made his debut for Stoke in a friendly game. He then played his first full 90 minutes in the Premier League against Chelsea.

Woodgate playing for Middlesbrough in 2012

Despite a good start, Woodgate's performances became inconsistent. He was sometimes dropped from the team. His contract with Stoke ended on June 30, 2012. He decided to return to his former club, Middlesbrough.

Second Time at Middlesbrough

Woodgate rejoined Middlesbrough on July 6, 2012. He signed a three-year contract. He made his second debut for the club on August 11. He scored his first goal for Middlesbrough in a 4–1 win against Charlton Athletic on November 3.

On February 10, 2015, Woodgate started a match for Middlesbrough for the first time in six months. He scored the first goal in a 2–1 win against Blackpool. This win sent Middlesbrough to the top of the Championship table. He was a substitute when they lost the play-off final to Norwich City. On July 16, 2015, Woodgate signed a one-year contract extension. He retired from football in May 2016 after his contract ended.

International Career

Woodgate was first called up to the England squad in April 1999. However, he got injured and had to withdraw. He made his debut on June 9, 1999, in a 1–1 draw against Bulgaria.

He was not allowed to play for England for a while due to a court case. This meant he missed out on the Euro 2000 and 2002 World Cup tournaments.

On September 2, 2002, manager Sven-Göran Eriksson called Woodgate back to the England squad. He earned his second cap in a 1–1 draw against Portugal. He played in two more Euro 2004 qualifiers. Injuries kept him from playing more for England in the following years.

After almost three years, England manager Steve McClaren called Woodgate back in February 2007. He played in a 1–0 defeat against Spain. He was also named in Fabio Capello's first England squads in 2008. On August 20, Woodgate earned his eighth and last cap. This was in a 2–2 draw against the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium.

Coaching Career

Coaching at Middlesbrough

After retiring as a player, Woodgate became an assistant coach at Middlesbrough in March 2017. He worked under caretaker manager Steve Agnew. After the club was relegated, he left this role.

In June 2017, Woodgate joined the club's Academy coaching staff. He became the under-18 team's assistant coach. In December 2017, he returned to the first team as an assistant coach under Tony Pulis.

On June 14, 2019, Woodgate was appointed the new manager of Middlesbrough. He signed a three-year contract. He wanted the team to play more attacking football. His first game as manager was a 3–3 draw against Luton Town.

Middlesbrough had a mixed start under Woodgate. They sometimes struggled and were close to the relegation zone. However, December 2019 was a good month for the team. They won four games and climbed up the league table. Woodgate was named the Championship Manager of the Month for December.

Middlesbrough's form dropped again in early 2020. Woodgate was sacked as manager on June 23, 2020. The club was just outside the relegation zone.

Coaching at AFC Bournemouth

On February 1, 2021, Woodgate joined AFC Bournemouth as a senior first team coach. Two days later, he became the caretaker manager. On February 21, 2021, he was given the head coach role until the end of the season.

Bournemouth played well under Woodgate. They won six out of seven games and reached the play-offs. Woodgate won the EFL Championship Manager of the Month award for April 2021. Bournemouth finished 6th in the league. They lost in the play-offs and did not get promoted to the Premier League. Woodgate left the club in June 2021.

Return to Middlesbrough (Again)

After a year away from football, Woodgate returned to Middlesbrough in October 2022. He joined as a first team coach under new manager Michael Carrick.

Personal Life

Woodgate grew up supporting his local team, Middlesbrough. He looked up to Gary Pallister as his hero.

In 2000, Woodgate was involved in a court case related to an incident outside a nightclub. He was found guilty of affray and given community service. This meant he could not play for England in the 2000 European Championship and the 2002 World Cup.

Woodgate is married to Natalie Downing. They have two children. Natalie is the sister of Stewart Downing, who also played for Middlesbrough and England.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

International Appearances

Managerial Statistics

Awards and Achievements

As a Player

Tottenham Hotspur

• Football League Cup: 2007–08

Individual Awards

• Middlesbrough Player of the Year: 2006–07
• Alan Hardaker Trophy: 2008 (Award for the best player in the League Cup final)

As a Manager

Individual Awards

• EFL Championship Manager of the Month: December 2019, April 2021

Images for kids

• 

  Woodgate playing for Middlesbrough in 2007.

See also

In Spanish: Jonathan Woodgate para niños