Back Four Boost for Boro

Gareth Southgate may be a rookie manager but after a long and distinguished playing career at Premiership and international level he certainly knows a thing or two about centre backs. So Middlesbrough fans have every reason to be confident about his latest signings – 22 year old German international Robert Huth from Chelsea and 26 year old Jonathan Woodgate from Real Madrid.

The giant Huth joins on a 5 year deal for a reported £6 million and Woodgate’s services have been acquired on a one year loan with an option to make the transfer permanent. Together they could develop into one of the most formidable central defensive partnership in the Premiership, and if Woodgate, who cost Real around £13 million from Newcastle United, can remain injury free he should also add considerably to his tally of 5 England caps once he becomes settled at his home town club.