Middlesbrough Football Club News

• Nickname:Boro
• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

• Ground:Riverside Stadium
• Capacity:35,049

Boro clinch double deal

30 Aug 2006 - 18:20:19

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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has added to his defensive options by snapping up Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth.

Middlesbrough-born Woodgate has agreed a season-long loan transfer to the Riverside Stadium from Real Madrid while Germany international Huth moves to Teesside from Chelsea on a five-year deal.

Boro's central defensive options have been limited since Southgate's retirement and Ugo Ehiogu's continuing injury problems. Chris Riggott, Andrew Taylor and Andrew Davies had been used by Southgate so far this term.

Woodgate's loan deal includes an option for Boro to sign the player permanently at the end of this season.

The 26-year-old former Leeds United and Newcastle United star played 14 times for Real Madrid last season after recovering from long-term injury.

Southgate told the club's official website: "We've added two international defenders to our squad in one afternoon. That's a significant coup for Middlesbrough and a big boost for everyone at the club.

"Both players feel they have a point to prove - and the great thing is that they want to do that with Middlesbrough. I'm absolutely delighted."