Emanuel Pogatetz

Emanuel Pogatetz was one of Middlesbrough longest-serving players in 2009-10. He signed after impressing playing for Boro’s UEFA Cup opponents AK Graz during the 2004-05 campaign. Emanuel is comfortable at left back, as well as in the centre of defence, and he also played the occasional game at left midfield in his early days on Teesside. A model professional, Emanuel is a high-energy, all-action defender who is a threat in the opposition penalty area. He made his Boro debut as a half-time substitute for then first-choice Franck Queudrue, and immediately forged a rapport with the fans. Emanuel first represented Austria back in 2002 and has captained the side in the past. In the summer of 2010 he left the Riverside, signing for Bundesliga club Hannover 96.