Mowbray thrilled to add quality

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray expressed his delight at the capture of former defender Jonathan Woodgate.

The 32-year-old ex-England international agreed a three-year contract at the Riverside despite being offered a fresh deal at Premiership side Stoke City, where he made 21 appearances last season.

Middlesbrough-born Woodgate instead returns to his hometown club with vast experience having played over 300 senior games during time at Leeds United, Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur. He has also prompted transfer fees totalling almost £40m and has eight full international caps for England.

"He's from Teesside and a Boro fan," Mowbray told Boro's official website. "He's a down-to-earth lad from Middlesbrough who wants his hometown team to do well.

"His quality speaks for itself. The boy has played for some huge football clubs including Real Madrid and has a wealth of experience," he added. "It can only be a positive for us that Jonathan has agreed to come and play for us and we're delighted to have signed him."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.