Former Middlesbrough player Noel Whelan has sent a message of well wishes to new manager Jonathan Woodgate, following his appointment earlier today.

In the tweet Whelan commented on the fact that it is great to see a homegrown fan of a club being given an opportunity to be the manager.

It is Woodgate's first managerial role but he has spent the last few years with Boro in varying capacities, first re-joining as a player in 2012 before working alongside Steve Agnew as the club was relegated from the Premier League.

He then spent time working with the academy after Garry Monk brought in his own staff, but last year he worked alongside Tony Pulis and Joe Jordan, acting as a coach with the first-team, and the club now feel he is ready for a shot in the hot-seat.

Whelan never played with Woodgate but the two share a connection with Boro and Leeds, and the former striker will hope that Woodgate can guide his former club back to the Premier League.

The Verdict

It is nice to see ex-pros showing support for fellow former footballers, and Whelan is right by saying that it is great to see Woodgate given a chance. He is a Middlesbrough boy and knows the club inside-out, so he is as good a fit for manager as any other candidate.

There will be some doubt over Woodgate given it is his first role, but he deserves time to assert his influence on the squad. He knows the players already which is advantage, and hopefully he brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to the playing style, which was somewhat stifled under Tony Pulis.