Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has questioned Middlesbrough's decision to appoint Jonathan Woodgate as their new manager.

Boro announced their decision to appoint Woodgate as their new head coach earlier today, with the former defender signing a three-year deal, with former striker Robbie Keane as his assistant.

Middlesbrough had been looking for a new manager since the club decided not to renew Tony Pulis' contract, after he failed to guide the team to promotion from the Championship last season.

Boro finished seventh in the Championship table, one point outside the play-off places, despite spending most of the season inside the top six and fans at the Riverside had become frustrated with Pulis' defensive style of football.

Woodgate has no previous experience as a manager at senior level, but worked as a first-team coach under Pulis last season, while Keane is currently assistant to Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

Former Crystal Palace owner Jordan has questioned whether Woodgate and Keane are experienced enough to lead Middlesbrough next season.

"I think it's an interesting appointment. I think it's also equally as interesting that you've got the blind leading the blind, because you're going to put Robbie Keane in there as his number two," Jordan told talkSPORT.

"Neither one of them are experienced football administrators. They may well be elite players and they may well have worked with some very experienced managers, but there's no job like the top job.

"When you get into that job, if you're learning under someone else's dime, it can be expensive."

The Verdict

I think Woodgate could be a good appointment for Middlesbrough and he deserves his chance to become a manager.

He has no previous experience as a manager, so there's obviously an element of risk there for Middlesbrough, but he impressed as a first-team coach under Pulis last season and will feel that he is ready to make the step up.

It's been clear that a change of approach has been needed at the Riverside for some time now and Woodgate could be the man to provide that.

It will be interesting to see how he handles the step up to management and whether he can cope with the pressure of managing a club who will be expect to challenge for promotion next season.