Middlesbrough have endured a tough season under Jonathan Woodgate in the Sky Bet Championship.

The club are looking to go in a different direction under Woodgate, with Boro’s aim to free themselves of a pretty poor recruitment strategy that followed relegation from the Premier League.

Yet, it has landed the Teessiders in trouble, with Woodgate’s job over the remaining nine games of the season to avoid relegation into League One.

It isn’t a path that many like to take at this time of year, but free agents are available to Woodgate at this moment in time and, given the circumstance football is in, the risk of a free agent at this time isn’t as great as it sometimes is.

With that in mind, we explore some of the names available…

Collins is an experienced centre-back that’s played at a high level in England and on the international stage with Wales.

He’s an experienced defender and perhaps against the grain when you look at who Woodgate has recruited, but on a short-term deal, he might be a sensible addition.

Again, Shackell is an option that Boro could take on at centre-back.

The ex-Lincoln man wouldn’t be a starter on Teesside, but in terms of adding depth and experience to a struggling squad, he’d be a good option.

Mikel was only at Boro last season, part of Tony Pulis’ squad battling for the Championship play-offs.

He’s a high-profile name and if he arrived back at Boro he’d be fighting a very different battle in terms of league standings, but his experience could be massive.

Carroll is without a club since departing Swansea City earlier in 2020.

He’d fit the mould of player Woodgate is looking for, with Carroll’s ability on the ball undoubted.

Getting him fit enough would be the initial task, but he could be a great free-agent addition.

The ex-West Ham man could bolster Boro’s attacking options, with the 30-year-old previously proving he is cut out for the English game.

A high-profile target, granted, but someone who could help Boro battle off the threat of relegation.

Mulumbu is another player who has ‘done it’ in England before, but is now on the lookout for a new club.

He’s experienced and could be a very good, short-term addition at Boro.

Abdi’s last spell in England came with Sheffield Wednesday, where he, ultimately, never lived up to the hype over a period of a couple of seasons.

Yet, with the right arm around him in the Championship, he could also be useful on a short-term contract.

Another experienced player over the age of 30 is Marc Wilson, who was last at Bolton Wanderers.

He’s experienced life at Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Stoke, West Brom, Sunderland and Bolton, with the 32-year-old well-travelled.

An option.

Ireland is a household name in English football, having played in the Premier League earlier in his career.

He isn’t at that level any longer, but there’s not doubt he could offer something to Woodgate’s squad.