Former
England defender had a difficult start to life as a manager this season but a recent upturn in results has Boro in buoyant mood for Sunday’s FA Cup tie
Jonathan Woodgate stands outside the room, eyes glued to the digital clock on his mobile phone.
The instant the display flicks to 2pm he reaches for the door handle, takes a deep breath and prepares to address Middlesbrough’s weekly media conference; as always he is bang on time. Punctuality matters to a manager particularly hot on a set of “standards” embracing smartness (matching black shoes and belts are de rigueur with club suits), dinner table etiquette and all‑round good manners.