Birth Date: January 22 1980
Birth Place: Middlesbrough
Birth Nation: England
Height: 186cm
Weight: 80Kg
Nationality: British
Position: Defender
Jonathan Woodgate started out playing for his local team, Marton. He was spotted in a local cup final by football scouts and was invited for trials at Elland Road. He eventually signed for the club at the age of 13. He started off as a midfielder, but quickly found that his best position was centre back and filled that role in the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1997. The following year he made his debut for the England Under 18 squad and went on to captain the
side.
It was George Graham that first singled Woodgate out as one of the stars of the future, but it wasn't until November 1998 when David O'Leary took over from Graham that Woodgate then 18 was given his chance in the first team During his superb first season with Leeds, Kevin Keegan called him into the full England squad at aged 19 making his debut against Bulgaria in Sofia for a Euro 2000 qualifier In June 1999.
Shortly afterwards Woodgate agreed a new four year contract at Elland Road. He had a great 1999/00 season and it was assumed that Woodgate would go on to become an England regular until he, along with team mate Lee Bowyer were involved in an alledged incident outside the Majestyk nightclub in Leeds, which would lead to police charges of GBH and affray. As the case began Woodgate disappeared from the first team and in contrast to his fellow accused Lee Bowyer, Woodgate couldn't cope with the media spotlight and started to lose weight, confidence and form during the high profile court case
The FA banned him and Bowyer from being selected at international level. The first trial was abandoned due to a prejudicial story in a national newspaper and Woodgate would eventually be cleared on the charge of GBH but found guilty of affray and sentenced to 100 hours community service. Leeds United hit him with an unprecedented eight week club fine, which the central defender had to accept 'voluntarily' because it breached existing PFA guidelines (the maximum fine that can be inflicted by a club is two weeks wages). But Woodgate was only too happy to accept their punishment as long as the money went towards community projects.
With the court case behind him, Woodgate began to rediscover his past form in 2001/02 and there were calls for him to be selected for the 2002 World Cup but the FA insisted he would not be available for selection until after the tournament.
Unfortuately for Woodgate, his problems were not totally behind him In March 2002 he was convicted of driving at 90mph and in an incident outside a pub in April 2002, his jaw was broken, during 'horseplay' with friends outside a pub in Middlesbrough an injury which ended his season and put him back under the spotlight.
He agreed a new contract in the summer of 2002 that would keep him at Elland Road for five years and in September 2002 Woodgate was selected as part of the England squad to face Euro 2004 hosts Portugal in a friendly at Villa Park.
However due to Leeds' financial problems they had to sell him and Newcastle United got his services for £9 million. Terry Venables said that if Johnathan Woodgate went then so would he and of course he left not long after.
Jonathan Woodgate Rumours and Transfers
15 08 2007
Summer signing Luke Young has failed to overcome a thigh strain so Boro will be unchanged for Wednesday's trip to face Wigan.
The England international right back, who joined Boro in a £2.5 million switch from Charlton last month, was prevented from making his Premier League debut in Saturday's 2-1 opening day defeat against Blackburn due to the problem and he will not be ready to line up at the JJB Stadium.
It means manager Gareth Southgate must stick with the same XI which started against Rovers as his defensive injury crisis is nowhere near being resolved.
Jonathan Woodgate, Emanuel Pogatetz, Robert Huth and Matthew Bates are all ruled out for some time so Andrew Davies will start at right back with Chris Riggott and youngster David Wheater at the centre of defence.
Mido has not signed in time and is not regarded match fit to feature so Yakubu and Jeremie Aliadiere will start in attack with Tuncay Sanli on the right as Southgate has called on his players to find a lot more away goals than they did last term with 13 in 19 games which secured only 2 wins.
He informed the Evening Gazette, "There is no doubt about it. We need to score more goals away from home this season."
15 08 2007
England coach Steve McClaren has failed in his attempt to persuade Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher not to retire from international football.
McClaren visited the 29 year old defender at Liverpool's training ground to talk about his decision to quit.
But McClaren said, "I spoke to him. Unfortunately Jamie stayed with decision to not be involved with us. I'll never close the door."
Carragher has mentioned he does not want to be a bit part player for England.
The centre half was a key figure in the Liverpool side that has reached the Champions League final in 2 of the last 3 seasons.
But at international level he has found opportunities hard to come by, with captain John Terry and Rio Ferdinand established as McClaren's 1st choice.
Carragher was omitted from England's last game, a Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia, and expressed his frustration at his place in the national team's pecking order.
But McClaren is keen to keep Carragher involved, especially as he faces a shortage of defenders for the approaching friendly against Germany.
Terry, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are all expects to miss the encounter at Wembley.
Earlier Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said, "I was aware they had spoken however I am not aware of the outcome. It is something for the player to decide and you respect his decision. In such situations you always must support your player and respect his decision. He is a good player and has never let his country down. However, if this means I can use him more for Liverpool, then I am obviously pleased."
Before his visit to Liverpool's training ground, McClaren had said, "I can totally understand his thought process, I have every sympathy with players who would like to play and feel they should. In a way, he was quite unfortunate. There are players in every team who can be effective in lots of positions, maybe sometimes to their detriment."
If Carragher opts to retire from international football, McClaren mentioned he might turn to Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell.
07 08 2007
Portsmouth have informed England manager Steve McClaren they could be delighted to see their new captain Sol Campbell recalled to the international scene, and evergreen goalie David James as well.
McClaren has big problems in defence, especially for England's friendly against Germany at Wembley on August 22.
John Terry has joined Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King on the injury list, whilst there are doubts over Liverpool centre back Jamie Carragher's international commitment.
McClaren admitted that he could now turn back to 32 year old Campbell, inspite of discarding him after the World Cup last summer when taking over from Sven Goran Eriksson.
Pompey fans have long called for the England returns of Campbell and James, 36, who have both mentioned they will not have given up on their England careers.
And Portsmouth's chief exec Peter Storrie said, "If Sol and David get recalled it will be richly deserved. I hope it happens for the pair of them. The England team should be made up of the best players (in the country). So David and Sol should be in it."
McClaren is due to watch Campbell and James in Pompey's home clash with champions Man Utd next Wednesday. It is thought to be his 1st visit to Fratton Park in more than a year.
Storrie informed Portsmouth's official website, pompeyfc.co.uk, "We are looking forward to welcoming Steve McClaren here. It is a long time since an England manager visited Fratton Park."
However, the player who was passed over as Portsmouth captain to allow Campbell take the position says it was his decision to step down, after seeing only a limited future for himself at the club.
Serbian defender Dejan Stefanovic, 32, mentioned that he would like fans to know why he will no longer wear the armband after 2 years as skipper.
He explained, "There are a number of reasons however if I am not going to play what is the point of being captain?"
Stefanovic is adamant he was not axed to make way for Campbell however with Rangers and Leicester both showing an interest he thinks he could be forced out.
Recent arrivals Djimi Traore and Hermann Hreidarsson are putting load on his position at left back, where he switched from centre half when Campbell joined from Arsenal a year ago.
Stefanovic informed the Portsmouth News, "I think the supporters deserve to know the truth about this. I would like to stay, I like it here and I am settled, however I think the club are taking advantage of that. My 1st choice is to stay. That is what I would like to do. I am happy to remain however it is looking like I have no future here."
Harry Redknapp says that Stefanovic has not been written out of the 1st team picture inspite of missing the last 4 friendly games with a groin strain.
And the manager says he picked Campbell as captain because "he's been there, done that and is a natural leader that everybody respects".
07 08 2007
Steve McClaren placed Dean Ashton back on international alert today as he confirm the 1st Premier League match he will watch this season will be West Ham's opening game against Manchester City.
The England coach will fly back from a lightning visit to talk to David Beckham in America Thursday to take in the clash at Upton Park 48 hours later.
McClaren is planning to check up on the recovery of the The Hammers striker, who is close to a 1st team return having missed all of last season due to injury.
Ashton, a £7 million signing from Norwich in January 2006, broke an ankle whilst training with England in preparation for McClaren's 1st game as manager, against Greece at Old Trafford, 12 months ago.
A surprise call up, Ashton would almost certainly have made his England debut in the 4-0 triumph over the Greeks.
The forward is pushing for inclusion in Saturday's starting line up and the fact that McClaren will be at Upton Park for West Ham's opening game suggests that he's keen to include the 6ft 2in former U21 international in his 1st team for the friendly against Germany at Wembley on August 22.
Although back in full training, Ashton has not played a competitive 1st team fixture since West Ham's penalty shoot out defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup Final at Cardiff 15 months ago.
"He's been out for a long time," McClaren mentioned today in an interview with the Daily Mail.
"I need to see how he's progressing before I make an assessment. He's a skill and one that I have got to keep an eye on. That is why I called him into the team in the 1st place."
With Wayne Rooney a guaranteed starter up front, McClaren still requires to find a partner for the Man Utd striker.
Newcastle's Michael Owen is now back to full fitness after sustaining a knee injury in last summer's World Cup whilst Anfield man Peter Crouch will also expect to figure.
Now that it is clear he will be given the opportunity, it is down Ashton to rise above the competition and stake his claim for a spot in the team.
With a place in the European Championship finals at stake in the next few months, McClaren has set himself a daunting early season pace. He returns from America Friday to watch games at West Ham, Man Utd, Spurs and Portsmouth over 5 days.
Although Beckham seems unlikely to play for L.A. Galaxy in Washington Thursday, McClaren still would like to talk to the former Real Madrid player, who threw the 1st pitch in last night's MLB match between the Toronto Bluejays and the New York Yankees, and his coach Frank Yallop.
The England manager is keen to watch the game to update himself on the standard of football in the MLS.
"Hopefully he will be involved in Washington but, that apart, I need to talk to him and see the standard for myself before making any judgements," mentioned McClaren.
The England coach names his 1st team of the season Friday week, by which time he should have spoken with Liverpool's Jamie Carragher about his recent international retirement.
"He's an important member of the team and there is no way I would like to lose him," said the England coach. "Keeping him in the team is my main aim."
Doubts about Carragher, plus injuries to John Terry, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate have prompted McClaren to consider a recall for 32 year old Portsmouth centre back Sol Campbell, who has not featured for England since last summer's World Cup.
McClaren will watch the former Arsenal defender next week along with goalie David James, another currently in international exile.
"You cannot close the door on anyone in this job," mentioned McClaren. "Sol had a good season with Portsmouth and I'd be foolish to dismiss players like him or David James."
07 08 2007
England coach Steve McClaren is to renew his attempts to persuade Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher not to retire from international football.
Carragher has said he no longer would like to play a bit part position for England.
But with John Terry, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate all set to miss the forthcoming friendly with Germany, McClaren would like Carragher to play on.
"I have had a few conversations with Jamie and I'll have another with him next week," mentioned McClaren.
"Jamie Carragher is a very important player for England and a very important member of the squad. There is no way I would like to lose him and keeping Jamie involved is my main aim at present."
Carragher was omitted from England's last game, a Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia, and is frustrated by his status in the national team's pecking order.
"I can totally understand his thought process," mentioned McClaren. "I have every sympathy with players who would like to play and feel they should. In a way, he was quite unfortunate. There are players in every team who can be effective in lots of positions, maybe sometimes to their detriment."
If Carragher opts to retire from international football, McClaren mentioned he might turn to Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell.
The 32 year old defender has not featured for England since last summer's World Cup.
"You cannot close the door on anyone in this job," mentioned McClaren.
"It could be silly and foolish of me to dismiss either Sol or [Campbell's Portsmouth team-mate] David James. I never mentioned I'd do it and I have no intention of doing it. Last season was a very good one for Sol and with Ben Foster being injured as well, I will certainly be going to watch Portsmouth. I have brought players back in the past and as long as players would like to be involved with England, that is great."
Before talking to Carragher, McClaren will assess David Beckham's fitness and the standard of MLS football on a trip to the U.S this week.
McClaren said, "I know David was struggling with injury and has not played yet however I plan to go over and have a chat with him to see how he is. I also need to watch an MLS game in the flesh and have a look at the standard, I need to see it myself."
McClaren will watch Washington's DC United host L.A. Galaxy Thursday.
Following that, McClaren will travel across England to take in 4 games in the opening 5 days of the Premier League season.
Starting at The Hammers on Saturday, McClaren will then head to Man Utd, Spurs and Portsmouth.
McClaren will would like to cast his eye over as many players as probable before picking his team to face Germany on 22 August.
07 08 2007
Andrew Davies last night vowed to answer Boro's defensive problems.
Boro will open their Premier League campaign with the visit of Blackburn Rovers on Saturday without 5 central defenders.
And such is the extent of Southgate's injury problems that the Boro manager has only Davies and David Wheater as his only recognised central defenders.
Jonathan Woodgate, Robert Huth, Emanuel Pogatetz, Matthew Bates and Chris Riggott are sidelined through injury.
Riggott returned to training this week following a foot injury, even though the defender is unlikely to be fit in time to face Rovers on Saturday.
And, whilst Southgate will be forced to start with his most inexperienced central defensive pairing, Davies is not fazed by the prospect.
The 22 year old impressed in Saturday's friendly triumph over AZ Alkmaar alongside Wheater, who finished last season on loan at Darlington in League Two.
The duo have never started a 1st team game in the heart of Boro's defence together, however Davies is well aware of Wheater's qualities.
"I played with David when I was younger and always feel very comfortable playing next to him," mentioned Davies.
"We are the only 2 left so we must do our best and keep a clean sheet like we did against Alkmaar. It is always good to win games, no matter what game you are playing in, and it was a bonus for us to keep a clean sheet. Obviously the manager has had a lot to think about with the amount of injuries we have had, however I am sure myself and David (Wheater) will be up to the challenge."
Southgate's defensive problems show no signs of easing in the short term with Woodgate not expects to return for another 3 weeks, whilst Pogatetz is out until Christmas following a cartilage operation.
Huth will return next month, however it is the absence of Woodgate that Davies thinks is the largest blow.
"He is a world class defender and will be a massive loss, however this is a sport and that is why you have squads," mentioned Davies.
"You cannot always stay fit and you cannot always have your best players fit all the time. Us young lads have got to step in and do our best and try and help the club."
And it will be an opportunity for Davies to prove his credentials in his more favoured position as a central defender.
It was at right back that the Teessider has made the most of his 45 Boro starts, even though Davies has already shown his central defensive attributes elsewhere, having impressed in loan spells at Derby County and QPR.
"I played a lot of games last season, however it was at right back so it is quite different going back in at centre half," mentioned Davies.
"But that is my best position and that is where I feel more comfortable so we will only must see how it goes."
Whilst Davies is well aware of the attacking threat Blackburn pose, the defender is optimistic about keeping the likes of Benni McCarthy at bay.
"Every game in the Premier League you have your work cut out and Blackburn will be no different," admitted that the Billingham born defender.
"They have some top players and I am sure they will make it very difficult for us. However, if we can perform to level we know we can and hopefully keep a clean sheet then it will be good to get off to a good start."
Meanwhile, the Teessiders are again being linked with a move for Portsmouth midfielder Gary O'Neil.
A transfer to the Riverside Stadium was mooted earlier in the summer, however Pompey manager Harry Redknapp has said the player will be staying at Fratton Park. Premier League rivals Fulham are also thought to be in the hunt for the 24 year old.
01 08 2007
Boro have suffered a huge blow with the news that Emanuel Pogatetz could require knee surgery.
The popular Austrian defender picked up the problem during Boro's pre season tour of his homeland.
It was initially only seen as a minor problem, however manager Gareth Southgate has now admitted that that Pogatetz could need to go under the knife.
"We sent Manny for scans and he went to see a specialist," mentioned Southgate.
"It does not look good. Surgery is something we might must consider. Obviously we must make a quick decision."
The news adds to a growing injury list for Boro, which unfortunately for Southgate appears to be dominated by defenders.
Jonathan Woodgate and Roberth Huth both look highly unlikely to make the start of the season and youngster Matthew Bates has recently seriously damaged his knee.
Chris Riggott is also struggling with a foot injury, which will leave Andrew Davies and David Wheater as the only options left available to Southgate.
At best it now seems Southgate will have only Davies, Wheater and possibly Riggott available for the opening game of the Premier League season against Blackburn.
"I have found out not to worry about injuries. They are part and parcel of the game," added Southgate.
"Whenever players are injured, it gives an opportunity to other members of the squad. That is what the team is there for. Nothing has changed in that we have a team which is building up nicely, looking forward to the start of the season and the challenge of attempting to take the club forward."
29 07 2007
Gareth Southgate concedes Jonathan Woodgate would miss Boro's opening game of the season.
Woodgate is presently working his way back to fitness after undergoing a knee operation at the end of last term.
The defender has yet to feature in Boro's pre season programme and is rated doubtful for the 1st match against Blackburn Rovers on 11th August.
Boro manager Southgate admitted that the centre half maybe absent from his plans for the opener, however has confidence he has enough cover at his disposal.
"Woody is obviously a doubt for the start of the season," Southgate informed a national paper.
"He's not into full training yet and with him we have got to be a bit patient. The recovery from the operation that he has maybe 12 weeks, maybe 14. That few weeks takes us into the start of the season, however we knew that was a possibility and fortunately it is a position we have got a fair amount of cover in."
26 07 2007
England defender Jonathan Woodgate was voted the worst signing of the 21st century by readers of marca.com, the website for Spain's largest selling sports daily.
The 27 year old was the runaway winner polling 37.11 percent of the votes cast on their Web page, the newspaper said.
Real Madrid signed "Woody" from Newcastle United for around $25 million in August 2004 however due to a thigh injury he did not make his debut until September 2005.
His 1st official game turned into a nightmare when he scored an own goal and was sent off in the league match against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu.
Woodgate was put out on loan to Premier League Boro in August 2006 and the move became permanent for a fee of $14 million earlier this year.
He made only 14 competitive appearances for Real Madrid.
05 07 2007
Boro transfer target Tuncay Sanli was granted a work permit and expects to join up with his new team mates on the club's pre season trip to Austria next week.
The 25 year old agreed a 4 year deal late last month and then returned to his native country to wait for his application to be processed. The forward will now join on a free transfer from Fenerbahce
The news is a further boost for Boro manager Gareth Southgate, who has confidence he has significantly strengthened his team during the summer.
Boro unveiled former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere Tuesday and with Tuncay also on board as well former Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate making his loan deal permanent, Southgate is pleased with the business he has done so far.
The recruitment process will continue, with AZ Alkmaar's Iceland right back Gretar Steinsson and Man Utd forward Alan Smith though to be targets.
Southgate said, "All I can said is we are actively looking to improve the team and improve the squad. We were watching several different players in different positions. Obviously at right defender, we have lost Abel Xavier and Stuart Parnaby, and Tony McMahon is still recuperating from a broken leg, so we are very short of cover and competition in that position, even though we have some good youngsters coming through. I still feel we need to add a few players. We are looking very much to do that over the coming weeks, and the sooner we can get them in, the better. However, it is good to have, with Jonathan, 3 new transfers in place already, and to know we have built already on what we did last season."
Boro finished Southgate's 1st campaign in charge in 12th place in the Barclays Premier League, a creditable return after the rookie manager was thrown in at the deep end.
However, whilst that could were satisfactory last time around, he is looking for a progression, and that is fuelling his summer spending plans.
Southgate said, "I mentioned last season, I had a look at things, I had a look at the league and where we were, and I feel as a club, we require a challenge, we need to be challenged more. We have established ourselves as a Premier League club over the last 6 or 7 years, however we have only had the one top 10 finish in that period of time. We finished 12th last year, which is a good platform for us, however I would like to challenge all the players now, and I think they are ready to be challenged. They would like the challenge. There are lots of young, hungry lads in there and it is an exciting time for us."
