Middlesbrough have named former player, Lee Cattermole as Lead Coach of the club’s Under-18s Squad.
Cattermole previously graduated through Middlesbrough’s Youth Academy into the senior team where he netted four goals in 91 first-team appearances, before moving to Wigan in July 2008 followed by a move to Sunderland just over a year later.
A decade-long stint with the Black Cats saw Cattermole enjoy the high of finishing runner-up in 2013-14 League Cup amidst various relegation battles, culminating in consecutive relegations in 2016-17 & 17-18 seasons to drop to Championship then League One.
Cattermole eventually brought his stay on Wearside to an end in Spring 2019 after scoring 12 goals in 293 and joined Eredivisie’s VVV-Venlo, where he only managed 11 appearances before the 2019-20 season was curtailed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The now 33 year-old consequently decided to retire in Summer 2020 and begun studying for his coaching badges, whilst doing voluntary coaching with Boro’s Under 15s and Under 16s squads to gain experience.
Speaking about Cattermole’s appointment, Boro Academy manager and fellow ex player – Craig Liddle commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Lee back to the club. He brings strong leadership qualities, high standards and he has a wealth of experience in the game.
“Obviously, he came through our Academy and is a great example to the young players we have here now. He followed the same development path as them, understands what they are going through, and knows what it takes to have a good career in the game at the highest level.”
Cattermole will begin his new role on Monday 24 January and replaces Mark Tinkler who has been promoted to the U23s squad, filling the vacant Lead Coach position after Graeme Lee left the club for Hartlepool United.
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