Former Middlesbrough full-back and BBC 72+ EFL pundit Tommy Smith has been named as Boro's new loans manager.

The 33-year-old, who also played for Huddersfield and Stoke over a 10-year playing career, retired earlier this year after sustaining a ruptured Achilles playing for Boro in October 2023.

His new role at the Riverside will see Smith maintain contact with players out on loan and their clubs to help their development.

"I'm absolutely delighted," he told the club website., external "It's a fantastic football club and I've really felt a part of it since I arrived as a player, so I'm over the moon to be carrying on, albeit in a slightly different role.

"I'm really grateful to the club for how they've been with me through the last two years. The support I've had through the injury and the retirement is something I'll be eternally grateful for.

"The role is all about getting the best out of the players who are out on loan. I'll be able to watch them train and play, be in regular contact and ultimately try to give them the best opportunity to come...