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Andrew Steel

Jonathan Woodgate's heartfelt and classy comments about Leeds United before Middlesbrough clash

Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has fond memories of his time with Leeds United, but the ex-Whites cult hero will only be hoping for one winner when the two sides meet on Saturday.

Marcelo Bielsa and his side welcome their North Yorkshire rivals to Elland Road for a Championship encounter this weekend, as the hosts look to further their promotion credentials.

Woodgate's side meanwhile will be looking to dig themselves out of danger as they continue to find themselves on the cusp of a relegation battle despite an improved run of form.

Jonathan Woodgate reacts during the Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough at John Smith's Stadium on October 23, 2019 (George Wood/Getty Images)

Speaking ahead of the encounter, the former England defender has reflected on his time in West Yorkshire and how he continues to cherish his relationship with them, but admitted that there will be no divided loyalties this weekend.

"[I] signed schoolboy forms there when I was a 14-year-old kid [and] made my debut there when I was 18," he said.

"[I] played there for many years. It taught me a lot of lessons, Leeds United. I had fantastic youth team coaches, [like] Paul Hart and Eddie Gray.

"[They] brought me up really, when I was a young lad from Middlesbrough. [I] moved down to Wetherby at the age of 16. I learned so much from that club, it's a special place for me.

"The fans have always been excellent with me, I've had a good rapport with them. As I say, it's an exceptionally good club. [I've] really fond memories of being at Leeds United.

"Middlesbrough is my club. I was born and bred in Middlesbrough, but obviously, I do look for the Leeds results. It has a special place in my heart, coming through the youth ranks there as I said earlier.

"There's only one team that I want to win on Saturday. If I was managing Shrewsbury [Town] against Leeds United, I'd want Shrewsbury to win, of course I would want us to win.

"[I'm] desperate for us to win but it's going to be a really difficult game down there, they're a top side."

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