Jonny Howson and Luke Ayling of Middlesbrough have both stated that they want to work in management after they retire.
Howson (36) and Ayling (33) are both in the twilight of their playing careers, having spent numerous seasons in the Premier League and many campaigns across the EFL.
Michael Carrick clearly believes they have a lot to offer his Middlesbrough side this season, with Ayling still serving as his first-choice right-back and Howson providing crucial squad depth in the center of the park.
However, with the evergreen central midfielder and club captain out of contract at the end of the season and former Leeds United stalwart Ayling only signed until the summer of 2026, both stalwarts are focused on their careers when their playing days are finished.
“Management is something I want to do”
Middlesbrough has launched a new podcast called ‘Yer Joking Aren’t Ya?’, presented by former Boro superstars David Wheater and Craig Hignett, with Howson and Ayling joining them for the first edition.
During the episode, the quartet discussed a number of issues, including their retirement plans. The current Middlesbrough stars expressed their desire to pursue a coaching career.
On the podcast, Ayling responded to Hignett’s question on looking beyond football by saying, “Yeah, definitely once you hit 30 and you start tapering down, you definitely look towards what the future holds.”
“I vary; I believe I want to stay in football and coach or manage. I just think I’d miss Saturday at three o’clock. I feel like I’d miss Saturday three o’clock the most, because I have pals outside of football with whom I can have banter and such.
“So, that sounds like something I’d like to do. Then there are numerous alternatives outside of football presently. There’s media work, scouting opportunities, and so much to do.
“I haven’t labeled like, ‘this is what I want to do’, but I think management, coaching is something that I want to do. I’ve had the opportunity to work with several excellent managers and observe various types of play, and I really feel compelled to try it.”
“That’s probably the route I’m going to try and go down”
Hignett then asked Howson the same question, and the Middlesbrough midfielder stated that he has already planned his coaching future.
Howson responded, “Of course I have. Like Bill (Ayling’s nickname) suggested, after you reach 30, I believe you should think about it.
“I’m currently pursuing a (UEFA) B Licence; a couple of us were on it last year, I believe there were twelve of us. So I’m doing it, and that’s probably the direction I’ll attempt to go.”
If their playing abilities are any indication, Howson and Ayling would undoubtedly be terrific coaches. Leadership, calm under pressure, pragmatic, and both had long and successful careers in the game, dealing with a variety of managers, coaches, and teammates.
| Howson’s Boro career stats (all comps) – per FotMob | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 23/24 | 43 | 3 | 3 |
| 22/23 | 45 | 0 | 3 |
| 21/22 | 49 | 1 | 4 |
| 20/21 | 43 | 1 | 1 |
| 19/20 | 43 | 0 | 6 |
| 18/19 | 47 | 1 | 6 |
| 17/18 | 48 | 3 | 2 |
With Howson’s contract expiring at the end of the season and him playing more of a rotating role this season, 2024/25 could be his final tour.
Former Boro players, such as Lee Cattermole and current Middlesbrough first-team coach Grant Leadbitter, have taken their initial steps in coaching with the club. Howson appears to be a natural fit to follow in their footsteps.
Leave a Reply