Middlesbrough have welcomed back Joe Fryer as Academy goalkeeping coach.

Fryer initially joined Boro as an Under-15 and was extremely well thought of as he progressed through the ranks at the club, playing a leading role in the brilliant treble-winning season for the Under-21s in 2014/15.

After a stint with Hartlepool on loan, Fryer impressed during a spell with Stevenage but his next loan move to Carlisle was cut short by a horrendous double fracture of his leg in 2018, the keeper breaking his tibia and fibula.

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The youngster returned to Rockliffe for two years of fastidious rehab but after such a serious injury understandably struggled to rediscover the form and momentum from the early stages of his career.

After being released by Boro in 2020, Fryer joined up with Swindon on a short term contract. But after making a couple of appearances, manager John Sheridan, who was Carlisle boss when Fryer suffered the injury, opted against extending the deal.

He said at the time: “We won’t be extending Joe’s contract. I was there on the day he got that injury – he was probably playing the best football of his young career.

“He’s been playing catch up ever since he came in, and Joe understands that. Hopefully, Joe will go on and be successful wherever he goes."

Fryer then returned to Boro, initially as a part-time coach, but after impressing at Rockliffe is now stepping up to become Academy goalkeeping coach.

The 26-year-old told the club website: "It's great to be back here, although it doesn't really feel like I've been away.

"The club has been fantastic with me, right through from being in the Academy to the brilliant support when I was injured.

"I want to help our young goalkeepers the same way that the club helped and worked with me as a young player."

Boro's Under-21s are in action on Friday afternoon, taking on Huddersfield Town in the Premier League Cup. With some Academy players expected to travel to Hibs for Saturday's first team friendly, the game at Huddersfield could present an opportunity for a number of youngsters.

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