Former Premier League midfielder George Boateng has joined Rovers as coach of the club’s Under-13s side.

Boateng made over 500 career appearances before hanging up his boots in 2013 and is best known for spells with Middlesbrough and Aston Villa.  He also won four caps for Holland.

Now 43, Boateng has competed his UEFA Pro Licence and gained experience of first-team management in Malaysia, where he also worked as a Director of Football.

Boateng began work at Rovers on a permanent basis yesterday and will look to help nurture the next generation of talent at the club’s Category One Academy base at Brockhall.

On joining the club, Boateng said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking on this new role. It’s a great environment here at Rovers to start my coaching career in England. The philosophy and style of football here is what I believe in, so that made my decision quite an easy one.”