Graeme Carrick unpacked and why Middlesbrough felt he was the right man after Aaron Danks' exit

Graeme Carrick is four years younger than brother Michael and, until this point when the pair are reuniting at Middlesbrough, they have been on very different paths in their footballing careers.

It wasn't always that way. They developed a close bond as children, regularly attending the renowned Wallsend Boys Club on Tyneisde and showing real talent. Their parents Vince and Lynn tried not to force football on either, but described the pair as 'obsessed'. Anyone who knows the pair knows that it's an obsession that burns just as strong today.

Those early years were spent with the pair both showing real promise as footballers and joining West Ham United's academy. But while Michael would go on to play for the Hammers' first team before moves to Tottenham and Manchester United making him a household name, Graeme would be forced to take a different path.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough appoint Graeme Carrick to brother Michael's coaching team after Aaron Danks' exit

Injuries sadly ended Graeme's chances of following his older brother into the professional game - as a player at least. Rather than show any bitterness for the fact he hadn't been able to pursue his ultimate dream like Michael, however, Graeme instead showed his character and mental fortitude by creating an alternative path that kept him in the game and all these years later, sees him working with Michael once more as Middlesbrough's new first-team coach.

Coaching was the path he took when playing dreams were snatched from him. He went to university to complete a degree and a master's while coaching part-time in Newcastle United's academy and later Northumbria University. He joined the FA in 2007 and spent over 15 years there, serving in various youth coaching and development roles too.

That appears to be a specific are of expertise for the new Boro backroom recruit and one which the club can harness as it continues its ambitions to help prospects break through from the academy to the first team.

By 2019, Graeme had a significant role in youth development for the FA, coaching children from 12-16 in what was called a DNA lead role. Essentially, the FA were looking to implement huge changes to the English game to create a philosophy throughout the system of how they wanted the game to be played, stretching all the way up to the senior squad. It was a key role because it was seen as part of preparing the stars of the future for the national team, and that ultimately started at grassroots level.

Boro legend Gareth Southgate was said to be very supportive of the work he was doing and a large part of that work centred around something that should help him at Boro. That was, ensuring players were comfortable on the ball, calm in possession and confident enough to express themselves - something his older brother has been stressing the importance of since his arrival at Boro.

In an interview from 2019 with the Northumberland FA after a DNA Roadshow workshop, Graeme said: "It's important to show the work we're doing around DNA. First and foremost, it's important that kids love playing the game. We need to develop them as people as well as players.

"The aim is to help them learn and get them playing with freedom and expression. That's like the DNA that we want to instil at this foundation phase which links with the national teams. For us as coaches, we have to determine what each kid needs, but it's important to keep the quality and integrity high so that they're getting the right experience that they need in the right environment."

Dan Ashworth was a key player at the FA in determining that a DNA had to be established across age groups to help the national team for the future through better player development. Ashworth is soon expected to leave Newcastle United and become sporting director at Manchester United.

Indeed, it was Ashworth who had a huge hand in Graeme leaving the FA in August 2022, as he took on the role as lead coach of the Magpies' under-18s side. In the two years since, he has been working to improve the academy programme for scholars at the club, while leading the U18s side in games - including what ended up being his final one, a 4-3 victory over Boro.

Offering insight into what Boro can expect, when appointed, Graeme said: "I've had a brilliant time at the FA over the 15 years and I'm certainly appreciative of the opportunities and experiences gained but I think I'm ready for a fresh challenge. When the opportunity came up with Newcastle, it seemed like the perfect timing and the perfect next step for me.

"I'm particularly looking forward to being out on the grass, working with players everyday and I'll give absolutely everything in trying to help them realise their potential both as footballers but also, as importantly, young people. The short-term aim is making sure to improve the programme for the players and helping them to progress every day and every week, individually and collectively. Longer term, it's striving to deliver a high-quality programme whilst contributing, along with the rest of staff, towards making the academy better."

Steve Harper, meanwhile, who now serves as Newcastle's academy director, said: "A thorough recruitment process was undertaken and Graeme's passion for individual player development, both on and off the pitch, came to the fore. Graeme has over 15 years of experience in coach development and is very keen to utilise this vast experience within a team environment.

"In his interviews, Graeme emphasised the importance he places on all areas of support for the players within the multi-disciplinary team and his standing within the coaching profession shows this is a significant appointment for the academy."

Now reunited with brother Michael at Boro, however, the pair have never lost that close bond despite their varying paths. According to sources, whenever they come together it's hard to stop them talking about anything but football. Also a trustee of Michael's Foundation, not only is there a close bond between the Carrick brothers but there is a trust and shared vision of the game, how it should be played and the ways in which that can be achieved.

With varying experiences of the game, it's what made Michael feel that Graeme was the perfect candidate this summer when he needed a new face for his coaching team at Boro following the departure of Aaron Danks. For Graeme, it's the next big step in his coaching career.