Rix has plenty of experience in coaching at a high level, previously being manager of Portsmouth in 2001-02 and assistant manager in the 1990s at Premier League Chelsea.

The former Arsenal and England midfielder has also managed locally at AFC Portchester.

Rix said he was interested straight away when manager Shaun Gale called him.

“When Shaun [Gale] asked me I was interested. I’ve known him for quite a while, I know Iain McInnes and Craig Stainton as well, so I already had a number of relations within the club. It just appealed straight away, there’s huge potential at the club and there is no doubt about that.

Rix has been a regular face at training so far this pre-season, helping both Gale and Ben Kneller take training sessions.

“I’ve loved working with the lads and have really enjoyed my time so far. Obviously we’ve not spent as long as we liked with them but that’s the level we are at,” said Rix.

“They’re a great set of lads and have a fantastic attitude. They want to get better and want to learn. I just want to do well as a group because they deserve it.

With most of the squad not having played since November, it was not the easiest of situations for Rix to enter, However, the new Boro’ first-team coach said although the situation was tough the players' attitude have been brilliant.

“We got a lot of catching up to do, but they have come back with unbelievable enthusiasm. They’re a great group of lads and they get on really well with each other. The backroom staff have made me really welcome, everyone has been fantastic to me so I want to help this club achieve success.”

Manager Shaun Gale said that Rix ticks all the boxes he was looking for in a new first-team coach.

“Scott [Green] left us and I was eager to replace him but also wanted to bring quality in. You look for lots of things in people and Graham [Rix] ticked all those boxes. I’ve known Graham for a long time, he has coached and managed at the highest level and he knows the leagues well.

“I asked him to come and have a look at it and he has really enjoyed his time here. He has brought into what we’re trying to do at the club and I’m glad to get him on board as first-team coach.

“I’ve got Ben Kneller in as my assistant manager, he does lots of things behind the scenes which people don’t see. The lads have taken to Graham and have really enjoyed working under him, so in the end it was a no brainer.”