Born in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, Jonathan began his youth career at his hometown club before moving on to Leeds United, where he helped the club claim the FA Youth Cup in 1997.

Appearing in the UEFA Cup during his debut season for the Yorkshire side, Jonathan was earmarked as one of Leeds’ brightest prospects.

Jonathan endured an injury-blighted end to his spell at Elland Road but his dominant displays still commanded a £9m fee from Newcastle United in January 2003.

After 18 months on Tyneside, the central defender headed to the Spanish capital, joining Real Madrid during their famed ‘Galaticos’ era.

Heading to the Riverside on loan in August 2006, Jonathan was named Man of the Match for a battling performance away at Arsenal and his move was made permanent the following summer.

Jonathan moved to Tottenham in January 2008, scoring his first goal for the club against London rivals Chelsea in the League Cup final. The header earned Spurs their first trophy since 1999, which remains their most recent major honour.

After a brief stint at Stoke City, Jonathan returned to his boyhood club on a three-year deal in 2012, making his second debut away at Bury in the League Cup.

He bagged a crucial goal away at Blackpool to send Boro to the top of the Championship table before signing an additional 12-month contract after the play-off final defeat to Norwich City.

Ending his playing career by helping Boro back to the Premier League, Jonathan also turned out eight times for England, featuring alongside Boro Head Coach Michael Carrick.

Starting his coaching career with Boro’s U18s, Jonathan was promoted to Assistant Manager under Steve Agnew and was held in the same role when Tony Pulis was installed in the dugout.

Appointed Head Coach in June 2019, Jonathan’s opening game was a highly-entertaining 3-3 draw at Luton and he was named Championship Manager of the Month for December following four straight wins.

After leading Bournemouth to the Championship play-offs at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, Jonathan was appointed First Team Coach at Boro in October 2022.