Boro is close to confirming the former Luton Town manager as its new head coach.
As Middlesbrough prepares to reveal Rob Edwards as their new head coach, many are wondering how he would build up his team.
Edwards demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the existing Boro group when he convinced Boro bosses to hire him this summer. While there may be some changes during the summer transfer window, the new manager is likely to give every present player an opportunity to prove themselves.
Having previously preferred three-man defences, it will be intriguing to see if he remains with them at Boro, or if he changes things in a way that he believes will bring out the best in the club’s existing players. That will also be the case in terms of style, with his Luton Town side designed to play to their strengths, which are very different from those of the present Boro squad.
In an interview with the High Performance Podcast this summer, when he discussed what he enjoys about his teams, Edwards said: “We realized fairly quickly that we needed to evolve and adapt. We had a handful of games where we needed to tighten things up, but we didn’t end up being the team I wanted. Wolves at home was the first time we felt ready to go and be ourselves.
“Turn up the heat, take risks, and be aggressive. Man-on-man forceful pressing. We gradually gained confidence and began to believe that we could be who we wanted to be. Even if we were demoted, we believed we could overcome this by fighting hard and being the squad we wanted to be.
“We are in the entertainment business. I want us to be exciting. I want our fans to enjoy and be proud to watch their team. I can’t bear the concept of my team being passive and allowing the opponent to have complete possession. Even if they have better players, more experience, or anything, I just don’t want us to be like that.
And, on the importance of passion as much as tactics, he said: “In general, I always thought we played better with emotion, and I believe that applies to everybody. Of course, you must have a strategy, some organization, and so on, but if you have a team that will go through a brick wall for each other, fight for each other, and has passion, heart, and bravery, you’re on to something.
“We needed to pull on the heartstrings a little more. Clearly, we needed a game plan, and we worked on several aspects to ensure that we were strong in and out of possession, transitions, set-pieces, and so on. But in order to have a foothold in a game and attempt to win, you must have that emotion.” Many former players have praised Edwards as a good manager.
Empathy is regarded as one of his best talents, yet he admits that it may be both his greatest strength and weakness at times. He acknowledges that one of his favorite aspects of his profession is connecting with people and getting the most out of them.
When asked about what high performance meant to him on the podcast, he replied, “I think maximising potential and trying to extract every ounce of whatever it is you want out of every person.” Along the way, I want to have fun with it. That, in my opinion, is really crucial.
“I want us all to appreciate what we do because we are so fortunate and privileged to be working in this sport. I appreciate providing people with a platform and the opportunity to be the best version of themselves.”
At Boro, Edwards will face greater pressure from expectations than he has in the past. At Forest Green and Luton, he led teams to promotion despite low expectations. Boro’s immediate goal will be to challenge for a top-six berth, which will be a fresh experience in many ways.
When asked about dealing with management pressure, he responded, “I’m growing to really appreciate them [moments of intense pressure]. You complete your badges, but no course can prepare you for half-time, full-time, and extra time in the Championship play-off final.
“The most valuable prize in football, and you’ve got three players injured and holding on, with only two substitutes remaining. Looking back, you see we did okay; we coped well in that moment. Actually, in a strange way, I enjoyed it!”
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