Middlesbrough Legend Makes Michael Carrick Future Point and Has Common Question on Rob Edwards

Middlesbrough Legend Makes Michael Carrick Future Point and Has Common Question on Rob Edwards
Middlesbrough legend Gary Pallister has backed outgoing head coach Michael Carrick to bounce back quickly in his managerial career following the club’s decision to appoint Rob Edwards as his replacement.

Carrick, who spent nearly two full seasons at the Riverside Stadium, guided Boro to the Championship play-offs in 2022/23 and helped build an attacking, possession-based side admired across the division. However, despite glimpses of progress, Middlesbrough opted for change this summer, bringing in Edwards, who was most recently in charge at Luton Town.

Speaking in reaction to the managerial shake-up, Pallister praised Carrick’s impact and predicted a bright future for the former Manchester United midfielder.

“Michael’s done a very respectable job at Boro. He’s shown great potential and composure for someone in their first senior role. I don’t think he’ll be out of work for long. Clubs will be looking at what he’s done here and see the value he brings,” said Pallister.

While Carrick’s departure marks the end of an era defined by tactical control and creative freedom, Edwards’ arrival signals a shift. The former Luton boss took the Hatters into the Premier League during the 2022/23 season — ironically beating Carrick’s Boro in the play-offs — but was dismissed in January 2025 after a challenging Premier League campaign.

For Pallister, there’s cautious optimism, but he shares a question many Boro fans are asking: how will Edwards adapt his tactical style to fit Middlesbrough’s current squad?

“We know Rob did brilliantly with Luton. But their style was very different — much more direct, physically robust. The question is: will he try to replicate that here, or tweak things to suit the players Michael’s brought in?” Pallister queried.

That question looms large over pre-season as Edwards prepares to work with a squad built for a more intricate, patient brand of football. Players like Hayden Hackney, Riley McGree, and Isaiah Jones have thrived under Carrick’s control-based philosophy, and whether they will fit into Edwards’ approach remains to be seen.

Club insiders have hinted that Edwards is expected to be tactically flexible — a requirement that likely played a role in his appointment. His coaching credentials and character reportedly impressed Boro’s hierarchy, who view him as someone capable of bridging the stylistic gap while bringing a harder edge and stronger defensive stability.

Pre-season will be crucial for Edwards to imprint his philosophy and assess how much the current squad aligns with his ideas. Recruitment decisions could also play a significant role in shaping the new Boro era.

For now, the club bids farewell to Carrick with appreciation and looks ahead to a new chapter under Edwards — one filled with curiosity, questions, and cautious optimism.

As Pallister concluded:

“Change is always a gamble, but if Rob can build on the foundations Michael left behind and add his own strengths, it could be an exciting season for Boro.”

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