Rob Edwards hopes to make a rapid start as Middlesbrough manager.
Rob Edwards has set an early goal for Middlesbrough in his first season, with league place being only one of several areas where he hopes to improve.
Boro finished eleventh last season, prompting Michael Carrick’s departure and the appointment of the former Luton Town manager. Edwards admitted in his first interview that, while earning promotion is the ultimate goal of his three-year contract with Boro, it may not be achievable in his first season.
But Edwards is clear that he wants to see an improvement in Boro’s league position this season, as well as other areas of the club’s overall play, as he begins to work on embedding his methods in his players throughout preseason.
When asked which game he’s most looking forward to next season during a fan Q&A session, Edwards replied, “I believe the first one. The fixtures are out, and we know we’re at home at the Riverside; everything feels real now. So I am really looking forward to that.”
And when asked about next season’s goals, he said, “We want to see improvement. It’s difficult to explain accurately because improvement can take numerous forms. We obviously aim to enhance our league standing.
But it also includes everything else, such as goals for, goals against, and so forth. “We want to attempt to improve in all areas and have a team that our fans are proud to watch. I know they have already been, and there have been some really positive things going on. But ideally, we can add to it, and fans will realize what we’re trying to do.
“I want people to applaud us after each game. Whether we win, lose, or draw, I want them to witness the consistent effort.
“Then I believe we’ll be on to something.” Edwards has already been in the position for a week, with the majority of Boro’s team returning for the start of preseason last Thursday. As he gets acquainted to his new home, including trying his first parmo last week, the new head coach admits his already exalted view of the club means that little has startled him thus far.
“I don’t think much has surprised me,” he told me. “I already knew a lot about the club because I had dealt with it frequently throughout the years. I’ve always had a lot of regard for the club from the outside looking in, and I recognize its size. So I can’t say that anything has surprised me.
“The surroundings are amazing. It is gorgeous where we are right now on the training ground. Rockliffe offers all of the amenities and beautiful settings, which is fantastic. There haven’t been any surprises, however. I think it’s just reassuring to know how big the club is and how important it is to individuals.”
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