Middlesbrough are set to unveil Rob Edwards as Michael Carrick’s successor ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.
Following their failed top-six try last season, Middlesbrough fired Michael Carrick earlier in June, bringing an end to his 136-game tenure in the Boro bench.
Rob Edwards, the former Luton Town manager, is poised to be introduced as the next Boro manager in the coming days after agreeing on compensation with the Hatters following his successful meeting with Boro owner Steve Gibson.
After Middlesbrough placed tenth last season, Edwards will be trying to secure a play-off spot in his debut season at the Riverside. However, one Championship specialist is not persuaded by his appointment.
Championship expert’s questions Middlesbrough’s appointment of Rob Edwards.
Edwards has a lot of work to do in his first months as Boro manager to prove he was the right person to succeed Carrick.
EFL Analysis earlier revealed that Middlesbrough was interested in former Leicester City manager Steve Cooper following Carrick’s departure.
We also discovered that Edwards was picked over his first option, Cooper, because Boro was unable to reach an agreement with Cooper.
Prior to Edwards’ arrival, Middlesbrough fans chose Danny Rohl, the current Sheffield Wednesday manager, as their preferred replacement for Carrick.
With Edwards seemingly an unpopular decision in the Middlesbrough boardroom and among Boro fans, the Luton legend has a lot to show.
One Championship specialist is unsure whether his appointment will be validated. Justin Peach stated on the Second Tier podcast, “I’m not overawed by the position.
“I’m not a huge admirer of Rob Edwards, and as I recently stated, I believe he needs to move on to a job with less pressure and more opportunities to grow.
“Whereas at Middlesbrough, I believe he will play a role in which there will be pressure to qualify for the play-offs, and the squad is ready for him.
“Does he have players who can play his style of game? Rob Edwards places a strong focus on wing-backs, whilst Michael Carrick does not, indicating a transition.
“Ultimately, what they need is a decision, because we’re getting very close to pre-season, so for things to be this late, it can impact the season coming ahead.” When considering the win rates of the four aforementioned clubs, the new Boro manager’s prospects do not look promising.
Middlesbrough manager targets compared to Michael Carrick and Rob Edwards.
Edwards will be trying to make his mark on the Boro squad during his first summer transfer window as manager.
Amid his impending arrival, Edwards’ former Luton star Alfie Doughty has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough and is now a very real possibility of becoming his first Boro signing.
| Statistic | Michael Carrick | Steve Cooper | Danny Rohl | Rob Edwards |
| Matches in charge | 139 | 309 | 89 | 246 |
| Win rate | 46.7% | 47.5% | 38.2% | 39% |
| Points per game | 1.58 | 1.65 | 1.36 | 1.39 |
Comparison of combined management career records and Transfermarkt data
Edwards has much to do to instill trust in the Boro supporters ahead of the 2025–26 Championship campaign, especially when comparing his win rate as manager to that of his predecessor Carrick and recent targets Cooper and Rohl.
The Welshman has a lot to prove in his first season in the Boro dugout, especially considering that his win rate is far lower than that of Carrick, Cooper, and Rohl. Edwards’ Luton team was thrashed 5-1 on their most recent trip to Middlesbrough.
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