Middlesbrough managerial update emerges as 42-year-old becomes ‘clear favourite’, as per reporter

Rob Edwards is now the ‘clear favourite’ to become the new manager of Middlesborough, according to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon page.

Middlesbrough are looking for a new manager after firing Michael Carrick earlier this month. Boro did not make the playoffs last season.

Carrick, 43, assumed charge in October 2022. His squad finished 10th in the Championship last season, four points behind the top six, which led to his dismissal.

Following his departure, the team has been looking for a replacement as they seek promotion back to the Premier League. In the most recent update, writer Nixon said on Patreon that it is likely to be Edwards, who has been unemployed since January after being fired by Luton Town.

During his time at the Hatters, Edwards helped the team to the first flight by winning the play-offs in 2023 and defeating Coventry City in the final at Wembley. They were demoted after a year, despite some good results.

Middlesbrough target Rob Edwards’ promotion experience

Middlesbrough’s goal in the upcoming campaign is to improve, and despite being only 42, Edwards has done so before. That is what has made him appealing to the Boro hierarchy.

In 2021, he took over Forest Green Rovers, a League Two side that was predicted to struggle. Nonetheless, in his one year with the team, he won the league and was promoted to League One.

He then defied the odds again at Luton Town, guiding an underdog to a third-place finish before their dream Wembley victory. The Telford-born man has previously managed Watford.

Unfortunate end at Luton Town for Middlesbrough candidate

Following their relegation a year ago, Edwards stayed in command of Luton Town, with the goal of regaining promotion at the earliest opportunity. However, after winning only three of their first ten games, that seemed doubtful.

Their problems persisted, and he left Kenilworth Road in January, with the Bedfordshire club in 20th place, two points above the relegation zone. Matt Bloomfield took his position, but he couldn’t keep them up, and they finished in the bottom three alongside Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle.

If Edwards joins Middlesbrough, they will hope he has gained valuable experience with the Hatters. With past promotion experience, they could do much worse than bring him to the Riverside Stadium.