The former Luton Town boss is among the favourites to replace Michael Carrick
If Rob Edwards is appointed manager of Middlesbrough this month, he will be well aware of the squad’s strength. The former Luton Town manager is considered to be the front-runner in the contest to succeed Michael Carrick, with a decision on the next head coach likely soon.
Boro will not rush any appointments, preferring to have the proper guy in charge to lead a promotion push. According to reports, they have spoken with several major competitors, including those from abroad, with Edwards, Steve Cooper, and Danny Rohl emerging as three of the front-runners.
Edwards has Championship experience, having led Luton to the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2023 following a thrilling play-off final against Coventry City at Wembley. Their spot in the top six was secured by a good conclusion to the 2022-23 season, which included a 2-1 victory over Carrick’s Boro at Kenilworth Road.
The visitors had led thanks to Cameron Archer’s effort just before halftime, but whatever Edwards said to his players during the break worked well, with goals from Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris giving the Hatters a 2-1 victory. Boro could have faced Luton in the play-off final, but they lost to Coventry in the semi-finals, while Town beat Sunderland over two legs.
Edwards was particularly happy with the comeback victory over Boro two years ago, but his comments at the time suggest he understands why Carrick’s players were such a threat, and foreshadows what he will want to achieve in the Riverside hotseat.
“Credit to the lads, I thought the response was really good,” Edwards stated in 2023. “Middlesbrough shown how good they are, and Michael and his staff have done an excellent job, which is evident; everyone knows and has seen it.
“When you play against them, you can see their quality; they overload you, have threats behind them, and can build slowly.
“Tonight was always going to be a really challenging game, and it was also a mindset thing; both teams knew they were in the playoffs, but I’m thrilled with how they responded. We did some nice things, but I believe we might be better.
“Psychologically, the games are challenging, as are the next several games. We have to strive and maintain that momentum. We want to keep trying to win, but when those play-off games arrive, I’m sure there will be an extra percentage or two.
“It’s incredibly difficult; psychologically, no matter what you talk about or how we try to drive it, there’s an aspect of ‘Ok, but we know what’s coming in a few weeks’ time. But look, I can sit here and say we could have done this or that better, but we won the game, and I believe that’s a wonderful position to be.”
Of course, the Boro roster has altered much since that day in April 2023, but fans will undoubtedly remember how he went about earning a victory over a promotion contender, which will be critical if the Teessiders are to achieve their goals next season.
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