Steve Cooper has emerged as the leading candidate for the vacant Middlesbrough role as the club narrows its search for a new head coach.
The former Swansea City and Nottingham Forest manager is now odds-on to take over at the Riverside following Michael Carrick’s departure.
Cooper Leads Three-Man Shortlist to Replace Carrick
Middlesbrough’s search for a new manager is entering its final stages, and Steve Cooper is now understood to be the frontrunner. The Welshman, 44, is currently without a club after brief spells in charge of Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, and Boro chairman Steve Gibson is said to be eager to secure an appointment before pre-season begins.
Cooper is no stranger to Championship success. He took Swansea City to back-to-back play-off finishes before producing a remarkable turnaround at Nottingham Forest. Appointed in September 2021 with the club bottom of the table, he led them to promotion via the play-offs just eight months later.
Although Forest avoided the drop in their first season back in the Premier League, Cooper was sacked in December 2023. He then joined Leicester City but was dismissed in November 2024 after winning just two of 12 matches. His replacement, Ruud van Nistelrooy, was unable to prevent the Foxes’ relegation.
Other Candidates
Middlesbrough, who finished 10th last season after a run of poor form, parted ways with Carrick following a month-long review of the campaign. Cooper is now thought to be the preferred option, though he faces competition from two other names still in the frame: Rob Edwards and Danny Röhl.
Edwards, who took Luton Town into the Premier League in 2023, remains highly regarded despite the Hatters’ eventual relegation and his departure in January. He had previously caught Middlesbrough’s attention when Carrick was first appointed and is seen as a progressive, attack-minded coach with strong leadership qualities.
Danny Röhl also remains under consideration after guiding Sheffield Wednesday to safety under difficult circumstances. The 36-year-old German was widely praised for his tactical flexibility and ability to lift a squad that appeared destined for relegation earlier in the season.
Despite the calibre of competition, the momentum appears firmly with Cooper, whose Championship pedigree and proven track record of club transformation appeals to the hierarchy at the Riverside.
Writer’s View
Steve Cooper feels like the logical choice for Middlesbrough. He’s the only candidate with proven promotion credentials and has shown he can work within both stable and chaotic environments. While his spell at Leicester was short-lived, his work at Forest and Swansea stands out in the Championship landscape.
Rob Edwards and Danny Röhl are excellent prospects, but with Boro needing a quick turnaround and ready-made structure, Cooper’s appointment would provide instant credibility and a clear path forward.
