Middlesbrough’s search for a new manager has taken a significant step forward after chairman Steve Gibson held a second round of talks with Rob Edwards.
The former Luton Town manager remains the leading candidate to take over at the Riverside Stadium, following the departure of Michael Carrick after three years at the helm.
Further Discussions
Edwards was initially interviewed earlier this month, but sources now confirm that further discussions took place over the weekend, with Gibson believed to be keen on his appointment. Edwards is currently a free agent following his departure from Luton at the end of the 2023/24 season, where he led the Hatters to the Premier League and came close to avoiding relegation in a spirited top-flight campaign.
His record at Luton included 103 games, with 33 wins, 23 draws and 47 defeats—38 of which came in the Premier League. Prior to that, he managed Forest Green Rovers, Watford, and Telford United, building a reputation for instilling resilience and structure into his teams. Overall, across those earlier roles, he posted a win ratio of just over 42%.
Other Candidates
While Edwards leads the race, Middlesbrough are keeping their options open. Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl remains under serious consideration, although any move for the German tactician would come with financial hurdles. Rohl is under contract at Hillsborough and would reportedly cost around £5 million in compensation—a potentially decisive factor given Middlesbrough’s reluctance to overspend.
Rohl has overseen 89 matches for Wednesday, winning 34 and drawing 19, with a win percentage slightly higher than Edwards’ at 38.2%. However, his top-level experience is largely limited to assistant roles with Bayern Munich, the German national team, and Southampton prior to his move to S6. While highly regarded for his tactical acumen, the cost and timing may work against him.
Middlesbrough supporters have expressed mixed views on Edwards’ candidacy, with some pointing to his Watford spell as a concern. However, his achievement in taking Luton to the top flight and pushing established sides close during their brief Premier League stint has earned widespread admiration.
No final decision has yet been made, but club insiders expect movement within the next week as Middlesbrough look to have a new manager in place before pre-season preparations begin. With squad planning already underway, the need for clarity in the dugout is becoming increasingly urgent.
Writer’s View
Rob Edwards feels like the pragmatic choice for Middlesbrough. His track record of overachievement, particularly with Luton, makes him an attractive option for a club trying to bridge the gap between mid-table safety and the play-off places. The appeal of Danny Rohl’s coaching pedigree is undeniable, but the financial reality may tilt things in Edwards’ favour.
Steve Gibson has never been one to make rushed decisions, and this has the hallmarks of a carefully calculated appointment. If Edwards is the man, it will be a solid, sensible move—now the focus will shift to whether he can deliver a top-six finish with this squad.
