Gary O’Neil has competition for the soon-to-be vacant Middlesbrough manager’s post as new names emerge as potential options.
Boro are extremely likely to have to search for a new manager after a breakdown in relations between the club and current figurehead Rob Edwards, who is on the verge of a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The former Watford man was missing from the sidelines at the weekend due to the progression in talks between him and the Black Country side.
Wicky Emerges With Previous Championship Links
In a new report from Graeme Bailey, multiple out-of-work managers were tipped with being potential options for Boro chair Steve Gibson to approach, including O’Neil, who is the standout frontrunner in the contest according to many outlets. One of those touted was Stoke City boss Mark Robins, who has led the Potters to a potential promotion push.
However, a more left-field choice could be Raphael Wicky, who nearly became a 2nd tier manager nearly a year ago with West Bromwich Albion. The 48-year-old was on the verge of succeeding Carlos Corberan at the Hawthorns in January, but a move fell through which led to Tony Mowbray’s return less than a week later.
Wicky had become a well-regarded figure in Switzerland, where he led Young Boys BSC to a league and cup double in 2023. He has been out of work since March 2024, when his contract was terminated by the Bern side.
Bailey also names Steven Gerrard in his report, who had previously turned down the Rangers job following the disastarous reign of former Southampton boss Russell Martin at Ibrox. One of his former Liverpool teammates Robbie Keane is another option, currently in charge of Hungarian giants Ferencvaros.
Could O’Neil Be Beaten To The Role?
While these options are likely to be considered, it seems currently that Gary O’Neil is the likeliest to take over at the Riverside Stadium, with reports in Football Insider yesterday revealing that preliminary talks were underway for him to replace Edwards.
However, Boro are not the only club looking at the ex-Wolves boss, with The Pink ‘Un also noting that he is a leading candidate to take over at Norwich City. Should the Canaries pip Middlesbrough to the post, then an alternative, such as Wicky, will have to be considered.
