Middlesbrough will not look to reappoint former boss Michael Carrick following the departure of Rob Edwards to Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to The Northern Echo.
The Teessiders have been thrown into turmoil over the past week after Wolves opted to part company with Vitor Pereira. The 57-year-old had overseen a dreadful start to the season at Molineux, picking up just 2 points from 10 games to leave the club rooted to the foot of the Premier League.
Almost immediately, Edwards was linked with a move back to the West Midlands, having spent 4 years as a player between 2004 and 2008. He also worked at the club in various coaching roles between 2014 and 2019, including taking charge of first team affairs on an interim basis in 2016.
Despite only joining Boro in the summer, it soon became apparent that a return to his former club was his preference. After days of speculation that included cancelled press conferences and missed training sessions, Edwards’ exit was finally confirmed on Wednesday.
Club statement. pic.twitter.com/38sJyuIyv1
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) November 12, 2025
Carrick Linked With Sensational Return
Michael Carrick landed his first permanent managerial role with Middlesbrough in 2022. Taking over with the club on the fringes of the relegation places, he oversaw a huge upturn in fortunes to eventually guide them to the play-offs.
They suffered heartbreak at the semi final stage though, when they were drawn against Coventry City. A single Gus Hamer goal was enough to settle the two-legged tie.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder remained at the Riverside Stadium for the next 2 seasons, but was unable to replicate that success. Having missed out on successive top 6 finishes, the decision was made to cut ties in June.
The 44-year-old has been out of work since, although has been linked with a number of positions. This includes the roles at over current vacancies, including Norwich City and Southampton.
It has been claimed that Boro were considering a shock swoop for their ex-boss over the past couple of days. However, it has now been reported that this is wide of the mark.
Michael Carrick backed for shock Middlesbrough return amid Steve Gibson sack claimhttps://t.co/qlzgQMXVqu
— Gazette Boro (@GazetteBoro) November 13, 2025
Middlesbrough To Take Time To Find The Right Man
The Northern Echo state that Middlesbrough will take their time to find the right man to lead the club forward over the next few weeks. This means that current interim Adi Viveash is expected to remain in charge when Championship football resumes after the international break with a trip to Oxford United.
With Steve Gibson said to be one of the most stable owners in the country, Boro have been ‘inundated with interest’ since Edwards departed for Wolves. However, there is not thought to be a frontrunner for the position just yet.
Other names said to be in the frame are former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Steven Gerrard, Carlos Corberan, Gary O’Neil and Brendan Rodgers. Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also now appeared in the running after telling the Stick To Football podcast that he is ready to return to England:
“I’m open, it’s not like I’m desperate to be back but England, I love living here, I think so.”
“My kids ask me mid-Championship and up, but I’m a football man. Is it Norway? Sweden? It’s about working with people. When I played Football Manager and Championship Manager, I like to defy the odds.”
Following the away clash with Oxford, Middlesbrough then entertain current leaders Coventry City in a clash which is shaping up to be a real six-pointer.
