| Manager Name | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Edwards | 8/13 | MyriadPlay |
| Steve Cooper | 2/1 | MyriadPlay |
| Brian Priske | 3/1 | MyriadPlay |
| Danny Röhl | 6/1 | MyriadPlay |
| Tom Cleverley | 8/1 | MyriadPlay |
Odds are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. For support with gambling, visit BeGambleAware.org.
Following the departure of Michael Carrick, the managerial position at Middlesbrough is once again open to speculation. The club narrowly missed out on a Championship play-off place last season, and expectations remain high for an immediate return to contention. As such, the bookies are paying close attention, with several high-profile names now leading the betting market.
Boro have been no strangers to change in the dugout, with a revolving door of managers over the past decade. From Tony Pulis to Neil Warnock, and Chris Wilder to Carrick, the club has consistently sought out different philosophies in its pursuit of Premier League football. This history of change makes every vacancy a hotbed of speculation, with odds often shifting rapidly based on interviews, insider reports, and media rumours.
With a mix of seasoned tacticians and up-and-coming coaches now in the frame, the betting market provides a useful—though not definitive—guide to who could be next at the Riverside helm.
Who Will Be the Middlesbrough Manager?
Five solid names are emerging as strong contenders, each bringing a distinct track record—and the betting lines are already reacting to the evolving narrative.
Steve Cooper (Top Candidate)
Steve Cooper has emerged as a leading candidate due to his proven track record in the Championship and reputation for structured, intelligent football. After a successful spell with England’s youth teams, including winning the U17 World Cup, he stepped into club management with Swansea City, taking them to consecutive play-off campaigns. His crowning achievement came at Nottingham Forest, where he secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2022.
Cooper is calm under pressure, tactically flexible, and places emphasis on development, making him an ideal fit for a club like Middlesbrough that values both competitiveness and long-term planning. He’s seen as a safe, high-upside appointment with the ability to unite a squad around a clear vision. Currently priced at 2/1 with BetVictor, his odds have shortened considerably following reported interest and the perception that Boro want experience at this level to guide their next push.
Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards is a strong contender thanks to his Championship credentials and meteoric rise over recent seasons. After cutting his teeth at Forest Green Rovers, where he won League Two in 2022 with an exciting brand of football, he stepped up to Luton Town and pulled off the unthinkable—guiding them to Premier League promotion in 2023. His journey has been marked by adaptability, organisation, and strong leadership qualities, all of which are appealing to a club like Middlesbrough navigating a transitional phase. Edwards is known for a high-pressing, disciplined approach that prioritises structure without sacrificing attacking threat. He builds teams that punch above their weight through unity and clarity of purpose.
Brian Priske
Brian Priske is perhaps the most intriguing outsider in the frame, bringing a wealth of continental experience to the table. The 48-year-old Dane has won domestic titles with Midtjylland in Denmark and Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic, where his teams earned praise for structured, possession-based football and a strong work ethic. Known for favouring a flexible 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1, Priske builds disciplined units capable of controlling matches through tactical intelligence rather than individual brilliance. While he hasn’t worked in English football yet, his name has circulated among Championship clubs seeking a European tactical edge. At 3/1 with BetVictor, his odds reflect serious consideration, even if no formal contact has been reported.
Danny Röhl
Danny Röhl has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking young coaches in the EFL. Appointed at Sheffield Wednesday in October 2023, he inherited a struggling side and led them to safety with a high-tempo, organised style that impressed even neutral observers. Röhl’s pedigree includes assistant roles under Ralf Rangnick with the German national team and working alongside Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich, giving him a deep grounding in elite-level football. His methodology is meticulous, his preparation thorough, and his communication sharp—characteristics that align well with the modern demands of Championship management. At just 35, he represents a bold, progressive choice.
Tom Cleverley
Tom Cleverley may not boast the managerial résumé of some rivals, but his growing reputation in coaching circles is turning heads. After retiring from playing in 2023, the former Manchester United and England midfielder moved straight into a coaching role at Watford, where he was thrust into interim management following Valérien Ismaël’s departure. Despite limited time, Cleverley impressed with a steady hand and a clear tactical setup, finishing the 2024–25 season with respectable performances. His background as a composed, intelligent player translates well to the dugout, where he has focused on discipline, organisation, and clarity.
How to Bet on the Middlesbrough Manager
Placing a bet on the next Middlesbrough manager is simple, but understanding the process helps you make informed choices as the market fluctuates with every rumour and report.
- Find a Bookmaker: Choose a reputable football betting site that offers odds on the Middlesbrough manager market. (Football Betting Sites)
- Locate the Market: Navigate through the site to find the next Middlesbrough manager betting options.
- Select Your Candidate: Choose the manager you believe is most likely to be appointed.
- Add to Bet Slip: Click on your selection to add them to your betting slip.
- Set Your Stake: Enter the amount you wish to wager.
- Confirm Your Bet: Finalise your bet and place it through the bookmaker.
- Monitor Updates: Keep track of odds changes and news to adjust your bets accordingly.
Understanding Managerial Betting Markets
Managerial betting markets typically offer odds on who will be the next permanent manager appointed by a club. These are usually “outright winner” markets, but others include “first to be appointed,” “next to leave,” or time-specific specials. Odds often shift rapidly based on interviews, media speculation, or betting patterns. Unlike traditional match betting, these markets can be highly volatile—especially during periods of uncertainty—so punters need to act quickly and stay informed.
Middlesbrough Managerial History & Trends
Middlesbrough’s managerial history since 2000 reflects a club constantly seeking the right long-term fit—balancing periods of stability with frequent upheaval. While Steve McClaren brought silverware and Gareth Southgate was handed a long-term project, more recent decades have seen shorter spells and a higher turnover rate.
Since Aitor Karanka’s departure in 2017, Boro have cycled through a series of managers, each with differing philosophies—ranging from the pragmatic (Tony Pulis, Neil Warnock) to the progressive (Chris Wilder, Michael Carrick). There’s been no clear pattern of nationality or background, but the club tends to favour managers with Championship or Premier League experience.
The recent preference has shifted toward coaches with tactical clarity and strong communication, as seen with Carrick’s appointment. That said, with results often dictating tenure, Middlesbrough have rarely shown extended patience, making the next appointment all the more critical for establishing long-term success.
| Manager | Appointment Date | To | Days in Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve McClaren | 12/06/2001 | 11/05/2006 | 1,794 |
| Gareth Southgate | 07/06/2006 | 20/10/2009 | 1,231 |
| Gordon Strachan | 26/10/2009 | 18/10/2010 | 357 |
| Tony Mowbray | 26/10/2010 | 22/10/2013 | 1,092 |
| Aitor Karanka | 13/11/2013 | 16/03/2017 | 1,220 |
| Garry Monk | 09/06/2017 | 23/12/2017 | 197 |
| Tony Pulis | 26/12/2017 | 17/05/2019 | 507 |
| Jonathan Woodgate | 14/06/2019 | 23/06/2020 | 375 |
| Neil Warnock | 23/06/2020 | 06/11/2021 | 501 |
| Chris Wilder | 07/11/2021 | 03/10/2022 | 330 |
| Michael Carrick | 24/10/2022 | 04/06/2025 | 955 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s the favourite to be the next Middlesbrough manager?
Rob Edwards is currently the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at Middlesbrough, with BetVictor pricing him at 8/13 following strong speculation and early betting support.
Who will be the next manager of Middlesbrough?
While nothing has been confirmed, the top contenders include Rob Edwards, Steve Cooper, and Brian Priske. Each brings different strengths, and the final choice may depend on contract availability and club direction.
Who would be the best manager for Middlesbrough?
Steve Cooper offers proven Championship success and top-level experience, making him a strong choice. However, Rob Edwards’ recent achievements with Luton Town suggest he could be an ideal long-term fit.
Who is the longest-serving manager at Middlesbrough?
Steve McClaren holds that title in the modern era, managing the club for 1,794 days between June 2001 and May 2006. He also led Boro to their famous 2004 League Cup win.
Which Middlesbrough manager has the best record?
Michael Carrick holds one of the best win percentages in recent years, winning 50 of his 100 matches in charge between 2022 and 2025. Aitor Karanka also had a strong tenure with 80 wins.
How often do Middlesbrough change their manager?
Middlesbrough have averaged a new manager every 1–2 years in the past decade. Stability has been elusive, with 10 permanent managers taking charge since Aitor Karanka’s departure in 2017.