Middlesbrough name Rob Edwards as Michael Carrick's successor

Rob Edwards is the man tasked with leading Middlesbrough back to the Premier League after he was appointed their new head coach on a three-year deal.

The 42-year-old succeeds Michael Carrick, who was sacked at the start of June following two-and-a-half years in charge of the Riverside club.

Edwards had been out of work since being axed by Luton Town in January and the former Forest Green coach is relishing his new role on Teesside.

Speaking to the official Middlesbrough website, Edwards said: “It’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity to be head coach of this great football club. It’s something that’s not lost on me, how big this is, how important this is, and what it means to people. There is an amazing fanbase.

“It felt instantly that this was right for me and it got me excited. If I was going to come back in, I wanted to come back in at a place where we had a chance, and we have a really good chance here.

“We have a brilliant owner who historically gives his coaches time, support, and the tools needed to try and be successful. I can’t wait to get started now.”

Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper and Sheffield Wednesday gaffer Danny Rohl were reportedly strong contenders for the vacancy but Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson was said to be hugely impressed with Edwards, who will be joined in the dugout by Adi Viveash and Harry Watling.

Edwards made a name for himself whilst coaching at Wolves and in the England set-up before his first major managerial gig arose with Forest Green in 2021.

Choreographing their League Two title triumph in his first season, Edwards was headhunted by Watford for their managerial position in the summer of 2022 but his time at Vicarage Road was a brief affair, surviving just 10 matches before he was axed by Hornets supremo Gino Pozzo.

An opportunity arose two months later for Edwards to make the short trip up the M1 to join Watford's local rivals Luton Town and the Telford-born tactician enjoyed a riveting debut campaign, leading the Hatters to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Despite a promising period from December to January on their first top-flight appearance in 32 years where Luton defeated Newcastle, Sheffield United and Brighton, the Hatters were unable to stave off relegation as they finished 18th, six points from safety.

Their form continued in the 2024/25 campaign which resulted in Edwards leaving in January with the Kenilworth Road outfit in 20th. Luton's disappointing season ultimately ended in relegation to League One.

Luton's demise had tainted Edwards' blossoming reputation and the new Middlesbrough boss will be eager to remind everyone of his credentials as he takes charge of a side who finished four points outside the play-offs last term.

With over a dozen players out of contract next summer and key areas of the squad requiring investment, the incoming head coach has plenty to assess in the coming weeks as the club attempt to build a team capable of challenging for promotion.

In a strong position to spend following the club-record sale of Emmanuel Latte Lath in January, Edwards will also be wary of outgoings as Hayden Hackney, Finn Azaz and Rav van den Berg have attracted interest.

Jaquob Crooke

• Middlesbrough F.C.
• Championship
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