Middlesbrough have appointed Rob Edwards as manager following Michael Carrick’s sacking.
Carrick was sacked in early June after he failed to guide Boro into the Championship play-offs in consecutive seasons, having previously qualified for the promotion play-offs in his first campaign in 2022-23 season – which they lost to Coventry in the semi-final stage.
Coventry that season went on to lose the play-off final to Edwards’ Luton team on penalties, although the Hatters have since suffered consecutive relegations from Premier League to League One – even despite Edwards’ resignation in January.
Following an extensive recruitment process in which Steve Cooper and Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl were considered contenders for the role, Boro have officially appointed Edwards as Carrick’s successor as they look to mount a promotion play-off push.
Boro’s Head of Football, Kieran Scott explained that Edwards is the right candidate given his impressive managerial record.
“Rob is someone who I’ve been aware of for a long time and I’ve followed his development as a coach closely.
“He made history at Forest Green Rovers, and to win promotion to the Premier League with Luton Town was a fantastic achievement.
“We had an exciting pool of candidates for this role, but we felt that Rob was the stand-out and were very impressed upon meeting him and listening to him talk about his vision for the club.
“We’re excited that Rob has agreed to join us and are looking forward to the future.”
Edwards added that the job is “a real privilege” and is aware of the task that lies ahead for the club.
“It’s something that’s not lost on me, how big this is, how important this is, and what it means to people. It felt instantly like this was right for me and it got me excited.”
Adi Viveash and Harry Watling will serve as assistant coaches.
Edwards began his managerial career as interim manager at Wolves in Autumn 2016 for two games before he left for Telford the following summer, where he spent a season in charge before he then became England Under-16s manager in September 2020.
The now 42-year-old subsequently left his post in May 2021 to take up the managerial vacancy at Forest Green Rovers, who he guided to promotion as 2021-22 League Two champions, which was followed by a short spell at Championship’s Watford from May – September 2022.
Less than two months after Watford dismissed him, Edwards was hired by their local rivals – Luton in a shrewd move which saw him guide them to promotion via play-offs, before they kept their futile survival dreams alive to the final day of 2023-24 Premier League season.
Last season however saw the Hatters fail to adjust back to life in the Championship and despite the board’s backing, Edwards stepped down in January to give them a chance at survival – which they came close to achieving until a final-day defeat sent them down.
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