Rob Edwards Middlesbrough ‘quality’ admission hints at what diehards can expect
The former Luton Town boss is among the favourites to replace Michael Carrick
Rob Edwards will be well aware of the strength of the Middlesbrough squad, should he be handed the management reins this month. The former Luton Town boss is said to be the leading candidate in the race to replace Michael Carrick, with a decision on the next head coach expected soon.
Boro will not rush any appointment, preferring to ensure they have the right man in charge to help spearhead a promotion push. Reports suggest they have spoken to several key contenders, including some based abroad, with Edwards, Steve Cooper and Danny Rohl emerging as three of the favourites.
Edwards has Championship pedigree, of course, guiding Luton to the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2023 after a dramatic play-off final against Coventry City at Wembley. Their place in the top six was cemented by a strong finish to the 2022-23 campaign, including a 2-1 win over Carrick’s Boro at Kenilworth Road.
The visitors had led thanks to Cameron Archer’s effort just before half-time, but whatever Edwards said to his troops in the interval paid off, with goals from Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris earning the Hatters a 2-1 win. Boro could have played Luton in that play-off final, but ultimately lost to Coventry in the semi-finals, with Town defeating Sunderland over two legs.
Edwards was particularly pleased with the comeback win over Boro two years ago, but his comments at the time show he knows why Carrick’s men were such a threat, and indicates what he will look to do in the Riverside hotseat.
“Credit to the lads, I thought the response was really good,” said Edwards in 2023. “Middlesbrough showed how good they are, the job that he’s done Michael with his staff, they’ve done a really good job and that’s obvious, everyone knows that, everyone’s seen that.
“When you go up against them, you can see the quality that they have, they overload you, they’ve got threats in behind, and they can build slow as well.
“Tonight was always going to be a really tough game and also a mindset thing as well, both teams knew they were in the play-offs, but I’m pleased with the response. We showed some good things, but I do think we could be better.
“Psychologically the games are quite difficult, the next couple of games as well. We’ve got to try and keep that momentum. We want to keep trying to win, but when those play-off games come, there will be I’m sure another per cent or two.
“It’s really difficult, subconsciously, no matter what you talk about and how we try and drive it, there is an element of ‘Ok, but we know what’s coming in a few weeks’ time’. But look, I can sit here and say we could have done this better or we could have done that better, but we’ve won the game – and I think that’s probably a good place to be in.”
The Boro squad has changed considerably since that day in April 2023, of course, but fans will no doubt take note of how he set about claiming a win over a promotion rival, something that will be crucial if the Teessiders are to achieve their aims next season.
