Middlesbrough have announced that they have appointed Rob Edwards as their new manager.
Since parting ways with Michael Carrick after the 2024/25 season, the North East English giants have been considering their options.
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However, former Luton Town manager Edwards has long been the preferred candidate, despite being partly instrumental in Luton’s relegation last season.
On Tuesday morning, Boro confirmed on social media that they have secured the 42-year-old on a contract until 2028.
What does Edwards have to say about the transfer?
Speaking to the club’s official website, Edwards hinted that he has only agreed to a move to the Riverside Stadium after the understanding that he will have time to build a team that can fight for promotion.
He stated: “It is a great honour to have the opportunity to become the head coach of this fantastic football club. I am fully aware of how big this is, how important it is, and what it means to people. It’s an incredible following.”
“It immediately felt right to me, and it made me excited. If I were to come back to work, I would do it in a place where we have a chance – and we have a very good chance here.”
“We have a fantastic owner who historically gives his coaches the time, support and tools needed to succeed. I can’t wait to get started.”
Edwards is moving to the North East of England after previously working with teams such as Forest Green Rovers, Watford and Luton further south in the country.
Is Middlesbrough the perfect place for Edwards to rebuild his career?
When Edwards led Luton to promotion to the Premier League, he was considered one of the country’s most promising young coaches – which he still is to some extent.
But after Luton spent much of last season in the relegation zone in the Championship, it led to his departure in January.
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Although Premier League football was a challenge, Edwards’ win rate at Luton was just 30.77%, after 27.27% over an 11-game spell at Watford.
Although he has promotions on his CV from both Forest Green and Luton, he has a lot to prove if he wants to be considered a top coach in the upper divisions of English football.
Middlesbrough have finished 8th and 10th respectively in the last two seasons, and they are expected to fight for a play-off place again.
