Significant Middlesbrough manager development shared involving Rob Edwards | OneFootball

Former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards is expected to replace Michael Carrick as the new Middlesbrough manager.

Rob Edwards has emerged as the new front-runner for the Middlesbrough job as they step up their search to replace Michael Carrick.

A decision was made to sack the former Man United coach after two-and-a-half years at the Riverside Stadium, with Boro missing out on a play-off place last season.

Since then, attention has turned to finding a replacement, and a host of names have been linked with the vacancy ahead of pre-season.

Rob Edwards becomes favourite for Middlesbrough job

And, in a fresh development, journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Edwards is the ‘clear favourite’ to land the Middlesbrough job after talks with the club, and barring any late curveballs, he is set to become the next manager on Teesside.

If appointed, that would signal a return to football for the 42-year-old, who has been without a role since he was sacked at Luton Town back in January.

Edwards was the man who led the Hatters to the Premier League against all odds, but they were relegated after just one year in the top-flight, before they continued to struggle in the Championship under his guidance.

Luton’s fortunes didn’t improve after Edwards’ exit, as they were ultimately relegated under Matt Bloomfield.

Rob Edwards will have a point to prove at Middlesbrough

Following on from that, Edwards will arrive at Middlesbrough desperate to prove that his most recent struggles with Luton don’t define him as a manager.

Given his promotion at this level, and his good work with Forest Green, he rightly has a good reputation in the game.

He has proven himself to be tactically astute, and he can motivate players, and the fact he is proven in the Championship is a real positive for Boro.

Therefore, many would see this as a good, sensible appointment by Boro, and Edwards would be inheriting a talented squad by Championship standards, where promotion will be the aim.

A big challenge awaits, but Boro deserve credit for acting swiftly, and providing this goes through as expected, Edwards will want to get to work as soon as possible.

Despite the quality in the group, a few tweaks will be needed in the transfer market, so Edwards’ input will be important as changes are made. Plus, Boro are sure to field interest in some of their top players, with Rav van den Berg and Hayden Hackney thought to have admirers.