Boro's top pick ticks all the boxes but has point to prove

AFTER a thorough end-of-season review and detailed recruitment process following the sacking of Michael Carrick, Rob Edwards is the man Middlesbrough chiefs have decided will lead the club into the new season.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

After the decision to part company with Carrick, Edwards always seemed a likely leading candidate to be new head coach.

He knows Kieran Scott and the recruitment team well already, he impressed in interviews a little over two years ago, and he knows the league well after helping Luton Town win promotion ahead of Carrick's Boro and against the odds back in 2023 too.

In many ways, Edwards ticks almost all the boxes. With time on their hands, Boro were keen to consider all options though.

Edwards was one of a few candidates Boro sounded out for the role. Of the many applications they received, two from Europe were described as excellent.

In the end, Boro went with Edwards; Boro went with familiar. Said to have impressed once again in the interview process, he's already displayed excellent knowledge of the Boro squad, which club chiefs hope will ensure he can make a quick start in the Riverside hotseat.