Edwards has a great chance to ELEVATE his reputation with Boro

ROB Edwards has a golden opportunity to elevate himself onto the top shelf as a manager - and restore Middlesbrough's fortunes at the same time.

- ERIC PAYLOR

It's all up to him. He needs to show that the ups and downs at Luton Town were a learning experience which he can put to good use in the future.

This is Rob's chance to show he has got what it takes to make a massive impact in what is arguably his biggest job so far.

One thing he must do is show that he can spend money wisely in putting a new-look side together.

In the past Edwards has often had to work basically with what he has got. At the same time he has done a pretty good job at getting the best out of a group of routinely ordinary players.

That's an excellent quality as a manager.

There are certainly a few players at the Boro at the moment who are capable of producing much more than they did last season.

This is a great opening for the likes of Morgan Whittaker, Daniel Burgzorg, Marcus Forss, Riley McGree and Co to get back to the level where they want to be; if they are still all here in August of course.

Edwards needs to strengthen in virtually every area and Boro, while now well away from competing with the big clubs in financial terms, will be able to provide some funding.

The new boss must show that he can spend it wisely and blend the new faces into the line-up virtually overnight.

It's great that Edwards already seems to have settled in. The overall assessment of the current squad will be well underway.

It's also interesting that Edwards is not promising promotion. After all, that's the word that all want to hear.

Instead he insists that there will be progression this season. However progression for most fans means a place in the top six at least.

Edwards is wise in not promising something which may not be achieved. But if he matches the ambitions which burn in the stands then he will want to see Boro back in the top flight as quickly as possible.