Howson's future is up in the air on return

ROB Edwards will meet with Jonny Howson to discuss his Middlesbrough future in the coming days, as the new head coach begins to plan for his first season at the club.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Edwards officially started in his new role on Tuesday, with most of his newly-inherited squad due back at Rockliffe for the first day of pre-season today. Edwards joins Boro with a solid knowledge of the current players, and says he already has ideas about how he wants his squad to look.

One of the first big decisions he makes will be regarding Howson's future. The 37-year-old is out of contract this summer, but has proven he can still be a valuable squad member. The club's retained list earlier in the summer said that discussions would take place with the skipper over a potential contract extension.