Middlesbrough Appoint Rob Edwards as New Head Coach
It has been a year since Sunderland appointed Regis Le Bris as their new manager, and the Frenchman’s success has shown that taking a chance on a relatively unknown coach can pay off. According to The Northern Echo, Middlesbrough have taken a similar gamble by appointing Rob Edwards as their new head coach, despite his recent relegation with Luton Town.
Edwards, 42, was sacked by Luton in January after a difficult season, but The Northern Echo understands that Middlesbrough officials are not judging him solely on his most recent campaign. Instead, they have looked at his overall track record and believe he is a good fit for the job. As Luton Town commentator for BBC Three Counties Radio, Geoff Doyle, told The Northern Echo, Edwards led the Hatters “with honour and dignity”. When he was sacked, Luton Town Supporters’ Trust put out a statement thanking Edwards for “allowing us to dream big”.
In fact, Edwards has a strong reputation for leading teams with passion and integrity. When he left Luton, the club’s chief executive, Gary Sweet, said he departed “not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who has left his mark on every player and member of staff”. Edwards also has a background in player development, having worked with England’s Under-20s and Under-16s, and led Wolves’ Under-23s to the highest level of youth football.
Some Middlesbrough fans may point to Luton’s 5-1 defeat at the Riverside in November, when Edwards was criticised for not altering his approach in-game. However, as Edwards said in his post-match interview, “I, and we have given everything for this football club… I’ve loved my two years. It’s been one hell of a one hell of a ride, and we’ve achieved things that probably no one thought were possible.” The Northern Echo notes that Edwards has shown an ability to adapt and learn from his experiences, having changed Luton’s set-up from a 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3 or 5-4-1 during their Premier League season.
Jurgen Klopp, then-Liverpool boss, praised Edwards’ work at Luton, saying: “The job Rob is doing there is insane… I’m not sure it’s really respected enough that a team with the amount of points they had in the beginning of the season making such a footballing development.” Luton accumulated more points that season than any of the other five promoted sides in the last two campaigns, and finished above Burnley, whose manager Vincent Kompany went on to get the Bayern Munich job.
Middlesbrough’s head of football, Kieran Scott, is believed to have been impressed by Edwards when he interviewed for the role last year, and the two have a history of working together at Wolves. Edwards has also been praised by Teden Mengi, an England Under-21 international who joined Luton from Manchester United, saying: “I just knew this man actually cares about me.” The Northern Echo understands that Middlesbrough were keen on Edwards from the start, and his determination to succeed and right the wrongs of his time at Luton will have played a significant role in their decision.
It is understood that Edwards was one of several candidates for the Middlesbrough job, but his credentials and experience ultimately won out. As The Northern Echo reported, Edwards has a strong track record of developing players and improving teams, and Middlesbrough will be hoping that he can bring similar success to the Riverside. With his appointment, Middlesbrough are clearly looking to build for the future, and Edwards will be tasked with leading the team to success in the Championship.
Bristol City were also interested in Edwards after Liam Manning’s move to Norwich City, but it was the Middlesbrough job that he wanted. Sources close to the club say that Middlesbrough were won over by Edwards’ fierce determination in his interviews and talks, and his hunger and desperation to succeed. As The Northern Echo notes, Edwards has a point to prove after his time at Luton, and Middlesbrough will be hoping that he can channel that energy into success on the pitch.
The appointment of Rob Edwards as Middlesbrough’s new head coach has been widely reported, and The Northern Echo understands that the club are excited about the prospect of working with him. With his experience, passion, and commitment to player development, Edwards has the potential to make a real impact at the Riverside.
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