Championship expert questions Rob Edwards’ appointment by Middlesbrough as ‘style of play’ fear issued

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Middlesbrough are poised to announce Rob Edwards as the successor to Michael Carrick ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

In the wake of their failed top-six attempt last season, Middlesbrough sacked Michael Carrick earlier in June to call time on his 136-game stint in the Boro dugout.

Former Luton Town manager Rob Edwards is set to be unveiled as the new Boro boss in the coming days after agreeing compensation with the Hatters, following his successful meeting with Boro owner Steve Gibson.

After Middlesbrough finished tenth last term, Edwards will be hoping he can secure a play-off place in his first season at the Riverside.

However, one Championship expert is not convinced by his appointment.

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Championship expert questions Middlesbrough’s Rob Edwards appointment

Edwards has a lot of work to do in his first months as Boro boss to prove he was the correct candidate to succeed Carrick.

EFL Analysis reported previously that former Leicester City manager Steve Cooper was wanted by Middlesbrough following Carrick’s exit.

We also revealed that Edwards was chosen over the first choice Cooper, because Boro couldn’t agree on terms with Cooper primarily.

Before Edwards’ arrival, Middlesbrough fans named the manager they wanted to replace Carrick as current Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl.

With Edwards the apparent unfavoured choice in the Middlesbrough boardroom and among the Boro faithful, the Luton legend has a lot to prove.

One Championship expert is uncertain as to whether his appointment will be vindicated. Justin Peach said on the Second Tier podcast: “I’m not overawed with the appointment.

“I’m not a huge fan of Rob Edwards and the way I described it recently is, I think he needs to step into a job that has a little bit less pressure, where he gets a chance to build.

“Whereas Middlesbrough, I think he’s going into a role that ultimately there’s going to be a pressure to get into the play-offs, and the squad is ready built for him.

“Has he got the players who can play his style of play? There’s a heavy emphasis on wing-backs for Rob Edwards, whereas it’s not quite the same with Michael Carrick, so there’s a transition there.

“Ultimately, what they need is a decision, because we’re getting very close to pre-season, so for things to be this late, it can impact the season coming ahead.”

When comparing the win rates of the four aforementioned, it does not bode well for the new Boro boss.

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Middlesbrough manager targets ranked against Michael Carrick and Rob Edwards

Edwards will be hoping to put his signature stamp on the Boro squad during his first summer transfer window at the helm.

Amid his imminent arrival, Edwards’ former Luton star Alfie Doughty has been mooted for a Middlesbrough move, and is now a very realistic target to become his first Boro signing.

When comparing Edwards’ win rate as manager against his predecessor Carrick, and recent targets Cooper and Rohl, there is certainly work to do on his part to fill the Boro faithful with confidence ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

Edwards’ last trip to Middlesbrough saw his Luton side fall to a 5-1 hammering, and given the discrepancy in his win rate compared to that of Carrick, Cooper, and Rohl, the Welshman has a lot to prove in his debut campaign in the Boro dugout.