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Middlesbrough are searching for a replacement for Michael Carrick, with Steve Cooper already ruled out of filling the vacancy.
Michael Carrick was appointed Middlesbrough manager in October 2022 and enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign at the Riverside Stadium, which ended with a play-off finish.
They have failed to replicate that since, however, and Boro’s 10th-place finish in 2024/25 was the lowest of the Carrick era and the joint-worst since 2020/21.
Therefore, Steve Gibson made the decision to part ways with Carrick and take the Teessiders in a new direction for the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
Contrasting reports emerge regarding Robbie Keane and the Middlesbrough vacancy
Middlesbrough are weighing up options to replace Carrick, with Carrick now linked to Bristol City as he prepares for life after a near three-year stint in charge.
It has been reported that Steve Cooper topped Middlesbrough’s managerial shortlist today, but that possibility has been refuted since.
His name was taken out of the potential list as quickly as it arrived, but Robbie Keane was also named a Middlesbrough candidate to replace the Manchester United legend.
Keane formerly worked as Middlesbrough’s assistant coach. He has spent recent years working in Israel for Maccabi Tel Aviv and more recently with Hungarian giants Ferencvaros.
He has been there since January, with Keane’s assistant there Phil Hudson also an analyst at Boro with him under Jonathan Woodgate.
However, the link has been extinguished as quickly as it arrived yet again. Keane is reported to have respectfully declined the opportunity, per the Irish Examiner.
Keane has turned down the role, opting to stay in Budapest with Ferencvaros, according to the report. He has won 15 of his 25 games in charge of the side so far, and intends to stay.
However, EFL Analysis have contrasting information regarding Keane. Middlesbrough sources have confirmed to us that Keane was not offered the role.
He applied for it and was offered an interview but the talks went no further than that. Boro are now thought to be considering alternatives more seriously.
Graeme Bailey provides an update on Middlesbrough’s interest in Rob Edwards
It’s now possible that Middlesbrough turn to Rob Edwards instead, but Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl and Swedish national team head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson now lead the contenders alongside him.
Our Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey has provided the latest update to EFL Analysis: “We can confirm that Rob Edwards is emerging as the leading candidate.
“Middlesbrough have already spoken with him, as well as Steve Cooper.”
Edwards has been without a job since his sacking by Luton Town in January, having overseen their promotion to the Premier League, as well as Forest Green Rovers’ from League Two in 2022.
Despite relegation, he emerged with plenty of credit. However, Luton’s season back in the second tier did not go to plan for the club nor Edwards.