The manager in pole position to replace Michael Carrick as Middlesbrough boss, two more names considered

Add as preferred source on Google

EFL Analysis can now reveal who is in pole position to become the next Middlesbrough manager after Michael Carrick’s exit.

Michael Carrick was appointed Middlesbrough manager in 2022 and enjoyed a prolific debut campaign at the Riverside Stadium, which ended with a play-off finish.

Boro’s squad was then depleted in the summer of 2023 when top goalscorer Chuba Akpom was sold to Ajax and several key loan players returned to their parent clubs.

In turn, 2023/24 was seen as something of a rebuilding season and ended with the Teessiders four points outside the top-six.

But after strengthening last summer and keeping hold of all their top stars, Middlesbrough were expected to mount a proper play-off push in 2024/25.

That did not happen, however, and after an internal review, Steve Gibson has decided to part ways with Carrick.

Steve Cooper favourite to replace Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough

Kieran Scott, who has been offered a new Middlesbrough deal recently, is now tasked with finding a replacement for the ex-Manchester United man.

As we have said previously, EFL Analysis understands that former Leicester City and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is top of Boro’s shortlist.

However, Rob Edwards, previously of Luton Town, and Jon Dahl-Tomasson have also been looked at.

We have asked our resident transfer expert, Graeme Bailey for a comment on the situation and he told us: “Steve Cooper and Rob Edwards were interviewed before Michael Carrick, but Steve Gibson went with the big name appointment in Carrick.

“Now Cooper is available and he was spoken to in January when Boro considered a change.

“Cooper has not been linked to any jobs this summer, I firmly believe he wants the Boro job.

“But as said, Edwards has his fans at Boro too and fair to say he would not say no to The Riverside either.”

Michael Carrick record as Middlesbrough manager

Boro’s 10th-place finish in 2024/25 was the lowest of the Carrick era and joint-worst since 2020/21.

During his 953 days in charge, the Englishman managed 136 matches across all competitions.

He won 63 of those, drawing 24 and losing the remaining 49 with Middlesbrough.

The North East outfit averaged 1.57 points per game under Carrick, with 1.62 goals scored and 1.30 conceded.