Why Middlesbrough appointed Rob Edwards as failure to land ‘first choice’ target explained

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EFL Analysis has gained an insight into why Middlesbrough are making Rob Edwards their new manager.

After trying and failing to take Middlesbrough to the Premier League over three seasons, Michael Carrick was sacked earlier this month.

Boro were linked with a plethora of names as potential replacements, including Danny Rohl and Gary O’Neil.

However, after a meeting with Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson over the weekend, Rob Edwards will become the new manager officially on Thursday.

Edwards has plenty of work to do at the Riverside, and we have now gained an insight into why the ex-Luton Town man has been given the role.

Why Middlesbrough are appointing Rob Edwards

We shared previously that Steve Cooper was wanted by Middlesbrough after Carrick’s exit.

Now, EFL Analysis has spoken exclusively to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who explained why Edwards was chosen, sharing that Cooper was indeed Boro’s first choice.

He said: “They couldn’t agree terms with Steve Cooper primarily, and that made Rob Edwards the front runner. Steve Cooper was first choice, he really was.

“There were others in the mix to a certain extent, but Rob Edwards was always there along with Steve Cooper.

“Edwards interviewed for the job before Carrick and he impressed before. Obviously Kieran Scott is close to him and has played a major role in the appointment. I think Scott has been trusted massively in this process.

“Scott has made some good signings so he’s earned the right to pick the manager and I think he’s played a huge part in it. I think primarily Steve Gibson has been listening to his sporting director and he’s trusted him with this decision.

“Cooper, in terms of his wage demands and everything else it was clear very early on that he was not going to come in so they moved on from him pretty quickly. To say he was still an option as of last week is not accurate.”

Steve Cooper vs Rob Edwards

Both managers have experience taking sides from the Championship up to the Premier League.

Cooper won promotion with Nottingham Forest and took Swansea City to the play-off final.

Edwards was able to guide Luton to the top flight as well, despite a limited budget.

Cooper was appointed as a UEFA technical observer earlier this year and remains in that role.