Rob Edwards took Luton to the Premier League for the first time in 2023 Middlesbrough are close to appointing former Luton boss Rob Edwards as their head coach. The 42-year-old is expected to take charge at the Riverside and replace Michael Carrick, who was sacked earlier this month. Ex-Nottingham Forest and Leicester boss Steve Cooper was also a candidate but Edwards is due to return to work for the first time since beingaxed by Luton in January. Edwards worked with Boro sporting director Kieran Scott when the pair were at Wolves and was also a candidate for the job when Carrick was appointed in 2022. There was also interest from Bristol City in the former Wolves and Blackpool defender but the Robins are due to appoint former Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber as Liam Manning's replacement in the next 24 hours. Edwards guided Luton to promotion to the top flight for the first time in more than 30 years in 2023 when they beat Coventry on penalties in the Championship play-off final. Luton finished 18th in the Premier League in 2023-24, six points from safety, and were relegated. He left in January with the Hatters 20th in the Championship and they ultimately dropped into League One last season, suffering back-to-back relegations. Former Wales international Edwards also took charge of England Under-16s before being appointed Forest Green manager and leading them to the League Two title in 2022. He joined Watford that summer but was sacked in September after just 11 games, andjoined Luton two months later.
Middlesbrough close to Edwards appointment
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"Middlesbrough set to appoint Rob Edwards as head coach"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Middlesbrough is on the verge of appointing Rob Edwards as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Michael Carrick earlier this month. Edwards, aged 42, previously led Luton Town to the Premier League for the first time in over three decades in 2023, achieving promotion through a dramatic victory over Coventry City in the Championship play-off final. However, his tenure at Luton ended in January 2024, when the club was struggling in the league. Under his leadership, Luton finished 18th in their first Premier League season but faced relegation after a poor campaign. Edwards' history with Middlesbrough's sporting director Kieran Scott, from their time together at Wolves, makes him a familiar choice for the role. His earlier candidacy for the Middlesbrough position when Carrick was appointed in 2022 also adds to the narrative of his potential return to management at the Riverside Stadium.
In addition to Edwards, former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City manager Steve Cooper was considered for the Middlesbrough job but ultimately, the club seems poised to finalize Edwards' appointment. Edwards has a notable coaching background, having previously managed the England Under-16 team and led Forest Green Rovers to the League Two title in 2022. His brief stint at Watford ended after just 11 matches, but he quickly found success at Luton before his recent departure. Meanwhile, Bristol City was also interested in Edwards but is set to appoint Gerhard Struber as their new manager, which could further solidify Edwards' position at Middlesbrough. The impending appointment signifies a new chapter for both Edwards and Middlesbrough as they look to stabilize and improve following recent managerial upheavals.
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