Loftus Road, London, Britain - January 20, 2018. Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson in the stands.
Middlesbrough are in the ‘advanced’ stages of speaking to managerial candidates to replace Chris Wilder at the Riverside Stadium, according to journalist Craig Johns.
The Lowdown: Wilder’s departure
The 55-year-old was relieved of his duties after a disappointing start to the season which saw his side drop into the relegation zone following the 1-0 Championship defeat against Coventry City last weekend.
Chairman Steve Gibson has been on the hunt to find a replacement over the last 48 hours, with former Watford boss Rob Edwards emerging as a strong contender, though an official appointment is yet to have been made.
The Latest: Middlesbrough manager latest
Taking to Twitter, Johns delivered an update on Middlesbrough’s current state of play, and ruled one of the linked names out of the running. He wrote:
“Bit of an update… Told Boro are advanced in speaking to candidates to replace Chris Wilder.
“Won’t rush the appointment though as they want to get it right after troubles that brewed with Wilder.
“Gary O’Neil is NOT under consideration.”
The Verdict: Edwards is a risk worth taking
Whilst recruiting Edwards would be somewhat of a risk considering he’s only managed 12 games in the second-tier, he does have an impressive track record and would match the long-term vision of the club given his younger profile.
The Welshman has won 47 and drawn 27 of his 101 games in charge during his career (Transfermarkt), and even guided Forest Green Rovers to promotion last season.
Knowing what’s required to take a team up will play a huge part in who Boro decide to recruit, and Edwards has the sufficient knowledge and experience of that under his belt, making him an attractive candidate in the race to find the new Riverside boss.
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