Exclusive: Why Lee Hendrie thinks Gary O'Neil is perfect Rob Edwards replacement at Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW why Gary O'Neil is suited to the Middlesbrough vacancy

Lee Hendrie believes that Gary O’Neil would be an ideal fit to replace Rob Edwards at Middlesbrough.

The Teesside outfit are set for a new manager following an agreement with Wolves for the release of their current head coach, Edwards.

The 42-year-old was appointed in the summer as a replacement for Michael Carrick, and the team’s impressive form to start the season has led to interest from the Premier League.

A number of names have been linked with potentially taking over at the Riverside, with the side currently in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

It has been reported that O’Neil is among the front-runners to be appointed, which would see him return to the club after spending four years at Middlesbrough as a player.

Lee Hendrie tips Gary O’Neil for Middlesbrough job

Hendrie has claimed that O’Neil would be a good fit for Middlesbrough due to his combination of knowing both the club and the league well, as well as the Premier League.

He believes the 42-year-old could maintain the good form and good spirits at the Riverside and help them push on to compete for automatic promotion all the way until May.

“I think this would be suited for Gary O’Neil, to be quite honest,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“I think, just going back to the Norwich one even, I think maybe Michael Carrick drops into that one, but I think this Boro job would be very, very suited to what Gary O’Neil’s all about.

“Good opportunity to keep that Boro side in good spirits and good form, knows what the league is about, knows what the Premier League is all about.

“I think he ticks all the boxes, and he’s been there previously, so I think they have to be careful whoever they’re bringing in because there’s a good potential they’re going to be in the thick of things come the end of the season.”

Middlesbrough are currently second in the Championship table following their 2-1 win over Birmingham City last weekend.

The victory ended a four game winless run, and moved the side back ahead of Stoke City going into the international break.

Boro have not competed in the Premier League since 2017, so will be keen to maintain their strong form on the other side of the break, even with Edwards no longer in the dugout.

Next up for Middlesbrough is a trip to face Oxford United on 22 November in a 3pm kick-off, which could be the first game in charge for whoever is appointed as Edwards’ successor.

Gary O’Neil appointment has potential for Middlesbrough

O’Neil proved at Bournemouth and Wolves that he’s capable of coaching at a Premier League level, so it could be a real coup to get O’Neil in the door.

There is obviously a few issues with the Boro supporters from O'Neil's time at the club as a player and he's not as popular as he could've been after a decent period of time on Teesside. However, things can change in football, as fans know all too well.

This move has a lot of potential for the team in terms of maintaining their promotion push into the rest of the season.

It’s a move that will excite supporters and ease fears for how damaging it may be to lose their manager so early into his tenure.