Middlesbrough consider 53-year-old as Rob Edwards replacement - Gareth Southgate could be key to deal | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are currently searching for a new manager following Rob Edwards' departure to Wolves

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has emerged as a candidate to replace Rob Edwards as Middlesbrough manager.

According to Alan Nixon, the former Boro striker is in contention to become the club’s latest head coach.

Edwards was appointed in the summer, but his impressive start to life at the Riverside has led to him making the switch to Wolves following an agreement between the two sides.

The Teesside outfit are currently in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League, as they seek a return to the division for the first time since 2017.

The 53-year-old has previously managed the likes of Burton Albion, QPR and Northampton Town, but is currently out of work.

Middlesbrough eye Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink appointment

It’s been claimed that Hasselbaink’s name has emerged as an option with Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson.

It’s believed that Boro are considering options that could come in and oversee the rest of the current season, with the Dutchman being weighed up.

However, Tony Mowbray will not be making a return to the club on that basis, with the veteran coach reportedly out of contention.

While Hasselbaink has not worked as a manager in a number of years, it’s understood that Gareth Southgate is willing to give him a recommendation to Middlesbrough due to the work he did as part of the England national team coaching setup.

A number of names have been linked with the managerial vacancy at the Riverside, but it remains unclear who will take over from Edwards.

Middlesbrough are currently second in the table following their 2-1 win over Birmingham City prior to the November international break.

The result moved the team back into the automatic promotion places, and just five points behind leaders Coventry City.

Next up for the Championship side is a trip to face Oxford United on 22 November in a 3pm kick-off.

Temporary appointment to the end of the season would be a bizarre choice by Middlesbrough

Hasselbaink has not worked as a manager in three years, and his most recent stints at Northampton and Burton don’t inspire a lot of confidence in his current coaching ability.

While he may have the recommendation of Southgate, and he will know the club from his time as a player, that doesn’t make him the appropriate choice to replace Edwards.

Middlesbrough are in a promotion battle, and should be acting accordingly by looking to appoint someone with the credentials to oversee a fight for a top two spot.

This would be an underwhelming appointment given some of the names currently on the market like Will Still, Russell Martin and Gary O’Neil.