Middlesbrough fans are reacting to links with Millwall’s Alex Neil - “Can this day get any worse?” | OneFootball

Links to the Millwall boss have proved unpopular on Teesside

Middlesbrough are heading for another change in the dugout just five months after appointing Rob Edwards.

One name on the list to replace Edwards - according to Football Insider - is Millwall’s Alex Neil, who is reportedly set to be sounded out about the head coach role.

The news comes amid growing expectation that Edwards will leave for Wolves, who sacked Vitor Pereira after a 3–0 defeat to Fulham last weekend.

The Premier League side have identified Edwards - a former Molineux player and coach - as their preferred candidate, and talks are understood to be at an advanced stage.

Boro confirmed on Saturday that Edwards had been granted permission to speak to Wolves, describing themselves as disappointed with his decision but accepting a compensation package.

The 42-year-old did not oversee training on Friday and was absent from the touchline as assistant Adi Viveash led the side to a 2-1 win over Birmingham City at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough fans react as Alex Neil emerges as contender to replace Rob Edwards

Amid the uncertainty, reports have suggested that Alex Neil is at the top of Middlesbrough’s shortlist.

The 44-year-old has impressed at Millwall since taking over from Neil Harris in December 2024, guiding the Lions to fifth in the Championship with seven wins from 14 games this season.

His experience in earning promotion with Norwich City in 2015 - ironically defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off final - also strengthens his appeal to the Boro board.

If the rumours were meant to excite Middlesbrough supporters, the response online suggests otherwise.

Within minutes of the story breaking, fans flooded social media with disbelief and frustration.

This particular Boro fan was not too fond of the thought of Neil taking the job on Teesside.

Another supporter believes that if Neil was appointed, he'd eventually do the same as Edwards has done and jump ship, much like he did with Sunderland a few years ago to take the Stoke City job.

One fan summed up the mood more broadly, admitting that Edwards has given them trust issues in managers.

Supporters also raised concern about the manner of Neil's Sunderland departure, drawing parallels with the situation they find themselves in with Edwards.

As perhaps a source of comfort to Boro fans, any move would come at a cost. Neil signed a new long-term deal at The Den earlier this year, meaning compensation would be required.

Fans also took to social media to mention as much.

And when questioned about the speculation following Millwall’s draw with Preston North End, Neil was quick to dismiss it, although the reports did come out during the match.

“I certainly haven’t seen that, no,” he told Southwark News.

“It’s not even on my radar. I don’t even know anything about it. The first I’ve heard of it. Nonsense.”

Even so, his name has already set off waves of reaction among Middlesbrough fans - and not all of it positive.

Middlesbrough’s search for stability continues after Rob Edwards’ Wolves talks

The reaction reflects a fanbase worn down by constant upheaval. Edwards’ tenure, though brief, had reignited hopes of promotion, with Boro sitting third in the table and showing signs of stability.

His imminent departure - for a Premier League club mired at the bottom of the table and all but destined for relegation - has left many questioning loyalty in modern football.

After Saturday’s win, acting head coach Adi Viveash praised the players’ “resilience, grit, and fight” in turbulent circumstances.

His calm leadership helped Boro close the week on a high, even as uncertainty lingers over what comes next.

With Neil’s dismissal of the rumours, and Brian Barry Murphy and Carlos Corberan also linked, Middlesbrough’s search for stability continues.