Middlesbrough told to avoid replacing Rob Edwards with Alex Neil - 'I don’t see Steve Gibson being impressed' | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his verdict on links to Millwall boss Alex Neil

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough are searching for a new manager following Rob Edwards’ departure for Premier League side Wolves.

The 42-year-old was appointed in the summer in place of Michael Carrick, but a deal between the Teesside outfit and the top flight club led to his exit after just a few months.

It was reported by Football Insider during the weekend that Millwall boss Alex Neil was on the shortlist of potential options to take over the side.

The 44-year-old has a vast amount of Championship experience, and has the Lions in the mix for a top six finish so far this season, with the team currently occupying a play-off place.

But Boro have the November international break to find an appointment, so may take some time to make a decision on their preferred target.

Alex Neil wouldn’t fit at Middlesbrough

When asked about the interest in Neil, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day claimed it’s unlikely he’ll become the next manager for a number of reasons.

He ultimately feels that the Millwall head coach isn’t a good fit, and wouldn’t work well with chief scout Kieran Scott.

“I think we can do worse than Alex Neil, but I don’t see that as a likely option,” Day told Football League World.

“I believe he’s ruled it out, he just doesn’t seem to fit what we want, really.

“He plays, from what I understand, hoofball.

“I understand he’s got the promotion, which he got us against Wembley, but that was over 10 years ago now.

“He’s not really done much since, he’s been a bit of a snake from Sunderland to Stoke, I don’t see Steve Gibson being impressed by what he could offer us.

“I find it very unlikely, with the squad we have, Kieran Scott has made it clear in the past that he wants someone who is similar, coaching-style, I just don’t see that as the right fit, really.”

Middlesbrough have made a strong start to the Championship season, and will be an attractive proposition for a lot of coaches.

A 2-1 win over Birmingham City on Saturday moved the team back into the automatic promotion places going into the last break of the calendar year.

Goals from Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney secured a first win in four games, giving the side 29 points from their opening 15 fixtures.

Middlesbrough will return to action on 22 November with a trip to face Oxford United in a 3pm kick-off.

Alex Neil appointment would be underwhelming

Neil has done well with Millwall, and his overall Championship record is solid, if unspectacular, so there is some sense to these links.

But it wouldn’t be surprising if Middlesbrough supporters were underwhelmed by his appointment, if it were to come to fruition, given the lack of imagination it would show.

The international break provides Boro with a bit of time to scope out potential replacements without needing to rush into a decision.

The 2-1 win over Birmingham should also give the club some encouragement that an appointment doesn’t need to be made immediately, which will give them some time to find the perfect candidate to replace Edwards.