3 Rob Edwards replacements Middlesbrough must consider ASAP if he leaves for Wolves | OneFootball

Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards has been linked with a move to Wolves

Middlesbrough have been one of the Championship’s most competitive sides so far this season.

Boro currently sit second in the table, just three points behind league leaders Coventry City and there is a real sense at the Riverside that a shot at promotion could be on the cards following a flying start to the season.

A bigger factor in Middlesbrough’s strong form has been new boss Rob Edwards, who replaced Michael Carrick during the summer.

The 42-year-old had been out of work since being dismissed by Luton Town in January, less than two years after taking the Hatters into the Premier League via the play-offs.

His impressive management of Boro has caught the attention of other teams across the country, with the Times reporting that Wolves are keen on making Edwards their next manager. Given Edwards' previous history with the Old Gold in both a playing and youth coaching capacity, the links are natural and make sense — and Middlesbrough will be hoping to retain his services for the long-term.

In this eventuality, though, Football League World has taken a look at three managers Boro must consider as potential replacements.

Gary O’Neil

Gary O’Neil was the man that was originally intended by Wolves to take over as their new manager, but after discussions between the two parties, he didn’t believe it was the right turn to make a Molineux return.

Although the 42-year-old didn’t join Wolves, negotiations over the matter prove that he is actively looking for work and is ready to step back into the game.

O’Neil has coached at a competitive level with both Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, and would therefore be a solid candidate to take over from Edwards.

He knows exactly what it takes to compete in the top-flight and would be enticed by the prospect of joining a side that are already in the promotion hunt.

Therefore, opting to go with O’Neil could minimise the damage felt at Boro following a potential exit for Edwards.

Paul Heckingbottom

As the number of managers without a club that Boro would consider isn’t too high, they could perhaps look at taking a high-performing operator from another Championship side.

Paul Heckingbottom took over at Preston North End last season and kept the Lilywhites in the second-tier, before transforming them into one of the division’s toughest sides to beat.

A side often famed for their mediocrity, PNE have looked exciting, forward-thinking and efficient this season, which is largely down to Heckingbottom’s recruitment and tactical prowess.

The 48-year-old took Sheffield United into the Premier League in the 2022/23 Championship campaign, which highlights his ability to achieve promotion to the top-flight, which is exactly Boro’s aim.

If Edwards does depart for Wolves, taking Heckingbottom from Preston could be a smart piece of business from Middlesbrough. It wouldn't be easy to pull off, of course, as compensation would be required and there is no indication that the Yorkshireman would have any intention of leaving Deepdale just yet, but he does represent an appealing potential candidate who most certainly should be considered if Edwards moves on.

Russell Martin

Another manager who knows how to achieve promotion from the Championship, Russell Martin has been linked with a return to Southampton recently.

However, Boro could steal a march on the South Coast outfit and swoop in for the 39-year-old’s services.

Although his recent spell in charge of Rangers didn’t go as planned, Martin has previously shown that he knows how to conduct a competitive second-tier side and has promotion-winning experience on his CV with the Saints.

His charismatic nature would help gather the troops following a potential departure for Edwards and he could carry on towards the ultimate goal of promotion with the confidence of previously getting that task over the line - even though his tactical setup is much more akin to that of Edward's predecessor in Carrick.

If Martin’s stint at Ibrox hasn’t corrupted his spirit too much, a move to Boro could be exactly the opportunity he needs to get his managerial career back on track.