Middlesbrough are still to finalise Michael Carrick's successor as manager - who is the favourite?
Middlesbrough parted ways with head coach Michael Carrick just over a week ago, bringing an end to a three-year tenure that failed to deliver Premier League promotion.
The former Manchester United midfielder was relieved of his duties following extensive end-of-season reviews, with chairman Steve Gibson and the club’s hierarchy deciding it was time for a fresh direction after another campaign of missed expectations.
Carrick’s departure came after Boro finished 10th in the 2024/25 Championship season, despite significant investment and a strong position heading into the final stages. One win from their last six matches saw them tumble out of the play-off spots, culminating in a final-day defeat at Coventry.
It marked the second straight season Boro fell short of the top six, having finished eighth the year before.
While Carrick’s initial impact in 2022/23 - guiding the club from the relegation zone to a fourth-place finish - sparked optimism, the team has regressed over the subsequent two seasons.
Despite injuries and key departures, the club backed Carrick in the transfer market, making ambitious signings such as Morgan Whittaker and Kelechi Iheanacho, but results failed to match expectations.
With Carrick and assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick now gone, attention turns to who will take the reins at the Riverside.
Who is favourite with the bookmakers to become the next manager as Middlesbrough aim to end their 10-year exile from the Premier League?
Next Boro Manager Odds
| Manager | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Edwards | 1/1 | 50% |
| Steven Gerrard | 6/4 | 40% |
| Steve Cooper | 10/3 | 23% |
| Gerhard Struber | 7/1 | 13% |
Who is favourite to be the next Middlesbrough Manager?
Rob Edwards remains the likeliest replacement for Michael Carrick despite drifting from a best price of 8/13 this time last week to even money on BetVictor.
Edwards, who was reportedly previously interviewed by Boro in 2022, brings a proven track record at Championship level, having led Luton Town to Premier League promotion in 2023.
He has also clinched the League Two title with Forest Green Rovers in 2022. However, his recent relegation with Luton and subsequent January exit have raises questions.
Steven Gerrard is perhaps the most eye-catching of the three frontrunners, now a best price of 6/4.
With a 64.3% win rate across all competitions during his time there, as well as regular Old Firm wins and respectable European runs, Gerrard was among the favourites to return to Ibrox this summer before they opted for Russell Martin.
A mixed period at Aston Villa followed before an unsuccessful spell in the Saudi Professional League. Can he resurrect his managerial career with Boro?
Steve Cooper is still firmly in the frame at 10/3. Best known for guiding Nottingham Forest from the foot of the table to Premier League promotion in 2022, Cooper also took Swansea City to back-to-back playoff campaigns, showcasing his knack for turning around underperforming sides.
That profile make him an attractive candidate with Boro’s current need for a revival after narrowly missing out on the top six last season. While his recent stint at Leicester City ended in disappointment, his Championship record still carries significant weight.
