In a 20 minute video, Rob Edwards answers questions put to him by Middlesbrough fans after becoming the club’s new head coach.
Rob expressed how excited he was for the season’s first home game at Riverside, marking the start of his tenure.
He’s aiming for improvement across all areas—league position, goals scored, and goals conceded, while building a team that fans can be proud of, emphasising 100% effort regardless of results.
Edwards prefers a fluid formation, adapting to the squad’s strengths to maximise performance and wants an aggressive, high-intensity, and exciting style of play, focusing on action at the attacking end of the pitch.
Reflecting on his time managing in the Premier League, Edwards noted the significant gap in physicality and quality compared to lower leagues. He aspires to return to the Premier League with Middlesbrough.
Edwards chose his coaching staff, including Adi and Harry, for their complementary qualities and experience. They will share coaching responsibilities collaboratively, ensuring high-tempo training sessions involving all staff.
His fondest playing memories include debuts for Aston Villa and Wales, and promotions with Blackpool. As a coach, he values relationships and the impact of success on fans, citing promotions with Forest Green and Luton.
His drive to return to management after a tough stint at Luton was fueled by the challenge of leading a club with Middlesbrough’s expectations, fanbase, and facilities.
Edwards seeks players who fit Middlesbrough’s culture, excel in both attacking and defensive phases, and enhance the team’s intensity and quality, regardless of age.
He is impressed by Middlesbrough’s facilities and the area’s beauty, looking forward to experiencing the local delicacy, parmo, for the first time.
Edwards recalled the electric atmosphere of a past Middlesbrough semi-final, aiming to recreate that energy through strong performances.
There were also other personal tidbits that were well worth finding out.
His response to some quick-fire questions:
Favourite Australian: Dr. Karl Kennedy from Neighbours.
Oasis or Blur: Oasis
Go-to meal deal: Chicken salad.
Music taste: Eclectic, inspired by film scores like Gladiator.
Is that a skin fade or taper cut: Dunno. Wife does it.
Favourite former Middlesbrough players: Paul Merson and Gareth Southgate.
Takeaway preference: Enjoys both Chinese and Indian.
Nando’s order: Double chicken pita.
Pets: Two dogs, Milo and Monty.
Kickoff time preference: 3pm, followed by night games, then lunchtime.
New kit: Love them
Born on Christmas Day, did you get two sets of presents: Yes
Ronaldo or Messi: Messi
Favourite of all time: Messi.
Holiday destination: In the UK, Tenby because of memories as a kid, for abroad it’s Dubai
Ever be a human that will out-swim a shark: No, but love the question
Bourbon or Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme
Cheese pasty or sausage, cheese, bean melts: Cheese pasty, don’t like beans
Fingers instead of toes or toes instead of fingers: Fingers instead of toes
Brown or tomato on Bacon sandwich: Changed, gone to red now, maybe tastebuds have changed
Edwards also prioritises get to know players/staff, set the vision, developing style of play, focus on the first session.
He highlighted the impressive ‘amazing’, 8,000 Middlesbrough fans attending a pre-season fixture against Rangers laster this summer, underscoring the club’s significant support.
His coaching career was inspired by managers like Ian Holloway at Blackpool, who led underdog teams to success through belief and tactical nous.
Edwards sees Middlesbrough as the right challenge to reignite his passion after needing a break to recharge post-Luton.
This Q&A overall reflected on Edwards’ enthusiasm, strategic vision, and commitment to building a competitive and fan-pleasing Middlesbrough team.
Here’s how social media users reacted as Rob Edwards answers questions put to him by Middlesbrough fans after becoming new head coach…
@Chdk24: We’re all behind you Rob Edwards, UTB!!!
@liam16755: Good watch these q&a’s very excited for the new season with rob and the staff UTB
@SuperSymmo16: He is starting to grow on me
@jonwillo:
What is your pet hate?
Rob Edwards “Slow football”
😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃
Steve Wright: Awesome… Cannot beat a top Parmo gaffer.
Ben Stewart: Good full interview. From being one of those really not wanting him, he’s growing on me and looking forward to seeing what he can do.
Lee Blockley: I’m proud to be a Teessider, and a Parmo is nice, but the obsession is a bit cringeworthy
Michael Rafferty: Parmo is fucking embarrassing
Mark Whetter: No matter where you go Rob you’ll get the best parmo that place has ever done! That’s purely because of publicity the place will get! Then standards will get back to normal – lucky you Rob
Michael Jones: This is why we’re an embarrassment
@Boroandthat: Look, I get we’re all proud of contribution to the culinary world, but do we really need to badger every signing/manager/visitor to stuff a Parmo down them asap? It’s getting a bit cringeworthy
