Luton Town were never in a big position to spend under Rob Edwards but the boss must show he knows how to spend – and build a team – at Middlesbrough
Rob Edwards has a golden opportunity to elevate himself onto the top shelf as a manager – and restore Middlesbrough’s fortunes at the same time.
It’s all up to him. He needs to show that the ups and downs at Luton Town were a learning experience which he can put to good use to the future. This is Rob’s chance to show he has got what it takes to make a massive impact in what is arguably his biggest job so far.
One thing he must do is show that he can spend money wisely in putting a new-look side together. In the past Edwards has often had to work basically with what he has got. At the same time he has done a pretty good job at getting the best out of a group of routinely ordinary players.
That’s an excellent quality. There are certainly a few players at the Boro at the moment who are capable of producing much more than they did last season. This is a great opening for the likes of Morgan Whittaker, Daniel Burgzorg, Marcus Forss, Riley McGree and Co to get back to the level where they want to be. That’s if they are still all here in August.
Edwards needs to strengthen in virtually every area and Boro, while now well away from competing with the big clubs in financial terms, will be able to provide some funding. It’s great that Edwards already seems to have settled in. The overall assessment of the current squad will be well under way.
It’s also interesting that Edwards is not promising promotion. After all, that’s the word that all want to hear. Instead, he insists that there will be progression this season. However, progression for most fans ]means a place in the top six at least.
On the other hand Edwards is wise in not promising something which may not be achieved. But if he ]matches the ambitions which burn in the stands then he will want to see Boro back in the top flight as quickly as possible.
As ever, there’ll be no lack of support from above. Whatever he wants, within reason, Steve Gibson will endeavour to provide. Successes in the early part of his stints at his previous clubs suggest that Edwards will have an immediate impact regardless. It’s keeping it going over the longer term which will be the crunch for the new head coach.
Last season Boro’s 5-1 drubbing of Luton at the Riverside was their easiest home win of the season. The Hatters put up little resistance. Two years earlier it was a much closer game. Boro still won 2-1, though the Hatters were down to ten men long before Boro’s winner came from Matt Crooks in injury time.
And to be fair to Edwards, his Luton line-up was much changed from the one which suffered the 5-1 hammering. In fact, only two Luton players started both games. One thing which Edwards does appear to insist upon after his teams lose is that he should take the blame.
It’s one way of keeping the pressure off the players and trying to maintain harmony in the dressing room. One thing is beyond doubt. He’s a very nice guy who the players will take to immediately. So, in addition to buying and selling successfully this summer, Edwards needs to develop this immediate impression which he will make upon the squad into creating a winning team.
And if the going gets tough at any time, then Edwards must show he has a tough side, too. No Boro manager had lasted more than three years since Aitor Karanka was in charge. It would be great to see Edwards break the mould. Good luck Rob.
