The latest Middlesbrough Football Club news as chairman Steve Gibson lays down the law with recently departed manager Rob Edwards on any transfer business involving Wolves.
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has told Rob Edwards ‘not to even consider’ about signing Boro players during the January transfer window.
According to Molineux News, Gibson plans to deny any further dealings with Edwards’ Wolves following the 42-year-old’s decision to join the Premier League club after only five months at Boro.
When managers move teams, they frequently revisit players they formerly adored. Edwards was known to be a fan of both Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney, but Gibson’s tough position appears to have dashed the Englishman’s dreams of signing Boro’s outstanding players.
Edwards’ decision to leave the Riverside Stadium is thought to have caught the club off guard, which has likely led to Gibson’s dissatisfaction with the now-Wolves manager.
Sky Sports analyst Jobi McAnuff understands both sides of the “messy” scenario. He told Sky Sports Football: “I believe the ultimate decision, and we’ve previously discussed management and how difficult it is, is part of the game.
“And listen, if you’re sitting here as a Middlesbrough supporter, or presumably Steven Gibson, it clearly hits a lot harder, and I completely understand that, and they have every right to be furious given the time.
“They did give him an opportunity after his stock had plummeted; we covered a number of Luton games, and it was a difficult moment for him at the conclusion of that year.
“However, he has left them in a very good situation. I believe the timing of the whole incident might have been handled much better.
“Towards the conclusion of that week, we were approaching an international break. When that contact was first made, there must have been some discussions about, ‘At the very least, just see him through that last game at the weekend,’ and then you have two weeks to figure it out.
“And I know Middlesbrough wouldn’t have been happy to lose him, but I think that’s the most important part for me.” It was very messy. And I believe you have an obligation to that football club if you are committed to perform your duties as manager.
“And I believe that he could have gotten through that weekend’s game and then gone on to address what he was going to do.
“Listen, he’s a manager who’s been given an opportunity at a football club that he considers his own – one that he may never have again. So I understand it from his perspective. I also get it at the Middlesbrough location.”
Boro’s search for a new manager continues, with names including Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Raphael Wicky, Steven Gerrard, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being linked with the position.
Adi Viveash will remain caretaker manager for the time being, having overseen the club’s victory over Birmingham last week.
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