Headline24jam.com – Middlesbrough Football Club is currently seeking a new manager following the exit of Rob Edwards to Wolverhampton Wanderers, a decision reached just under one-third into their Championship campaign. The club, positioned second ahead of the international break, is actively exploring candidates to fill the managerial vacancy created after Edwards’ departure, which occurred merely four months after his appointment.
Rob Edwards took the reins at Middlesbrough during the summer, having previously managed Luton Town in the Championship. His dismissal from Luton in January 2025 was attributed to the club’s precarious standing in the league, yet he has now stepped up to the Premier League with Wolves. The club’s board faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement at a crucial juncture in the season.
Names in the Hat: Potential Candidates for the Role
Several well-known names have been linked with the managerial position at Middlesbrough, including Tony Mowbray, Gary O’Neil, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Raphael Wicky, and Carlos Corberan. Among these candidates, the most notable mention is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former manager of Manchester United and Besiktas.
Solskjaer has been without a managerial role since August 2025, following his dismissal from Besiktas, which occurred after the team failed to secure qualification for European competitions in the 2025/26 season. Middlesbrough’s chairman, Steve Gibson, has a history of not hiring managers who are currently employed, putting Solskjaer in a favorable position as a candidate for the role.
Insights from Football Experts
Football League World’s Middlesbrough fan pundit, Liam Day, has expressed strong support for the notion of hiring Solskjaer. “I’d definitely take him,” Day remarked, emphasizing that dismissing the Norwegian would be unwise. “He did very well at Manchester United. Obviously, he faced challenges later on, but that environment can be difficult,” Day added.
He further elaborated, acknowledging Solskjaer’s experience: “With Besiktas, that sacking seemed really unfair. He played attractive football at Manchester United. While some fans may be hesitant, sometimes a risk needs to be taken. His experience is invaluable, and the potential benefits could be significant.”
Solskjaer’s Interest in Returning to Management
In recent discussions on the Stick to Football podcast featuring football personas like Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, Solskjaer conveyed his openness to managing in the Championship. “I’m looking, I’m open,” he noted, indicating flexibility in potential future roles. His focus, he explained, extends to the mid-Championship and upper levels, indicating a strong desire to return to a managerial position.
The former striker mused on his management style, referencing experiences when he played Football Manager and Championship Manager, highlighting his preference for overcoming challenges. “It’s about working with people,” Solskjaer mentioned, showing a genuine passion for football management.
A Brief Career Overview: Solskjaer’s Management Journey
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer began his management career in Norway with Molde in November 2010. Under his leadership, Molde claimed their first-ever league title in 2011 and successfully defended it the following year, alongside winning the Norwegian Cup in 2013. His foray into English football commenced with a brief stint at Cardiff City in January 2014, which was marred by challenges, leading to his departure a mere eight months later.
In December 2018, Solskjaer was appointed as Manchester United’s caretaker manager following the exit of José Mourinho. His tenure saw him guide the team to remarkable success, including becoming the third-fastest United manager to attain 50 wins. However, fluctuations in performance eventually culminated in his dismissal in November 2021.
Following a three-year hiatus from management, Solskjaer took the reins at Besiktas in January 2025 but faced challenges once more, resulting in another dismissal in August 2025 after the team finished fourth in the league.
The Implications of Hiring Solskjaer
As Middlesbrough navigates the current managerial search, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s candidacy presents intriguing possibilities. His wealth of experience in top-flight football and evident capability to foster positive team dynamics cannot be overlooked. While questions linger about his recent stints in management, his success at Manchester United and strategic approach to the game may resonate well with both the club’s leadership and its supporters.
Conclusion: A Decision with Long-Term Implications
As Middlesbrough weighs its options for a new manager, the prospect of hiring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be a pivotal move. With the Championship season ongoing, securing the right leader at this juncture may be critical for the club’s aspirations for promotion. Regardless of who ultimately fills the role, the impending decision will undoubtedly shape the future direction of Middlesbrough FC.
H1: Middlesbrough FC Seeks New Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Emerging as a Candidate
Meta description: Middlesbrough FC is searching for a replacement for Rob Edwards, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a potential candidate for the managerial role as the club looks ahead in the Championship.
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