The Riverside Reckoning: What to Expect from Middlesbrough

As the new Championship season kicks off, the Riverside Stadium prepares to host a fascinating opening fixture between Middlesbrough and Swansea City. For Boro, this match is more than just three points; it’s a chance to put the bitter taste of last season behind them and prove that a new era under manager Rob Edwards can deliver on the promotion promises that have long eluded the club.

Last season (2024/2025) was, in a word, a failure. The campaign began with so much hope and ended with disappointment, as Middlesbrough finished a sobering 10th place. While they were only three points shy of the play-off spots, the general feeling around the club was that they had regressed. A damning statistic highlighted their struggles: Boro lost as many games as they won, a testament to the frustrating inconsistency that plagued them throughout the year. The team struggled with glaring defensive errors, which were even mocked in viral social media videos, and their attack dried up towards the end of the season, managing only three goals in their final six games. Opposition managers consistently spoke of having a clear plan to frustrate Boro, and more often than not, it worked. The January transfer window was also seen as a significant misstep, leaving the squad considerably weakened and unable to push for a top-six spot. The financial realities of the Championship are a constant battle, but fans were left feeling that the club’s positive work to build a strong foundation had been let down by a campaign of regression.

The New Hope: Managerial Change and Summer Activity

That sense of disappointment has fueled a summer of change at the Riverside. Out went manager Michael Carrick, and in came Rob Edwards, a man who impressed during his time with Luton Town. Edwards, a former player who represented Wales internationally, earned a reputation as a shrewd tactician and an excellent motivator. His appointment has been met with a cautious optimism, as supporters hope he can inject a fresh perspective and a new identity into a squad that lost its way.

Edwards has been given a mandate to rebuild and a transfer window to do it. So far, the club has been active in strengthening the squad. The most notable incoming transfers include defender Alfie Jones from Hull City, central midfielder Abdoulaye Kanté from Troyes, and the versatile full-back Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers. These additions signal an intent to shore up a leaky defence and add steel to the midfield.

However, the club has also seen some significant departures. Long-serving captain Jonny Howson was released, a move that signals a changing of the guard in the midfield. Young striker Josh Coburn, a fan favorite, was sold to Millwall for a reported £5 million, a sale that has been met with mixed feelings from the supporters. The transfer window activity paints a picture of a squad in transition, and there is still work to be done.

A Mixed Pre-season

The pre-season results under Rob Edwards have been a mixed bag, offering little to suggest the team has found its rhythm yet. Boro’s five friendly matches resulted in two draws and two losses. They were held to draws by Mansfield Town and Rangers, before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Bradford City. They followed this with draws against Hartlepool United and Spanish side Deportivo La Coruña. The lack of a decisive win in pre-season may be a cause for concern for some, but many will argue that the true measure of the team’s progress will only be seen when the league campaign begins.

What the Fans Are Saying

The mood on the Middlesbrough fan forums ahead of the opening game against Swansea is a cocktail of anticipation and apprehension. Some fans are cautiously optimistic, believing that the new manager and new signings will bring a change of fortune. Others are more pragmatic, pointing to the poor form at the end of last season and a pre-season that hasn’t exactly set the world alight.

One fan, posting on a popular Boro forum, wrote: “I’m a pessimist! This weekend who knows? Surely Boro will be right up for it, of course they will. The Oracle predicts 3-0 but I’d be happy with a 1-0. Well who wouldn’t? Just don’t concede Boro.” This sentiment reflects the frustration of last season’s defensive frailties. Another user, looking ahead to the season as a whole, posted: “I still have lots of confidence that we will get that striker we need along with a couple more and we will kick on. Not having a go at you, but where you said kick on, Our owners had know what division we would compete in for the 2025/26 season and the date to start the season, Yet we find ourselves still looking to recruit, but not just back ups, but main first team player¹s.”

These quotes show a fan base hungry for success but also realistic about the challenges ahead. The hope is that the new season and a new manager will bring a fresh start, but the scars of last year’s disappointing campaign are still visible.

Three Players to Watch

• Hayden Hackney: The young central midfielder is a key figure in the Boro squad. A strong performer in his defensive duties, Hackney was among the top six players for blocks in the Championship last season. His ability to break up play and launch attacks will be crucial to controlling the midfield against Swansea. At just 23, he is a player with immense potential and is the engine room of the team.
• Finn Azaz: A creative force in the number 10 role, Finn Azaz is a player who thrives on linking midfield and attack. At 24, he is capable of playing out wide, but his best performances come from the central attacking role. He has the vision and technical ability to unlock defenses and will be a constant threat to the Swansea backline. His partnership with the new signings will be vital to Boro’s attacking success this season.
• Delano Burgzorg: The forward is one of the players Boro will be hoping can find his goalscoring touch. With a value of €3.0M, he has the potential to be a key player for the team. If he can replicate his form from previous seasons, he could be a vital source of goals for Boro. His performance will be under scrutiny, particularly after the departure of Josh Coburn, and he will be expected to step up and lead the line.