sevendayweekender – Middlesbrough have officially parted ways with head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing conclusion to the 2024–25 Championship season. The decision comes after a season that saw Boro fall short of a play-off place on the final day. Carrick, who joined in October 2022, guided the team to the play-offs in his debut season. However, he failed to replicate that success in the following two campaigns.
Carrick initially transformed a struggling squad into genuine promotion contenders. Boro had been in the relegation zone when he replaced Chris Wilder. Under Carrick, the team soared up the table and secured a fourth-place finish in 2022–23. That campaign ended in a play-off semi-final loss to Coventry. The progress sparked optimism on Teesside, but expectations remained unmet as results declined in the seasons that followed.
Carrick’s final season started with promise. Middlesbrough stayed in contention for most of the year but faltered near the finish line. They recorded only one win in their last six matches, including a costly defeat to Coventry. That result ended their play-off hopes and confirmed a 10th-place finish, sparking frustration among fans and prompting internal review.
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Carrick’s Tenure Marked by Early Promise and Gradual Decline
Carrick took on his first managerial role at Middlesbrough after a brief coaching stint at Manchester United. He had stepped in as caretaker at Old Trafford following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure in 2021. After leaving United, he became Boro’s head coach in October 2022 and immediately made a positive impact. In his first season, Carrick implemented an attacking style that earned praise from supporters and pundits alike. Boro played confident football and climbed into the top six. Although Coventry once again ended their promotion dreams in the semi-finals, Carrick’s debut year set high expectations.
The following season saw Boro finish eighth, narrowly missing the top six by just four points. The team’s inability to build consistency became a concern. In 2024–25, a similar pattern emerged. Middlesbrough spent much of the campaign in the top half but failed to sustain momentum. A late-season collapse proved decisive. Despite early optimism, Carrick’s side struggled to maintain high standards over a full season. Supporters became increasingly disillusioned as Boro failed to progress. The club’s leadership responded by launching a thorough internal review after the final match.
Assistant Coaches Also Depart as Boro Prepare for Fresh Start
Alongside Carrick, Middlesbrough also parted company with assistant Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick. The club’s decision reflects a broader strategy to reset after three underwhelming campaigns. Woodgate, a former manager at the club, returned as part of Carrick’s backroom team. Graeme Carrick joined to support the setup during Michael’s tenure.
The coaching staff’s departure indicates a clean break and signals the board’s commitment to change. Club executives, led by head of football Kieran Scott, held multiple meetings to evaluate the season. These meetings included Carrick and focused on identifying why Boro underachieved despite investing heavily in the squad. Boro had targeted promotion and built their budget accordingly. However, they failed to capitalise on a year where the bar for play-off qualification was lower than usual. The club lost 18 games, the most in a season since Carrick’s arrival. By the end, much of the fanbase had grown disconnected, and the mood around the club was flat.
Analysis: Why Middlesbrough Took Their Time to Act
Some fans and outsiders viewed Carrick’s sacking as delayed, but the club insists this was a well-considered decision. Middlesbrough’s board did not act rashly after the final match. Instead, they allowed emotions to settle before conducting a full-season analysis. This approach reflected their desire to understand deeper issues within the squad and coaching setup.
Their findings pointed to regression. While Carrick’s debut year featured fast, exciting football, his later teams lacked intensity and attacking intent. Injuries, inconsistent form, and tactical rigidity contributed to Boro’s slide. In the end, the club felt the direction under Carrick no longer matched their long-term ambitions. Supporters will reflect with mixed feelings. Carrick gave the team stability at a difficult time and nearly secured promotion. But Middlesbrough’s results since that early promise revealed a plateau, if not decline. The leadership chose to act now, giving a new coach time to prepare for the coming season.
What Comes Next for Middlesbrough as Search Begins
Attention now turns to Carrick’s replacement. Middlesbrough need a manager capable of reigniting belief and steering the club back toward promotion. It has now been a decade since their last top-flight appearance. With expectations high, the next appointment carries major significance. Several names are already being discussed. Rob Edwards, currently at Luton Town, is well-regarded by head of football Kieran Scott. Edwards previously led Forest Green Rovers and guided Luton to the Premier League. Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl is another strong candidate after an impressive rescue job at Hillsborough.
Whoever takes charge will inherit a team with potential but in need of a clear identity. The club must rebuild both tactically and emotionally. Fan engagement will also be key after a season where many felt disconnected from the team’s direction. Middlesbrough are aiming to return to the Premier League, and the next head coach will need to deliver results quickly. The board’s decision to sack Carrick marks a turning point. Now, the focus shifts to finding the right leader to finish what Carrick started—but could not complete.
