Tees

With rivals Leeds United and Sunderland rising to the Premier League, former Middlesbrough midfielder Neil Maddison feels that this season may seem lacking for Boro when it comes to the big derby game atmosphere.

"When you talk about games, fixtures, coming up that mean something, they've kind of disappeared," Maddison told BBC Radio Tees.

"The nearest one now, is it Hull? Or Sheffield Wednesday?

"It's a little bit of a disappointment that you haven't got a team that there's a little bit of a rivalry for both sets of fans. But it is what it is."

Middlesbrough missed out on a play-off spot in May, concluding their 2024-25 campaign in 10th place in the Championship table.

While Maddison believes the side will be looking to make amends with a better run this season, he also thinks there will be some dangerous teams looking to do the same.

"For me, the teams that missed out this season will be eager to get into the top six. Obviously, the teams that have come down will always be favourites to come back up, rightfully so," Maddison added.

"I think Norwich will be strong, I think they will come good.

"There will be a few clubs that will be aiming and trying to get into that mix and we will certainly be one of them - otherwise, what's the point?"

Listen to the full reaction and more on BBC Sounds.

The EFL fixture list is out and we know you are bursting to know what you've got to look forward to - or dread - from your team this upcoming season.

Here are some key dates to put in your diary:

• 9 August 2025 - v Swansea City (H)

• 16 August 2025 - v Millwall (A)

• 26 December 2025 - v Blackburn Rovers (H)

• 1 January 2026 - v Derby County (A)

• 2 May 2026 - v Wrexham (A)

See Middlesbrough's full fixture list here.

"Right from the word go, it feels like Boro have really seriously thought about what Rob Edwards will need around him."

The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson and The Gazette's Craig Johns join BBC Radio Tees to discuss Middlesbrough's new head coach - and the two men that will be at his side.

"Of all the new manager unveilings that we've been to, I can't really remember one where both of the new coaches and the new head of football were all in the same room at the same time," Wilson said.

"It very much feels like Boro have appointed a coaching team here as opposed to appointing a head coach and then just assembling the people around him as an afterthought.

"I think Aidy Viveash and Harry Watling are going to be key people in this. It's not just Rob Edwards coming in, he's coming into a three-man team that Boro have put together, they've never worked together."

Listen to the full thoughts and more on BBC Sounds.

Image source, PA Media

Rob Edwards has been named Middlesbrough's new head coach but will he be able to repeat the promotion success he found with former club Luton Town? Some of you are unconvinced.

Here's what you had to say about the appointment:

Guy: He's joining a club and fanbase that is crying out for a change - tactics, culture and personnel. I'll be happy to see us go to three at the back and hopefully never see a goalkeeper pass it three yards sideways or see a centre-half thinking he's Messi and dribbling across his own box again. Also the appointment of a clued-in, experienced Championship number two in Adrian Viveash is critical too.

Neil: This was an opportunity to really inject some enthusiasm into the fanbase but I can't help feel a tad underwhelmed. Feels very much like Carrick version two. Another coach who plays out from the back and seemingly has no plan B when things go wrong. Can see this being another Gary Monk-like situation.

David: A solid appointment but interested to see who the backroom staff will be. We need strength in depth in the coaching team. Some bite in the middle of the park wouldn't go amiss too. We were too polite under Carrick and lacked a real leader on the pitch. Hopefully there'll be an element of that brought in with Edwards. Happy to get behind him if we show improvement!

Tony: Can't see this being a great success but hopefully I will be proven wrong. Middlesbrough are a team in decline and getting a high profile manager would be impossible until we see an improvement in results. Expecting a difficult season.

Asme: Remains to be seen but I think the recruitment model is all wrong at the Boro, hence why he's the 'head coach', not manager. He may have a wishlist of players but 'others' have final say. May have something to do with why other managers with proven track records failed before.

Martin: Was never sure about Edwards since his name first got mentioned. Getting Luton promoted obviously makes him stand out but that was where it ended. Luton came down again and struggled thereafter. Luton were an exception to the rule when they went up and momentum was a big driver for them that season. Boro don't have that. The team is low on confidence. I would have preferred Steve Cooper but we have what we have and, as fans, we need to support Rob and the team or else we have no hope.

Christopher: I really liked Rob Edwards' first interview as Boro boss and I'm hoping he gets us playing exciting football and stop conceding sloppy goals. Our home form over the last three seasons has been awful to watch so it needs sorting out quickly. New keeper, defence needs improving and we need a top-class striker to play along side Tommy Conway. Best of luck to Rob Edwards and all the staff and players. UTB!