Edwards wary of Hornets threat

Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards is expecting a tough challenge from former club Watford as he prepares to make his first return to Vicarage Road.

Edwards was sacked by the Hornets in September 2022 after just 139 days and 10 Championship games in charge.

He faced Watford twice as Luton manager but both were at home and Edwards told BBC Radio Tees: "It'll be a nice experience, a new one to be going back.

"I wasn't there that long and it was a while ago now. It is, and has to be, just another game for me.

"You learn from every experience, good and bad. It was frustrating it was such a short spell, but it was probably the right thing for me and the club. I took a lot from it."

Watford have picked up 13 points from six home games and Edwards added: "They are very strong and Javi Gracia has gone back in there, an experienced and a very good coach, we're expecting a really challenging game, a difficult one for us."

Boro remain second in the Championship, three points behind leaders Coventry, but have scored only 16 goals across their opening 12 matches, 18 fewer than the Sky Blues.

Those goals have been shared among 11 players, with none scoring more than twice.

"There are a lot of additions across the league that are taking time to adapt to the league, at various clubs, some that are firing have maybe been in the league for a few years," said Edwards.

"We have to be patient and let lads settle in to a new country and environment, that's important.

"We created a lot of chances against Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday and the second half intensity was brilliant against Wrexham.

"What Coventry are doing right now is not normal and there are only one or two others who have outscored us. Give us time and I'm sure things will click."

Riley McGree is set to feature against Watford but Alex Bangura misses out with illness.

Click here for the full interview with Edwards and more Middlesbrough content via BBC Sounds.