'Edwards brings passion and energy in abundance'

Middlesbrough head of football Kieran Scott has said it was Rob Edwards' "passion" and "energy" that made him the right pick for their head coach role.

Edwards replaced former boss Michael Carrick in June after Boro failed to make the Championship play-offs last season.

"I thought all his characteristics are right for Middlesbrough," Scott told BBC Radio Tees. "He's a good character, an emotional guy and he's connected with the fans really quickly. I can assure you that's not a facade from him, that is him.

"I thought we were missing a bit of that. I thought we need a bit of passion and a bit of energy and Rob brings that in abundance."

The appointment followed criticism of the time it took between the conclusion of the season and Carrick's dismissal.

However, Scott said the former England midfielder's service to the club over his two and a half years in charge warranted "a lengthy review".

He said: "It did take a little bit of time, for sure, but it was on the basis that we wanted to do the right thing and Michael deserved that time to speak about it in depth."

The decision to sack Carrick and appoint Edwards has gone smoothly for the Teesside club so far, with Boro enjoying a 100% winning record to lead the second tier after four games.

Boro were able to secure deals in the summer such as a loan spell for Manchester City teenager Sverre Nypan - a move that the Premier League side were more than happy to facilitate.

"My understanding was that we were the choice for them [Manchester City], they identified us," Scott added.

"We've got a good track record with loan players over the years and we've shown that we will play good players even if they are young. So it's good that City see us as that and hopefully we can keep doing it."

Listen to the full interview with Scott and more Middlesbrough content on BBC Sounds