Edwards has the 'persona and aura' for success

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Neil Maddison could not be more pleased with Boro's start to the season, as Rob Edwards side have maintained a 100% winning record in the Championship.

"The team have gelled, done really well, partnerships all over the pitch," Maddison told BBC Radio Tees.

Maddison, who is an academy ambassador at Middlesbrough, said expectations for the club have entirely shifted, with the outlook just a month ago looking bleak.

"It has been some turnaround because at the beginning of the season, you're looking [and there's] no signings, no manager. And then all of a sudden the manager comes in."

Former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards was appointed on 24 June having been sacked by the Hatters last season with the club struggling in the Championship after being relegated from the top flight.

Despite that, Maddison believes that Edwards' achievement of promotion with Luton - who had not played in the Premier League before - should never be diminished.

"To get them in the Premier League, from where they were, I think is an outstanding achievement," he said.

And Maddison said Edwards' managerial ability is being replicated at Middlesbrough.

"Watching a manager get a hold of this football club, not just the team, but the whole football club.

"He has persona, an aura about him that grabs you and gets hold of you and he sucks you in, but you have to do that by achieving things."

Middlesbrough went into the international break top of the Championship, with current English champions Liverpool the only side to match their 100% winning start to the season across England's top four leagues.

"I didn't expect us to be where we are right now and the start that we've had. We've had an unbelievable start - the system works, the players are fighting. You've got a team now that absolutely gives their all," Maddison said.

"The work rate and the quality, and each game they've got better and better and better, and long may it continue."

Listen to the full interview with Maddison and more Boro on Sounds.