Boro rally together as Edwards walks away
Middlesbrough are second in the Championship with 29 points from 15 games
- Published
During his four months at Middlesbrough, Rob Edwards constantly stressed the importance of unity and togetherness.
Little did he know, but Boro was built on exactly those characteristics, often in the face of great adversity.
On Saturday, Middlesbrough was a town galvanised not because of one man - but in spite of him.
The news of Edwards' desire to leave the club currently second in the Championship, for a Wolverhampton Wanderers side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, threatened to derail not just Boro's weekend but their season as a whole.
'Next manager is in for a treat'
There were many question marks over the match with Birmingham City. Would the atmosphere be affected? How would players react? Who would be in the dugout? We got our answers tenfold.
The atmosphere? Electric! Every single supporter doing their best to lift those on the pitch. Many saying it was the best atmosphere of the season.
However you view it, it left no doubt in the players' minds that the town stood with them, even if their head coach did not.
The players? Well they fought for everything. Many of them putting their bodies on the line, epitomised by Matt Targett and captain Dael Fry. Both started the game, despite carrying knocks and needing injections before a ball was even kicked.
That leaves the man in the dugout, Adi Viveash. Someone not accustomed to the spotlight.
He'd never led a team until Saturday – something he described as a proud moment for him and his family.
I had the chance to interview him after the game and it was one of the most impressive displays I've witnessed in 10 years on the sports desk here.
He dealt with it all while speaking of resilience and determination, leaving very little doubt over his views on recent events.
Saturday epitomised everything that people love about this town and this club; honesty, unity and determination, no matter what is thrown at them.
Whoever takes over the reins is in for a treat.