Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have unveiled their new crest which will be used from next season onwards.

The Teesside club have also launched a special crest specifically for the 2026-27 campaign, that will feature a 150 year Ayresome Park gates inspired addition to the logo to celebrate their inception in 1976.

The new badge has been restored back to a circle, a design that hasn't been permanent on a Boro kit since 2007.

The design process began in March 2024, before 21,000 supporters were asked for their help in designing the badge to represent their club.

The crest's designer Andrew Patterson spoke to BBC Radio Tees about some of the subtle local features in the new design.

"Going on what fans asked for there was a desire to get some of the local sites into the crest somehow," Patterson said.

"So it was quite nice to subtly bring in the Roseberry Topping element into the lion's mane which is the negative space that sits between the lion's mane and his body, so that profile of Roseberry Topping is in there.

"Also the shape of the River Tees, where our home, where our ground is at the Riverside Stadium. The shape of that is in the lions tongue, so you can see the meanders of the river at that point is brought into the tongue."

The new badge is set to be in use from June 2026 onwards.

Image source, Middlesbrough FC

Image source, Opta

The international break is finally over and the Championship weekend begins in style on Friday night as Middlesbrough welcome Ipswich to the Riverside (20:00 BST).

Rob Edwards' side will seek to get back on track after losing their unbeaten record and top-spot in the table last time out with a 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth on 4 October.

The Tractor Boys were 3-1 winners over Norwich in the East Anglian Derby the following day to jump up to ninth, but within striking distance of the top-three.

• Middlesbrough failed to beat Ipswich in the last league season they played together in 2023-24 (D1 L1), after winning five of the previous seven encounters (D2).

• Ipswich could win successive league games at Middlesbrough for the first time, after winning 2-0 on their last league visit in December 2023.

• Middlesbrough, who went down last time out to Portsmouth, could lose successive league games for the first time since April, while they haven't failed to score in three successive league matches since April 2022 (run of four).

• Only Coventry and Queens Park Rangers (both 11) have won more points in the Championship since the start of September than Ipswich (10), while they've scored 13 goals across their past five games since a 1-0 defeat to Preston North End.

• Nine of Ipswich's past 12 Championship goals have been scored by either Jack Clarke (4) or Jaden Philogene (5) – Clarke has found the net in four of his past five games, with three of those coming as a substitute.

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards says he is looking to increase his side's attacking potential as the Championship returns on Friday.

Boro host Ipswich Town (20:00 BST) as they try to respond to their first defeat of the season at Portsmouth last time out.

That loss knocked them off the top of the table with Coventry City overtaking them, while it was also a second consecutive game without a goal.

Boro have the joint-best defensive record in the division with only six conceded in nine matches, but it is at the top end where Edwards wants more.

"We've been very solid, one of the best in the league, which is great and everyone needs a solid foundation," the ex-Luton Town boss told BBC Radio Tees.

"Then we want to find that balance between maintaining that and obviously creating a little bit more.

"In recent games that has been a little bit more challenging."

Middlesbrough had a busy transfer window with 11 new players joining the club.

In attack, they have included Slovakia striker David Strelec, Senegalese forward Kaly Sene and winger Sontje Hansen, who has just made his debut for Curacao, with all three new to English football.

Sene has scored twice, and the other two one each, but Edwards understands that the trio are still settling in to the environment.

"It's not going to be click the fingers and things are perfect straight away," he said. "People have got to build up a rapport, they've got to understand each other's games.

"That will still take some time, there's no doubt about it."

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough midfielder Sverre Nypan made his Norway debut in a 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand in Oslo on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old appeared as an 81st-minute substitute after Norway had been forced to come from behind to earn a draw.

Nypan was only called into the squad on Monday, having captained his country's under-21 side in a 4-1 defeat by Spain last Friday.

He will now travel back to England to help Middlesbrough prepare for their return to Championship action at home to Ipswich on Friday, 17 October (20:00 BST).

Image source, Rex Features

Middlesbrough midfielder Sverre Nypan has been called into Norway's senior squad for the first time in his career.

The 18-year-old has stepped up from the under-21 squad for Tuesday's friendly with New Zealand in Oslo.

Nypan, who is on a season-long loan at Middlesbrough from Manchester City, captained Norway's Under-21s in a 4-1 defeat by Spain last Friday.

The midfielder has started two Championship matches for Rob Edwards' side since moving to Teesside in August, having joined City from Rosenborg in a deal worth £12.5m in July.

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson says his move into coaching is a chance to "give something back" after leaving Middlesbrough this summer.

The 37-year-old, who spent eight years at the Riverside, was not offered a new contract by Boro boss Rob Edwards and has now taken a player-coaching role with former club Leeds United's Under-21s side.

However, while Howson may no longer wear Boro colours, his fondness for the Teesside club remains.

"Here at Middlesbrough, it's where my kids have seen me playing most. I've spent a lot of time here," the former Boro captain told BBC Radio Tees.

"We still watch the games now. There were a lot of times when I would have played at the Riverside and we'd go back home, play football in the living room with the kids and they're singing the songs that the fans have been cheering and sometimes the fans sang for me.

"This is my chance trying to give something back because this club has given me so much."

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

"If you are going to have a problem then 'how do I get the best out of this myriad of attacking [options] I've got?' has to be the best problem to have.

"He [Edwards] is going to have to find a solution to it. I think we've seen enough to suggest a solution is in there and once you get it, then this is a Boro side that has every ingredient needed to be really good in attack."

The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson discusses a dip in form for Middlesbrough as they go into the international break with their undefeated run scuppered by Portsmouth.

Listen to Wilson's full analysis and more Middlesbrough content on BBC Sounds.

Laura Kenyon
BBC Final Score reporter at Fratton Park

Image source, Getty Images

Portsmouth and Middlesbrough each had just one shot on target at Fratton Park. Safe to say neither side will be happy with that return – a stat which leaps out from the graphics page, and must surely be a thought-provoker for both managers.

The difference, though is, Pompey took that solitary moment, converted it, and came away with all three points. Boro did not, and it cost them not only their place at the top of the table, but their unbeaten start to the Championship season.

Rob Edwards spoke about it after the game, saying they were not good enough in the final third, despite making multiple attacking changes.

It poses two key questions: who will emerge as Middlesbrough's prolific goalscorer this season, and could unlocking that be pivotal in their bid for automatic promotion?

Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards spoke to BBC Radio Tees after their 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth:

"It was frustrating in the end. I'm gutted for the fans that we're not able to take something away and they enjoy the journey back.

"It's been a really good start. Today was frustrating, and we have to take it on the chin and continue with the work that we're doing that is building something.

"We had more shots than them, but not enough, and not enough on target, certainly.

"Once they got the goal, which was obviously avoidable from our point of view, it gave them something to hold on to as well. We weren't quite good enough in the final third, ultimately.

"We chucked as many forwards on the pitch as we could to try and get something, but it didn't happen."

"They are definitely [contenders for top two] but we need to go into this international break with a win."

BBC Radio Tees' Mark Drury is joined by Boro fan Rob Nichols to discuss the potential of a promotion-winning season for Middlesbrough after a promising start.

Listen to the full discussion and more Middlesbrough content on BBC Sounds.

Middlesbrough fans deserve to be recognised and thanked for their commitment to backing the team, says boss Rob Edwards.

Boro drew 1-1 at Southampton last Saturday and head back to the south coast this weekend to face Portsmouth with Edwards sending a letter to travelling supporters, external who are doing both trips.

"We've tried to talk about the supporters a lot from day one," he told BBC Radio Tees.

"We wanted to build a rapport and a connection and supporters need to feel we value them and I genuinely do."

Middlesbrough are unbeaten in the Championship and lead the table by two points heading into the game at Fratton Park.

"It's not lost on me the commitment to travel and in such great numbers and such great distances," Edwards added.

"People work really hard and to spend so much money on their football team we need to show it means a lot to us and we're very thankful."

These two are on very different trajectories heading into their game at Fratton Park.

Middlesbrough remain unbeaten and head the table by two points while Portsmouth have taken only two points from their past four games.

This will be only the third league meeting between the sides in 13 years with Pompey taking four points from last season's two games.

• Portsmouth have lost just one of their past eight league games against Middlesbrough (W2 D5), a 3-1 defeat in March 2012.

• Middlesbrough have won just two of their past 13 away league games against Portsmouth (D4 L7).

• Portsmouth have lost each of their past two league matches played on a Saturday and could lose three on the bounce on this day for the first time since February 2022.

• Middlesbrough are unbeaten in all eight of their Championship games this season (W5 D3), last having a longer run without defeat from the start of a campaign in 2011-12 (11).

• Middlesbrough have earned eight points away from home in the Championship this season (W2 D2), more than they had in their final 11 on the road in 2024-25 (W2 D1 L8).

"It was a real tough game - both teams had chances. We had chances but they had quite a few as well. In the end you'd settle for a point - it's a good point.

"If I had to give a man of the match it would be Sol Brynn. He keeps you in the game and gets you the point."

BBC Radio Tees' Paul Addison and former Boro midfielder Neil Maddison react to Boro's goalless draw with Stoke City, and hear from head coach Rob Edwards and defender Alfie Jones.

Listen to the full episode and more on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards accepted his side's point in the goalless draw with Stoke City, but was left upset at the refusal to award a first-half penalty for Tommy Conway.

The Scotland forward went down in the area under a challenge from visiting midfielder Ben Pearson.

But referee David Webb did not point to the spot and instead awarded a free-kick to Stoke and booked Conway for diving, leaving Edwards having to rein in his frustration.

"First half, I thought we were excellent," he told BBC Radio Tees.

"We played really well, really good intensity, some good football and we should have had a penalty.

"It was pretty clear to me and looking back at it as well. That was really frustrating.

"I've got to bite my lip now because I want to make sure I'm on the touchline in games going forward. He hasn't dived. There's contact there. It's a difficult one to take."

Stoke City's impressive early season form is no surprise to Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards.

Championship leaders Boro host the third-placed Potters on Tuesday with four points separating the sides.

"They've got quite an interesting blend, real pace and power on the last line and a real crossing team, especially on the left with (Sorba) Thomas and (Aaron) Cresswell," Edwards told BBC Radio Tees.

"It's no surprise at all (to see them doing well), they look really solid and have a real attacking threat as well."

Middlesbrough maintained their unbeaten start to the season on Saturday with a late equaliser from Kaly Sene in their 1-1 draw with Southampton.

Edwards expects midfielder Callum Brittain to be fit despite going off, while defender Dael Fry is back from a three-game lay off.

"Callum's foot was sore and a bit swollen but he's ok which is positive and Dael comes into contention, he's trained the last couple of days and will be in the squad," Edwards added.

Image source, Opta

Table-topping Middlesbrough will seek to extend their perfect home record when Stoke head to The Riverside on Tuesday night (19:45 BST).

The Potters are third, four points adrift of unbeaten Boro, who came back to draw 1-1 at Southampton on Saturday.

Rob Edwards' men are the third leading scorers in the Championship while having the stingiest defence with just five goals conceded in their opening seven matches.

Mark Robins' Potters also came from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Norwich on Saturday but after winning their first two away games, they went down 1-0 at QPR in their most recent away game.

• Middlesbrough completed a league double over Stoke City last season, and could win three in a row against the Potters for only the second time since WWII, after June 2020.

• Stoke have won on just one of their past nine league visits to Middlesbrough (D2 L6), a 2-0 victory in October 2023.

• Middlesbrough have won all three of their Championship home games this season, and could win each of their opening four home matches of a second tier campaign for the sixth time, after 1925-26, 1969-70, 1971-72, 1991-92, and 2018-19.

• Stoke have won three of their past six away league games (D1 L2), as many as their previous 20 beforehand (W3 D5 L12).

• Middlesbrough's Rob Edwards has won both of his previous managerial games against Stoke in the Championship, each with Luton in February 2023 (1-0) and December 2024 (2-1).

Marc Webber
BBC Final Score reporter

Image source, PA Media

They say the sign of a champion is getting something out of a game where the statistics suggest you were outplayed.

It is perhaps too early to hand Middlesbrough the title, but Saturday's draw with Southampton certainly showed those sort of promotion-winning qualities, even if it ended in a draw.

When speaking on BBC Radio Tees after the game, boss Rob Edwards admitted himself it was a pleasing point against an opposition that led possession and had double the number of chances of his Boro side.

But the performance was an example of Edwards' patient approach to management overall.

When it was the right time to make changes, he did, and his tactical substitutions changed the game.

And in Kaly Sene, who scored the equaliser for his second goal in as many games off the bench, they can be confident they have strength in depth.

Question is, should Sene keep his super-sub crown, or play from the start in future games?

Image source, Rex Features

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards was satisfied with the draw and happy with how his team fought back to keep their unbeaten start to the Championship going.

The run now stands at seven games as they sit four points clear at the top after substitute Kaly Sene ensured a share of the points at Southampton.

It was the second away consecutive match in which Boro have come from behind to draw with crucial contributions off the bench after twice doing it at Preston North End.

And it is a trait that former Luton Town boss Edwards is enjoying about his side.

"We played well in the first half but gifted them some moments with some sloppiness," he told BBC Radio Tees.

"We grew into it and we were dominant and then they scored. We had to click into gear, another level, we made some changes and found a way back in.

"Last time we were away from home, we fought back. It's good character, impact again from the side and that's pleasing. The lads are adaptable and we found a way."

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before his side's visit to Southampton on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Here are the main talking points:

• George Edmundson's eye has not suffered any structural damage and he's trained this week. Saturday's game will come "too soon" for Dael Fry but Edwards is hopeful he will be available at some point next week.

• Edwards also hopes Darragh Lenihan will be back available in the coming weeks and admits it's been "tough" for the 31-year-old after suffering another injury setback.

• Boro have recorded their best league start in 149 years, a special achievement which builds belief at the club and, Edwards says, makes it easier to battle through any downturns in form that may come.

• Edwards praised his side's versatility and ability to score different kinds of goals. Attacking set-pieces were previously a Boro weakness but hard work in that area has reaped rewards, with four goals from such situations in six games.

• Luke Ayling has slotted into the right centre-back role seamlessly despite normally playing as a full-back and hopes that thriving in the Middlesbrough back-line will prolong his career. Edwards describes Ayling as "a great guy with a fantastic personality".

• There are no plans to appoint one individual as club captain following the departure of Jonny Howson this summer. The armband has been shared by Dael Fry, Aidan Morris and Ayling this season with the aim of promoting more leadership with in the group.

• On coming across former Boro midfielder Finn Azaz: "We're well aware of what he can do." But Edwards said his side will have to be vigilant about the entire Southampton front-line who have lots of quality.

Listen to the full interview with Edwards and more on Middlesbrough on Sounds.

"If you allow [Azaz] to play, he's a good player and he could destroy us so I think somebody needs to get into him and niggle him a little bit.

"Maybe Alan Browne's your man to maybe just go in and fairly challenge him two or three times in the first 10 minutes. I think he might [then] just shrink from the game."

Middlesbrough fan Bob Smedley analyses the club's summer recruitment and previews midfielder Finn Azaz's upcoming confrontation with his former club when Boro visit Southampton on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Smedley identifies Alan Browne as the "unsung signing" of the summer and tips him to be able to handle Azaz, who made 23 league goal contributions for Boro last season.

Listen to the full analysis of Boro's recruitment from fan Bob Smedley on Sounds.