Michael Carrick is set to become Middlesbrough boss less than a year since being linked with the Preston North End job.
Boro were backed as one of the favourites for promotion from the Championship before the season started.
After bringing in some quality players over the summer, Chris Wilder was being touted for an automatic promotion push.
However, a dreadful start of just two wins in 11 league games resulted in Wilder being sacked.
That was back on October 3rd and more than two weeks on, Boro still haven’t yet secured their new manager.
It sounds like a deal is close though as Sky Sports claim that Middlesbrough have agreed terms with Michael Carrick.
Talks broke down last week but Boro have managed to thrash out a deal and Carrick should be named as Middlesbrough boss imminently.
This represents a return to coaching for the 41-year-old, who left Manchester United in December of last year.
After leaving Old Trafford, Carrick was actually linked with a move to Preston North End.
The Sun claimed in December 2021 – just days after Carrick left United – that PNE had internally discussed making a move for Carrick to replace Frankie McAvoy.
Ryan Lowe ended up getting the job and it sounded like he was the top target all along.
Yet North End will have been wise to have backup plans in mind and Carrick may well have been one of the names on the list.
Going with another managerial rookie just after sacking McAvoy may have been a gamble though and North End preferred Lowe.
Boro will now hope that Carrick takes to management quickly and repays their faith in him.
PNE take on Middlesbrough on October 29th, meaning Lowe is likely to lock horns with the former England international in just a matter of days.