Millwall manager Alex Neil has firmly dismissed early speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at Middlesbrough. This comes as current Boro boss Rob Edwards has been given official permission to hold talks with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Managerial Shake-Up in the Championship
The Championship promotion race faces potential disruption as Middlesbrough, currently sitting second in the table, could be searching for a new leader. The club has allowed their manager, Rob Edwards, to speak with Wolves about their managerial vacancy at Molineux. Edwards was notably absent from the dugout this past Saturday when his team secured a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City.
Wolves are seeking a permanent replacement after parting ways with Vitor Pereira last week. While Gary O'Neil had been in discussions about a return to the Midlands club, those talks ultimately concluded without an agreement, paving the way for the move for Edwards.
Neil's Firm Denial and Millwall's Injury Blow
In the wake of this development, reports from Southwark News suggested that Millwall's Alex Neil was a candidate for the potential opening at the Riverside Stadium. When questioned about these rumours following his team's draw with Preston North End, Neil was unequivocal in his response.
"I certainly haven't seen that, no," Neil stated. "It's not even on my radar. I don't even know anything about it. It's the first time I've heard about it. You've caught me off guard with that one. Nonsense."
Amid the speculation, Neil confirmed a significant setback for his Millwall squad. Midfielder Billy Mitchell is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring tear. The 24-year-old, a regular starter known for his defensive work, reported discomfort after a recent match against Birmingham City.
Neil detailed the frustrating sequence, explaining that Mitchell was managed carefully after a recent illness, only to sustain the injury upon waking the day after his 75-minute appearance. The upcoming international break offers some respite, with a potential return date set for mid-December.
What's Next for Middlesbrough and Millwall?
With Neil seemingly out of the running, the search for a potential new Middlesbrough manager, should Edwards depart, appears wide open. Tony Mowbray is currently considered the frontrunner for the role, having been out of work since his brief stint at West Bromwich Albion earlier this year. Former Premier League managers Gary O'Neil and Steven Gerrard are also reportedly under consideration.
For Neil and Millwall, the immediate focus shifts to their next Championship fixture, an away match against Portsmouth on Saturday, November 22nd. Mitchell's absence will be a blow for the Lions as they prepare for the trip to Fratton Park.
