MIDDLESBROUGH will not be making a formal approach for Gary O’Neil, with Bournemouth determined to retain their current caretaker boss.

The Boro hierarchy have begun the process of identifying and appointing their new manager, with Chris Wilder’s dismissal having been confirmed yesterday morning.

O’Neil’s candidature has been considered, with the 39-year-old regarded as the type of young up-and-coming coach the Teessiders are keen to turn to as they look to reignite a season that was flatlining badly under Wilder.

However, Boro chiefs have decided not to take things any further and will not be making a formal approach to Bournemouth.

The Cherries installed O’Neil on an interim basis when Scott Parker was dismissed at the end of last month, and have been more than satisfied with the former midfielder’s efforts as he has remained unbeaten in his four games in charge.

Bournemouth’s current board are understood to be extremely keen to retain O’Neil at the Vitality Stadium, and while the situation is complicated by the ongoing takeover talks being overseen by current owner Maxim Denim, the current arrangement on the south coast is not expected to change imminently.

Boro officials are also likely to be aware of the reaction to O’Neil’s potential candidature amongst the club’s fans on social media in the last 24 hours, with supporters highlighting the way in which the former midfielder’s relationship with the club broke down towards the end of his playing career.

O’Neil conducted an interview following his playing days in which he suggested he had picked up a booking towards the end of the 2008-09 season because he knew it would trigger a suspension and enable him to watch the US Masters. With Gareth Southgate in charge, Boro were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the campaign O’Neil was referencing.

Boro are understood to have begun the process of speaking to shortlisted candidates, with former Watford boss Rob Edwards figuring prominently in their thoughts.

Having started his career in Wolves’ academy and worked with England’s Under-16s and Under-20s teams, Edwards enjoyed success in his first senior managerial position as he led Forest Green Rovers to promotion from League Two last season.

That saw him appointed as Watford manager in the summer, and while he was dismissed after just ten games in charge at Vicarage Road, his stock remains high.

Boro have also been linked with Chelsea coach Anthony Barry, who was the subject of strong interest from Huddersfield Town last month.

A complicating factor with Barry is that he has expressed an interest in being part of Roberto Martinez’s backroom team with Belgium at the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar.

There has also been speculation linking Boro with Steve Cooper, whose position as Nottingham Forest is reportedly in severe jeopardy in the wake of last night’s 4-0 thrashing at Leicester.

Having guided Forest to promotion from an extremely unpromising position last season, Cooper would be of obvious interest if he was to become available. However, at this stage, he remains Nottingham Forest manager and will not be voluntarily leaving his position at the City Ground.

Leo Percovich has been installed as Boro’s interim boss ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Birmingham City, leading a coaching team that also comprises Craig Liddle, Mark Tinkler and Lee Cattermole.

The quartet oversaw training at Rockliffe Park this morning, and while their current tenure is only due to last one game, the Boro hierarchy will not be worried if they also find themselves in charge for Saturday’s trip to Millwall.