Rob Edwards Removed from Middlesbrough Match Amid Wolves Interest

Rob Edwards, a former player, coach, and interim manager for Wolves, has been relieved of his responsibilities for Middlesbrough’s upcoming match against Birmingham City this Saturday. This decision comes in light of Wolves’ interest in appointing him as their new manager.

On Thursday, Middlesbrough rejected Wolves’ request to speak with Edwards, leading to discussions between the manager and the Championship club’s leadership on Friday. Consequently, Edwards did not conduct his usual pre-match press conference and did not oversee the team’s final training session ahead of the Championship fixture against Birmingham.

It has since been confirmed that Edwards will not lead the team in their home match against the Blues. He had signed a three-year contract in June to succeed Michael Carrick as the manager of Middlesbrough, who currently sit third in the Championship table.

Sources indicate that Edwards was prepared to fulfill his duties, but Middlesbrough made the decision regarding Friday’s training and press activities as well as Saturday’s match. The club is reportedly displeased with Wolves’ approach and Edwards’ willingness to consider the job offer.

Edwards is known to regard the Wolves position as his dream role, having made over 100 appearances for the club from 2004 to 2008. His roots in Telford, where he grew up and still has family, further enhance his connection to the club, although logistical concerns are not believed to be a primary factor in his potential move.

Wolves dismissed Vitor Pereira on Sunday after a lackluster start to the season, leaving them at the bottom of the Premier League. Following Pereira’s exit, it was reported that Edwards was a leading candidate for the managerial role, alongside former boss Gary O’Neil.

While Wolves initiated talks with O’Neil, he opted out of the running, allowing Edwards to emerge as the preferred choice. After retiring from playing in 2013, Edwards took on coaching roles at Wolves, including a brief stint as interim manager in 2016 following the dismissal of Walter Zenga.

His coaching journey also included positions at non-league Telford and with the England Under-16s. Edwards became the head coach of Forest Green Rovers in 2021, subsequently taking the reins at Championship side Watford the following year, though he was sacked after just 11 matches.

In November 2022, he replaced Nathan Jones as Luton Town manager, where he successfully led the team to the Premier League for the first time. However, Luton was relegated from the top flight in May 2024, and Edwards departed during the 2024-25 season, as the club faced further relegation challenges.