Wolves Appoint Rob Edwards as New Manager Amidst Struggles

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported last week that Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) have reached a compensation agreement with Middlesbrough for Rob Edwards, estimated to be around £2 million.

Edwards, whose contract with Middlesbrough was set to run until 2028, has been officially appointed as Wolves’ new manager, marking a return to the club where he played as a centre-back from 2004 to 2008, making 111 appearances.

Previously, Edwards served as Wolves’ interim coach in 2016, leading the team in two matches following the dismissal of Walter Zenga. His tenure included a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers and a 3-2 loss to Derby County, after which Paul Lambert was named the permanent manager, while Edwards continued as a first-team coach. He has since held head coaching positions at Forest Green, Watford, and Luton before joining Middlesbrough in June.

Wolves’ executive chairman, Jeff Shi, commented on Edwards’ appointment, stating: “I know Rob very well and have witnessed his development across various roles. He is an excellent person who possesses a deep understanding of the club, the city, and the fans. His tactical awareness as a youth coach was commendable, and he has since cultivated his own identity, character, and leadership style in first-team roles.”

Matt Jackson, the club’s director of player recruitment and development, added, “Rob and his staff have proven their capability in transforming team culture and instilling confidence among players. He enjoys being actively involved in training and adapting tactics to fit different situations. We need to translate the energy he brings off the pitch onto the field, and we must be realistic about our current position, holding ourselves accountable. It’s crucial to instill belief in the players promptly, and I believe Rob will be a significant cultural asset for the club.”

According to The Athletic, Wolves are looking toward the future with the appointment of Edwards, who they hope will guide the team to Premier League survival this season while also positioning them strongly for a Championship promotion bid should relegation occur in the 2025-26 season.

Edwards brings valuable experience, having led Luton Town to the Premier League via the 2022-23 Championship play-offs. Under his management, the Hatters were competitive in the top tier, accumulating 26 points from 38 matches before facing relegation with an 18th-place finish in 2023-24.

Middlesbrough had been performing well under Edwards, currently sitting second in the Championship table, just five points behind leaders Coventry City. However, he was relieved of his duties prior to Middlesbrough’s recent 2-1 victory over Birmingham City amidst speculation regarding his future.

Wolves have turned to Edwards after a dismal start to the 2025-26 season, remaining the only team in England’s top four tiers without a league victory thus far, with nine losses and two draws in their 11 fixtures. The sacking of Pereira followed a 3-0 defeat against Fulham earlier this month, concluding his ten-month tenure at Molineux.

Edwards’ inaugural match as Wolves manager is scheduled for November 22 against Crystal Palace. Following that, he will lead the team in a West Midlands derby against Aston Villa on November 30, with subsequent home matches against Nottingham Forest and an in-form Manchester United on December 3 and December 8, respectively.