Rob Edwards’ Potential Move to Wolves: A Managerial Shift

Rob Edwards, a former player and coach for Wolves, has been granted permission by Middlesbrough to discuss a potential managerial position with the Premier League club.

Middlesbrough expressed disappointment over Edwards’ interest in the Wolves role, particularly as he only joined the club in June. Due to Wolves’ interest, he was sidelined from Saturday’s match against Birmingham City, with first-team coaches Adi Viveash, Harry Watling, and academy manager Craig Liddle taking charge in his absence.

Prior to this, Wolves had their initial request to speak with Edwards declined by Middlesbrough on Thursday. As a result, he engaged in discussions with the club’s hierarchy on Friday, leading to his absence from the customary pre-game press conference and the final training session before the match.

Edwards, who signed a three-year contract to succeed Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough less than five months ago, saw the club positioned third in the league table ahead of the weekend’s fixtures. Sources indicate that Edwards was prepared to fulfill his responsibilities, despite Middlesbrough taking charge of the recent training and press arrangements.

Middlesbrough reportedly felt frustrated by both Wolves’ approach and Edwards’ willingness to consider the opportunity. It is understood that Edwards regards the Wolves managerial position as his ideal role, having made over 100 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2008. His roots in nearby Telford, along with family connections in the area, further enhance his interest.

Wolves dismissed manager Vitor Pereira following a ten-game winless streak, leaving them at the bottom of the Premier League. Following Pereira’s departure, it was reported that Edwards emerged as a leading candidate to fill the managerial vacancy, alongside former boss Gary O’Neil. While O’Neil engaged in talks with Wolves, he ultimately withdrew from consideration, positioning Edwards as the preferred choice.

After retiring from professional football in 2013, Edwards transitioned to coaching at Wolves and briefly served as interim manager in 2016 after Walter Zenga’s sacking. His coaching trajectory includes stints at non-league Telford and the England Under-16s, leading to his appointment as head coach of Forest Green Rovers in 2021. He then took the reins at Championship side Watford the following year but was let go after just 11 matches.

Edwards later succeeded Nathan Jones as Luton Town manager in November 2022, leading the club to the Premier League for the first time in their history, although they had previously experienced top-flight spells. However, Luton was relegated from the Premier League in May 2024, and Edwards parted ways with the club during the 2024-25 season, as they subsequently fell to the third tier.