Rob Edwards Pursues Dream Opportunity at Wolves Amid Middlesbrough Departure

Rob Edwards, the manager of Middlesbrough, has been granted permission to speak with Wolverhampton Wanderers regarding their vacant managerial position.

Middlesbrough expressed disappointment over Edwards’ interest in the Wolves role, especially given that he only took the reins at Boro in June. The club has confirmed that a compensation agreement has been reached with Wolves, pending the completion of necessary paperwork.

In light of Wolves’ interest, Edwards was not involved in Saturday’s match against Birmingham City, with first-team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, as well as academy manager Craig Liddle, stepping in to lead the team.

Previously, Middlesbrough had rejected an initial approach from Wolves to speak with Edwards, and discussions were ongoing between him and the club’s hierarchy on Friday. As a result, he did not conduct his regular pre-game press conference or participate in the final training session prior to the match.

Having signed a three-year contract to succeed Michael Carrick less than five months ago, Edwards had guided Middlesbrough to a solid position, sitting third in the Championship table at the time. However, sources indicate that he remains committed to fulfilling his responsibilities despite being temporarily sidelined, with the club taking charge of the match day decisions.

Middlesbrough officials are reportedly frustrated by Wolves’ pursuit and Edwards’ willingness to consider the opportunity. It is understood that he perceives the role at Wolves as a dream job, having made over 100 appearances for the club during his playing career from 2004 to 2008. Additionally, his roots in Telford and family connections in the area add to the appeal.

Dion Dublin, a former striker for Coventry and Aston Villa, commented on the situation, noting that such moves are common in football. “We discuss loyalty, but when a job that benefits you and your family arises, it’s understandable to pursue it,” he stated on BBC Radio 5 Live. Dublin emphasized that while Middlesbrough offers a better current situation than Wolves, Edwards’ attraction to his former club is significant.

Wolves recently parted ways with manager Vitor Pereira following a dismal start to the season, leaving the club in a precarious position at the bottom of the Premier League. With Pereira’s dismissal, Edwards emerged as a leading candidate for the managerial role, alongside former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil. Following discussions with O’Neil, who withdrew from consideration, Edwards has become the preferred choice for the position.

After ending his playing career in 2013, Edwards transitioned into coaching, briefly serving as interim manager at Wolves in 2016. His coaching journey included roles at non-league Telford and the England Under-16s, and he later led Forest Green Rovers and Watford before achieving promotion with Luton Town to the Premier League in 2023. However, Luton was relegated in May 2024, and Edwards departed during the subsequent season.

Further developments are anticipated as the situation unfolds.