Rob Edwards: The Allure of Returning to Wolves

Rob Edwards, the manager of Middlesbrough, has received permission from the club to negotiate with Premier League team Wolverhampton Wanderers. Middlesbrough expressed their disappointment at Edwards’ interest in the position, especially since he only took the helm in June.

The club announced that they have reached a compensation agreement with Wolves, pending the completion of necessary paperwork. As a result of the ongoing discussions, Edwards was absent from the team’s match against Birmingham City, with first-team coaches Adi Viveash, Harry Watling, and academy manager Craig Liddle stepping in to lead.

Wolves had previously attempted to approach Edwards, which Middlesbrough rejected earlier in the week, but talks progressed further on Friday. Edwards did not conduct his usual pre-game press conference or oversee the final training session prior to the Birmingham match. He had only signed a three-year contract with Boro less than five months ago, and the team was positioned third in the Championship ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Edwards was prepared to fulfill all of his responsibilities, despite being sidelined, as Middlesbrough took charge of the training and press obligations. The club reportedly felt frustrated by Wolves’ pursuit and Edwards’ willingness to consider the offer.

It is believed that Edwards views the position at Wolves as a ‘dream job.’ He made over 100 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2008 and has personal ties to the area, having grown up in nearby Telford, where family still resides. However, it is noted that logistical concerns are not a primary factor in his decision-making.

Dion Dublin, a former striker for Coventry and Aston Villa, suggested that Middlesbrough supporters should not be surprised by Edwards’ inclination to leave so soon. He remarked on the fluid nature of loyalty in football, emphasizing that opportunities that favor individual career advancement often take precedence.

Wolves recently parted ways with manager Vitor Pereira following a disappointing start to the season, leaving them at the bottom of the Premier League. In the wake of Pereira’s dismissal, Edwards emerged as a frontrunner for the managerial position, alongside former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil.

Although Wolves initially engaged in discussions with O’Neil, he ultimately withdrew from consideration, positioning Edwards as the preferred candidate.

Edwards’ coaching career began at Wolves post-retirement in 2013, where he served as a coach and briefly as interim manager. His coaching journey includes tenures at non-league Telford and the England Under-16s. In 2021, he became head coach of Forest Green Rovers before moving to Watford, albeit he was dismissed just 11 matches into that role.

He took over as head coach at Luton Town in November 2022, successfully leading them to the Premier League for the first time in their history, though they were relegated in May 2024. Edwards departed during the subsequent season as Luton faced further relegation challenges.