Rob Edwards is thought to be one of the top contenders for the Wolves vacancyplaceholder image
Rob Edwards is thought to be one of the top contenders for the Wolves vacancy | Getty Images/ Canva
The Middlesbrough boss is one of the frontrunners to replace Vitor Pereira in the Molineux hotseat
Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards admits that he can ‘understand’ why he’s been linked with the managerial vacancy at Wolves but insists that his only focus at this moment is preparing his team for their upcoming test against Leicester City.
Edwards, who’s only previous experience of top-flight management came with Luton Town in the 2023/24 campaign, made 100 league appearances for Wolves between 2004 and 2008. He played under various different coaches including Dave Jones, Glen Hoddle and Mick McCarthy.
Since retiring in 2014, he’s also worked in various different coaching roles at Wolves - managing the Under-18s, working as first team coach and even having a spell as interim manager for two matches in 2016 in the mid-point between Walter Zenga’s departure and Paul Lambert’s appointment.
Rob Edwards comments on Wolves speculation
Rob Edwards, who has achieved promotion twice in his career, with Forest Green Rovers from League Two and Luton Town in the Championship, insists he’s fully committed to Middlesbrough as he plays down talk of a return to the West Midlands.
"I can understand it with my links to the club but my full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job, and trying to turn things around for a really big game against Leicester," he toldBBC Radio Tees. "It's hard for me to comment on speculation and anything other than Middlesbrough.”
Middlesbrough have made a fine start to life under Edwards since his arrival to replace Michael Carrick over the summer. Boro are second in the Championship table after 13 matches, three points behind leaders Coventry City.
They’ve not competed in the Premier League since being relegated in 2017 but have looked like a real force to be reckoned with in the early weeks of Edwards’ tenure. We've done a decent job so far and all I care about is trying to win tomorrow,” added Edwards in the build-up to the game against Leicester City.
Is Rob Edwards likely to be named the new Wolves boss?
At this stage, given Rob Edwards’ contract at Middlesbrough, his team’s status in the league, and the fact he’s got more than two-years to run on his contract, it seems hard to see Wolves moving for Edwards at this stage of the season.
As it stands, Gary O’Neil is the leading contender to make a sensational return to Molineux despite the fact he was sacked less than 12 months ago for a poor start to the season. O’Neil is unattached at this moment and keen to manage again at the highest level. However, he’s far from the only name being considered by the hierarchy as the board continues to assess a number of options.
Wolves face Chelsea at the weekend, less than a fortnight after being eliminated by the Blues in the Carabao Cup. They then faced Crystal Palace in their first home match following the departure of Vitor Pereira. That game takes place after the international break and is likely to be the first home match under the new manager once a decision has been made.
Continue Reading