Richard Keys has urged Rob Edwards to stay at Middlesbrough and turn down interest from Wolves after the Welsh manager emerged as a contender for the Molineux job.
Wolves are on the lookout for a new head coach following Vitor Pereira’s sacking on Sunday and are believed to be considering Edwards as one of the potential options.
The Molineux side are searching for their sixth permanent manager since 2021 and are unlikely to appoint former boss Gary O’Neil, who withdrew from the running earlier this week.
The West Midlands club are also claimed to be considering former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s candidacy, while former club striker Robbie Keane has also ‘expressed interest’ in the role.
Richard Keys Tells Rob Edwards to Snub Wolves
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards
Keys, writing on his blog, said he would be surprised to see Edwards leave Middlesbrough for Wolves, describing the West Midlands club as a ‘madhouse’:
“I’m reading Rob Edwards is in the frame for the Wolves job? Regulars know how highly I rate him so I’m not surprised, but why would he leave Middlesbrough, where he works for a top bloke in Steve Gibson, to take over in a madhouse?
“I don’t see it. He’s not daft. And the chances are he’ll be passing Wolves at the end of the season anyway.”
Edwards, who was appointed as Middlesbrough boss in July, has enjoyed a strong start to life at the Riverside Stadium, losing twice in 13 Championship games, with the club currently second in the table.
The 42-year-old spent four years at Wolves during his playing career and returned to Molineux after retiring in 2014, taking charge of the Under-18s squad.
He was appointed interim head coach at Wolves following the sacking of Walter Zenga in October 2016 and took charge of two Championship games.
Prior to Middlesbrough, Edwards also managed Forest Green Rovers, Watford and Luton, whom he led to promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23.
Wolves parted ways with Pereira following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Fulham, with the club failing to win any of their 10 top-flight games, drawing two and losing eight.
The Molineux side are 20th in the Premier League, eight points adrift of safety, and next visit Chelsea on Saturday.