Middlesbrough have reluctantly granted Wolves permission to speak to head coach Rob Edwards, after he made his stance on interest in the Wolves job clear.
Boro had sought assurances from Edwards earlier in the week and felt confident that he remained committed to the club. However, that changed when Wolves made an official approach to speak to Edwards on Thursday evening, which was initially rejected by Boro.
However, Edwards didn’t take charge of training on Friday morning ahead of the Championship clash with Birmingham City, and his scheduled pre-match press conference that afternoon was also cancelled. Instead, it’s understood Edwards was in meetings with Boro’s hierarchy as discussions over his future took place.
In the end, Edwards made it clear that he wished to explore the Wolves option and the club granted permission. It comes just four months after Edwards took charge of Boro after signing a three-year contract at the Riverside. It means Boro will be due considerable compensation if, as expected now, Edwards joins Wolves.
In a statement released by the club ahead of Saturday's clash with Birmingham City, Boro said: Middlesbrough Football Club have, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves.
"We initially rejected an approach from Wolves on the basis that Rob signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months ago. Following discussions with Rob we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak with Wolves regarding their head coach vacancy. We have now agreed terms with Wolves, subject to completion of the relevant paperwork.
"First team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, and Academy manager Craig Liddle, will take charge of team affairs for Saturday’s game against Birmingham City at the Riverside."
Middlesbrough’s search for a new manager begins right away, with an international break giving them a fortnight before they’re next in action. Edwards’ assistants Watling and Viveash, along with academy boss Craig Liddle have been placed in caretaker charge for the time being.
Wolves are bottom of the Premier League and winless in their opening ten games. In comparison, Boro have had a great start to the new season and sit third in the Championship with just two defeats from their opening 14 games.
Despite that, Edwards has strong ties with Wolves having made over 100 appearances for them as a player, before then starting his coaching career at Molineux too. On top of that, a big factor in his decision is understood to be the opportunity to be with family. They still live in the Midlands, with the Boro boss discussing recently how he missed them while on Teesside leading Boro.