Wolves are closing in on the appointment of Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, and his first tough decision could be to drop striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
GIVEMESPORT sources confirmed on Saturday that Wolves are set to appoint Edwards as their manager after Middlesbrough agreed for him to speak to the Midlands club. Edwards looks set to come in to replace Vitor Pereira, who was sacked as manager around a week ago.
Middlesbrough have now released an official statement confirming that they've agreed a deal for Edwards to make the move to Molineux. The 42-year-old manager now has an international break to get his ideas across to the players, and he'll have some tough decisions to make as they sit at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Edwards Should Axe Strand Larsen at Wolves
Jorgen Strand Larsen in action for Wolverhampton Wanderers
Strand Larsen has scored just once in the Premier League this season, with that goal coming against newly promoted side Burnley. After his latest display against Chelsea, Wolves supporters have been heavily critical of the striker, suggesting that they 'should have cashed in' during the summer transfer window, with the Norwegian forward enduring a 'terrible' season.
Strand Larsen's performance was lazy and he didn't look interested, which could be a major concern for incoming boss Edwards.
Strand Larsen was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United in the summer, and he eventually signed a new deal at Molineux, tieing him down until 2030, with Wolves also having the option of a further year. There's an argument to suggest his motivation has faded heavily, as he's not producing the kind of performances we saw from him at the end of last season.
Although Strand Larsen has credit in the bank from the previous campaign, it's safe to say he's not delivering this season. Tolu Arokodare was brought to the club during the summer transfer window to provide cover and competition for Strand Larsen, but if the latter isn't producing the performances required, then the former needs to be given more of a run in the side.
The Wanderers are still searching for their first victory in the Premier League this term, and Edwards is going to have to stamp his authority to turn things around, and making some bold decisions in the starting XI has to be on the agenda in his opening few weeks in charge.