Alan Shearer says Rob Edwards is taking a ‘huge risk’ by leaving Middlesbrough for Wolves as he offered a verdict on the Molineux side’s chances of remaining in the Premier League under the Welsh tactician.
Wolves are set to appoint Edwards on a three-and-a-half-year deal following an agreement between the clubs over the move, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days or even hours.
Edwards is leaving Middlesbrough after making a promising start to life in the Championship, losing only twice in the first 14 games, with the Riverside Stadium side sitting in promotion spots.
Shearer says that Edwards’ mid-season departure is ‘very harsh’ for Middlesbrough and a ‘big gamble’ for the Welshman amid Wolves’ underwhelming start to the season.
The Molineux side, who fell to a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, remain winless in the Premier League after 11 games, collecting just two points from a possible 33.
Shearer: Wolves Appointing Edwards ‘Big Risk’
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said he does not see Wolves surviving in the Premier League this season ‘at all’ following their winless run of 11 games.
The BBC pundit also offered his verdict on Edwards taking charge at Molineux mid-campaign, saying the Welsh tactician is taking a ‘huge risk’:
“I get his connection with Wolves and where he is and that he has a house in the particular area. But I think Middlesbrough gave him a great opportunity and I think it’s very, very harsh on them and I think it’s a huge risk from his point of view because I don’t see them staying up at all.
“I don’t see enough ability in that squad and I don’t see it being very inviting for any player to go there in January either. So it’s a big gamble.”
Wolves were on the lookout for a new head coach following Vitor Pereira’s sacking earlier this month, with Edwards set to become their sixth permanent manager since 2021.
The 42-year-old spent four years at Wolves during his playing career and took up his first coaching role at Molineux after retiring in 2013, taking charge of the Under-18s squad.
Edwards only joined Middlesbrough on a three-year deal in July, following spells at Luton, Watford and Forest Green.
He guided Luton to Premier League promotion in the 2022/23 season but won just six out of 38 games in his debut top-flight campaign.