Blackpool boss reflects on EFL Trophy tie away to Tranmere.mp4
Former Blackpool defender Rob Edwards has been confirmed as the new Wolves head coach.
Ex-Blackpool defender Rob Edwards states leaving Middlesbrough has been one of the toughest decisions he’s had to make in football.
During his playing career, the 42-year-old was at Bloomfield Road between 2008 and 2011, making 67 appearances for the club and being part of the team that reached the Premier League under Ian Holloway.
His move to the Fylde Coast came on the back of a four-year spell with Wolves - which is where he’s returned as head coach on a three-and-a-half year deal over two decades on from his first taste of life at Molineux.
The retired centre back fills the position left vacant by Vitor Pereira - who was sacked by the Premier League outfit earlier this month, with the club sat bottom of the top flight after picking up just two points in their opening 11 games.
This won’t be the first time Edwards has taken charge of the Old Gold, having been named as interim head coach back in 2016 during his time as part of the club’s backroom staff.
In a statement discussing the move, he wrote: “This has been one of the toughest decisions of my career. In truth, I wouldn't have considered leaving Middlesbrough for any other club.
“Wolves is a special club for me. It's where I grew as both a player and a coach, it's still where my family calls home. It has always been my dream to come back and these opportunities do not come around too often.
“Middlesbrough is an incredible club, with a fantastic owner, staff and passionate supporters. I want to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity to lead this squad, it is a great group of players that I genuinely hope and believe will deliver success this season.
“I could not be prouder of the environment we built together and how it all gelled together so quickly - the players, the staff, and the fans, who drive it all.
“I sincerely wish everyone at Middlesbrough all the very best for the rest of the season and beyond.”
Middlesbrough release statement
The Riverside Stadium (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)placeholder image
The Riverside Stadium (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Edwards’ move to Wolves sees him depart Middlesbrough after just four months at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro currently sit second in the Championship after winning seven of their opening 14 games under the guidance of the former Blackpool man.
In a statement confirming Edwards’ departure on Wednesday, the North Yorkshire outfit wrote: “Middlesbrough FC can confirm that Rob Edwards has now officially resigned his post as head coach after agreeing a contract with Wolves.
“Rob had signed a three-year contract with ourselves during the summer, but after he made it clear he was keen to join Wolves, we reluctantly agreed a figure of compensation for both himself and one of his first team coaches, Harry Watling.
“On Saturday the Riverside came together as one, players, staff, and supporters, and you could feel the sense of unity which is at the core of our club. To everyone involved, we would like to say thank you.
“Adi Viveash took charge of team affairs last Saturday and will continue to do so during the interim period.
“Let's stay together. UTB.”
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