Derby Delight Spills Over – No Problem!
Rob Edwards…..good to see him smiling.
Over the top? Yes, of course it was….gloriously so!
The sight of Rob Edwards sprinting down the touchline amid the joy of Wolves’ second goal last night was out of proportion with the achievements of his relegation-bound side.
The full-time walk of applause round the pitch that followed, complete with handshake for every steward he passed? That was on the excessive side, too.
But who cared? Villa, third in the table and hithertoo regarded as outsiders for the Premier League title, had suffered their seventh visit in nine Molineux visits.
So few have been the highlights in this trying season that Edwards’ actions were understandable.
Remember how he had teased the South Bank by telling them he would indulge in only a limited celebration two months ago after the win over another team in claret and blue, West Ham?
This was much less restrained, as befitting the game’s local derby status and, we can only assume, the fact the head coach lives in ‘Villa country’ and spent the first few years of his playing career with them.
That official Wolves clip of the squad and coaching staff living it up in the dressing room afterwards was a reminder of happier times to sustain us on this long run-in.
Among the former players in attendance last night were Andy Mutch, Tom Bennett, Don Goodman, Tony Daley, Lee Naylor, Andy Thompson and Jody Craddock. How they would have enjoyed seeing those signs of togetherness.
Jody Craddock….back at Molineux to serve alongside Gary Thompson and commentator Mike Taylor during BBC WM’s coverage of last night’s game.
Edwards has now overseen the winning of 11 of the club’s 13 points in 2025-26, including the harvesting of four from the visits of Arsenal and Villa in the space of ten nights. How many of us saw those results coming?
He is either working hard to achieve a galvanising effect in the camp and stadium – or simply doing what comes naturally.
It was noticeable last night how much fuss he made of players coming off or going on. It’s difficult to believe that sort of handling isn’t appreciated, just as it is hard to think he is not well liked by individuals out of whom he is getting a much better tune in this second half of the campaign.
Wolves are regrouping and in the early stages of what is likely to be a major overhaul – of mentality and workforce.
Last night’s result and the extension of the improved run to four victories in two months, with five other games drawn, was another step forward. Well worth celebrating properly!