Rob Edwards to Enter Wolves Talks After Stepping Down as Middlesbrough Coach for Birmingham Match

Middlesbrough Football Club has granted coach Rob Edwards the opportunity to discuss the head coach position at Wolverhampton Wanderers. This decision comes after Middlesbrough stood him down from matchday responsibilities following the cancellation of a pre-match press conference on Friday. Edwards did not participate in the training session and was absent from the coaching staff for the Championship match against Birmingham.

Permission Granted to Speak with Wolves

Initially, Middlesbrough rejected Wolves’ approach for Edwards, emphasizing his three-year contract signed less than six months ago. However, the club later expressed disappointment at learning about Edwards’ desire to pursue the Wolves vacancy. They confirmed that terms regarding compensation with Wolves had been agreed, pending completion of the necessary paperwork.

Challenges and Emotional Ties

• Edwards expressed a strong emotional attachment to Middlesbrough, particularly due to his proximity to the club’s training ground.
• His previous role with Wolves involved over 100 appearances as a player between 2004 and 2008.
• Wolves are seeking a new manager after the departure of Vitor Pereira on November 2, who was dismissed after a streak of ten matches without a win.

Edwards’ Coaching Journey

Before returning to management at Middlesbrough, Edwards contributed significantly to Wolves’ youth setup, serving in various coaching roles from 2014 to 2019. He led the U23 team before taking the helm at Forest Green Rovers in 2021. Currently, he has propelled Middlesbrough to a commendable third position in the Championship.

Focus on Current Responsibilities

Despite speculation surrounding his potential move to Wolves, Edwards had previously stated his commitment to Middlesbrough, highlighting his enjoyment of the role. He noted that he was not distracted by rumors regarding the Wolves vacancy.

Next Steps for Middlesbrough

As the situation unfolds, Middlesbrough’s assistant coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, along with academy manager Craig Liddle, will assume responsibilities for the upcoming match against Birmingham. The club remains focused on maintaining their performance in the league, aiming for promotion despite the uncertainty regarding their head coach’s future.

Upcoming Fixtures for Wolves

The coming weeks will be crucial for both Middlesbrough and Wolves as they navigate changes in coaching and strive for success in their respective seasons.