Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed Rob Edwards as their new head coach, signing the 42-year-old on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Edwards takes over a Wolves side currently at the bottom of the Premier League, with just two points from 11 games.
Edwards departs Middlesbrough after 15 games in charge, leaving a team pushing for promotion from the Championship. Middlesbrough, who are second in the table, agreed to a compensation package of around £3 million, which also included one of Edwards’ first-team coaches, Harry Watling. Wolves had initially been rebuffed by Boro but Edwards’ desire to return to the club where he played and previously coached played a key role in securing the move.
This marks Edwards’ second spell with Wolves, having previously served as caretaker manager in 2016. The former Forest Green, Watford, and Luton manager expressed that the role was an opportunity he could not refuse. With his family based in Telford, just 30 minutes from Wolverhampton, the move is also convenient personally.
Wolves are hoping Edwards can help reverse their poor run of form, which includes four consecutive league defeats. The club will look to see an immediate impact when they host Crystal Palace on 22 November in Edwards’ first game in charge.
Matt Jackson, Wolves’ director of player recruitment and development, highlighted Edwards’ influence off the field, emphasizing the need to translate that energy onto the pitch. “We have to be realistic about where we are, and we definitely need to be held accountable. We now need to get that belief into the players quickly. Rob will be great culturally for the whole football club,” Jackson said.
Edwards’ appointment reflects Wolves’ commitment to long-term stability and development, even in the face of a challenging start to the Premier League season. As the team looks to climb out of the relegation zone, Edwards’ experience in English football, both as a manager and a former player, will be put to the test immediately.
