Middlesbrough have confirmed that manager Rob Edwards has been granted permission to speak with Premier League club Wolves over their managerial vacancy. The Championship club expressed disappointment after Edwards, 42, revealed his interest in the Molineux job, despite only joining Boro in June.

A compensation agreement between Middlesbrough and Wolves has been reached, pending completion of the necessary paperwork, allowing Edwards to enter discussions with the struggling Premier League side.

Edwards Stood Down from Middlesbrough Duties

Edwards was stood down from Saturday’s Championship match against Birmingham City amid Wolves’ interest. In his absence, first-team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, along with academy manager Craig Liddle, took charge of the squad.

The former defender, who signed a three-year deal to succeed Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough less than five months ago, did not attend his usual pre-match press conference or oversee the team’s final training session. Sources indicate Edwards was willing to fulfill all responsibilities but Boro made the decision regarding training and matchday duties.

Wolves: A Dream Role for Edwards

Edwards has openly described the Wolves position as a “dream job,” having played over 100 times for the club between 2004 and 2008. Hailing from nearby Telford, Edwards still has family in the area, making a return to Molineux appealing on both a professional and personal level.

Former striker Dion Dublin commented on Edwards’ move, emphasizing that football managers often take opportunities that align with personal and professional ambitions. “It happens all the time,” Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He’s backing himself as a manager. Middlesbrough are in a better position, but the pull for Rob is just too much.”

Wolves’ Managerial Vacancy

Wolves sacked Vitor Pereira following a disastrous start to the season, which saw the club go 10 games without a win, leaving them four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Edwards is considered the leading candidate for the Wolves role, after former Luton manager Gary O’Neil withdrew from the running. Edwards’ history with Wolves as a player, coach, and interim manager in 2016 further strengthens his candidacy.

Edwards’ Managerial Career

• After retiring in 2013, Edwards began coaching at Wolves, briefly serving as interim manager.
• He held early coaching roles at Telford United and with England Under-16s.
• Edwards led Forest Green Rovers in 2021 and took over at Watford in 2022, though he was sacked after 11 matches.
• In November 2022, he replaced Nathan Jones as Luton Town boss, guiding them to the Premier League for the first time in his first season, before leaving during their subsequent relegation struggles.

The move to Wolves represents a significant opportunity for Edwards to return to Premier League management, in a club and city with strong personal ties.