Championship High-Flyers Determined to Keep Their In-Demand Boss
Middlesbrough have rejected an approach from Wolverhampton Wanderers to speak to manager Rob Edwards, amid reports linking the 42-year-old with a potential Premier League return.
According to BBC Sport, Wolves made initial contact with the Championship club earlier this week as they search for a replacement for Vitor Pereira, who was dismissed on Sunday following a 10-game winless run.
However, Middlesbrough have turned down Wolves’ request, making it clear they intend to keep hold of their highly rated coach.
Wolves’ Managerial Search Continues After Pereira’s Dismissal
Wolves, currently bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from 10 matches, have been actively exploring managerial options since parting ways with Portuguese boss Vitor Pereira.
Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil was initially among the frontrunners, holding preliminary talks with the club, but later withdrew from the process earlier this week.
With O’Neil stepping aside, Rob Edwards quickly emerged as the leading candidate — a popular choice among Wolves supporters due to his history at Molineux.
Middlesbrough Standing Firm
Despite the Premier League interest, Middlesbrough have made their stance clear: Rob Edwards is not for sale.
The Championship side currently sit third in the league, pushing for promotion under Edwards’ leadership after an impressive start to the 2025–26 season.
Sources close to the club have indicated that Wolves would be required to pay a significant compensation fee if they were to secure Edwards, who only took charge at the Riverside Stadium in June on a three-year contract following the departure of Michael Carrick.
Middlesbrough’s refusal underlines their determination to maintain stability as they chase a return to the Premier League.
Edwards’ History with Wolves
Rob Edwards’ connection with Wolves runs deep. A former player and coach at the club, he made over 100 appearances between 2004 and 2008, becoming a reliable figure in defence during his four-year spell.
Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching and even served as interim manager in 2016 after the dismissal of Walter Zenga, before departing to further his managerial career elsewhere.
A Rapid Rise Through the Coaching Ranks
Edwards’ journey as a manager has been remarkable. His first major success came with Forest Green Rovers, where he earned widespread praise for his tactical intelligence and leadership.
In 2022, he was appointed Watford’s head coach, but was dismissed after just 11 games — a decision that drew criticism given his limited time to make an impact.
A few months later, he took over at Luton Town, replacing Nathan Jones, and led the Hatters to a historic Premier League promotion in 2023 — the club’s first ever in the modern era.
Though Luton were relegated the following season, Edwards’ achievement cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young managers in English football.
Wolves Face Uphill Battle
For Wolves, the search for a new manager remains uncertain. With Edwards’ move now in doubt and O’Neil out of the running, the club must continue exploring alternatives to halt their alarming slide.
Sitting eight points adrift of safety, Wolves face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Saturday in what could be a defining match for their season.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough will hope their resolve pays off as they push for automatic promotion to the top flight.
Rob Edwards’ Focus Remains on Middlesbrough
Despite the ongoing speculation, sources suggest that Rob Edwards remains fully committed to his Middlesbrough project.
He has quickly earned the respect of his players and the club’s hierarchy since his arrival in the summer, transforming Boro into one of the Championship’s most consistent and tactically disciplined sides.
With Middlesbrough targeting a Premier League return, keeping Edwards may prove crucial to sustaining their momentum.
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