Wolverhampton Wanderers are poised to confirm the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach, with an official announcement expected imminently. The 42-year-old has agreed to a long-term deal with the Premier League club, bringing an end to his brief tenure at Middlesbrough.
The move concludes a period of negotiation between the two clubs, with Wolves agreeing to a compensation package believed to be in the region of £3 million to secure Edwards’s release from his contract at the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough initially resisted the approach but ultimately granted permission for discussions after it became clear Edwards’s preference was a return to Molineux.
Edwards is no stranger to Wolves, having previously served the club as both a player and a coach. He also had a short stint in caretaker charge nearly a decade ago. His arrival follows the recent dismissal of Vítor Pereira, whose tenure yielded a dismal start to the current campaign. The search for a successor saw the club engage in talks with other candidates, including former boss Gary O’Neil, before finalising terms with Edwards.
The new manager faces an immediate challenge, taking over a side entrenched in a relegation battle following a heavy defeat at Stamford Bridge this past weekend. The club’s hierarchy will be hoping his familiarity with the club and its culture can provide a swift catalyst for improved results.
Edwards’s departure from Middlesbrough was effectively confirmed late last week when he was absent from first-team duties, including a scheduled pre-match media briefing. It is understood he expressed a strong desire to seize the opportunity at his former club, a key factor in Boro’s decision to negotiate his exit.
His impending appointment marks a significant homecoming, with personal considerations also playing a part; Edwards’s family is settled in the West Midlands, easing the logistical transition back to the area.