Middlesbrough give Rob Edwards permission to hold talks over Wolves job

2 hours ago 6

Middlesbrough have agreed to let Rob Edwards hold talks with Wolves over their managerial vacancy, with a deal for the Boro head coach expected to be completed within the next 48 hours.

Edwards had earlier been stood down from taking charge of Saturday’s match at home to Birmingham, with the 42-year-old now set for a return to Molineux.

“Middlesbrough Football Club have, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves,” confirmed a Boro statement on Saturday afternoon.

“We initially rejected an approach from Wolves on the basis that Rob signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months ago. Following discussions with Rob we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak with Wolves regarding their head coach vacancy. We have now agreed terms with Wolves, subject to completion of the relevant paperwork.”

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Boro had rejected an official approach from Wolves on Thursday, but less than 24 hours later the Championship club cancelled Edwards’ pre-match press conference after he did not take training on Friday, with his assistants Adi Viveash and Harry Watling doing so instead.

Uncertainty has clouded Edwards’ situation amid sustained interest from the Premier League club and Boro stood Edwards down from the dugout after discussions with Boro’s hierarchy, including the owner, Steve Gibson, on Friday afternoon.

Wolves want Edwards to succeed Vítor Pereira, who was sacked after collecting just two points from 10 games, and shortlisted him following the 3-0 defeat at Fulham, an eighth league loss in the top flight this season.

Edwards joined Boro on a three-year contract in June, replacing Michael Carrick. Wolves stepped up their interest in Edwards after Gary O’Neil withdrew from talks over a return to the club on Monday amid a supporter backlash and doubts over the internal structure.

Edwards is now expected to complete a return to Wolves, where he previously played and coached, working in the academy and with the first team. He also had a spell in caretaker charge in 2016, shortly after Fosun, the Wolves owner, acquired the club. Edwards was previously considered for the role in 2022, was interviewed before Wolves appointed Julen Lopetegui and is widely admired within the club’s hierarchy.