Wolves have dismissed head coach Rob Edwards just seven months after appointing him, following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Despite public backing from senior figures in recent months, the decision brings an end to Edwards’ short spell at Molineux.
The 43-year-old arrived in November after leaving Middlesbrough during a Championship promotion challenge, taking over from Vitor Pereira. However, results failed to improve significantly, with Wolves ending the season at the foot of the table.
Edwards’ departure comes after a campaign in which the team managed only five victories in 30 matches across all competitions and suffered 16 defeats.
Earlier support from club hierarchy
Only weeks ago, Wolves’ leadership had presented a united position regarding Edwards’ future. Technical director Matt Jackson stressed that everyone at the club shared the same objective as preparations began for life in the Championship.
Jackson acknowledged that substantial changes would be required within the squad but insisted there was a common understanding throughout the organisation. He stated that promotion at the first attempt remained the target while emphasising that internal unity was essential to achieving it.
Those comments suggested Edwards would remain in charge for the rebuilding process, but the club has now opted for a different route.
Squad planning had already begun
Work on strengthening the team for the upcoming Championship season had already started before the managerial change. Wolves secured the signing of Kieran Trippier on a free transfer after his departure from Newcastle, with Edwards playing an important role in bringing the defender to the club.
The Midlands side also welcomed back Raul Jimenez, whose contract with Fulham is due to expire at the end of the month.
These moves formed part of the club’s preparations for a promotion push, although the change in the dugout means future planning will now continue under new leadership.
Peixoto linked as successor
Attention has already turned to who could replace Edwards. Cesar Peixoto has been mentioned as a potential candidate after leading Gil Vicente to a sixth-place finish in Portugal’s Primeira Liga during the recently completed season.
No appointment has been announced, but speculation surrounding the vacancy has begun almost immediately after Edwards’ exit.
The next head coach will inherit a squad expected to undergo significant changes as Wolves attempt to return to the Premier League.
Edwards admitted scale of the challenge
Speaking at a BBC WM question-and-answer event last month, Edwards openly addressed the difficulties facing the club. He accepted responsibility for results but also acknowledged that the team’s overall level had not been good enough.
The former Forest Green, Watford, and Luton manager stated that Wolves were the weakest side in the division and described the situation he inherited as a troubled one. While careful not to criticise players directly, he made it clear that improvements were required throughout the club.
Edwards also revealed that he understood the risks involved when taking the job in November, recognising that he could eventually face criticism if the problems were not resolved. His objective, he said, had always been to help restore the club’s fortunes, but his tenure has now come to an end before that goal could be achieved.
