Middlesbrough grant Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves but express ‘disappointment’ in boss as he nears switch to Premier League side
Middlesbrough have confirmed they have granted permission to Rob Edwards to speak to Wolves regarding their vacant manager position, but expressed “disappointment” towards the manager.
Wolves made a formal approach for the Boro boss earlier this week which was rejected by the Teeside club, with the manager reportedly locked in talks with the club’s hierarchy on Friday.
Reports emerged on Saturday that Edwards would not take charge of Boro’s game against Birmingham in the Championship and say they are disappointed in the manager, who signed a three-year deal at the Riverside when he was appointed in the summer.
A statement said: “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.
“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.
“First team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, and Academy manager Craig Liddle, will take charge of team affairs for Saturday’s game against Birmingham City at the Riverside.”
Edwards, who is a former Wolves player, did lead Middlesbrough training on Friday, according to Sky Sports, with the 42-year-old’s press conference for the game against Blues cancelled.
West Midlands reporter John Percy says Boro have accused Wolves of breaking Premier League rules over their approach for Edwards.
The former Luton manager has emerged as Wolves’ top target to replace Victor Pereira, who was sacked on November 2 with the club winless and bottom of the Premier League.
Former manager Gary O’Neil was previously in talks to return to Molineux less than 12 months after his sacking but withdrew from the running after a negative fan backlash.
Tamworth-born Edwards made more than 100 appearances for thw West Midlands side as a player and also spent time at the club as a youth coach.
Edwards was asked about Wolves’ interest earlier this week, with the manager insisting his full focus was on Boro.
“You know my links to the club [Wolves],” Edwards said. “But my full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job, and trying to turn things around.
“It’s all speculation anyway. I never get drawn on stuff that’s all hypothetical and I don’t want to get drawn on that.
“I love being Middlesbrough manager and that’s what I want to think about.
“All I can say is I’ve not given it a single thought because my focus is just on this. It’s all the stuff that my daughter was telling me about.”
He currently has Boro chasing promotion to the Premier League as they sit third ahead of the 3pm clash against Birmingham. Edwards already has two promotions on his CV having guided Luton Town to the top flight in 2023 as well taking Forest Green up to League One in 2022.