Wolves agree controversial Rob Edwards deal as 'disappointed' statement made

Tom Weber

• 8 Nov 2025 10:01 CST
• 4 min read

News

Middlesbrough have announced that they have reluctantly allowed head coach Rob Edwards to pursue a switch to Wolves, which has sparked outrage among the Boro fanbase.

Wolves made the decision to sack Vitor Pereira last week after a 3-0 loss to Fulham, with many feeling that this came much too late. Although the Portuguese was a likeable character, Wolves' start to the season has been nothing short of dismal.

He left them bottom of the Premier League with zero wins from 10 games. Bizarrely, the Molineux club handed him a new contract earlier this season, although they at least had the foresight to include a clause in the deal that reduced the compensation he was owed.

Wolves were desperate to bring in a new head coach before Saturday's clash with Chelsea, but they failed to achieve this because talks with Gary O'Neil and Erik ten Hag yielded no positive results.

They pivoted to former player Rob Edwards and have now managed to reach a breakthrough after plenty of back-and-forth. The Middlesbrough boss has been given permission to return to Molineux.

Edwards set for Wolves

In an official statement, Boro have announced that they have reluctantly agreed to let Edwards pursue his move to Wolves after initially rejecting the Premier League outfit's approach.

The situation was clearly untenable as Edwards had his head turned by his former club. Earlier on Saturday, news emerged that Boro had decided to stand the 42-year-old down for their match with Birmingham City as they felt he was not in the right frame of mind to lead the team.

"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," an official statement read.

"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 slammed by Boro fans

Boro's decision to give in to Edwards' demand has sparked outrage among the fanbase. A torrent of images and videos of the coach depicted as a snake or a rat has flooded social media.

One supporter drew parallels to Edwards' acrimonious exit from Forest Green in 2022. The club released a damning statement at the time: "FGR confirms the departure of Head Coach Rob Edwards and Assistant Head Coach Richie Kyle.

"Rob & Richie were a key part of the team that gained promotion to League One this season. We’re disappointed that our support, loyalty and honesty towards Rob has been repaid in this way - with negotiations taking place behind our backs.

"We had no contact from Watford, from whom we might expect less, but in any event this kind of behaviour gives football a bad name. We thank Rob for all his work at FGR - forgive him the manner of his departure and wish him well."

One fan wrote on X: "Such a lack of respect. We rehabilitated his career, and this is how he repays us. I do understand it's his 'dream job,' but considering we gave him a chance on the back of a back-to-back relegation [with Luton], he should not be leaving us four months into the job. Disgraceful."

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