Wolverhampton Wanderers have named Rob Edwards as their new manager following the sacking of Vitor Pereira earlier this month. Edwards, who was previously in charge at Middlesbrough, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal as Wolves aim to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Edwards, who played 111 times for Wolves between 2004 and 2008, was granted permission to speak to his former club last week. Middlesbrough reportedly received £3 million in compensation for the move.

Chairman Jeff Shi said:
“I know Rob very well and have seen his growth in different roles. He’s a very good person, knows the club, the city, the fans, and is very talented. As a youth coach here, he showed tactical awareness, and after taking first-team jobs, he developed his own identity, character, and leadership.”
“We need to refresh the club with a new coach’s philosophy, bringing his own ideas and identity. Rob will be a key piece in this new chapter for the club.”

Wolves have endured a difficult start to the season, failing to win any of their first 11 games and sitting at the bottom of the table with just two points.

Premier League and Championship Experience

Edwards, 42, is no stranger to Premier League management. After guiding Luton Town to promotion via the 2023 play-offs, he gained recognition for attacking and bold football, despite Luton’s immediate relegation the following season. He later left Luton after another relegation to League One.

At Middlesbrough, Edwards has enjoyed a strong start to the Championship campaign, with the club currently second in the table with 29 points from 15 games.

Return to Molineux

Edwards’ connection to Wolves runs deep. After his playing career, he managed the Wolves Under-18s in 2014 and served as interim manager of the senior team in 2016. This will be his fourth stint at Molineux, now tasked with turning around the club’s Premier League fortunes.

Matt Jackson, Wolves’ head of professional football development, added:
“Rob and his staff have shown they can shift culture, build player confidence quickly, and lay foundations for a positive future. The energy he brings off the field needs to be translated onto the pitch. We have to be realistic about where we are, and Rob will be great culturally for the whole football club.”

Edwards will be joined by Harry Watling as assistant coach, with more backroom staff expected to be announced. His first match in charge will be a home fixture against Crystal Palace on November 22.