The ex-centre-back departs Middlesbrough less than six months after being named boss, with the North East club sitting second in the Championship.

In order to replace Vitor Pereira, who was fired at the beginning of the month, Wolves has paid out compensation of almost £3 million.

Watling, the former Rangers and QPR coach who served as Edwards’ assistant at the Riverside, will join him in the dugout.

“I know Rob very well and I have seen his growth in different jobs,” stated Jeff Shi, executive chairman.

In addition to being a very excellent player, he is also a really good person who knows the city, the club, and the supporters. He shown tactical understanding while working as a youth coach here, but he began to develop his own identity, character, and leadership after accepting first-team positions.

“We need to refresh the whole club with a new coach’s philosophy, bringing his own identity and ideas, and we can build on that.

“Rob is going to be a crucial part of the club’s new chapter.”

“Rob and his staff have shown in the past that they can be really good in shifting the culture, getting confidence into players quickly, and building foundations for a really positive future,” stated Matt Jackson, director of player recruiting and development.

“He loves being on the turf and creating a change to a team, enjoying the tactics of different scenarios.

We must bring the energy he exudes off the field on the field. We must be honest about where we are, and accountability is unquestionably necessary.

“I think Rob will be great culturally for the whole football club, and we need to quickly instill that belief in the players.”

On November 22, Edwards’ first Wolves game as manager will take place at Molineux in front of his new home crowd against Crystal Palace.

Edwards’ questionable decision

Following a weekend of conjecture on his future, Wolves has announced Edwards as their new manager.

The 42-year-old initially denied reports of negotiations, and Middlesbrough turned down a bid for him.

But circumstances swiftly changed and Boro eventually allowed Wolves to talk to their boss after he demonstrated openness to consider a move.

Following the cancellation of a pre-match press conference on Saturday, Edwards was relieved of his duties as manager of the Championship team.