The Premier League side has outlined their reasons for going for Edwards.
Wolves have explained why they hired Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards after confirming him as their new manager.
The Premier League club named the 42-year-old as their new head coach after agreeing to a three-year contract. Edwards told Boro he wanted to quit the Riverside after signing a three-year contract with the Teessiders in the summer.
The coach’s lack of regard for Boro has enraged many fans, and the tone of the club’s own statement following his departure was striking. The remark on how the team ‘came together as one, players, staff, and supporters, and you could feel the spirit of unity which is at the essence of our club’ spoke volumes.
It contrasted with Wolves’ own statement, which mentioned how Edwards would be ideal ‘culturally’ for the Molineux club. While he has a great connection to the Black Country club, his choice to leave Boro after only a few weeks puts into doubt his devotion.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “I know Rob very well and have seen him progress in many roles. He’s a very nice person who knows the club, the city, and the fans. He’s also quite talented.
“When he was a youth coach here, he shown tactical acumen, but after he moved into first-team roles, he began to develop his own identity, character, and leadership.
“We need to freshen the entire club with a new coach’s mindset, introducing his own identity and ideas, and we can build from there. We are entering a new phase for the club, and Rob will be an important part of it.”
Former Wolves defender Edwards made 111 appearances over four seasons. After concluding his playing career, he began coaching the Wolves’ under-18s in 2014. He swiftly rose to the position of first-team coach, and in October 2016, he took charge of two first-team matches on an interim basis after Walter Zenga’s departure from Molineux.
After leaving Molineux to manage Telford United, Edwards returned to Wolves as under-23 head coach before moving on to manage Forest Green Rovers, Watford, and Luton Town.
Director of player recruiting and development Matt Jackson stated, “Rob and his staff have already proved that they can be incredibly excellent at transforming the culture, instilling confidence in players, and laying the groundwork for a really strong future. He enjoys being on the turf and making a difference for a team, embracing the tactics of various scenarios.
“We need to get the energy that he brings off the field onto the pitch. We need to be candid about where we are and be held accountable. We now need to instill that belief in the players rapidly, and we believe Rob will be a terrific cultural fit for the entire football club.”
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