Rob Edwards has reacted on the response of Middlesbrough supporters to his departure for Wolves.
The 42-year-old was appointed Boro manager in the summer following Michael Carrick’s departure and began his tenure at the Riverside on the front foot, leading his team to the top of the Championship.
Middlesbrough earned points in 13 of their first 15 games to lie second in the table at the November international break, five points behind league leaders Coventry City.
However, when Premier League side Wolves, who were already eight points from safety, were looking for a new manager, Edwards chose to leave the North East, leaving behind all of his good work with Boro.
This incensed Middlesbrough supporters since they had provided Edwards a way back into management when he was fired by Luton Town, only for him to fail to repay that devotion when the time came.
Rob Edwards is “not aware” of Middlesbrough’s reaction to his leaving.
This wrath of the Wolves manager spilled beyond Middlesbrough’s fanbase, with talkSPORT host Simon Jordan calling Edwards a “toe rag”.
When confronted by the media ahead of his first Premier League encounter in charge of the Black Country club, Edwards stated that he had not witnessed any of the reaction from Boro fans to his choice and was unaware of what it was like.
“I didn’t see any of the reaction,” Edwards said to Sky Sports. “I keep myself in a bubble and don’t look at anything. I don’t listen to anything, thus I am unaware of anything.
“I never want to know.I had a terrific position at Middlesbrough, and we did well, but this was something I’d wanted to do for a long time, and the opportunity might not come again.”
Boro won four of their first five Championship games this season under Edwards, and they were the early leaders before Coventry City found their stride.
Middlesbrough came in at the last minute to take the Swede away from Swansea City, and Kim Hellberg is now almost certainly their new manager.
Middlesbrough supporters may react negatively to Rob Edwards’ words.
Middlesbrough fans were already dissatisfied with their former manager after seeing Edwards leave in the middle of a promotion push to take over a squad that appeared headed for a difficult scrap to avoid relegation.
However, his most recent comments may have exacerbated the negative feelings.
If the 42-year-old had addressed the Boro fans’ feelings, conveyed his heartfelt apologies, and commended their support, it could have helped heal some of the damage done when he left.
Instead of avoiding the subject totally by claiming he was unaware of the reaction, he may have disappointed the Riverside faithful and possibly harmed his reputation in Middlesbrough.
However, with Hellberg set to take over as Boro’s new manager, fans will be forced to try to move on from the situation.
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