Middlesbrough’s Kim Hellberg has won three games since joining the club following Rob Edwards’ departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Sky Sports analyst Tim Sherwood criticising the Wolves manager after four consecutive defeats.
Given that Middlesbrough was second in the Championship at the time, Edwards’ return to his previous club was unexpected. During his 15 matches at The Riverside, he won seven, drew five, and lost only three.
However, Tim Sherwood questioned Edwards’ decision to leave for Wolves. This comes after Wolves lost twice at home in five days. A 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest was followed by a 4-1 thrashing by Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United.
After only two draws in their first 15 games, Wolves are now 13 points from safety. They have also failed to improve under Edwards, while Boro has shown no signs of slowing down since Hellberg took over as manager.
Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood makes Rob Edwards accusation following Wolves’ move from Middlesbrough.
Michael Dawson talked with Sky Sports’ Soccer Special ahead of their match against Charlton Athletic, but Clinton Morrison and Sherwood had more to say about the situation. Dawson said: “I think it simply shows, with a new manager coming in, Bangura being injured for so long, and Kim Hellberg talking about — he got his opportunity because of the way he trained.
“I was like, Wow. And if you watch him play on Friday night, you’ll notice that they set up differently than Rob Edwards. But how he got them to play in two games – Hull were terrible, but Middlesbrough were outstanding.
“I mean, Hayden Hackney is in the middle of the park, and they have players who can really harm you. Tommy Conway is further up. Riley McGree. They have an excellent squad.
“I put Ipswich out on their own at the beginning of the season, and rightfully so; they were relegated from the Premier League. They have the finances. They have pricey players who should compete at the top of the Championship.
“But kudos to Middlesbrough for their current performance. And credit goes to Rob Edwards. He received a lot of stick when he jumped ship to Wolves.
“But for Kim Hellberg going in, he must think, ‘what an opportunity” . Because managers rarely acquire positions with a successful club. “You usually go in to save one.”
Clinton Morrison continued, “I bet Rob Edwards wishes he was still there now.”
Dawson laughed, saying, “He knew he was leaving a good team with good players.”
Meanwhile, Sherwood mocked Edwards, saying, “If I was his bank manager, I’d disagree.”
He then expressed his thoughts about Hellberg changing too much too quickly after Edwards’ achievement. He stated, “I think it’s really important to keep—if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Make your adjustments. You know, minor modifications here and there.
“We saw it at Celtic, what Martin O’Neill has done. You know, the new manager walks in, takes the tactics board out, and starts baffled Everton with science.
“I’m not ruling him out right now, but they lost a critical game over the weekend. Why didn’t they keep Martin O’Neill till the end of the season?
The possibility of Rob Edwards regretting joining Wolves rather than staying with Middlesbrough
Given his start at Wolves, it’s probable that they’re weaker than they were under Vitor Pereira, whilst Boro already appear to be headed in one direction under Hellberg following their 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
Football commentators have spoken out following Monday’s 4-1 setback, and it appears that Boro, along with Hellberg, are the only true winners of the situation. There is every likelihood that the two clubs will transfer leagues in May 2026.
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