Former Hatters boss Edwards is sacked by Wolves

Former Luton manager Rob Edwards has been sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers after just seven months in charge with the club stating a ‘change of leadership’ is needed at Molineux.

The 43-year-old spent almost two years in the Kenilworth Road dug-out, leading Town to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in May 2023, memorably beating Coventry City on penalties in the final at Wembley. Although he couldn’t keep the Hatters up, Luton still gave a good account of themselves in the top flight, before struggling on their return to the second tier, which saw Edwards dismissed in January 2025.

He was back in work in June though, appointed as manager of Middlesbrough, controversially leaving the Riverside just a few months later, despite Boro sitting third in the table, to rejoin a club he made over 100 appearances for after joining from Aston Villa for a fee of £150,000 in 2004, also taking his first steps in coaching with the club’s U18s in 2014, with spells as interim manager, first team coach and U23s head coach.

With Wolves rock bottom of the Premier League when he joined, Edwards lost his first seven matches in charge, getting a maiden point in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United and then beating West Ham United in his ninth game in charge on January 3 to finally record a first victory. Although he saw results improve in February, drawing 2-2 against eventual champions Arsenal, and defeating both Aston Villa and Liverpool, Wolves were relegated on April 20 as they failed to win any of their last nine fixtures.

Edwards clearly thought he would have a chance to rebuild this summer, signing former England international Kieran Trippier and ex-Fulham forward Raul Jimenez, as speaking to the official website, had said: “Hopefully they (the fans) believe more in what we're trying to do, but there's a lot more we've still got to do and there'll be more to come.

"We know things need to improve and we're working really hard to try and do that as quickly as possible. The challenge from those above me is that we need to get promoted again. The signings we're making at the moment will be ticking one box and there's more to be done, but then the results and how we start the season is what matters."

However, having won just five from 30 matches, speculation intensified this morning that Edwards would be sacked, with Cesar Peixoto, currently manager of Gil Vicente in Portugal, tipped to be named as his replacement, Wanderers confirming the news a short time ago, as a club statement said: “Wolves have parted company with head coach Rob Edwards and his coaching team.

“Edwards returned to Wolves in November at one of the most challenging periods in the club’s recent history and worked tirelessly, alongside his staff, to stabilise the football operation and help move the club forward. Following a comprehensive review at the conclusion of the season, the club has determined that a change in leadership is necessary as Wolves enters the next stage of its development.

“While the club recognises the significant challenges faced by Edwards and his staff during their tenure, and acknowledges the commitment and professionalism they demonstrated throughout, it ultimately concluded that a different sporting direction would provide the strongest platform for future success.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Rob and his departing staff for their professionalism, commitment and hard work throughout their time at Compton Park, and wish them every success in the future. The process of appointing a new head coach is already underway, with the club focused on identifying a leader who can help deliver the next phase of Wolves’ sporting development. Further updates will be provided in due course.”

Executive chairman Nathan Shi added: “I would like to personally thank Rob and his staff for everything they have given to Wolves during what has been a very difficult period in the club’s recent history. Rob accepted the challenge of returning to Wolves at a time when the situation was extremely challenging, and throughout his time here he has conducted himself with professionalism, integrity and commitment.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision. Following the end of the season, we undertook a thorough review of every aspect of the football operation. “This process involved careful consideration of many factors and extensive reflection on what we believe is required to help the club progress over the coming years.

“Our decision was not about character, professionalism or dedication. It was about determining what we believe gives Wolves the strongest opportunity to move forward from a sporting perspective. While there were positive signs and areas of progress, we ultimately concluded that a different football direction would better align with the style, identity and level of competitiveness we want to establish at the club.

“It would have been easier to continue with what was familiar. However, leadership is not about choosing the easiest path, but about making the difficult decisions we believe are right for the future of the football club which will put Wolves on the strongest platform to move forward. Our ambition is to build a football club capable of achieving sustainable success. That requires clarity of vision, alignment throughout the football operation and the courage to make difficult decisions when we believe they are in the best interests of the club.”