It’s turning into quite the managerial saga in English football.
Middlesbrough’s head coach Rob Edwards has found himself at the centre of a tug-of-war after Wolverhampton Wanderers made a move to bring him back to the Premier League — and it’s fair to say Middlesbrough aren’t happy about it.
A Sudden Twist Before a Big Match
In a dramatic turn of events, Middlesbrough confirmed that Rob Edwards has been given permission to speak with Wolves — but only after accusing the Premier League club of making an “illegal approach” for their manager.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Boro, who decided to stand Edwards down for Saturday’s Championship clash against Birmingham City following his interest in the Wolves job.
The 42-year-old, who only signed a three-year contract with Boro during the summer, was reportedly enticed by the opportunity to return to Molineux.
Wolves, currently sitting rock bottom of the Premier League, see Edwards as the man who could lead them out of their crisis.
Middlesbrough’s Frosty Reaction to Wolves’ Move
Boro’s frustration was made crystal clear in a sharply worded statement confirming the development.
“Middlesbrough Football Club have, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves,” the club said.
They added that while Wolves’ initial approach had been rejected — given Edwards’ fresh long-term deal — they were “disappointed” to discover the coach wanted to explore the opportunity anyway.
The club has since agreed terms with Wolves, pending the completion of official paperwork.
Interim Coaches Step In Amid Turmoil
With Edwards stepping aside, first-team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, along with Academy manager Craig Liddle, have taken over team duties for the Birmingham fixture.
Edwards also missed both Friday’s training session and his pre-match press conference, deepening speculation that his exit could be imminent.
A source close to Middlesbrough told The Telegraph that the club believes Wolves’ approach “breached Premier League regulations” and that their conduct “fell below expected standards.”
Behind the scenes, there’s even said to be concern about Edwards’ safety on the touchline, given the frustration among some supporters.
A Crucial Fixture Under a Cloud of Uncertainty
Saturday’s home game at the Riverside couldn’t come at a more sensitive time.
Middlesbrough are flying high in third place in the Championship, while their visitors Birmingham City are on a roll — arriving off the back of two convincing 4-0 victories.
But the attention has been firmly pulled away from the pitch, with the Edwards situation dominating headlines.
Wolves, for their part, are desperate to fill their managerial vacancy after enduring a dismal start to the season.
While they will need to pay compensation to secure Edwards’ release, reports suggest several Boro players already believe the move is a done deal.
Wolves’ Managerial Search Has Been Turbulent
Wolves’ pursuit of a new manager has been anything but straightforward.
The club initially tried to reappoint former boss Gary O’Neil, but he quickly withdrew after facing strong opposition from fans and doubts from players.
That setback led them to Edwards — a familiar face in the Molineux corridors.
The former defender played for the club between 2004 and 2008 and later spent six years coaching at Wolves before moving to the FA in 2019.
Now, a potential homecoming could be on the cards — though it comes with plenty of tension attached.
What Comes Next?
With talks now underway, all eyes are on whether Edwards will officially accept Wolves’ offer.
For Middlesbrough, the saga has left a bitter taste, particularly given their strong start to the season and the trust placed in Edwards just months ago.
If he does make the move, Wolves will be betting on a familiar face to rescue their faltering campaign — while Boro will be left to pick up the pieces from one of the most public managerial dramas of the season.