Rob Edwards explains why he couldn’t turn down Wolves return after ‘difficult’ Middlesbrough exit

Rob Edwards explains why he couldn’t turn down Wolves return after ‘difficult’ Middlesbrough exit

Rob Edwards says he couldn’t pass up the chance to return to Wolves as head coach, even though it meant leaving a strong promotion push at Middlesbrough for a fight against relegation in the Premier League.

The 42-year-old walked away from second-placed Boro to take charge of Wolves, who sit bottom of the Premier League with just two points from their first 11 games and already eight points from safety.

Edwards’ connection with Wolves runs deep. He made more than 100 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2008, later returning in several coaching roles, including a spell as caretaker manager in 2016. His first match in the hot seat will come against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Speaking at his unveiling, Edwards said: “I know I had a great job at Middlesbrough, with fantastic people and very good players. I’m fully aware of that. But this is something I’ve wanted for a very long time. I couldn’t be sure I’d ever get another chance to manage this club.

“I didn’t want to look back in 10, 15 or 20 years and regret turning down the opportunity to lead Wolves in the Premier League.”

He admitted that taking charge of Wolves has been a personal ambition since he first coached their under-18s.

Addressing his exit from Middlesbrough, Edwards accepted their frustration: “I know they won’t be happy, and I understand that. We were doing well, but what was I supposed to do—wait another 30 games?”

“The opportunity came along, and it was something I felt I had to take. Sometimes in life you have to think about yourself. It wasn’t easy, but this club drew me back.”