It is safe to say there have been a lot of opinions about Rob Edwards’ move to Wolves – and former Premier League midfielder Charlie Adam has now offered some perspective.
Wolves are set to announce Edwards as their new manager today, with the 42-year-old having spent yesterday doing club media.
He comes in from Middlesbrough, who have been deeply unhappy about the way his exit has happened, as have their fans.
Edwards had only signed a three-year contract at the Riverside Stadium ahead of the current season, replacing Michael Carrick at the helm.
But just a few months later he has left, and Boro fans felt he has lacked loyalty and integrity.
There have been some strong opinions about the situation in recent days. Simon Jordan was particularly annoyed by Edwards’ move to Wolves, and actually said he now wants to see the club relegated as a result.
But some have defended Edwards. Commentator Jacqui Oatley offered some excellent perspective around Edwards and his Wolves move, although some Boro fans remain angry.
Now, Charlie Adam has also moved to Edwards’ defence
Charlie Adam understands why Rob Edwards has taken Wolves job
Edwards will have known that taking the Wolves job would have caused upset.
He had been doing well at Middlesbrough, and also spoken about being together and trying to instill a family culture.
He’s now left, with Wolves paying around £2 million in compensation to Middlesbrough.
There has been some real ferocity about Edwards’ decision, but for Charlie Adam, it’s a move that is fairly easy to understand.
He said on the Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I do believe in terms of Rob as a person… loyal guy, family man, if it wasn’t for Wolves, I don’t think he’d be trying to leave the football club.
“I know his wife and kids still live in the area, he’s been travelling from Middlesbrough and he’s got a house there, and has been very happy. If it wasn’t for Wolves I don’t think he’d be leaving the football club. I think that’s the only pull for him.
“I totally understand that Steve’s plans were that he had Edwards for a three-year contract and at some point he would go. We didn’t expect him to go so quickly. But I want to reiterate – unless it was Wolves, I don’t think Rob would be leaving the football club.
“I think his ties there… that’s his dream job and it’s come around. It might never come around again. You might miss the boat.
“If you’ve been at the club and you’ve had affiliation with a football club, the opportunity to go back, of course it’s his dream job. If you’ve been there.”
Rob Edwards’ criticism has been harsh from some
Edwards will not have taken this decision lightly.
He would have known that leaving Boro at this point having done so well would cause upset, but clearly the Wolves job is something he’s been craving.
As Adam says, his affiliation with the club makes it something of a dream for him to actually be the first-team head coach.
Sometimes opportunities come up unexpectedly, and there was potential for this chance to never come around again for Edwards.
The unhappiness of the Boro fans has been understandable, but surely many have to realise that this really was a major deal for Edwards.