Wolves fans are ready for a new era at Molineux, and Tom Lockyer has dropped his verdict on Rob Edwards.
Wolves’ search for a successor to Vitor Pereira officially ended on Wednesday, with Rob Edwards signing a three-and-a-half year contract at Molineux.
The Old Gold prised him away from Middlesbrough, which has caused real controversy.
Many have had an opinion about Edwards pushing to leave Boro to join Wolves.
But Edwards admitted in his exit statement that Wolves are ‘special’ to him, and that he wouldn’t have left for any other club.
We are now in another international break, but the work starts immediately for Edwards.
A chunk of his squad is missing, but he still has some key players to work with on the training pitches at Compton Park.
And for Tom Lockyer, this appointment is sure to go down well with the players.
Tom Lockyer explains Rob Edwards’ biggest quality as he becomes new Wolves manager
Wolves are said to be confident that Edwards can unite the club following a dismal period.
The situation is not so dissimilar to last season, and Edwards essentially needs to do what Vitor Pereira did and bring everyone together.
One man who is well placed to talk about Edwards and what he will bring to Wolves is Tom Lockyer, who worked under him at Luton Town.
Lockyer – who was Edwards’ captain – believes that his care for players is what sets him apart.
He told the E&S: “I think Rob’s best quality for me is how much he genuinely cares about his players.
“I have worked for a lot of managers where you are just a piece in the puzzle and if you are not doing it, then you are out the door.
“With Rob, he genuinely cares and brings that feeling that we are all on a journey together and all need each other to progress forward.
“By doing that, he allows you to play with freedom and with the shackles off.
“After the play-off final, he was straight on the phone to find out what was going on, and we were watching the celebrations in hospital.
“When we saw him crying his eyes out doing the interview after the game, it set my Mum off!
“It’s not bravado – if it was, I would tell you – it’s how he is every day, and, from a human level, he’s an incredible manager to work for.”
Edwards’ popularity will give Wolves a lift
It’s clear that Wolves have appointed an individual who is extremely likeable.
Of course, this is not the most important trait for a football manager, but it can go a long way in terms of creating the right environment in which players can thrive.
These players, and the whole club, need a lift.
When Wolves came calling, the decision was clear for Rob Edwards
It has been a dismal season so far and they are all lacking confidence and morale must have been on the floor.
But by many accounts Edwards will help to create completely different emotions.
He is very clearly delighted to get this job and – while there will undoubtedly be bumps in the road – he will do his utmost to become a success.