Jackson explains why Wolves recalled Giles from Cardiff in January

Add as preferred source on Google

Wolves recalled Ryan Giles from his loan deal at Cardiff and sent him on loan to Blackburn Rovers during the January transfer window.

Tony Mowbray’s Rovers sit fourth while the Bluebirds sit 20th, having sacked former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy earlier this season.

But in an interview with the Athletic, Wolves loan manager Matt Jackson has explained that the decision did not solely come down to league position.

“They’re not sent on loan and we just bid them farewell for a few months or a season. We’re analysing everything,” said Jackson.

“A good example is (Giles). Under Mick McCarthy, Cardiff were playing quite similarly to Wolves in a lot of different metrics and Gilo was producing quality crosses and regular assists from the left wing.

“Then by the time the manager changes and Gilo goes back to left-back, the formation changed and their style changed, which was really reflected in Gilo’s stats. It wasn’t making the most of what we wanted him there for. We don’t just want 3-4-3 or 3-5-2.”

Giles got nine assists in the first half of the season at Cardiff but is yet to notch up one in four games for Blackburn, as per Transfermarkt.

It is clear Wolves are looking at the whole picture and what is best for his development, and he could yet help his loan club into the Premier League.

That may go some way to proving to Wolves he can cut it there himself, and although his versatility is an asset, it may also hamper his development in terms of mastering a position on loan if managers keep shunting him around.

• 11 reasons for Wolves’ relegation: A deep dive into Old Gold’s shambolic 2025/26 season
• Wolves expected to reignite interest in long standing target as Tolu Arokodare exit likely
• The general belief about Nathan Shi’s next step at Wolves as he reacts to relegation
• Nuno Espirito Santo gives classy response as West Ham’s draw officially relegates Wolves
• The nine players Wolves want to stay and form ‘core of a new-look squad’ after relegation