Rob Edwards is front and centre in the search for the next Wolves manager, and the links have fostered mixed reactions.
After Gary O’Neil withdrew from consideration, Edwards took the label of front-runner to take the reins at Molineux. He fits the mould of what the club needs in their replacement. Jeff Shi wants the next Wolves manager to have Premier League experience.
The latest developments suggest Edwards is Wolves bound, but we’re still waiting on confirmation.
Ex-Boro striker Jan Age Fjortoft has weighed in on the links with a pretty strong stance.
Jan Age Fjortoft speaks on Rob Edwards links to Wolves
A burly Norwegian striker not dissimilar to Jorgen Strand Larsen, Fjortoft played 41 games for Middlesbrough in the 1990s, scoring on ten occasions — so he may be a bit biased.
Now regular on ESPN’s Premier League coverage, he was asked about Edwards and the possibility of him leaving The Boro to return to Wolverhampton. He’s not convinced.
He asks: “Does he want to go to Wolves, is that the hottest rumour? I saw he was linked, but the potential Middlesbrough have got at the moment, it’s much more likely they will be in the Premier League than Wolverhampton. I can’t believe it if he does that.”
It’s a fair point. Middlesbrough are currently third in the Championship and look likely to be in the mix come play-off time. On the other hand, Wolves are favourites for relegation after a run of ten games without a win.
But that ignores a key aspect of the Edwards situation.
Rob Edwards has deep connections to Wolves
Appearing for the Old Gold on 111 occasions and getting his coaching start in the Wolves youth setup, Edwards may be tempted by his personal connections to the club.
Fjortoft isn’t far off in his assessment of the two clubs’ prospects. Middlesbrough do look more likely to be in the Premier League next season — if nothing changes.
But that’s a big ‘if’.
Edwards might see this as a rare opportunity to lead the club he spent more of his playing career at than any other. He’ll look at bridging the eight-point gap to safety as a challenging task, but one that would further cement his Wolves legacy.
Sometimes, logic gives way to emotion, especially in football. We’re waiting for an official announcement, but sources at Molineux have already reported plans for Edwards.
By all appearances, it’s a matter of time.