It was never going to be straightforward, with another development this evening regarding Wolves’ pursuit of Rob Edwards.
Edwards has emerged as Wolves’ top managerial target to replace Vitor Pereira.
This, after Gary O’Neil declined the chance to become Wolves’ new manager earlier this week, having looked likely to take it.
Wolves turned their attention to Rob Edwards after that development, having always admired their former defender.
But the main issue is that, like some of the other names mentioned as potential Pereira successors, he is not unattached.
Indeed, he is at Middlesbrough, who he only joined ahead of this season – and it would appear Boro are not about to let Edwards go without a fight.
Middlesbrough deny Wolves permission to speak to Rob Edwards
Wolves are now scrambling to make an appointment, with the club’s next game taking place on Saturday night against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
James Collins and Richard Walker are set to take the Wolves team against Chelsea, but in an ideal world Wolves will make a breakthrough in their search for a new head coach.
Today, the club made an approach for Edwards.
But Telegraph journalist John Percy is now reporting that Boro have actually denied Wolves permission to speak to Edwards.
He says the approach from Wolves was made this afternoon, but Boro officials have rejected Wolves’ request to hold talks with Edwards.
They are said to be ‘adamant’ that he is staying at the Riverside.
Wolves could be left red-faced in Edwards pursuit
Realistically, Boro have every right to refuse Wolves permission to speak to Edwards.
He has only been there for a matter of months and has done a great job so far, guiding the club to third in the Championship table.
They very clearly don’t want to lose him, but that’s awkward because Wolves are extremely keen to get him.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CoventryCoventry | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 39 | 13 | 26 | 31 |
| 2 |  Stoke CityStoke City | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 21 | 9 | 12 | 27 |
| 3 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 14 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 26 |
| 4 |  PrestonPreston | 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 25 |
| 5 |  MillwallMillwall | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 19 | -3 | 24 |
| 6 |  CharltonCharlton | 14 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 23 |
So now the situation is delicately poised.
It was claimed earlier that Edwards wants to return to Wolves, but Boro won’t grant permission for talks – and this puts the 42-year-old in an awkward position.
If he really does want to jump ship, one would imagine this may not end up being an amicable parting.