It has been a poor start to life at Molineux for Rob Edwards – and former Premier League defender Phil Jones has admitted the Wolves manager has left him surprised.
After 15 games, the Old Gold are still winless, and have taken a pitiful two points.
It’s been a horrendous start and unfortunately, Wolves have not benefitted from any ‘new manager bounce’ with Rob Edwards.
It’s crystal clear for Rob Edwards what needs to happen at Wolves
“We need to become us, and if we do these things consistently, they give us a chance of getting points and winning games.”
– Rob Edwards (via his pre-match Nottingham Forest press conference)
Fans have been critical of Edwards and some of the decisions he’s made so far.
But the anger has mainly gone towards Fosun for overseeing this mess. The owners are now firmly in the crosshairs of many fans, with some protesting at Molineux before and during the Manchester United game.
Edwards left a good job at Middlesbrough to come to Wolves, and it was a decision that brought him a lot of criticism.
And now, Phil Jones has given his thoughts about that decision.
Phil Jones baffled by Rob Edwards’ decision to come to Wolves
Edwards said he wouldn’t have left Middlesbrough for any club but Wolves, admitting it was a dream job.
He knew the club was in trouble, but sensed this was an opportunity he could not pass up.
It’s been a terrible start for him, but Edwards recently admitted he had no regrets over the move. But Phil Jones has questioned his decision, believing he was in a perfectly good role beforehand.
He said on the Sports Illustrated YouTube channel: “I was surprised. I know it’s his boyhood club. I know it’s back in the Premier League. I get that. I was a little bit surprised, because he was doing a wonderful job at Middlesbrough. A wonderful job.”
Ultimately, Edwards’ strong affinity with Wolves saw him take the plunge.
What Edwards said about leaving Middlesbrough for Wolves
Edwards was indeed doing well at Boro when Wolves decided to make their approach.
He had them challenging for promotion, and Boro have actually kicked on since he left, and currently sit second in the table.
But the lure of Wolves was too great, with Edwards admitting last month that he’d had his eye on the job.
He said (via Independent): “I know I was in a great job at Middlesbrough. Great people and very good players who have done well. So I’m aware of it. But this is something I have wanted to do for a very, very long time.
“I didn’t know if this opportunity would come up again for me to be the head coach of this club.
“I didn’t want to look back in 10, 15 or 20 years time that I turned down chance to manage Wolves in the Premier League. I didn’t want to regret that.”
Rob Edwards was adamant about taking the Wolves job when the club came calling
Wolves fans, was Edwards brave or foolish to take the job? 🤔
“I will not lie, it has been an aim of mine since I got the under 18s job. It is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“The opportunity came along and it’s something I wanted to do. Sometimes in life you’ve got to look after you. It was difficult, but this place pulled me in.”
– Rob Edwards (via Independent)
He added: “I will not lie, it has been an aim of mine since I got the under 18s job. It is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“The opportunity came along and it’s something I wanted to do. Sometimes in life you’ve got to look after you. It was difficult but this place pulled me in.”
Of course, he’s come in and it’s already a tough moment for Edwards.
But his appointment was made with the longer term in mind, and that will have been a factor in him taking the job.
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