Middlesbrough have rejected a formal approach from Wolves to speak with manager Rob Edwards, who has quickly become one of the Championship’s most sought-after coaches.
The Premier League strugglers identified Edwards as their leading candidate to replace Vitor Pereira, who was dismissed last Sunday after 8 defeats in 10 games.
Reports suggested talks had started, but Boro have turned down the request and made it clear that they intend to keep the 42-year-old, who only took charge at the Riverside Stadium in June.
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Edwards as our new head coach.
Welcome to Boro, Rob! 🔴⚪️
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) June 24, 2025
Wolves’ approach rebuffed by Boro hierarchy
Edwards, who enjoyed a successful playing spell at Wolves between 2004 and 2008, was high on the Molineux shortlist following Gary O’Neil’s decision to withdraw from the recruitment process. Having impressed since replacing Michael Carrick in the summer, his leadership has been central to Middlesbrough’s climb to third in the Championship table.
According to reports, the Teesside club’s response to Wolves’ approach was swift and firm, underlining their desire to maintain stability under Edwards, who is midway through a 3-year deal. The former Luton Town boss guided the Hatters to Premier League promotion in 2023 and is widely regarded as one of the EFL’s most tactically astute young managers.
Edwards focused on Boro despite speculation
When asked about the speculation ahead of Boro’s clash with Leicester City on Tuesday, Edwards dismissed the rumours, reaffirming his commitment to the job at hand.
“My full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job, and trying to turn things around,” said Edwards.
“Speculation is hard for me to comment about. I never get drawn on stuff that’s hypothetical, and I don’t want to get drawn on that. I love being Middlesbrough manager and that’s what I want to think about.”
The Boro boss added that the noise around the link had come as much of a surprise to him as anyone else, joking: “It’s all the stuff that my daughter was telling me about.”
Since arriving on Teesside, Edwards has revitalised Middlesbrough’s style of play, combining defensive solidity with a clear attacking structure. His impact has been particularly felt at home, where Boro have lost just once in 9 league matches this season.
The club’s surge into the top 3 has sparked optimism of a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
TalkSport discuss the Rob Edwards speculation linking him with the vacant Wolves job 🔴🐺 #Boro pic.twitter.com/9VVqrRLhli
— Chris (@Chris_BoroUTB) November 4, 2025
Boro determined to keep momentum
Edwards’ managerial CV continues to strengthen following previous roles at Forest Green Rovers and Watford. His reputation for developing players and building cohesive teams has drawn interest from multiple top-flight sides, but Middlesbrough’s stance reflects a belief that he can lead them to automatic promotion.
For Wolves, the rejection leaves them still searching for a replacement after a turbulent start to their campaign. For Boro, it reaffirms their position as one of the Championship’s most progressive clubs, determined not to let Premier League interest derail their promotion charge.
With Edwards firmly focused on sustaining Boro’s momentum, fans will hope the speculation now fades, allowing the team to continue their push towards the summit of the Championship under the manager who has already transformed their fortunes.
