New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards has admitted he hasn’t seen any of the negativity surrounding his controversial exit from Middlesbrough.
The 42-year-old returned to management in the summer with the Teesside-based outfit after leaving Luton Town in January. He guided the Hatters into the Premier League in 2023 and although they suffered relegation at the first time of asking, they were widely praised for their performances in the top tier.
Despite that, Edwards oversaw a disastrous first half of the campaign at Kenilworth Road last season. With a second successive relegation on the cards, the decision was made to replace the ex-Watford boss with Matt Bloomfield.
Middlesbrough took a punt on the former Welsh international following the decision to part company with Michael Carrick in June. It was a move which appeared to be a masterstroke, with the new head coach guiding Boro into an early promotion challenge. However, his brief stay at the Riverside proved to be nothing more than a fleeting moment.
Club statement. pic.twitter.com/38sJyuIyv1
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) November 12, 2025
Wolves Exit Still Sparking Debate
Wolves came knocking on Middlesbrough’s door following the sacking of Vitor Pereira earlier this month. Edwards spent 4 years with the club as a player whilst also returned to Molinuex in a coaching capacity after his retirement.
It was a messy situation, with owner Steve Gibson first rejecting the Premier League outfit’s approach before it became clear that this was an opportunity their gaffer would like to pursue. This led to a series of eye-catching moments, which included cancelled press conferences and missed training sessions.
Adi Viveash took charge of first team affairs for the 2-1 win over Birmingham City prior to the international break. Four days later, a statement was released confirming Edwards’ departure.
The backlash to the move was almost unanimous. Fans were quick to make ‘snake’ comparisons whilst talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan was scathing in his assessment of the situation, calling his exit statement ‘a pack of lies’.
Edwards Oblivious To Criticism
Wolves currently sit bottom of the Premier League having picked up a mere 2 points all season. Ironically, Middlesbrough are technically just 2 places below them in the football pyramid and there is a very realistic chance that the pair will swap divisions next season.
🗣️”It feels amazing to be back, I’m really proud
🗣️”It has been an aim of mine since I got the U18’s role [to manage Wolves]Rob Edwards looks ahead to taking charge of his first game as Wolves boss against Crystal Palace. pic.twitter.com/Jp7h6VjcoO
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 21, 2025
“I didn’t see any of the reaction. I surround myself in a bubble. I don’t read or see anything. If I see my name on anything, I’ll just flick straight past it.
“I don’t listen to a thing. So, I’m not aware of anything myself, personally. My family might be, and my friends, but I tell them not to tell me anything good, bad or indifferent. I don’t ever want to know.
“I was in a great job at Middlesbrough. I know that. With really good people, very good players and we’ve done well. The lads have done well and everyone that I was working with has done well as well.
“But this was something that I wanted to do for a long, long, long time. I didn’t know if this job would ever come up again for me. The opportunity might have never come up for me (again) to be head coach of this club (Wolves).
“I didn’t want to look back in 10 years, 15 years, 20 years and think I’d turned down a chance to manager Wolves in the Premier League. That’s it. I didn’t want to regret that.”
Middlesbrough also return to action tomorrow when they travel to Oxford United.
