Middlesbrough stand Rob Edwards down from game amid Wolves job links

Edwards looks poised for a Molineux move after Vitor Pereira was sacked by Wolves

Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards looks set for a return to the Premier League after strong links with the Wolves vacancy. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA

Middlesbrough have stood down Rob Edwards from taking charge of Saturday’s match at home to Birmingham City, with the 42-year-old poised to leave for Wolves.

Boro rejected an official approach from Wolves for their head coach on Thursday, but less than 24 hours later the Championship club pulled his pre-match press conference after he did not take training on Friday, with his assistants Adi Viveash and Harry Watling doing so instead. Edwards was willing to take charge but Boro felt it was impossible for him to do so.

Uncertainty has clouded Edwards’ situation amid sustained interest from the Premier League club and , after discussions with Boro’s hierarchy, including the owner Steve Gibson on Friday afternoon, Boro have stood Edwards down from the dugout.

Boro are resigned to losing Edwards, who joined the club in the summer. Wolves want Edwards to succeed Vítor Pereira, who was sacked after collecting just two points from 10 games, and shortlisted him following the 3-0 defeat at Fulham, an eighth league loss in the top flight this season.

Edwards joined Boro on a three-year contract in June, replacing Michael Carrick. Wolves stepped up their interest in Edwards after Gary O’Neil withdrew from talks over a return to the club on Monday amid a supporter backlash and doubts over the internal structure.

He is now expected to complete a return to Wolves, where he previously played and coached, working in both the academy and the first team. He also had a spell in caretaker charge in 2016, shortly after Fosun, the Wolves owner, acquired the club.

Edwards was previously considered for the role in 2022, was interviewed before Wolves appointed Julen Lopetegui and is widely admired within the club’s hierarchy.

— The Guardian