Wolverhampton Wanderers have dismissed head coach Rob Edwards after just seven months in charge, despite previously backing him to lead the club’s Championship rebuild.
In a dramatic turn of events, Edwards reportedly first became aware that his position was under threat after seeing social media reports linking Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto with the Wolves job.
The 43-year-old and his coaching staff are understood to have sought clarification from the club late on Wednesday after the rumours began circulating. Wolves subsequently confirmed on Thursday morning that Edwards had been relieved of his duties.
The decision has surprised many within the game, particularly given recent public assurances from club officials that Edwards remained central to their plans following relegation from the Premier League.
Peixoto, who guided Portuguese side Gil Vicente to a sixth-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season, is now expected to be named as Wolves’ new head coach.
Edwards leaves alongside assistants Harry Watling and Paul Trollope.
In a statement announcing the departure, Wolves said a thorough review had been conducted following the end of the season and concluded that a change in leadership was required.
The club acknowledged the difficult circumstances faced by Edwards and his staff during their tenure, while thanking them for their professionalism and commitment. However, Wolves ultimately determined that a different sporting direction would offer the strongest foundation for future success.
The timing of the dismissal is particularly striking given that planning for the Championship campaign was already underway.
Former England defender Kieran Trippier had recently agreed to join the club following his departure from Newcastle United, while Raul Jimenez was set to return after the expiration of his contract at Fulham. Edwards had reportedly played a significant role in both developments.
Only last month, Wolves technical director Matt Jackson publicly expressed support for Edwards and stressed that the club’s leadership was united behind the manager as preparations for life in the second tier gathered pace.
Despite those assurances, the club has opted for a fresh start.
Edwards took charge after leaving Middlesbrough while they were still involved in the Championship promotion race. He was brought in to replace Vitor Pereira but struggled to reverse Wolves’ fortunes.
Under his leadership, the club won just five of 30 matches across all competitions, suffering 16 defeats as Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League table.
The former Forest Green Rovers, Watford and Luton Town boss had recently spoken candidly about the scale of the problems he inherited at Molineux.
During a question-and-answer session with BBC Radio WM, Edwards admitted Wolves were simply not good enough and described the club as being in a difficult position when he arrived.
He accepted responsibility for results but argued deeper issues existed beyond what happened on the pitch.
Ultimately, however, Wolves’ hierarchy decided that a managerial change was necessary as they attempt to regroup and mount an immediate push for promotion back to the Premier League.
The focus now shifts to Peixoto, who is expected to become the man tasked with leading that mission.
