Middlesbrough have granted Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolverhampton Wanderers after dramatically accusing the Premier League club of an illegal approach for their manager.
The North Yorkshire side stood Edwards down for today’s match against Birmingham City after he showed interest in filling the managerial vacancy at Wolves.
Boro say they initially rejected an approach from the Black Country club because the 42-year-old had only signed a three-year deal this summer.
But the head coach expressed an interest in taking over at Wolves, who are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, and he is now in pole position to take over after the sides agreed terms.
The astonishing saga, which has played out in the public eye, has now been confirmed by Middlesbrough who announced their ‘disappointment’ in Edwards in a scathing statement.
The club said: ‘Middlesbrough Football Club have, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves.
Rob Edwards will not manage Middlesbrough against Birmingham City on Saturday
‘We initially rejected an approach from Wolves on the basis that Rob signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months ago.
‘Following discussions with Rob we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak with Wolves regarding their head coach vacancy. We have now agreed terms with Wolves, subject to completion of the relevant paperwork.
‘First team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, and Academy manager Craig Liddle, will take charge of team affairs for Saturday’s game against Birmingham City at the Riverside.’
Edwards did not take training or his pre-match press conference at Boro on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match amid the approach from Wolves, which the Championship side have reportedly attacked.
A club source told The Telegraph: ‘Unfortunately Wolves have behaved at a standard less than we expect and we believe their conduct is in breach of Premier League regulations.’
Boro were said to be concerned about Edwards’ safety on the touchline with fans angry at his potential departure. They sit third in the Championship and today’s game is a key fixture with Birmingham visiting the Riverside today off the back of two consecutive 4-0 victories.
Boro rejected Wolves’ initial approach for Edwards, and Wolves would have to pay compensation to secure him. But it is now thought that several Boro players are expecting Edwards to move to Molineux, even though it is still unclear whether he would accept their offer.
Wolves initially made a move for their former boss Gary O’Neil, but O’Neil withdrew from the race amid huge hostility from supporters and doubts among players about his return.
Edwards, 42, played for Wolves from 2004-08 and spent six years as a coach at Molineux, leaving in 2019 to take up a role with the FA.
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