Rob Edwards has been stood down as Middlesbrough manager for today’s match against Birmingham City, with his club accusing Wolverhampton Wanderers of an illegal approach for him in a remarkable statement.
Edwards is interested in speaking to Wolves about becoming their new manager and did not take training or his pre-match press conference at Boro on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match.
And now Middlesbrough have taken the step of relieving him of his duties for today’s visit of Birmingham – but not without reportedly attacking Wolves’ behaviour.
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 are said to be concerned about Edwards’ safety on the touchline with fans angry at his potential departure.
Rob Edwards will not manage Middlesbrough against Birmingham City on Saturday
Middlesbrough 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.
Birmingham CityWolverhampton Wanderers
