Rob Edwards’ tenure at Middlesbrough is hanging by a thread as his scheduled pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon was abruptly cancelled amid interest from Wolves. Wolves have identified Edwards as their top choice to replace Vitor Pereira, who was given the sack last weekend following their winless start to the season.
The Premier League club’s initial approach to Boro to speak to Edwards was rebuffed by the club, who have remained firm in their resolve to retain the head coach. However, doubts over Edwards’ future have intensified after the club called off the press conference that had been arranged, as per usual, to take place at 1pm at Rockliffe on Friday afternoon to preview Boro’s Championship face-off with Birmingham City.
At this point, it remains unclear whether it will be Edwards or another figure who will helm the Boro team in Saturday’s Championship showdown with Birmingham City at the Riverside. The likelihood of Edwards leading the team seems increasingly slim, as talks with the hierarchy are underway.
Midlands reports suggest that Edwards was receptive to the idea of taking up the role at Molineux. His family still resides in the area and he has strong connections to the club as both a player and a coach.
However, he’s only four months into a three-year contract at Boro. If he were to depart, Boro would demand substantial compensation.
Boro had been confident that Edwards was dedicated to the club and prepared to turn down Wolves’ overtures, but this latest development suggests there may be more to the story.
The press conference could have provided Edwards with a chance to finally put the story to bed if there was no truth in it.
