Rob Edwards discovered his job as Wolves head coach was in jeopardy after seeing reports on social media that Cesar Peixoto might replace him. The club only confirmed his sacking to Edwards on Thursday morning, after his camp asked about the rumours late Wednesday night.
Edwards had been in charge for just seven months. Wolves said they had “determined that a change in leadership is necessary” after a comprehensive review, having “ultimately concluded that a different sporting direction would provide the strongest platform for future success.” The club recognised the “significant challenges faced by Edwards and his staff” and paid tribute to their “commitment and professionalism.” His assistants Harry Watling and Paul Trollope are also leaving.
“Rob Edwards learned of his Wolves sacking on social media; Cesar Peixoto appointed on two-year deal.”
Edwards, who made more than 100 appearances for Wolves as a player, won only five of his 30 games in all competitions, losing 16. Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League and will play in the Championship for the first time since 2018. At a Q&A hosted by BBC Radio WM last month, Edwards said: “We’re a collective and I’ll take responsibility of course but it’s not an effort thing, it’s the fact that we’re the worst team in the league. That’s the bottom line.”
Wolves have appointed Peixoto on a two-year deal. The 46-year-old arrives from Portuguese top-flight club Gil Vicente, where he led them to a sixth-placed finish in the Primeira Liga in 2025-26. It is his first job outside Portugal and the first time in his seven years as a manager that he completed an entire season at one club.
“Throughout our discussions with him, it became clear very quickly that he possesses many of the qualities we believe are important for the future of this football club,” said executive chairman Nathan Shi. “What impressed me most was his mentality, his work ethic and his willingness to embrace the challenge in front of him.”
Peixoto won a single cap for Portugal in 2008 and was part of Jose Mourinho’s Champions League-winning Porto squad in 2004. He is the fourth Portuguese manager among Wolves’ past seven appointments, following Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage and Vitor Pereira.
“I’m proud to be here at this big, historic club in England,” Peixoto said. “It’s a big opportunity for me and I’m prepared to do everything to put Wolves where it belongs in the Premier League.” He added: “I want the supporters to be proud of our players, be proud of the way we play and the way we fight game after game to bring the victory.”
Despite planning for the Championship — including signing Kieran Trippier on a free transfer and the return of Raul Jimenez — technical director Matt Jackson said last month that the club’s hierarchy was aligned in supporting Edwards. “The plan and the goal is to get promoted straight away,” Jackson said. “If there isn’t alignment here, we’re dead in the water before we start.”