Rob Edwards discovered he was losing his job on social media. The Wolves head coach and his staff first saw reports that Cesar Peixoto was poised to take over – and only after his camp asked the club late on Wednesday night did they confirm the sacking on Thursday morning. The 43-year-old, who won just five of his 30 games in charge, was dismissed after seven months, despite the club having insisted they were behind him following relegation from the Premier League.
Peixoto, 46, arrives from Portuguese top-flight side Gil Vicente on a two-year deal, tasked with returning Wolves to the top flight after they finished bottom with 20 points. It is his first job outside Portugal, having led Gil Vicente to sixth in the Primeira Liga in 2025-26 – the first time in his seven-year managerial career he completed a full season at one club.
“Wolves appoint Cesar Peixoto after Rob Edwards learned of his sacking on social media.”
“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 Wolves executive chairman Nathan Shi. “What impressed me most was his mentality, his work ethic and his willingness to embrace the challenge.”
Peixoto, a former Porto teammate of José Mourinho’s Champions League-winning squad and a one-cap Portugal international, becomes the fourth Portuguese manager in Wolves’ past seven appointments, following Nuno Espírito Santo, Bruno Lage and Vítor Pereira.
“I’m proud to be here at this big, historic club in England,” Peixoto said. “I’m prepared to do everything to put Wolves where it belongs in the Premier League. I want the supporters to be proud of our players, be proud of the way we play.”
His assistants Harry Watling and Paul Trollope also leave, while Wolves had already begun planning for the Championship by signing Kieran Trippier and Raúl Jiménez – deals Edwards was key to.
On the same day, Leicester City confirmed Russell Martin as manager on a contract until 2029, eight months after his 123-day stint at Rangers ended. The 40-year-old, known for possession-based football, faces the task of an immediate return to the Championship after Leicester’s shock relegation to League One in 2025-26 amid off-field problems including a points deduction.
“I’m delighted to be here,” said Martin. “My immediate focus is on building strong relationships, setting clear standards and creating performances that Leicester City supporters can connect with.”
Leicester’s chief football officer, Jon Rudkin, called Martin “a strong leader, a clear decision-maker and someone with a defined way of working.”