Rob Edwards discovered his job was in jeopardy not from his employers but from social media, after reports emerged that César Peixoto was poised to take over at Molineux. The 43-year-old head coach, who was on holiday abroad, was then informed by phone on Thursday morning that his seven-month tenure was over – a decision that left even senior club staff stunned.
Wolves, relegated from the Premier League last season, announced Edwards’ departure after a “comprehensive review”, stating that “a different sporting direction would provide the strongest platform for future success”. Executive chair Nathan Shi called it an “extremely difficult decision”, adding: “Our decision was not about character, professionalism or dedication. It was about determining what we believe gives Wolves the strongest opportunity to move forward.”
“Rob Edwards sacked by Wolves after discovering his fate on social media; Kieran Trippier considers quitting.”
But the timing has baffled fans and thrown the club’s recruitment into chaos. Edwards had been instrumental in rebuilding the squad for the Championship, playing a key role in signing former England defender Kieran Trippier on a free transfer from Newcastle and featuring in the video announcing Raúl Jiménez’s return on Tuesday evening. Technical director Matt Jackson had said last month that the hierarchy was “aligned” in supporting Edwards, adding: “If there isn’t alignment here, we’re dead in the water before we start.”
Now Trippier, who cited Edwards’ passion as a decisive factor in his move, may rip up his contract. According to The Times, the defender has been left “angry” by the decision and is “exploring his legal position”. His contract does not come into force until 1 July, meaning he could back out. Trippier had said upon signing: “I had a good chat with the manager, and what struck me first was how passionate he was for helping the club move forward … I felt that chemistry straight away.”
Edwards won just five of his 30 games in all competitions, losing 16, and called for a cultural reset after relegation. “We’re the worst team in the league. That’s the bottom line,” he said at a Q&A last month. Peixoto, 46, led Gil Vicente to sixth in Portugal’s Primeira Liga and is expected to be appointed, with his agent Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute having a long-standing relationship with Wolves’ owner Fosun.
Assistants Harry Watling and Paul Trollope have also left. Wolves paid £4m in compensation to Middlesbrough to appoint Edwards in November, and had already secured Trippier and Jiménez. Whether their new head coach will still have those players remains an open question.