In an emotional return to familiar surroundings, Rob Edwards has been appointed as the new head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, taking charge of a club sitting bottom of the Premier League with just two points from their opening eleven matches.
A Homecoming Amid Crisis
Edwards faced the media at Wolves' Compton training ground, exactly nine years after his first caretaker stint with the club. The 42-year-old described the position as his "dream job" despite the team's dire situation - they remain the only winless side across the top seven tiers of English football.
"I've had loads of experiences since then, so I've probably toughened a little bit and learned a hell of a lot," Edwards reflected, comparing his return to revisiting a favourite holiday destination. "It feels natural and normal and very special."
Leaving Middlesbrough for Wolves
The decision required Edwards to walk away from Middlesbrough, where he had established the team as promotion contenders after 14 league matches. His departure represents a significant blow to Boro's Championship campaign, though the pull of returning to Wolves proved irresistible.
"This opportunity and this job is something I've always wanted and dreamed of," Edwards acknowledged. "I'm well aware I was at a really good club and I want to be really respectful to Middlesbrough and I know I would have let them down. I get it and I understand that. But this is something I've always wanted to do."
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi had kept Edwards in mind since interviewing him three years ago before eventually appointing Julen Lopetegui. The Welshman's impressive work at Forest Green Rovers and Luton Town, where he secured promotion via the League Two playoff final at Wembley, maintained his standing within the club's hierarchy.
Familiar Faces and Immediate Challenges
Edwards finds comfort in returning to familiar surroundings, with his family remaining in the Midlands throughout his time away. The training ground still features familiar faces including 86-year-old canteen worker Brenda and cleaner Dave, who initially struggled to address him as "boss".
Current players Matt Doherty and Hugo Bueno also represent connections to Edwards' previous coaching spells at the club. However, the scale of the challenge ahead cannot be underestimated - no Premier League team has ever recovered from such a poor start to retain their top-flight status.
Edwards begins his permanent reign with a home fixture against Crystal Palace, acknowledging the nerves and excitement he expects to feel on the touchline. "Unfortunately, the one thing I can't guarantee is wins but we can guarantee we're going to try absolutely everything to try and achieve them," he stated.
The new head coach recognises the precarious nature of his position despite his long-term ambitions. "I do want to be here for the long term but I'm well aware that to be able to do that you need results," Edwards admitted. "There is a realism to these discussions: we know where we're at."
With international players including Hwang Hee-chan and Santiago Bueno only returning to training on Friday, Edwards faces an immediate battle to prepare his squad for the crucial matches ahead as Wolves fight to avoid relegation to the Championship for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
