Ahead of Rob Edwards’ arrival, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has already shared one problem that Wolverhampton Wanderers’ new manager will face in the January transfer window.
It has been a disastrous start for the Midlands side, who recently sacked manager Vitor Pereira after less than a year in the job. Since their return to the Premier League in 2018, their top flight status has never been more in jeopardy than it is now. They currently sit eight points behind after 11 games and remain the only team in the league without a win.
It won’t be easy to turn things around from here, but Rob Edwards is likely to be given the task. The Middlesbrough manager was not in the dugout for Boro’s win over Birmingham City on Saturday but confirmed Boro are set to join Wolves, although the club were reluctant.
The Championship said in a statement: “Middlesbrough Football Club has granted head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
“We initially rejected Wolves’ approach on the basis that Rob had only signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months ago. Following discussions with Rob, we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak to Wolves about the head coaching vacancy. We have now agreed terms with Wolves, subject to the completion of the relevant paperwork.”
Edwards also has a chance to make amends in the Premier League after being relegated from England’s top tier last time at Luton Town. Leading the wolves to safety from this point on doesn’t just put those demons to sleep.
With a new manager in place, Wolves should be one to watch in the January transfer window, but the reality is they already face one frustrating problem.
Ornstein reveals Edwards’ first transfer issue with Timberwolves
Speaking on NBC Sports ahead of his appointment, Ornstein revealed that the January transfer window may be the only time Edwards is available to sign a native Wolves player.
This will immediately limit the hiring of a new manager, but Ornstein says it is being done to prepare the Wolves for next season’s championship campaign.
“We expect Wolves to actively support Rob Edwards with some new signings. Currently they can’t really bring foreign players into the club unless some of them leave, unless they’re under 21.”
“Next season there will be a lot more focus on the homegrown players in particular with the idea that they could be in the Championship. I think they will put a lot of emphasis on attack, goals and creativity, because they are seriously lacking.”
The big question is who will arrive as a result. Edwards could return to Middlesbrough to lure his former stars to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether they will join a side destined for relegation.