Wolverhampton Wanderers name Edwards new manager to stave off relegation threat

Struggling Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers announced on Wednesday that they have hired Rob Edwards as their new head coach on a three and a half year deal.

Edwards departs from Championship outfit Middlesbrough to take over from Vitor Pereira, who was dismissed by the club earlier this month.

The 42 year old, with prior Premier League experience managing Luton, now confronts the daunting challenge of preserving Wolves top flight status after eight seasons.

The team has collected only two points across their first 11 league fixtures, suffering nine defeats and plummeting to the foot of the standings.

This marks Edwards fourth association with Wolves, having previously played 111 games for them, alongside stints as a coach and interim manager at the Midlands outfit.

"I am well acquainted with Rob and have witnessed his development across various roles," commented Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.

"He is an excellent individual who understands the club intimately, along with the city and supporters, and possesses great talent.

"During his time as a youth coach with us, he demonstrated strong tactical insight, yet it was in first team positions that he truly forged his unique style, personality, and command."

Before leaving, Edwards had guided Middlesbrough to second in the Championship, trailing leaders Coventry by five points.

Sitting eight points adrift of safety, Wolves need revitalisation, and Shi noted: "We must overhaul the club with fresh coaching principles, infusing his personal vision and concepts, upon which we can expand.

"This represents a fresh era for the club, with Rob playing a pivotal role."

Middlesbrough first turned down Wolves interest in Edwards, who arrived at the club just in June.

Edwards voiced his wish to join Molineux, leading to his exclusion from Middlesbrough triumphant Championship clash with Birmingham on Saturday, following an agreement on a compensation fee reportedly worth £3 million ($3.9 million).

He will bring along assistant head coach Harry Watling, with whom he collaborated at Middlesbrough.

Edwards debut match at the helm of Wolves follows the international break, hosting Crystal Palace on November 22.

He steps into Molineux amid a sombre mood, as disgruntled supporters criticised Pereira and urged owners Fosun to divest the club.

Although Pereira rescued Wolves from the drop last season, the Portuguese tactician failed to replicate that success this campaign.

Team morale has hit lows throughout the year, with back to back 3 0 losses to Fulham and Chelsea in recent outings prompting Shi to enact the managerial switch.