Wolves have sacked head coach Rob Edwards after just seven months in charge in which the club were relegated to the Championship.
Edwards was brought in following the sacking of Vitor Pereira with the knowledge that the Molineux outfit were likely to be relegated and would need to rebuild in the second tier.
He won just five of his 30 games in charge of the side, losing 16, since replacing Pereira in November as Wolves finished bottom of the league.
A Wolves statement on Thursday read: “Wolves have parted company with head coach Rob Edwards and his coaching team.
“Edwards returned to Wolves in November at one of the most challenging periods in the club’s recent history and worked tirelessly, alongside his staff, to stabilise the football operation and help move the club forward.
“Following a comprehensive review at the conclusion of the season, the club has determined that a change in leadership is necessary as Wolves enters the next stage of its development.
“While the club recognises the significant challenges faced by Edwards and his staff during their tenure, and acknowledges the commitment and professionalism they demonstrated throughout, it ultimately concluded that a different sporting direction would provide the strongest platform for future success.”
Edwards left promotion-chasing Middlesbrough, who were top of the Championship at the time, with Wolves paying them £4m for the 43-year-old. He took charge on a three-and-a-half year deal.
His departure has come as a surprise after he played a key role in the signings of free agent Kieran Trippier from Newcastle and Raul Jimenez from Fulham.
He even featured in a ‘welcome home’ video for the returning Jimenez posted just two days ago, while Trippier said in his first interview with the club that the “chemistry” he felt with the manager played a role in his decision to sign.
Edwards was also interviewed by club media on Tuesday to discuss the Mexican striker’s signing, with Jimenez referred to as “an outstanding attacking option for Edwards”.
The former Luton and Middlesbrough manager had been backed by technical director Matt Jackson as recently as last month and had intended to oversee the rebuilding this season, which had already begun with the Trippier and Jimenez signings.
Former Gil Vicente head coach Cesar Peixoto, who has only managed in Portugal but guided the club to a sixth place finish in the Primeira Liga last season, has been linked with the job.
Wolves’ statement did not mention the Portuguese but said: “The process of appointing a new head coach is already underway, with the club focused on identifying a leader who can help deliver the next phase of Wolves’ sporting development.”
