News Focus
- Rob Edwards loses job after Wolves finish bottom of the Premier League table
- Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto appointed as his replacement
- Backroom staff shocked by sudden Wednesday night dismissal
- Club had recently secured signings of Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez
Wolverhampton Wanderers have terminated the contract of head coach Rob Edwards following the club’s demotion from the Premier League. The 43-year-old departs Molineux merely seven months after replacing Vitor Pereira in November.
Edwards could not prevent the Midlands club from finishing at the foot of the top-flight table last season. During his brief tenure, the manager secured only five victories across all competitions, suffering 16 defeats in 30 matches. In the Premier League specifically, he managed merely three wins from 27 fixtures.
The dismissal came as a surprise to Edwards and his coaching team, who received the news late on Wednesday evening. They had been preparing for the upcoming Championship campaign and were encouraged by recent additions to the squad. Former England defender Kieran Trippier and returning striker Raul Jimenez both joined on free transfers, signalling apparent support for Edwards’ project.
Despite supporter unrest towards the end of the season—particularly after a home clash against Sunderland where fans criticised Edwards for not acknowledging them—the mood had recently improved. Trippier had publicly praised the chemistry with his new manager only days before the sacking.
The club has moved quickly to secure a replacement, with Cesar Peixoto set to take charge. The Portuguese tactician impressed at Gil Vicente, guiding them to sixth place in the Primeira Liga last term. However, appointing a coach without Championship experience represents a shift from the club’s previous strategy of relying on Edwards’ second-tier promotion expertise.
Wolves previously enjoyed success under Portuguese management when Nuno Espirito Santo led them to the top flight eight years ago. Whether Peixoto can replicate that achievement remains uncertain, particularly given the abrupt change in direction just weeks before the new season begins.