Managerial Shake-up Imminent at Molineux
Reports emerging from Portugal suggest that Wolverhampton Wanderers are on the verge of dismissing current manager Rob Edwards. The club is said to be lining up Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto as his successor.
Edwards, 43, took the helm at Molineux last November when the team occupied the bottom spot in the Premier League and had yet to secure a victory. Despite his efforts, the club ultimately finished in 20th place, managing only three league wins. He was widely expected to spearhead the team’s immediate return to the top flight, and had been instrumental in securing early key signings such as Raul Jimenez and Kieran Trippier.
New Management on the Horizon
However, according to information from Portuguese sports outlet O Jogo, Edwards is now facing an imminent departure. Cesar Peixoto, who previously guided Gil Vicente to a sixth-place finish in the Portuguese top flight during the 2025-26 season, is reportedly in advanced discussions with Wolves.
Further details from Portuguese publication A Bola indicate that negotiations have been ongoing for several days. The report suggests that Peixoto’s agent, Jorge Mendes, a figure with extensive dealings with Wolves over the years, is expected to finalize the agreement this week. The 46-year-old is considered an ideal candidate to lead Wolves back to the Premier League.
Shock Despite Relegation
This development comes as a significant surprise, given that it was widely anticipated Edwards would be given an opportunity to manage the team following their relegation. The former Luton and Middlesbrough manager had presented a united front alongside chairman Jeff Shi and technical director Matt Jackson at a recent fans’ forum. Edwards had also been vocal in recent months about his plans for the 2026-27 campaign, including a substantial squad overhaul.
Edwards’ Recent Comments on Squad Strength
In an interview shared on the club’s social media channels earlier this week, Edwards expressed his satisfaction with the early transfer activity. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the squad after a challenging Premier League season.
“I have been saying we need to be stronger than what we were last year, and I know it’s not nice for people to hear, but it was just incredibly hard for us just to compete in the Premier League last year, and that’s just the truth,” Edwards stated. “We know things need to improve, and we’re working really hard to try and do that as quickly as possible.”
He acknowledged the objective to secure promotion but recognized the highly competitive nature of the Championship, with several clubs expected to invest heavily. “The challenge from those above me is that we need to get promoted again, but that same challenge will obviously be going out to West Ham, to Burnley, and there’ll be a lot of others in the mix who will be throwing a lot of money at it, and it’ll make the league really competitive this year, so we know how hard it’s going to be.”
Edwards emphasized the need for a strong squad, citing recent commitments and new arrivals. “That’s why we need to be really strong, so with Andre committing (to a new contract), Tripps and now Raul coming in, I think it’s a great start for us, and I know everyone is really pleased, and hopefully they believe more in what we’re trying to do, but there’s a lot more we’ve still got to do and there’ll be more to come.”
He further elaborated on the impact of new signings and the importance of results. “The signings we’re making at the moment will be ticking one box, and there’s more to be done, but then the results and how we start the season is what matters. Over the last few years, we’ve been losing more games than we’ve been winning, and that’s difficult for the fans to go through, but we hope that’s reversed next year, not because it’s the Championship, but because we’ll have done good work, and we’ve earned the right to be at the top end of the league. If we’re getting results and players are working extremely hard and they’re giving everything to the football club, then I’m sure the fans will get right behind us.”
The reported imminent change in management, however, casts a shadow over these recent statements and plans for the upcoming season.
