Rob Edwards Blasts Wolves Board for Forcing Players Into His Squad: ‘This Is Killing Our Chances’ Amid Historic Winless Start to Season
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Rob Edwards has launched a blistering attack on the club’s board, accusing senior figures of undermining his authority by forcing players into his squad and interfering with his managerial decisions a situation he says has contributed to Wolves’ catastrophic start to the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Since being appointed in November 2025 to replace Vítor Pereira, Edwards has been unable to secure a single top‑flight victory, presiding over what has become one of the worst sequences in English league history. Wolves are winless in all of Edwards’ matches in charge, extending a dreadful run that now stands at 17 league games without a win equalling the longest winless start to a Premier League season on record.
“That’s not how football works,” Edwards said in an unusually candid press briefing. “You cannot build a team and win games when players are being forced on to your squad without consultation. It sends the wrong message, it undermines my authority, and this is killing our chances of getting results.” The Wolves boss added that constant external pressure on squad selection has made it increasingly difficult to cultivate the cohesion and trust required at this level.
The breakdown in relations between Edwards and the club’s hierarchy comes amid growing frustration from supporters and pundits alike. Wolves currently sit bottom of the Premier League with just two points from 17 matches, 14 points adrift of safety, and facing a daunting battle to avoid relegation with the bleakest record in the division at Christmas.
Fans at Molineux Stadium have vented their anger in recent weeks, with protests, chants against ownership, and visible discontent throughout home defeats. One fan banner read: “Back the Manager, Not the Board”, encapsulating the growing divide between the stands and the boardroom.
The club’s woes have triggered significant upheaval off the pitch as well. Long‑serving executive chairman Jeff Shi stepped down amid increasing unrest, with Nathan Shi taking over temporarily in a bid to steady the ship. However, the ownership changes have done little to calm fears about Wolves’ Premier League future.
Edwards’ frustration stems in part from decisions over transfers and squad planning that he claims were taken without his full endorsement or input. “Football decisions should come from the manager,” he said. “You can’t have a scenario where players are dictated to me from above and then be expected to produce results on the pitch. It just doesn’t work like that.”
Record‑Equalling Pain
Wolves’ most recent defeat a 2–0 loss to Brentford at Molineux extended their losing streak to 10 consecutive Premier League games, making them only the fourth club in Premier League history to suffer such a run. �
Keane Lewis‑Potter’s brace condemned Wolves to another deflating home loss, and a late penalty miss by Jørgen Strand Larsen denied them any faint glimmer of hope. The final whistle was met with boos from sections of the support a remarkable fall from grace for a club that only a few seasons ago was a regular top‑half side in England’s top flight.
Edwards’ debut came with a mixed reception. After being greeted with cheers upon his first press appearance, the support quickly turned to boos following a 2–0 defeat to Crystal Palace, marking the start of his winless run. �
Despite the dire situation, Edwards has repeatedly insisted he will continue to fight. “We have to keep believing,” he told reporters after the Brentford defeat. “We cannot give up. I know the players are trying hard but the reality is we have to start seeing results.”
Boardroom Tension and Tactical Strain
The tension between Edwards and the Wolves board has reached boiling point amid a season of poor performances, tactical inconsistency, and rumours of discontent within the dressing room.
Club insiders have suggested that disagreements over player recruitment, training methodology, and matchday selection have exacerbated on‑field problems. Some senior squad members are reportedly frustrated at being selected in roles or systems they feel do not suit their strengths a situation that Edwards says stems from a lack of unified direction from the hierarchy.
“There have been times when I haven’t had full control over what the squad looks like,” Edwards said. “That’s not a dig at individuals it’s just the reality. If we want to compete, the manager must have autonomy. Otherwise, we’re fighting ourselves before we even step onto the pitch.”
Supporters Push for Change
Fans and former players are increasingly vocal, not only about the team’s dire form but also around the broader structural issues at the club. Social media has been awash with calls for accountability, clearer communication between the board and coaching staff, and urgent action in the January transfer window. Many supporters believe new signings rather than imposed transfers are essential if Wolves are to stand any realistic chance of avoiding relegation.
For now, the spotlight remains trained on Edwards and his struggle to salvage a season that began with optimism but nearly two months on threatens to end in historic collapse. With upcoming fixtures against high‑calibre opposition, Wolves’ fight to record their first win could define Edwards’ tenure and reshape the club’s future.
