I HAD TO SAY IT…” DISMISSED WOLVES BOSS ROB EDWARDS APPEARS TO TAKE A SHOT AT HIS FORMER CLUB AFTER PRE-SEASON DEFEAT UNDER NEW MANAGER CÉSAR PEIXOTO… THEN DELETES THE POST MINUTES LATER BUT THE SCREENSHOT IS NOW GOING VIRAL

Dismissed Wolverhampton manager Rob Edwards has sparked a fresh controversy after posting and swiftly deleting a social media message following his former club’s 2-1 pre-season defeat to Real Sociedad the first match under new boss César Peixoto.

The former Wolves head coach, who was sensationally sacked just seven days ago, took to social media on Friday evening shortly after the final whistle at Molineux. The post was accompanied by the caption: “I had to say it…”  a clear indication that the axed manager was fully aware of the provocative nature of his comments.

The post was deleted within minutes, but not before Wolves supporters had captured and shared the image. Within two hours, it had amassed over 15,000 retweets and was trending across the West Midlands.

Axed After Just Seven Months

Edwards’ brutal dismissal last week came after just seven months in charge, following Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League. The club cited a need for a different “style and identity” in its official statement, but the manner of his sacking drew widespread criticism.

Sources close to the dismissed manager have previously confirmed that Edwards learned of his axing from family members who had seen rumours circulating online before the club formally notified him. He was also heavily involved in summer recruitment planning, having identified several key targets and overseen the early stages of the club’s transfer business.

The timing of the decision has been described by insiders as “chaotic”, with suggestions that the board acted impulsively following relegation. Edwards, who had guided Luton Town to Premier League promotion before joining Wolves, was widely expected to be given time to rebuild in the Championship.

Instead, the club moved swiftly to appoint Portuguese manager César Peixoto, a relatively unknown quantity in English football, leaving many questioning the direction of the club.

“Interesting to see how quickly a squad I built can look lost without direction. I spent months putting this group together, identifying the right characters, the right balance, the right system to get us back up. And in one game under a new voice, it already looks like strangers out there. I’m not saying I had all the answers, but I know what these lads are capable of when they’re organised and playing with clarity. Some things never change. Wishing the lads well they deserve better than what they’re getting right now. I had to say it…”

The post remained online for less than three minutes before being deleted. But in that brief window, Wolves fans had already captured the evidence  and within hours, the screenshot was being shared across every major football forum and social media platform.

Performance Raises Questions

Wolves started brightly under Peixoto’s new high-press system on Friday evening, dominating possession in the opening exchanges. However, defensive errors allowed Real Sociedad to score twice in the second half, with the home side managing only a late consolation.

The disjointed display has done little to reassure supporters already uneasy about the board’s decision to axe Edwards so close to the start of the Championship campaign. Social media was quickly filled with comparisons between Peixoto’s tactical approach and the more pragmatic style Edwards had implemented during his brief tenure.

Fan Reaction Divided

Wolves supporters have reacted to Edwards’ deleted post with a mix of anger, sympathy, and frustration.

Many criticised the former boss for what they perceived as unprofessional behaviour. One season-ticket holder told this publication: “He was here for seven months and got us relegated. He should be thanking us for the pay-off, not taking digs on Instagram. It’s petty and beneath him.”

However, a significant portion of the fanbase has rallied behind Edwards, pointing to the shambolic nature of his exit. One supporter wrote “The man was disrespected by the club. He built that squad. If he wants to speak his mind, let him. The board botched this from start to finish.”

Others expressed concern that the controversy would destabilise the squad ahead of the new campaign, with Wolves set to face Blackburn Rovers in their Championship opener on August 8.

Club Remains Silent

Wolverhampton Wanderers have declined to comment on the matter, maintaining a stony silence despite the growing social media storm. However, internal sources suggest the club views Edwards’ post as a “distraction” and is focused on moving forward under Peixoto.

The club has pointed to its earlier statement, which described Edwards’ dismissal as “a difficult but necessary decision” following a “comprehensive review” of football operations. That explanation has done little to satisfy supporters, many of whom remain unconvinced.

The viral nature of Edwards’ deleted post ensures the story will linger, placing additional pressure on the new regime to deliver results quickly.

With the new season just two weeks away, the Wolves hierarchy may now face uncomfortable questions about their handling of Edwards’ exit  and whether the disruption was worth the gamble on a manager yet to prove himself in the Championship.

For Edwards, the incident raises questions about his own future. The former Luton Town boss has been linked with several Championship vacancies, but his public frustration may give potential employers pause.

What began as a routine pre-season friendly has now escalated into a full-blown PR crisis for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The board’s decision to axe Edwards and the manner in which it was carried out is now firmly back in the spotlight.

For now, however, the Molineux drama shows no sign of abating and a single, three-minute social media post has ensured that the ghosts of Edwards’ tenure will haunt the club for some time to come.