ALAN SHEARER BLASTS WOLVES’ “RISKY” MOVE FOR ROB EDWARDS NAMES SIX FOOTBALL LEGENDS WHO HE SAYS WOULD’VE BEEN FAR BETTER CHOICES TO SAVE THEIR SEASON.
ALAN SHEARER BLASTS WOLVES’ “RISKY” MOVE FOR ROB EDWARDS NAMES SIX FOOTBALL LEGENDS WHO HE SAYS WOULD’VE BEEN FAR BETTER CHOICES TO SAVE THEIR SEASON.
Alan Shearer has launched a fierce attack on Wolves’ decision to appoint Rob Edwards as their new manager, calling it one of the biggest gambles of the Premier League season. The former England and Newcastle United legend didn’t hold back on Match of the Day, insisting Wolves have made a “sentimental but reckless” move that could cost them their top-flight status.
The Molineux club are expected to announce Edwards’ appointment on a three-and-a-half-year deal after reaching an agreement with Middlesbrough. The Welsh coach leaves Boro in an impressive position sitting in the Championship promotion race after losing just two of their first 14 games. Yet, Shearer believes that walking away from that project for a relegation fight with Wolves could prove disastrous.
“It’s a massive risk, not just for Wolves, but for Rob Edwards himself,” Shearer said. “I understand his emotional connection to the club he’s played there, coached there, and knows the area well. But this is the Premier League, not a nostalgia trip. Sentiment doesn’t win football matches, and it certainly doesn’t keep you in the top flight.”
Wolves are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after a torrid run of form. Eleven games into the season, they remain winless, having collected just two points from a possible 33. Their most recent outing a humbling 3-0 defeat to Chelsea summed up the mess they’re in. The Midlands side have looked lost under multiple managers and now face their toughest survival battle in years.
Shearer, who’s known for his no-nonsense takes on struggling clubs, questioned the logic behind Wolves’ decision. “They’ve gone through manager after manager since 2021 six of them in total now. When you’re in that kind of chaos, you don’t need another experiment, you need authority and stability. Edwards has talent, no doubt, but he’s unproven at this level, and Wolves simply can’t afford to take that kind of chance right now.”
The BBC pundit went further, claiming that several more experienced and iconic figures would have been better suited to lead Wolves out of their current crisis. “If I were Wolves, I’d be looking at people who’ve been there and done it real leaders, proven motivators. Someone like Steven Gerrard, who’s shown tactical maturity at Rangers and knows how to manage pressure, or Frank Lampard, who understands the demands of the Premier League.”
He continued: “If they wanted energy and charisma, Wayne Rooney would’ve been a bold choice he knows how to rally a dressing room. And if the board wanted stability, then names like Sam Allardyce, Roy Hodgson, or even Graham Potter would’ve made far more sense. Those guys know how to organise teams, manage difficult situations, and keep clubs afloat. Wolves need results, not another long-term project that might not even get off the ground.”
Shearer also sympathised with Middlesbrough fans, describing Edwards’ exit as “a cruel blow” to a club that was finally showing consistency. “He had them playing good football, they were confident, and they had momentum. To walk away mid-season feels unfair on Middlesbrough. And if things don’t go right at Wolves, he’ll have burned a bridge that was leading him to real success.”
Wolves’ board, however, believe Edwards represents the future a young, ambitious coach with a deep understanding of the club’s culture. The 42-year-old spent four years at Molineux during his playing days and later began his coaching career there in 2013, working with the academy and the under-18 side. His later spells with Forest Green, Watford, and Luton Town saw him develop a reputation for attacking football and team spirit qualities Wolves hope can reignite their campaign.
Yet Shearer remains unconvinced. “There’s no doubt he’s got ideas, but the Premier League is a different animal. You’re not building slowly here you’re fighting to survive. If you don’t hit the ground running, it’ll eat you alive. Wolves don’t have time for a learning curve.”
The former striker concluded with a grim warning for both club and coach: “Wolves are in serious danger of going down. They’ve got a fragile squad, no momentum, and a brutal fixture list coming up. If Edwards doesn’t get results fast, he won’t last the season and neither will Wolves in the Premier League.”
For now, the club’s supporters remain divided. Some see Edwards’ homecoming as a bold, romantic move; others echo Shearer’s view that it’s a desperate roll of the dice. One thing is certain Rob Edwards faces the toughest challenge of his managerial career, and he’ll need more than sentiment to silence the critics and prove Alan Shearer wrong.
