Rob Edwards has officially begun his third stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, returning to Molineux as the club's new manager after a five-year absence. The former youth team coach and defender has taken over from Vitor Pereira, marking another managerial change following Gary O'Neil's departure nearly a year ago.
The Dream Return to Molineux
Edwards described the appointment as fulfilling a lifelong ambition, stating openly: "I've got to be honest, this job was always my aim. This is the dream." He acknowledged the challenging situation Wolves currently face but expressed full confidence in his readiness for the task ahead.
"I know the situation that we're in right now, but this is just something that I've always wanted," Edwards added. "I'm ready for it. I'm ready for the challenge, I'm up for it, and it's been great getting around everybody, seeing so many faces that I know, and new faces as well."
The Obvious January Target
Edwards arrives with the immediate mission of orchestrating a Premier League survival campaign. His strategy will involve making an impact with the current squad before potentially diving into the competitive January transfer market to strengthen the team.
Ross Barkley emerges as the clear and obvious first signing for Edwards' new regime. The midfielder previously flourished under Edwards' management during their time together at Luton Town, where Barkley experienced a remarkable career resurgence.
Despite Luton's eventual relegation, Edwards earned widespread praise for making the team competitive on an extremely tight budget, with Barkley representing his standout success story. The midfielder had been largely written off by many in football before joining Luton on a free transfer.
Barkley's Proven Premier League Pedigree
Barkley's Premier League experience is substantial, having made 289 appearances while accumulating an impressive record of 38 goals and 34 assists throughout his top-flight career.
During his season under Edwards at Luton, Barkley demonstrated his quality by scoring five goals and providing five assists. His performances were so compelling that they sparked calls for an England recall. Sky Sports analysis revealed that by April 2024, he had completed more successful take-ons than any other player in the league while operating in a deeper midfield role.
Additionally, Barkley ranked as the fifth most effective player at winning possession in midfield, establishing himself as the creative heartbeat behind Luton's determined push to avoid relegation.
Current Situation at Aston Villa
Barkley moved to Aston Villa for £5 million in the summer of 2024, making 30 appearances during his debut season while scoring four goals and contributing two assists. He also made his mark in the Champions League, scoring a crucial goal in a 3-2 victory against RB Leipzig that helped Villa progress to the knockout stages.
However, Barkley has found opportunities limited this season, failing to secure any starts and making all five of his appearances from the substitutes' bench. He was notably omitted from Villa's Europa League squad at the beginning of the campaign due to strong competition for places within the squad.
With 18 months remaining on his contract, Barkley could potentially become available either through a cut-price transfer or a six-month loan until the season concludes.
The Edwards Factor
The relationship between manager and player could prove decisive in any potential move. Barkley has previously spoken glowingly about Edwards' man-management skills, telling Sky Sports in 2024: "I've never really spoken to a manager the way he spoke to me. I knew straight away. He was just so positive. He said, 'Just come, I want you to show how good you are, get back to your Everton days and help us stay in the league.'"
This existing understanding and mutual respect could facilitate a January move that would provide Wolves with enhanced creativity and goal threat as Edwards attempts to mastermind another great escape, this time at the club he calls home.
