Rob Edwards has admitted that Wolverhampton Wanderers require a significant squad overhaul this summer as they prepare for life in the Championship. The head coach was unable to prevent the club's relegation from the Premier League, and they will now compete in the second tier for the first time since 2018.
Edwards made it clear that while he does not expect to sell every senior player, he has identified those he wishes to retain. However, he stressed that change is necessary to facilitate the club's resurgence.
“I don't think it'd be completely, totally (different), but I think there'll be a lot of changes and I think there needs to be,” Edwards said. “There are players in the dressing room now that we're getting on really well with, that we like, who have been performing well, that we'd be keen to keep here. We are in control of a lot of those situations, but sometimes if bigger or other opportunities come along that players really want to explore, then we have to see.”
He added: “But what I would say is any decision that we make, it's got to be right for the football club. That's really important that we say that. I think there will be a lot of change, but we want to try and keep players that want to be here, but we think are very good players as well, because we want to be strong.”
Edwards eager for early business
Edwards is keen to conduct transfer business swiftly this summer, though he acknowledges it is unrealistic to have everything in place before pre-season begins. He revealed that chairman Nathan Shi and sporting director Matt Jackson are working hard alongside him and his coaching staff to assemble a strong group as quickly as possible.
“I think it's very difficult and probably unrealistic to say from the first day of pre-season that we're going to have it all there, because there will still be a World Cup going on and some of our lads will be out there, and maybe players that we're targeting will be out there and involved as well,” Edwards explained.
“It would be silly of me to say and promise people that, but as early as possible, they all know my desire to get working with the group as quickly as we can. They all see the positive side of that and recognise that in the past it's probably been difficult for the coaches then to build what you want to be able to build, a way of playing and a spirit in the group and everything else.”
He concluded: “There might be some late stuff because it has to be that way with some, but all of us are in agreement that we want to try and get a lot of work done early.”
