Wolverhampton Wanderers are embarking on a crucial new chapter as their search for a permanent manager intensifies, following the departure of Vitor Pereira.
The club's immediate focus, however, is on breaking a dismal 14-game streak without a top-flight victory when they travel to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This first match of the post-Pereira era will be overseen by interim duo James Collins and Richard Walker, who face the monumental task of steering the team away from danger after a start that has yielded just two points from 10 Premier League matches.
La Liga Boss Inigo Perez on Wolves' Radar
According to reports from Spanish outlet Radio Marca, via Sports Witness, Wolves have made contact with Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez. The 37-year-old has reportedly received a 'number of calls' from the Midlands club regarding the vacant managerial position.
Perez is a highly-regarded figure in Spanish football, with his coaching style earning comparisons to Bournemouth's successful manager, Andoni Iraola. The connection is a direct one; Perez served as Iraola's assistant at Rayo Vallecano during the 2022/23 season.
His credentials are impressive. After returning to Vallecano in February 2024, he successfully guided the team away from relegation fears. In his first full season at the helm, he achieved an eighth-place finish – the club's highest since 2013 – and secured qualification for the Conference League, marking a return to European football after a 24-year absence.
Despite this interest and the appealing parallels with Iraola, it is understood that Perez has rejected Wolves' approaches at this stage, preferring to see out the current season with his La Liga side.
Rob Edwards Emerges as Prime Candidate
The managerial saga took a significant turn concerning Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards. The former Wolves player, who turned out for the club between 2004 and 2008, is now considered the prime target for the Molineux hotseat.
The situation escalated when Edwards did not take training with his Middlesbrough squad on Friday. This followed an official approach from Wolves, which was rejected by the Championship club. Edwards had previously played down links to the job earlier in the week, but his absence from duties signals a serious development.
Credited with leading both Luton Town and Forest Green Rovers to promotion, Edwards also has existing ties to Wolves from his time in various coaching roles at the club, making him a familiar and popular figure amongst the fanbase.
As Wolves prepare for a vital clash with Chelsea, the board works diligently behind the scenes, with all signs currently pointing towards Rob Edwards as the most probable successor to lead the fight for Premier League survival.
