Rob Edwards promoted to Wolves first-team

The former Wolves, Aston Villa and Wales defender was forced to retire from playing through at just 30-years-old in summer 2013 through injury.

The centre-back had just completed a loan spell at Shrewsbury Town, where he finished the season on the sidelines with a thigh problem.

Edwards joined Wolves' back-room team in 2014 and took the team to international glory last month, winning the Bitzer Cup in Germany.

The 32-year-old was also helping first-team boss Kenny Jackett with training and match preparation towards the end of the campaign, duties which have now been made his main role.

Edwards said: "I'm delighted and humbled to be given the opportunity to work alongside Kenny, Joe Gallen, the rest of the first-team staff and the players.

"I'm pleased that the head coach wants to take me as part of his staff and I'm looking forward to being able to help in whatever way I can.

"We enjoyed a really good season in the academy, which is all down to a fantastic and successful group of staff who were a pleasure to work with.

"I'd like to thank Jez Moxey, Steve Morgan, Kevin Thelwell and Gareth Prosser for all their help over the last year."

Academy manager Gareth Prosser is sad to lose Edwards from the youth set-up, but is now looking to bring in a top-quality replacement.

Prosser said: "Rob has carried out some excellent work with the Under-18s this season and we could all see the progress made by the lads during the season.

"Rob fitted into the Wolves way immediately when returning to the club in a coaching capacity, so we wish him well in what is a fully-deserved move up to the senior ranks.

"We will now be looking to recruit a new head coach for the Under-18s and will be looking for the successful applicant to come in and continue to build on Rob's impressive work over the last 12 months."