Rob Edwards taking Telford experience into new Wolves role
Rob Edwards says he's come back to Wolves a changed man as he eyes up helping the next generation progress through to the first team.
Edwards was recently appointed as under-23s boss, a year after leaving to take charge at non-league Telford.
The 35-year-old had a baptism of fire in management in what was a difficult season, with Telford in relegation trouble in National League North before Edwards guided them to safety in the final weeks.
After leaving New Bucks Head he's returned to the club where he was previously a player, under-18 boss, first team coach and caretaker boss for two matches in 2016/17.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Edwards said.
"I'll be different, you always learn.
"What last year gave me, it was a real experience with pressure on.
"We didn't win every week and we had to try and learn quickly about what was required.
"It taught me that it was more about motivation and organisation towards the end and less around the real detail and the coaching.
"Hopefully now we can marry up the two.
"When I was successful in getting the job I was really pleased and proud to be coming back to the club after my year away.
"It wasn't a difficult decision to apply.
"After last year, which I feel was really good for me, it was important to try and progress not only myself further but I feel like my strength is developing players as well.
"This is where I need to be at the moment going forward."
With Wolves now in the top flight the challenge facing academy prospects to progress to the first team gets a lot tougher.
Edwards said as under-23 boss his job would be about developing players and getting results.
"The bar's been set even higher," he added. "In order to get into that first team squad you've got to be some player.
"Players may have jumped a bit quicker when the club was in the Championship or League One.
"It's going to be tough but we as a staff have to be better as well.
"The club is in the Premier League, we all need to improve and if that lads think we won't improve throughout academy they're mistaken.
"Everyone's got to be on their toes and willing to fight for their own position, even at under=18 and under-23 level.
"It's survival of the fittest."
