Alan Shearer takes aim at Rob Edwards for 'very harsh' Middlesbrough decision ahead of Wolves move | OneFootball

Alan Shearer has given his verdict on Rob Edwards' decision to leave Middlesbrough for Wolves.

Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer has criticised Rob Edwards for his decision to leave Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough for Premier League bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Edwards only took over at Middlesbrough in June when he signed a three-year contract to replace Michael Carrick, and his side had emerged as surprise automatic promotion contenders in the Championship after an outstanding start to the season.

Speculation over Edwards' future at the Riverside Stadium began to gather pace when he was linked with Wolves following the sacking of Vitor Pereira last Sunday, but the Midlands outfit saw their initial approach for the 42-year-old rejected by Boro on Thursday.

However, Edwards then informed the club that he wished to hold talks about a possible move to Molineux, where he spent four years as a player before serving as a coach and interim manager, and he was subsequently stood down for Boro's game against Birmingham City on Saturday.

Edwards is set to sign a three-and-a-half year contract with Wolves, with his appointment expected to be confirmed early next week as discussions continue over the make-up of his coaching staff, and a compensation figure in the region of £2 million has been agreed with Boro.

In Edwards' absence, Boro picked up a 2-1 victory over Birmingham under the guidance of assistant coach Adi Viveash to move back up to second in the Championship table, while Wolves were beaten 3-0 at Chelsea on Saturday night and remain bottom of the Premier League with just two points to their name.

Alan Shearer reacts as Rob Edwards prepares to swap Middlesbrough for Wolves

When asked if he was surprised by Edwards' decision to leave Middlesbrough for Wolves, Shearer admitted that it is harsh on the Teesside outfit to lose their head coach so early in his tenure, and he claimed that he could be facing an impossible task to keep his new club in the Premier League.

"Well, I get his connection with Wolves and where he is and has a house in that particular area, but I think Middlesbrough gave him a great opportunity and I think it's very harsh on them," Shearer said on Match of the Day.

"I think it's a huge risk from his point of view because I don't see them staying up at all.

"I don't see enough ability in that squad, and I don't see it being very inviting for any player to go there in January either, so it's a big gamble."

As Boro begin their search for Edwards' replacement, Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is believed to be one name on their radar, while ex-Wolves manager Gary O'Neil and Millwall boss Alex Neil have also been linked with the role.

After the disappointing end to his time at Luton Town, the appointment of Edwards was a big risk for Middlesbrough in the summer, and many felt he was somewhat fortunate to land the job at the Riverside Stadium.

Edwards proved to be an excellent choice as he led his side into automatic promotion contention, but it is a hugely controversial decision for him to walk away after less than five months in charge, particularly after his previous comments about his affection for the club and his emphasis on togetherness.

The sense of anger the Boro faithful feel about Edwards' imminent exit was reflected in the stands during the game against Birmingham on Saturday, with supporters holding up banners criticising their soon-to-be former head coach and frequently chanting against him.

It is difficult to disagree with Shearer that Edwards is facing an uphill battle to keep Wolves in the Premier League, with no side having ever survived after picking up just two points from their first 11 games, and that makes his decision to make the switch to Molineux even more baffling.