Why Portsmouth must have one eye on shock Rob Edwards, Wolves news | OneFootball

Portsmouth must have one eye on the recent shock news regarding Wolverhampton Wanderers and Rob Edwards...

Portsmouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers will find themselves competing in the same division in 2026/27 after the latter's relegation from the Premier League.

It's a scenario few would have predicted a couple of years ago, with Wolverhampton Wanderers an established Premier League side for many years and Portsmouth taking 12 seasons to get out of League One and League Two to return to the Championship in 2024.

It's evident that the two clubs have enjoyed contrasting but equally fascinating trajectories in recent seasons. Pompey have steadily rebuilt themselves under John Mousinho following promotion from League One, establishing their place in the Championship and proving they belong at this level as they prepare for a third straight second-tier season despite operating on a limited budget.

Wolves, meanwhile, have endured a difficult period that ultimately culminated in a return to the second tier despite years of top-flight stability. As a result, the clubs are now operating in similar surroundings, albeit with very different expectations.

Wolves will be under pressure to challenge near the top of the table immediately, while Portsmouth's priority will once again be continuing their progress and ensuring they remain competitive against rivals with significantly larger budgets.

Portsmouth have to be wary of other suitors for John Mousinho

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Of course, there is no immediate suggestion that Mousinho is heading anywhere now. Interest from Bristol City in Mousinho during the post-season ultimately came to nothing, with the Robins opting for Michael Skubala instead. Since that passed, Portsmouth supporters will undoubtedly be delighted to see him remain at Fratton Park.

After all, he has overseen two successful Championship campaigns since promotion, while helping to stabilise the club and help establish a clear identity on and off the pitch. That said, success inevitably attracts attention.

Mousinho's stock remains high within the game and, if Portsmouth continue to progress, it would be no surprise to see other clubs revisit their interest in the future. While Pompey will hope that scenario never materialises, sensible clubs are always prepared for every eventuality.

Should they ever find themselves searching for a successor, Rob Edwards is a name they should seriously consider. His recent spell at Wolves may not have gone to plan, and his stock has undoubtedly taken a hit following a somewhat controversial dismissal, but that should not overshadow the impressive work he has produced elsewhere.

Edwards remains one of the more highly-rated young coaches in English football and would represent a significant coup for a club of Portsmouth's stature. If Stoke City revisit interest in Mousinho again, that could require a new head coach and Edwards would be a great fit for a club like Pompey.

The strongest argument for Edwards is that some of his best work has come when operating as an underdog. His achievements with Luton Town remain remarkable. He guided the Hatters to promotion to the Premier League despite competing against clubs with far greater financial resources.

It absolutely demonstrated his ability to maximise a squad's potential and create a strong collective identity. That profile feels particularly relevant to Portsmouth as well.

Why Rob Edwards has to be on Portsmouth's radar

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Although Pompey are ambitious, they are not able to match the spending power of many Championship rivals. Success is therefore more likely to come through intelligent coaching and creating a culture that allows players to outperform expectations. Not with Wolves at Premier League level, but Edwards has already shown he can thrive in precisely those circumstances.

Furthermore, at 43, he would likely be eager to return to management quickly following his departure from Molineux. The opportunity to take charge of a stable Championship club with a passionate fanbase, ambitious ownership, and a clear long-term vision could prove to be extremely attractive.

He has a point to prove and Portsmouth would be a good fit for him. Pompey fans won't want to imagine a post-Mousinho world, but contingency plans are incredibly important for all football clubs.

That said, for now, Portsmouth's focus should remain on backing Mousinho as he looks to take the club to even greater heights.

However, if circumstances ever change, Edwards is exactly the sort of ambitious appointment that could help ensure the progress made at Fratton Park continues uninterrupted. Could they even return to the Premier League in 2027/28 after 17 years away?