Rob Edwards turns down Burnley after Craig Bellamy deal collapsed | OneFootball

Burnley have been dealt another setback in their search for a new manager after Rob Edwards turned down the opportunity to take charge at Turf Moor.

According to talkSPORT, the Clarets identified Edwards as a leading candidate after their pursuit of Wales head coach Craig Bellamy unexpectedly collapsed.

Burnley had been in advanced discussions with Bellamy about replacing Scott Parker, but negotiations eventually broke down due to disagreements over the composition of his coaching staff.

With that move no longer possible, Burnley shifted their attention to Edwards, only for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss to reject their approach.

Edwards is currently without a club after being dismissed by Wolves earlier this month following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

He had arrived from Middlesbrough in November in an attempt to rescue Wolves’ season, but despite his efforts, they were unable to avoid the drop.

His departure did not sit well with everyone at the club.

Reports suggest several players were disappointed by the decision, including experienced full-back Kieran Trippier, who had only recently joined Wolves.

While his spell at Molineux Stadium ended in disappointment, Edwards remains highly regarded for his earlier success with Luton Town.

He guided the Hatters to promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship play-offs in 2023.

Burnley are now expected to continue their search, with Steve Cooper among the names believed to be under consideration.

Cooper has been out of work since leaving Danish side Brondby last month and has built a strong reputation during his managerial career.

He led Nottingham Forest back to the Premier League in 2022 and has also managed Leicester City and Swansea City.

The Clarets are under increasing pressure to make an appointment quickly.

Their pre-season programme begins on July 10, leaving little time for a new manager to prepare the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Burnley will travel to the United States for fixtures against FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake before returning to Europe for friendlies against Ajax and Espanyol.