Wolves 'had say in choosing new Telford boss Rob Edwards'
Telford United chief Andy Pryce has suggested Wolves had a say in the decision to appoint former coach Rob Edwards as manager at the New Bucks Head.
While not mentioning Wolves by name, interim chairman Pryce told Telford fans that he and their financial backers – understood by the Express & Star to be Wolves – had 'discussions with them about how they wanted to help with the footballing philosophy, with the environment of the football team and everything else'.
Shortly after Telford announced they had secured vital new funding management duo Rob Smith and Larry Chambers were sacked and replaced with former Wolves coach Rob Edwards, who left Molineux in May.
Wolves have had close links with Telford for the past decade, playing under-23 matches there and regularly sending players on loan.
It's understood that they are increasing their financial support for the Shropshire club, investing in improving the pitch and dressing rooms at New Bucks Head.
But interim chairman Pryce suggested at a fans' forum that the club's financial backers were influential in off-field decisions.
He confirmed to supporters that the backers took part in discussions regarding the future of Smith and Chambers and added: “We had discussions with them about how they wanted to help with the footballing philosophy, with the environment of the football team and everything else.
“It’s a very, very flexible agreement. It’s an ongoing agreement. There’s nothing signed. Going forward they’ve said it’ll be from three to five years going onto 10 years.”
Pryce continued: "There is new investment, there is new monies – it’s not mega amounts of money.
“But what it does allow is a partnership with an existing partner to grow and provide a bit more stability for this football club because it was going the wrong way again.
“The partnership is creating a new footballing philosophy, a more professional environment and facilities that Telford United can use.
“That’s what it comes down to. They’re not going to be in here in five years saying ‘I want all our money back’.
“There is funding coming in for existing services they help us with. With the community, the youth set-up, help with the ground and facilities.
“All of that is cost saving for us which means we can survive. It’s not new investment or a lump sum of money. It’s an ongoing partnership.
“The main aim for this club is to go full-time. The way we’ve discussed, there’s a good possibility that could be within the next 12 to 18 months.”
Pryce also confirmed that the club’s shareholders situation and day-to-day running will remain the same.
Edwards, aged 34, is starting his first foray into management after three years as a coach at Wolves. He is set to loan a number of talented youngsters from Compton Park's impressive academy setup.
