Explained: How Rob Edwards' Wolves sacking unfolded

The 43-year-old was abroad on holiday but, like every manager, was using his time to prepare what Wolves may do next after pulling off the impressive signings of Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez.

He has a strong relationship with Andre and was a big part in the midfielder’s decision to sign a new contract, while Edwards was also instrumental in getting Trippier to agree to sign for Wolves - prompting the defender to praise Edwards in his club interview earlier this week.

The last few days have been one of the most positive for the football club for a number of years, after several seasons of decline that has led to relegation. The tide was turning on Edwards, to a degree, with some fans now praising his involvement in the club’s rebuild.

But by the time most people had gone to bed on Wednesday, Edwards’ time in charge of the football club had essentially come to an end.

The former defender was completely unaware that a change was inbound and was continuing his planning for pre-season, while Nathan Shi had entrusted Jorge Mendes and his right-hand man Valdir Cardoso to negotiate for Cesar Peixoto to become Wolves’ new boss.

Edwards found out about the move for Peixoto via social media reporting and there were initial denials about it’s accuracy.

But by Thursday morning Edwards had been given a phone call by Wolves chiefs to inform him of his sacking.

The decision was so left-field that some senior staff at Wolves were completely unaware of the change in direction until it had already been made public.

That is highlighted by Edwards’ club interviews following the Trippier and Jimenez signings this week, which included written quotes as well as club podcast appearances, as well as Edwards’ appearance in the announcement video of Jimenez’s return.

That was released on Tuesday night but would never have been included in the video if staff at Wolves were aware a change of head coach was imminent.

The timing of the decision is bizarre but the way it has been carried out is even more baffling.

Wolves have made an excellent start to their summer business and seemingly had a plan on how to attack the rest of the transfer window, with sporting director Matt Jackson working closely with Edwards on that.

But now Wolves have been plunged into more uncertainty on what the future holds.

It is understood that many staff internally at the football club are bemused by the decision, with some angry at the way it was done and the lack of transparency.

To put it simply, no-one at the club saw it coming, including many at the very top.

Mendes had attempted to push other managers on to Shi earlier in the season and it is understood the chairman had considered other options and analysed potential opportunities for a change.

But there was still an expectation that Edwards would continue in his role and Shi had given the manager reassurances behind the scenes, while also indicating to others inside the club privately that they would back their man.

That is why there has been so much shock at the decision taken, as Wolves are set to back a completely unproven Mendes client instead.