Rob Edwards tonight hailed the spirit and commitment of the Wolves players as they hit back to claim a draw from the televised clash at Blackburn Rovers.
In a game played in a surreal atmosphere as the home fans protested, Rovers went in front through a fine strike from Sam Gallagher in the 13th minute.
Wolves created plenty of chances without finding a breakthrough, that was until Ewood Park specialist Dave Edwards popped up to score at this stadium for the third successive season to equalise 12 minutes from time.
“I said to the lads after the game that they gave us everything,” said the interim Head Coach.
“It was a tight game, a bit like basketball at times, and while we wanted to win the game and were still trying to win the game we will take a point, especially having been 1-0 down.
“I think we deserved it having had 16 shots away from home and that was pleasing because there were elements in the chances created that we had worked on and we got a lot of crosses into the box.
“Some of the patterns of play involving our full backs and midfielders were another positive as well.
“There were also elements of our performance which need a bit of work.
“We weren’t as compact as we would have liked to have been and allowed them too many chances as well.
“In some spells without the ball we were too open which is something we mentioned at half time and at the end of the game.
“In terms of workrate, commitment and spirit the players were excellent.
We created a lot of chances throughout the game and it was great to get that goal.
“I was pleased for the players because they have reacted really well this week.
“They have taken on some new messages and have been focused and I am proud of how they have responded.”
Edwards also offered praise to his namesake, midfielder Dave, who again popped up with a vital goal when heading home Matt Doherty’s cross.
“Dave has done that so many times for this club,” he said.
“He was given a round of applause when he came in the dressing after the game.
“He runs and runs and runs, and has got loads of quality and comes up with important goals.”
Another to receive praise from a character-fuelled comeback was keeper Andy Lonergan, who came on for the injured Carl Ikeme at half time.
Both produced excellent saves in either half.
“Carl was struggling around his hip area which I think came after he stretched to make a save,” said Edwards.
“He was having it iced at half time and I don’t yet know the extent of the problem.
“Hopefully he won’t be out for too long because he is very important for us.
“But Andy came on and was different class as well.
“He made a couple of great saves and is a really good keeper to bring on – he has bags of experience at this level.”
Edwards was again asked if he would like to be a contender for the vacant Head Coach position on a more permanent basis.
Whilst he is thoroughly enjoying the experience, and working with the staff and players, he insists he cannot allow himself to become distracted.
“It has been an enjoyable week, I am not going to lie,” he said.
“It was a really good experience today as well.
“Both the staff and the players have been really supportive.
“But it is the boring answer of taking every day as it comes and now starting with the recovery and looking ahead to Derby.
“What happens next is something for the people above to answer.
“I am fully committed to what I am doing and I am enjoying what I am doing.
“If it’s another week then great, if it’s a couple of days then fine.
“I have had many different roles at this club and I love this club – this is a really proud day and moment for me.
“If it just the once then fantastic but if it is anything more than that then equally fantastic!
“I thoroughly enjoyed it today and am really proud of the players and I thought the fans were fantastic as well.
“I have not been told anything else and am just concentrating on the job that I am doing.
“I can’t afford to think about anything else because all my focus has to be on the day to day and making sure that we do the best we can for the club and for the players.
“If I allow other things to come into my head then I am not going to be as focused on that as I need to be.
“I can’t look any further ahead than Monday.”
