Having brought the 2025/26 Premier League season to a close with a point on the road against Burnley, Rob Edwards wants to create a Wolves team which the supporters can be proud of during the summer.
In a game of two halves which saw the Old Gold dominate much of the opening 45 minutes before Burnley fought back after half time to leave his side rooted to the foot of the table, Edwards was left disappointed his side weren’t able to capitalise more during the period they were on top.
But with full focus on the future, Edwards is determined to ensure the team is stronger heading into the Championship so the club can bounce back as soon as possible.
On a point with Burnley to end the season
“We certainly looked really dangerous in the first-half, got off to a great start, could have had one or two more, a couple of great saves from the goalkeeper, and we weren't able to take advantage of some of those good moments and chances that we had.
“We were disappointed not to be two or three up in the first-half. Then we started the second-half really poorly, and I thought the game became a bit basketball towards the end and Sa had to make a few really good saves.
“I do think we still look the threat and we were trying to push to win the game but allowing them to come back into it in the second-half – especially in the manner that they did at the beginning of it – was really disappointing.”
On Mane’s performance
“I would use the phrase decision making, rather than that word [selfishness], but that will come with time. He's a really good player.
“He's obviously provided some excellent moments for us today, but we'll keep working with him, and he will continue to make better decisions the more experience that he gets.”
On Sa and Hwang’s emotion at the final whistle
“Potentially, that’s his [Sa’s] last game now, we'll see. He's obviously been a good performer for us this year, and one of our leaders. He made a few good saves in that second-half when we needed him to did his job, but he did it well, and we'll see what happens moving forward.
“He [Hwang] was a bit emotional, especially at the end, and we'll see what happens for him going forward, but Channy is someone that's given absolutely everything, today, and always for us, and for the football club, and he always works extremely hard.
“We'll see what happens with him going forward, but I thought it was another strong performance from him today.”
On Abbey’s senior debut
“It was a really good moment for Jerome. He's a young player that we really like, he’s a fantastic lad, really good ability. I thought he did great when he came on to the game, and with two midfielders coming out yesterday it was a chance for him, and I thought he took it really well.
“It was a nice moment for him, but we've got a really good academy here at Wolves, with loads of great staff working extremely hard, and with Mane and Tom, and then now Jerome having some action this season, hopefully there’s some inspiration there for the young players that are in the academy, that if we feel they're ready, then there'll be opportunities there for them.
“Ultimately, they’ve got to be good enough, and we feel Jerome’s deserving of it today, but he knows that he still has a lot of hard work to go.”
On Joao Gomes and Bellegarde’s absences
“His [Gomes’] absence was due to feeling his knee. He didn't train yesterday, so we felt it was the right thing not to involve him in the game. There’s a chance that Joao will move on going forward.
“JJ [Bellegarde] was sick as well, so there was two yesterday that meant we had to make a couple of changes.”
On making the fans proud next season
“The supporters were incredible there at the end, and I said to the players that they want to come with us, and we want to build a team that they’re proud to watch, and build a real connection with them again, that the players can experience at home and away next season. That’s going to be down to our hard work and the players’ performances as well.
“I say thank you and I appreciate and understand the frustration, and how challenging it's been for them this season. But I want us to look forward, I want everyone to be able to look forward. We've started with the announcement of Andre staying, which I think is great news for the football club, and we really hope there'll be more news in the coming weeks soon.
“We want to do business early, we want to build a fresh-look squad and a team that's going to be good to watch, and we'll win games of football. We haven't done that enough this year, so in challenging year, thank you for your support, now let's all try and look forward.”
