Exclusive:Gordon Strachan makes 'behind the scenes' Rob Edwards point and Steve Gibson admission after Middlesbrough FC drama
Gordon Strachan has encouraged Middlesbrough supporters to consider personal factors that may have influenced Rob Edwards’ decision to leave for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It is fair to say Edwards has faced plenty of vitriol since it became apparent he was Molineux-bound.
The 42-year-old only took the reins at the Riverside in the summer but has already been prised away by Wolves, who he had previously represented as a player and coach.
The dust is now starting to settle on the drama, with Middlesbrough looking forward and reportedly eyeing Hammarby IF head coach Kim Hellberg. However, it still appears likely Edwards will face a frosty reception during future visits to the Riverside.
Gordon Strachan’s verdict
Strachan, who managed Middlesbrough between October 2009 and October 2010, has insisted it is not always as simple as merely moving clubs for footballing reasons.
He told The Yorkshire Post via Video Gamer: “People will say it be might be a bit strange, your man moving on. But we don't know what's happening behind the scenes.
“His life, is it better for his family to move back to the area? There's a lot of things behind his reasons we probably don't know.”
From a purely footballing perspective, leaving a high-flying Championship club for an outfit rooted to the foot of the Premier League table does not appear particularly wise. However, Edwards has spoken candidly of his emotional connection to Wolves.
Strachan said: “I think Wolves will go down. Do I think Middlesbrough have got a good chance of going up? Yes, I do.
“They do have a good chance because that league, I don't think it's got too many outstanding teams in it, in the Championship. Again, it's okay for us to comment, but we don't know. There could be other factors rather than just football clubs.
"There might be something going in your man's life, [for him] to decide that it's the best move for him and his family."
Steve Gibson hailed
Whoever is selected as Edwards’ successor will be working for a highly-respected and long-serving owner in Steve Gibson.
Strachan, who has also managed the likes of Celtic and Southampton, has hailed Gibson as one of the best owners he has come across.
He said: "I know Steve Gibson. If you look at managers there, they're always going to get the best of chances. I don't know if there's a better-supported manager or head coach anywhere else in the business.
“I didn't do well at Middlesbrough but I've still got a friend in Steve Gibson. I've been a lucky manager, I've worked with fantastic owners, and he's up there with the best.”