Championship manager stood down for match due to club concerns

Rob Edwards will not be at the helm for Middlesbrough's showdown with Birmingham City today (Saturday), as club officials have decided to stand him down for the match amid concerns over his future at the club. Premier League side Wolves are keen to snatch Edwards away from Boro.

At present, it remains unclear who will step in to replace Edwards for this one match, with the club set to issue a statement to provide further details. The decision regarding Edwards comes after extensive discussions between the head coach and club officials on Friday, following an official approach from Wolves to speak with him on Thursday.

In addition to not managing the game against Birmingham, Edwards did not oversee training on Friday morning and his customary pre-match press conference was called off. Instead, the 42-year-old was in talks with senior club officials, including owner Steve Gibson, in an attempt to resolve the situation.

Edwards' future at the club hangs in the balance, although club sources have suggested that their firm stance on Wolves' approach remains unaltered at this point.

As it stands, Wolves are believed to still be keen to discuss their vacant position with Edwards, with reports suggesting he is interested in the role. In addition to having a strong connection with the Premier League club as both a player and a coach, his family also resides nearby.

However, a crucial three points are up for grabs this Saturday at the Riverside, with Boro eager to return to their winning form after a three-match winless streak. Birmingham City, fresh from two back-to-back 4-0 victories at home, will be the visitors, but their away record is less impressive, with just two wins from seven matches.