Edwards could potentially benefit from a move to Portman Road, but it may not be a risk worth taking.
Rob Edwards has already had an eventful managerial career at just 41.
Rob Edwards took his first permanent job in the EFL at Forest Green Rovers before the start of the 2021/22 season, guiding them to promotion from League Two at the end of his first campaign. Forest Green were dominant for much of that season, finishing as champions despite a late wobble.
His success at Forest Green earned him a move to Watford, although his departure was criticized by Rovers’ owner Dale Vince, potentially tainting his reputation slightly. Despite this, Edwards moved forward, bolstered by the support of Watford’s CEO, Scott Duxberry. Before the 2022/23 season, Duxberry declared that the Hornets would back Edwards “come hell or high water,” a surprising statement given the club’s high managerial turnover rate in preceding years.
However, the 41-year-old was dismissed after just 10 league games in charge, being sacked in September 2022.
| Rob Edwards’ time at Watford (All competitions) | |
|---|---|
| Games | 11 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 3 |
He may not have made the best start to life at Vicarage Road, but it was a harsh decision to sack him and many were critical of the Hornets board’s decision to relieve the young coach of his duties.
Thankfully for him, he was given a second chance to shine in the Championship by Watford’s arch-rivals Luton Town, with the former defender coming in to replace Nathan Jones less than two months after his departure from the Hertfordshire side.
He was able to build on Jones’ excellent work and took the Hatters to the Premier League last year, via the play-offs.
But they have come back down after failing to get enough points on the board, despite making a solid fist of staying up against the odds, outperforming both Burnley and Sheffield United on the whole.
Rob Edwards linked with Ipswich Town move amid Kieran McKenna links
Kieran McKenna has been heavily linked with a move away from Ipswich Town in recent weeks, with clubs such as Brighton, Chelsea, and Manchester United reportedly showing interest in the Northern Irishman.
If McKenna does depart, Rob Edwards has been identified as a potential replacement for the Tractor Boys, who were promoted to the Premier League earlier this month.
With Luton Town being relegated and Ipswich moving up, the opportunity to take charge at Portman Road could be enticing for the 41-year-old Edwards, who will likely be eager to continue challenging himself at the highest level.
Rob Edwards needs to think carefully if he’s offered the Ipswich Town job
Ipswich could be an excellent destination for Rob Edwards.
There’s a good feeling at Portman Road right now, and the fans are extremely excited about the new season—a buzz the 41-year-old will want to experience, having felt it last year as well.
A chance to stay at the top level will be tempting for Edwards, who will want to overcome his 2023/24 disappointment and assert himself as a top-flight manager again. Ipswich’s owners have backed McKenna with some good additions, and Edwards may have a substantial budget to work with if he makes the switch to Suffolk.
However, Edwards needs to be extremely careful.
The young manager won’t want to risk having two relegations on his CV early in his career, which could happen if he moves to Portman Road but fails to shine. Ipswich have been out of the Premier League for so long that even their most diehard fans would be thrilled with finishing 17th next season. Overseeing two relegations could diminish his future prospects—a concern for a 41-year-old aiming for success.
Moreover, Edwards doesn’t want to be seen as someone who betrays clubs easily. He received criticism for the way he left Forest Green, and leaving Luton now could hurt the Hatters, who gave him a chance to manage in the second tier shortly after his departure from Vicarage Road. The Bedfordshire outfit would rightfully expect loyalty from their current manager.
At Kenilworth Road, Edwards has the opportunity to add top-quality players to his squad, continue operating under stable ownership, and compete for promotion to the top flight again. Wins in the second tier next season could boost his confidence.
Conversely, at Portman Road, he would likely be fighting relegation. Edwards will have plenty of chances to manage in the top tier again if he proves his worth, so he should consider staying at his current club even if an offer from Ipswich comes in.
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