Arrival

Having barely been given a chance in his previous role in management, Edwards was announced as the man to replace the out-going Nathan Jones at Kenilworth Road in November 2022. “I’m really pleased that they see past that and deem me as the right person to play a part in the next chapter of this club going forward,” he says in his first interview.

Boro away, first game

The new boss had a month to prepare for his first game in charge – a toughie away at Middlesbrough. A beautifully-hit strike from Jordan Clark had Edwards dreaming of the perfect start to life in the hotseat, only for Boro to hit back and earn all three points at the very, very death.

A big first win on Boxing Day

The wait for your first win as the new manager can be long and frustrating one. Thankfully for Rob, he needn’t have worried as two weeks after the defeat at the Riverside, the Town secured a first win for the new manager, with Cauley Woodrow’s late strike seeing off Norwich at the Kenny.

That festive feeling

Buoyed by beating the Canaries, Edwards’ side were on a roll. Two wins in quick succession followed, both on the road. A wonderful 3-0 victory at QPR was backed up by a comeback win at Huddersfield on New Year’s Day 2023.

Cardiff win and deadline day

Results kept coming. Just when it looked as though the Town would have to settle for a point at home to Cardiff, up popped Elijah Adebayo two minutes from time to earn a crucial win. The following day, on transfer deadline day, Edwards snapped up Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba on-loan and signed Joe Taylor from Peterborough.

Promotion credentials cemented

Edwards’ side showed no signs of stopping as the Hatters continued to churn out important victories in the Championship. Three 1-0 wins in a row were secured in early March, including at promotion rivals Sheffield United thanks to Carlton Morris’ second half strike – a result which sent a message out to the rest of the Championship.

Derby day

After the Town were on the end of a less than favourable result against their near neighbours in October, Edwards masterminded a more memorable occasion at a white-hot Kenny against his former club. Goals from Gabe Osho and Allan Campbell turned the tables on the Hornets to all-but secure their place in the play-offs.

Play-off pleasure

A third place finish on 80 points – a magnificent achievement in itself – saw Edwards and the Town in the play-offs once more. After a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland the Hatters returned to the Kenny for the second leg where Edwards’ side roared back. Goals from Osho and Tom Lockyer earned a 2-0 win to send the Hatters to Wembley.

That Day at Wembley

Eight months and one day after he was left unemployed, Edwards guided the Town to the Premier League after a rollercoaster occasion under the arch against Coventry in the play-off final.

We are Premier League

Edwards and the Town had made it to the top-flight – a season which kicked off on the south coast at Brighton.

Everton, our first PL win

On a rain soaked Saturday at Everton, the Town secured their first victory in the top-flight in over 30 years. Goals from Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris were the difference on an afternoon to remember at Goodison Park.

Two in a row at Christmas

Just like 12 months before, Edwards and the Town enjoyed a fruitful festive period, with two important back-to-back wins in the Premier League, over Newcastle and Sheffield United, breathing new life into the Hatters’ survival hopes.

Brighton under the lights

On one of the most memorable evenings at Kenilworth Road in recent years, Edwards and the Town celebrated a 4-0 win over Brighton with the team 2-0 to the good inside just three minutes.

A top-flight season ends

There are tears at West Ham as, despite their best efforts to stay in the Premier League, the Hatters succumb to relegation. However, we finish in 18th place, winning friends along the way for the style of play, determination and never-say-die attitude under Edwards’ leadership.

Signed, sealed, delivered

A fresh new contract is offered by the board and Edwards accepts a deal to tie him to the club for a further four years.