I have never experienced anything like it. The feelings of sickness, nerves and depression to then somehow arrive at ecstasy all seem worth it now, despite the worrying heart palpitations. Out of darkness cometh light.
But where do Premier League Wolves go from here? Who stays? Who goes? Who comes in? How do we avoid such trauma and aim for a boring yet potentially heart-saving mid-table finish next season?
Well, we beat the top three so we’re obviously capable of beating the best. Add to that Liverpool away and Albion at home and we had some fantastic performances, although often tarnished by some truly dreadful showings. We need to find a happy medium and not buckle against the so called lesser teams; the Stokes, the Boltons and the Newcastles. If we can also eradicate the stupid defensive errors, especially in the final minutes of games, mid-table certainly seems achievable.
A handful of players continued to impress and improve while remaining grounded to the bond and beliefs McCarthy has instilled at Molineux. Indeed player of the year Matt Jarvis is now an England international. Sounds good doesn’t it? His effect towards the end of the season was diminished due to opponents being wise to his danger but if he continues to develop at such a steady rate he should find another gear next season. Kevin Doyle, is there anyone in the league who works as hard manning the front line? I pray we can distract his admirers and hold onto him while hoping the addition of a few more goals could guide Wolves to mid-table nirvana. Stephen Fletcher, thankfully found his shooting boots when it mattered and if played more regularly could top his 12 goal tally. Karl Henry did a tidy job in front of the defence and reacted well to the bad press after removing the legs of many an opponent early in the season. Wayne Hennessey is a great stopper although the number of goals that flew past him from distance is a worry. But with the manager’s faith restored he should be another one who steps it up a notch next season. Stephen Hunt has demonstrated he’s the man for the scrap. His display against West Brom connected with the stands as his contagious spirit saw us through for those now vital three Black Country points.
But lets be realistic, we escaped relegation by the skin of our nail biting teeth so something’s not quite right.
We’ve been screaming out for a decent left back since we won the Championship, someone who doesn’t panic in possession or get caught out of position. I love the enthusiasm and obvious passion of George Elokobi and Stephen Ward, but they’re simply not up to the challenge of the better right wingers in the league.
We also need a commanding centre half (maybe two). Stearman and Berra seem far too nervous while Jody Craddock can’t go on forever; I’m sure the sounds of his aging bones echo around Molineux every time he’s turned by a tricky forward. Will Mancienne sign again? I like him but he lacks presence. Steven Mouyokolo (remember him?) was supposed to fill this obvious defensive gap, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s shipped out this summer after struggling with form and fitness.
Another ball winning midfielder could also benefit those tough away days when we stretch five across midfield with two advancing wingers. I’m guessing Jamie O’Hara will sign permanently, so to aid his attacking promise another anchor man alongside Henry could see his obvious creative shackles shaken while still protecting the back four.
Alongside Mouyokolo I’d expect to see Keogh, Jones, Halford move on, while Mujangi Bia surely won’t have his loan renewed and Vokes will probably seek a season long Championship level loan.
Hopefully, a fully fit Kightly will be a welcome boost alongside the expected permanent arrival of O’Hara. Then we require four or five signings of stature to fill the voids listed. To move onto the next level we require quality, real Premier League quality because for the third season running, WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE.