Speculation Mounts

Speculation is mounting that the search for a new boss at Molineux may finally be over. Reports suggesting that any one of a number of candidates may have already been given the nod, and the process is entering its finally stages, although the one thing no one can agree on is exactly who the successful candidate is.

'We want to make an appointment quickly and I'm confident we will do very soon.' Jez Moxey said earlier this week stopping short of shedding light on his shortlist of candidates.

It`s now well documented that one man who has definitely been interviewed is captain Paul Ince. The Guv`nor attended a formal meeting last week where he put forward his case for appointment.

Stuart Gray who currently has temporary stewardship of the club is known to have a serious interest in the job, although the subject of his application throws up an interesting set of circumstance.

As was the case when Dave Jones was sacked, Gray was immediately handed control of team affairs when Glenn Hoddle walked. And although he then, as now, expressed his interest in the role on a full time basis, he fell short of actually applying for the post stating that The Board knew where he was, and it was up to them to make him an offer, not for Gray to apply for a job he sees as the next natural career step after being assistant at Molineux under Graham Taylor, Dave Jones, and now Glenn Hoddle.

Others linked with the post are Steve Cotterill, Mark Venus, Gary Megson, Mick McCarthy and Joe Royle with unconfirmed reports suggesting that a deal has already been struck with Cotterill, and that Wolves are in the process of negotiating compensation with Burnley for his release.

Tony Mowbray, current incumbent at Hibs, south of the border, has also been linked with the job. Mowbray, who once inspired Bruce Rioch to say :
"If I had to fly to the moon I`d take Tony Mowbray, my captain, with me. He`s a magnificent man," is viewed as one of the best up and coming managers in the UK and on paper would look a more progressive appointment than that of McCarthy, Megson, Cotterill or Royle, but like Cotterill, has the millstone of compensation hanging around his neck that in Wanderers newfound cash poor existence may prove to be a stumbling block.

Club Chairman and benefactor Sir Jack Hayward is known to be sitting well and truly in Paul Ince` corner, although how much weight his endorsement carries is still open to conjecture, as is whether the club are prepared to allow The Guv`nor to continue playing whilst performing a management role.

As Wolves roll along in their third manager-less week some things seem not to have changed. One win, two draws and a loss mirrors the pattern of results achieved under Hoddle, and with a new season fast approaching, a decision on appointing his successor is now looking critical if Wolves are to move on have any chance of competing for honours this year.

Failure to act in time, and the cards could all come tumbling down in The House That Jack Built.

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