Mick McCarthy : Man Of The People

Mick McCarthy is intent on reversing the recent trend amongst Wolves managers to distance themselves from the club's fanbase, and is busily setting about the job of getting to know Wolverhampton Wanderers bread and butter- their supporters

'Spending time with the fans is part of the job, as far as I see it,' Mick told the clubs official site, adding

'Without the fans the club is no good. Players, managers and staff come and go over time but it is the fans who stay, and continue to support their team even when they've moved out of the area.'

All this is in stark contrast to Mick's predecessor, Glenn Hoddle who, whilst starting off in fans' good books by hailing them as some of the best in the land, then came a cropper suggesting poor fan response to less than inspiring prformances were not helping the cause, and may have been making matters worse.

Of course, the meet and greet merry go round is not a new area for Mick, who has never been accused of being aloof, and is one reason why Sunderland fans still hold him in high regard.

They were honest wih him, and to his credit, he was just as honest back as their Premiership dream turned into a nightmare of Elm Street preportions.

'I did it all at Sunderland, meeting the fans, attending question and answer sessions, going out and speaking to people. It's all part and parcel of being a football manager.

'They might not always like what I have to say but at least fans can know they'll always get the honest answer!'

One surprise from Mick is his desire to move into The Black Country, furhter emmersing himself into the culture of Wolerhampton Wanderers.

'I'll also be looking to move into the local area. My home is in Bromley in Kent, and I lived on Teeside when I was with Sunderland. I can't commute from there, so, given time, I shall be living up here.'

Few Wolves managers have ever needed reminding exactly what Wolverhampton Wanderers mean to the people of the city.

But living alongside them is one way showing that you appreciate just as much as they do how much success would mean.

Another day, another Merlin magical touch.

Keep up the good work Mick.

The friends you're making now may come in handy not that far down the road.

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