Mick Aiming High

As if to hammer home the change in attitude at Molineux, Mick McCarthy has publicly set this coming seasons target.

A top two automatic promotion place.

While last year was seen by many as only a period for rebuilding, which it turned out to be, officials within the club privately had a goal of a play off spot as a minimum requirement.

Now with his squad largely in place, McCarthy is in no mood to play down his expectations.

'We got into a good position last season and finished fifth' he told the clubs official site. 'But we've got to be better than that and looking at the top two spots,'

'There's no point dressing it up any other way, the top two has to be the aim.'

The pressure of expectation has at times been said to hang around Wolves necks like a millstone, and has led to fierce criticism when time and time again those hopes have been dashed.

But there is a growing sense that McCarthy's mix of lean, hungry, ambitious youngsters and wise experienced heads can combine into one of this seasons teams to be feared.

The squad has now been further strengthened in defence and attack, and there is a hint that there there will be more additions before the first ball is kicked in anger.

And if Mick McCarthy can achieve his goal it will be one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the clubs history.