Winds Of Change

Worryingly, the current main Wolves story in the redtops isn't about our transfer moves, it's about a move of a different kind.

Initially sparked by Korea's unsolicited approach for Gus Hiddink's replacement, and fuelled by similar voices within the FIA, the questions all now revolve around the future of Mick McCarthy.

Even prior to the reports and rumours of a rift with owner Steve Morgan, the tide of public opinion regarding Merlin had started to turn.

Seven matches, with no wins brings a heavy toll upon those brave enough to prowl the Wolves technical area, from fans crying out for success, but this reign was supposed to have been different.

Perhaps McCarthy has been a victim of his own minor achievements.

An intial spree of outstanding signings turned a season of careful rebuilding on a shoestring into a genuine promotion push, and with it came that most dreaded of words in the Wolves lexicon of cliches, expectation.

Expectation that says 9 wins in 26 matches is never, will never be enough.

And perhaps there has also been a certain inevetabilty that when the honeymoon was over and the stewardship of Glenn Hoddle almost forgotten, continuing success and constant improvement would be the only things to keep the vocal dissenters on his side.

Although only five points behind the same point last season, Wolves have recorded three less victories. Three victories that would have seen them a point away from the top spot, and the fans singing a completely different tune.

That's how slim the margin is between percieved success and failure in the Championship.

Or the Premiership , as Sam Allardyce will no doubt tell you.

And with the affable son of Dudley, a Wolves supporter no less now on the market, the clamour for change will get louder before it recedes.

The calls for long term stability have stopped echoing around Molineux, as have the chants of Super Super Mick McCarthy.

His league record over the last season and a half stands at Won 31, Drawn 20 and Lost 21 , not appalling by any stretch of the imagination.

But whilst the terrace malaise may be caused by feelings of dissatisfaction with the quality of recent performances, the rumoured boardroom wrangles have a different basis, and if true, that is what will be the decisive factor in the future of the once popular Yorkshireman.

If McCarthy is jetisoned before the end of the season, would the club be any better off?

Would Big Sam come anyway if he did, or any other manager of his repute?

Personally, I think the club, and the fans owe Mick the chance to show grace under pressure and put Wolves back in the promotion hunt, and if the season ends in failure, review the situation then.

Not in the transfer window.