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After a day with little other than the finalisation of a transfer talk about, news of which was leaked almost a week ago, the big question that still remains unanswered is where has this season gone wrong?

And there is no silver bullet, no one factor that will provide a simple answer.

Have the players lost the skill and worth ethic they showed in abundance last season?

Not even the most ardent McCarthy critic can believe that, but speak to any of them and you might believe that were true.

Listen to the change in opinion on Karl Henry alone and you start to feel the bodysnatchers have replaced the player who John Bray no less thought so highly of, that he opined that if Wolves won the play off final, then it should be he leading the team up the Wembley steps to recieve the £20 million Winners trophy.

There have been accusations of favouritism in McCarthy's first team selections.

That he no longer applies last seasons rule that those showing best in training will get a start on Saturday, although that seems to be based more on fans dislikes, than who Mick McCarthy's likes.

One undeniable factor has been the loss of Michael Kightly, but equally as damaging was the pre season loss of Michael McIndoe, his opposite wing foil.

Given Wolves low scoring record, for him to have led the league in assists last season suggests that his contribution was a lot higher than some would admit, close to putting as many goals on a plate as the rest of the team combined.

One things for sure, it's not down to the fans.

Although the current vocal displays of discontent arent exactly having a positive effect, no one has ever blamed them, though in Jez Moxey, Mick McCarthy, Andy Keogh et al stating the obvious, that it isn't in any way helping, you could be forgiven for thinking they had done much worse, and been offering season tickets to The Hawthorns to the malcontents.

Whatever the reason, Mick McCarthy has up until 4.45 Saturday to galvanise his players into the unit they once were against 23rd place Scunthorpe, with one win their last 15 games.

Anything less and the swell of vexation will turn into a tidal wave to rival any a Wolves manager has had to ride in recent years.