WOLVES ALLOWING SUPPORTERS TO DREAM AGAIN

THE famous colour of the strip this season may be closer to mellow yellow than old gold but fans with long enough memories believe Wolves are playing a style of football comparable to the finest periods in the club’s storied history. Victory over Southampton took Wolves to within three points of the Champions League places and, while only the most romantic think that final position is possible, the sense is growing that a top-half finish is entirely realistic. It required persistence and two late goals to earn a third win of the campaign as Ivan Cavaleiro scored with his first touch in the Premier League and Jonny Otto added his first for Wolves. Converting chances has been an issue for the side and might need resolving with a January signing but once again manager Nuno Espirito Santo oversaw a performance that offered a clear identity and unflinching imagination. His players know their roles and move across the pitch in synchronicity to prise open gaps in attack and maintain solidity in defence. Matt Doherty was exceptional down the right — setting up the second — and Conor Coady gave another accomplished display in central defence. Chairman Jeff Shi has moved with his family from China to Wolverhampton and is a regular presence at the training ground, an indication of how closely club owners Fosun International are studying matters. The Chinese conglomerate, led by Guo Guangchang, will supply the funds for Nuno to have the squad he desires. In the summer, that included a club record £18million for Adama Traore, the winger whose speed created Cavalerio’s opening goal. It is a world away from that 2013-14 season spent in League One, when manager Kenny Jackett had to trim finances. Right now, the club look full value for their place in the Premier League table.