COADY: EU BET WE’LL KICK ON

CONOR COADY says boss Nuno Espirito Santo will ensure Wolves won’t suffer from second-season syndrome.

The club skipper (right) understands that it will be harder to build on last term’s success story in the Black Country.

With the Europa League to look forward to and the surprise factor no longer in play, the odds are stacked against the club causing so much of a stir this time out.

A seventh-placed finish was accompanied by a run to the semifinals of the FA Cup.

Coady says the Portuguese boss has the matter in hand.

Coady said: “We had to do our pre-season work early because of the Asia Cup and the Europa League.

“We’re as fit as we can be and feel good.

“It’s better to be playing other Premier League sides or ties in Europe – friendlies are so tough to play in. As for ‘second season syndrome’, we haven’t been thinking about it at all. We’re viewing it as another exciting chapter and a chance to improve. “People were saying, ‘They’ll finish top half’, but we never really listened to it.

“It’s up to us to get to grips with it – if teams start trying to figure us out and playing to counter that.”

Former keeper Matt Murray, who is still a regular visitor to Molineux, thinks Santo’s experience of European football will be a factor. He said: “It would be a big shout – tipping them to impact the top six while also playing European football – but I can’t see them struggling.

“The manager wants to get more bodies in and they’ve been working on some good signings.

“Despite Europe, I don’t think they will suffer from secondseason syndrome.

“They’re capable of having a good run in the Europa League too. Nuno is experienced in that arena – and so are some of the players.

“They will be taken far more seriously this season.”