MATT: NUNO IS SIMPLY THE BEST
Wolves’ revival excites Doherty
MATT Doherty has seen his fair share of managerial upheaval during his time at Wolves, but the Irishman believes current boss Nuno Espirito Santo is the key reason behind his careerbest form.
It’s safe to say the 26-yearold has experienced the highs and lows since moving to the Black Country from Irish side Bohemians in 2011.
But the good times appear to be back at Molineux since the appointment of Nuno last summer, with Wanderers sitting pretty at the top of the Championship.
According to Doherty, the Portuguese’s appointment forced him to up his game, and he has hailed Nuno’s extraordinary impact in transforming Wolves into cast-iron title favourites.
Attention
“The manager has made a big difference,” he said. “We’ve changed formation, which seems to suit all the players.
“There have been little changes around the training ground which have helped us. I think the main one is the manager’s attention to detail – it’s second to none.
“Sometimes, we’ll train and everybody could be going home, but you’ll get pulled to one side to work on something in the gym or on the training ground for another ten or 15 minutes. It makes a big difference.
“When Nuno joined, something switched on for me. I thought, ‘this is a massive opportunity’ and I’ve been able to get myself in good nick.
“It’s the fittest I’ve ever got myself in terms of weight and how I’m looking after myself. It also helps that they weigh us every Monday at the training ground.
“I’ve been able to stay in the team and stay injury-free – it’s a good feeling.” Doherty is the only member of the Wolves squad to turn out in the Premier League for the old gold, making his league debut in the second half of a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in September 2011.
He has been through eight managers, two relegations and a promotion at Molineux.
He savoured those 45 minutes of Premier League action – and is desperate for more.
“I remember my debut when I came on at half-time,” he said. “I looked up at the clock at Anfield and I thought I was breathing pretty heavily – we had only played two minutes!
“I ended up playing well and had some good touches. That gave me some confidence.
“Since then, it’s been a rollercoaster. We got close one year in the Championship, but it has been a bit of a struggle ever since.
“Wolves needed something fresh and different, and the manager has brought that with his shape and philosophy.
“Everyone is able to go and express themselves and everyone is suited to the way we want to play.
“I know there have been a lot of managers, but Wolves is an amazing club. I would never want to waste any chance I had here.
“People would snap your hand off to play for Wolves. They gave me my first chance over in England and I owe a lot to them.”
Dreaming
Doherty believes he is in the form of his life, having made more than 30 appearances this season.
The full-back has been in and around the international set-up in recent years and admits he is dreaming of a first-ever cap for the Republic of Ireland, having been an unused substitute in last November’s goalless World Cup play-off clash with Denmark.
“It’s something I’ve thought about,” he added. “My family would love to see me play for Ireland.
“There aren’t many people who get the chance to represent their country.
“I feel like I deserve an opportunity. It’s not my decision, though. I feel like I’m in the best form, for sure. It feels better because the team is doing well.”