INCE: KEEP THAT SPIRITO ,WOLVES
Former captain claims Nuno’s promoted heroes work so well, they only need a few buys for Prem
PAUL INCE has paid tribute to Wolves’ unsung heroes – and warned against a huge overhaul of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this summer.
Wolves were promoted to the Premier League yesterday when Brentford snatched a late draw at Fulham.
They can also all-but secure the Championship title at Molineux today if they beat Birmingham as Cardiff would be 12 points behind with four games to play with an inferior goal difference.
But, as they get ready to return to the top flight for the first time since 2012, former skipper Ince has stood up for the lesser lights at Molineux.
While the likes of loan star Diogo Jota and £15million arrival Ruben Neves have glory, others have been almost ignored.
Top agent Jorge Mendes – called on by Wolves since the summer of 2016 – is credited as the force behind the signings of Jota and Neves, from Atletico Madrid and Porto respectively. The Portuguese wheeler-dealer could have a big potential role in shaping Wolves for next season. But Ince believes that several other players have not received due recognition for their part in the Wolves promotion push. And Ince says the team’s spirit proves just one or two tweaks – rather than radical change – are how to prepare for the top flight. Ince said: “A lot has been made of the Jorge Mendes situation – and rightly so. “But I’d caution against ripping it up and starting again with a new team next season. Wolves should think long and hard about that. There are some key players who haven’t been brought in by Mendes. Players such as Barry Douglas, Matt Doherty, John Ruddy and Conor Coady.
“Everyone has talked about the likes of Neves and, yes, he’s had a big impact.
“But it’s disrespectful to those other players not to mention their contribution.
“Clearly, there is a good blend and balance in the side. It’s the first season they would have played together and they have developed an understanding.
“So I would be very careful about where they spend the money if I was in Wolves’ shoes.
“By all accounts, the owners are ready to spend – and that’s great, because when I was promoted with the club that didn’t happen.
“Mick Mccarthy didn’t go mad with the chequebook when he was promoted either.
“So, it’s great – if I believe what I’m reading that they have these resources. I just hope they manage to retain the balance while strengthening for the Premier League.”
Ince (below) was a skipper during Sir Jack Hayward’s reign, when the late owner famously pulled the plug on spending once Wolves went up in 2003, leaving then boss Dave Jones in the lurch.
Ince is convinced that a reawakening of the club will be on the cards now. He added: “No one has been able to realise Wolves’ potential. That’s a shame – it is the pride of the city but also a huge club.
“Outside Wolverhampton, I’m not sure people understand that.
“It has the history, tradition and facilities. I’d love to see the club be a real force in the Premier League. The supporters deserve it.”
Paul Ince is a Paddy Power ambassador for the Conifa World Football Cup, which kicks off in London on May 31. Visit http://www.conifa.org/en/2018/03/07/stadiumand-ticketing-information-for-conifas-2018paddy-power-world-football-cup/