Jimenez key as Bruno looks to get fans on side

THE lost connection between Wolves fans and former manager Nuno Espirito Santo should not be underestimated.

It wasn’t just the success the Portuguese boss brought to the club, there was a sense that he was somebody who understood the supporters and exactly what the club meant to them at a time when new owners Fosun International were transforming things.

Nuno quickly endeared himself to the community and last year donated £250,000 to help tackle poverty in the city.

This matters because for a club like Wolves it is crucial there is a strong bond to help get through the tough times. And they will undoubtedly come again this term.

Last season petered out for a myriad of reasons, chiefly losing striker Raul Jimenez to a fractured skull while Nuno’s departure by “mutual consent” was another blow, even more so when he pitched up at Tottenham.

Crucially, new boss Bruno Lage (above) has confirmed that Jimenez is primed to lead the line from the start of the campaign.

But doubts remain around the futures of midfielder Ruben Neves and winger Adama Traore.

Jimenez (below) will wear a custom headband that has a slim metal plate protecting the site of the fracture. His 34 goals and 13 assists in 86 Premier League appearances show his importance.

As well as the jury being out on Lage, the departure of goalkeeper Rui Patricio to Roma means there are also question marks about his replacement Jose Sa. But he is an experienced player and a double Greek league champion.

Last season’s star man Pedro Neto is expected to return from a knee injury around the turn of the year.

MANAGER: Bruno Lage

BIG SIGNING: Jose Sa (£7.2 million from Olympiakos)

KEY MAN: Raul Jimenez

VERDICT: A positive start to the season is crucial for a new manager that will have to win over people quickly, and keep hold of the spine of his team to secure a top-half finish.