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24-05-2007, 12:00
</p>http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/wd2111881wolvalbion-39-tt.jpgWolves star Michael Kightly today insisted being the bookies’ favourites will hold no fear for the Molineux men.
News of Steve Morgan’s impending Ł30m takeover has prompted bookies to make Wolves the early frontrunners to land the Championship title – ending the brief period of low expectations which brought success last season.
But Kightly insists the players will meet the challenges of next season head on – and will fear no-one.
“We won’t fear being favourites. As far as I’m concerned – bring it on,” he said.
“I think we’d have been the bookies’ favourites with or without a takeover, so it hasn’t added any pressure. We performed well and that always makes you favoured for success.
“We were playing with a bit of expectation on us at the end of the season and we just have to play like we did then – working hard and doing our best.”
The gloom of the Albion play-off defeat has been blown away by Morgan’s takeover – and the prospect of boss Mick McCarthy strengthening a strong squad.
And eight days after the Hawthorns heartbreak, Kightly has had a chance to reflect on the gains made in the thrilling Championship run-in.
“It might turn out to be a good thing we didn’t get promoted because we’ll have a chance to develop as a team over the summer,” he added.
“Obviously, we wanted to be in the Premiership, but if we’re sat here next year in the top division we won’t regret it.”
The winger will start next season with a new contract and a new squad number after Jackie McNamara’s No 7 shirt became vacant.
“I do want the No 7 shirt. There have been some great players who have worn it,” he said. “The new contract is hopefully just the start. I won’t take anything for granted.”
Wolves had three players on duty in the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador in New York last night. Andy Keogh and Darren Potter started in midfield, and 18-year-old Stephen Gleeson came on for Kevin Kilbane in the 79th minute.
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/24/favourite-tag-holds-no-fears/)
News of Steve Morgan’s impending Ł30m takeover has prompted bookies to make Wolves the early frontrunners to land the Championship title – ending the brief period of low expectations which brought success last season.
But Kightly insists the players will meet the challenges of next season head on – and will fear no-one.
“We won’t fear being favourites. As far as I’m concerned – bring it on,” he said.
“I think we’d have been the bookies’ favourites with or without a takeover, so it hasn’t added any pressure. We performed well and that always makes you favoured for success.
“We were playing with a bit of expectation on us at the end of the season and we just have to play like we did then – working hard and doing our best.”
The gloom of the Albion play-off defeat has been blown away by Morgan’s takeover – and the prospect of boss Mick McCarthy strengthening a strong squad.
And eight days after the Hawthorns heartbreak, Kightly has had a chance to reflect on the gains made in the thrilling Championship run-in.
“It might turn out to be a good thing we didn’t get promoted because we’ll have a chance to develop as a team over the summer,” he added.
“Obviously, we wanted to be in the Premiership, but if we’re sat here next year in the top division we won’t regret it.”
The winger will start next season with a new contract and a new squad number after Jackie McNamara’s No 7 shirt became vacant.
“I do want the No 7 shirt. There have been some great players who have worn it,” he said. “The new contract is hopefully just the start. I won’t take anything for granted.”
Wolves had three players on duty in the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador in New York last night. Andy Keogh and Darren Potter started in midfield, and 18-year-old Stephen Gleeson came on for Kevin Kilbane in the 79th minute.
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/24/favourite-tag-holds-no-fears/)
