Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking like certain Championshp champions – but would they be in this position had Paul Lambert remained in charge?
It’s more than a little lazy to suggest that Wolves are simply buying the Championship title. Middlesbrough and Hull City spent more money in the summer than the current league leaders after all – and look where that has got them.
Though Wolves have certainly been helped by the connections of super-agent Jorge Mendes and the heavy spending of their Chinese investors, making deals for Ruben Neves, Willy Boly and Diego Jota possible, you cannot downplay the influence of Nuno Espirito Santo in the dugout.
Since Nuno rocked up at Molineux from FC Porto, Wolves have evolved from a workmanlike side into the most attractive in the division. The difference this season compared to last is simply huge, with the former Valencia boss shaking up his side and improving players beyond recognition.
As such, you can forgive fans for being a little sceptical as Paul Lambert, the manager who guided Wolves to a 15th placed finish last season, claims that the Black Country giants would be in the same position had he remained in charge.
“I’ve got no doubt I could have them up there too and that’s not being big headed or anything, I’ve done it with Norwich and I know what it takes,” Lambert, who was sacked seven months into his reign in the summer, told the Express and Star.
Needless to say, Wolves fans are a little dubious.
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