Whilst Richard Stearman may not be the player he once was, the Wolves defender’s leadership makes up for his shortcomings.
Having returned to Molineux following a few years away, there was a mixed feeling about Richard Stearman’s start to his second tenure at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Some felt that the 29-year-old had lost a step and others thought it was a move purely based on money, but it wasn’t.
Stearman never wanted to leave Molineux and his comments in the last few years have pretty much confirmed that. He was always one of the most dedicated men out on that pitch and always wore his heart on his sleeve, however it hasn’t necessarily translated to solid play week in and week out this season.
Wolves’ fans celebrate their second goal
The former Fulham man has made his fair share of mistakes alongside Doherty and Batth in the Wolves backline, and it’s understandable. That entire defence continues to struggle whenever an attacking side come to town, and the organisation stems from Batth’s leadership and the general ineptitude of the players as a whole. There’s no chemistry, and that needs to change quickly.
But it has not got Stearman down in the dumps. Following a run of victories, the defender has been the one to rally the troops in the media and the changing room which is one of the most important qualities you can have in football.
As reported by Express & Star, the man himself commented on Wolves’ win at the weekend: “We were determined that if we stuck to our game plan we were going to go on and get the equaliser and the winner.
Cardiff City’s Lex Immers in action against Wolves’ Richard Stearman (L)
“Long may it continue,” he added. “We’ve had a few low points but hopefully it’s a turn up in form now and we continue what we’ve done in the past couple of weeks.
“I believe the new manager is behind it. He’s been brilliant since he’s come in and instilled a way of playing and you can see it’s resulting in points.
“It’s about intensity both on and off the ball. It’s bearing fruit now.”
If that doesn’t motivate fans and players alike, nothing will.
QPR’s Massimo Luongo in action with Wolves’ Richard Stearman
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