Sadness but eternal gratitude from Wolves fans to Nuno

Wolves supporters have been digesting the news that head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is to leave the club at the end of the season after four years in charge.

The announcement brings to an end a reign by the Portuguese coach, which saw the club win promotion from the Championship, reach an FA Cup Semi Final and Europa League Quarter-final, as well as establish itself in the Premier League.

For supporters shopping in Wolverhampton city centre, the news of the impending departure provoked feelings of sadness, but also words of thanks for the journey the club had been on.

Scott Martin from Finchfield said he felt sad about Nuno leaving and said he would be hard to replace.

The 18-year-old said: "It's a real feeling of sadness about him leaving as he's probably been the best manager in my lifetime as a Wolves fan.

"It could be the right time to move on for the club, however, and find a more attacking manager, but it's going to be really hard to find the right replacement for him.

"He might be leaving because he's seen the budget for the summer and seen there's not the money for him to bring in the players he wants.

"I still want to thank him for everything he's done because he's revived the club in so many ways."

Season ticket holder John Sargent from Oxley said that he didn't think it had been an overnight decision for Nuno.

The 40-year-old said: "It's a little shocking, but looking over the last few months, it's not surprising because he hasn't looked happy and he's been missing his family.

"I think this has been something happening over a number of weeks, maybe months, so it won't have a great effect on the club as I'm sure the owners already have someone lined up.

"It is a shame though and I just wanted to say thank you for the last few amazing seasons as we've had the best manager and the best football I've seen for the 20 years I've been a season ticket holder."

Naomi Caine from Chapel Ash said the next manager at Wolves would have huge shoes to fill.

The 38-year-old said: "I think he has been amazing for this club and got us into such a good position, so it really is sad to see him leave.

"It does look like it was a family matter or something personal because I can't see it being something to do with the club as he's done so well there.

"If it is personal and it is family, then family has to come first, but it's sad to see him go."

David Bishton from Penn had been a long-time supporter of the club and said he was sorry to see Nuno go, but felt he might have gone as far as he could.

The 60-year-old said: "It's sad, but he may think he's done as much as he can at the club.

"It's hard to say because he seemed happy, but results haven't always been great this year and we lost Jimenez to injury and you can't rely on one striker.

"Looking back though, it's been a great last four years for the club and for the city and I think everyone wants to say thank you to him for all he's done and good luck for the future."

Luke Levy from East Park said he had only just heard the news and was still taking it in, but said a big cause was the fickleness of fans.

The 27-year-old said: "I'm absolutely gutted that he's leaving as I think he's the best thing that ever happened to this club and to Wolverhampton.

"I just believe it's the fickle fans that started the rumour that he should leave and it's grown into something bigger, whereas I think he deserves so much more credit.

"I just want to say thank you for everything you've done with the club Nuno and remember that Wolverhampton loves you and we wish you well in wherever your career takes you."