Taylor warning for Wolves boss

Mick McCarthy has been warned by former Molineux boss Graham Taylor that he reaches judgement point next season for Wolves.

The firm belief from the former England coach is that all managers deserve three years in the job and, as McCarthy approaches his third season at the helm, the play-off's are the very least McCarthy must deliver this time around if he is to survive.

"There comes a time to deliver and Mick will be aware more than anybody that anything less than the play-offs again and it's going to be very difficult for him to survive," said Taylor, who failed in the 1995 play-offs. "It was very similar to myself with the play-offs."

But Taylor has called on Wolves fans to rally around McCarthy, insisting the Yorkshireman deserves another crack at promotion before he can be truly judged.

He said: "After two years since Mick took over, with the money he has had, I don't think they should be booting him out. I am a big believer you haven't given the fellow a chance in anything less than two years.

"He has had to do a lot of rebuilding. He hasn't had millions to spend. I hope they stick with him and the supporters get behind the team. The problem in today's game is that everything has to be delivered yesterday, not tomorrow. I understand the Wolves supporters."

Taylor believes McCarthy's job is harder because of Albion's promotion as Wolves – just as in 2002 – are left to languish in the Championship.

He said: "Mick has had to pick everyone up, including himself, from the major disappointment of losing out to West Brom – of all people – in the play-offs. The problem is just on the doorstep. West Brom have gone on and won the Championship. There is an intense rivalry there.

"They call it the Black Country but it should be the black and white country, because there's no shades of grey with the supporters. I totally understand their frustrations and with Albion going up that doesn't help them."