Mick McCarthy hits out at 'numpties'

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has claimed the vital win against Sunderland was reward for the loyal fans as he hit out at the 'numpties' undermining him.

The victory came against a backdrop of criticism on radio phone-ins and internet messageboards, where some supporters have been calling for his head.

McCarthy said: "I'm delighted for everybody and in particular for the fans who stuck with us. There was some suggestion I'd had a go at them. That wasn't right.

"I had a go at the 'numpties' who phone in radio stations and do blogs and things like that. Our fans who turn up here have been brilliant this season, outstanding, and I said that as well.

"On Saturday, when we needed that support, at 2-1 down, they were fabulous. They drove us on and if ever there was a never-say-die spirit it was there on Saturday.

"So thanks to them and they can enjoy the victory just as the players."

McCarthy believes the majority of fans have remained behind the team because they can see the players giving everything.

He said: "What I do like is the fans out here who have been brilliant and have stuck with us.

"They pay their money and they shout and cheer and really get behind us. At 2-1 it would have been so easy to turn on the team but they didn't.

"And I think they didn't because the players have shown such good application and spirit.

"All those who come down to the training ground can see that the players are not disheartened or dispirited at all."

McCarthy paid tribute to his players and their spirit after coming back from 2-1 down with nine minutes left.

He said: "With the run that we've had recently, and to go 2-1 down having taken the lead, I'm not sure too many teams in our position would have come back.

"So I'm really proud of them and the players deserve all the credit for that.

"Every time the team go out we know we'll get every last drop out of them in terms of effort and application.

"We could perhaps do with a bit more quality at times with that final pass or that final ball.

"But to come back like we did shows the spirit of the players and the club and the camaraderie and support that everyone gives each other.

"They give me everything, so I didn't think we were out of it at all.

"The players on Saturday mirrored my image in that we don't give up and it's lovely when it turns out right for you.

"The message is 'don't give up, keep scrapping and keep fighting' and the players deserve all the credit."

McCarthy also revealed he now agreed with the decision to disallow Richard Stearman's 'goal' for offside on Sunderland.

It initially appeared as if England's World Cup linesman Darren Cann had made a grave error by flagging but TV replays proved otherwise.

The Wolves boss said: "With all the bodies in there I wondered how it was offside. But I saw it again and it was offside because Stearman was behind the goalkeeper.

"It's one of those that if things are going for you then you might get it.

"It ended up being a good decision, although I wasn't saying that to the linesman at the time!"