Mick McCarthy: I was on Wolves brink

Grateful Mick McCarthy today revealed he'd have used one of his managerial lives had Wolves lost to Sunderland on Sunday.

The Molineux chief saved himself from a potentially grim outcome with a 2-1 win after facing a ninth defeat in 11 games when Kieran Richardson fired the Black Cats ahead.

Chairman Steve Morgan has never publicly discussed McCarthy's future, but sources said the board faced a "horrible situation" had Wolves lost as fans may have turned against the manager again.

Asked how important the victory was for his future, a hugely relieved McCarthy said: "I'm probably the most pragmatic, straightforward and honest manager you'll ever come across.

"No, it couldn't have gone on."

McCarthy also revealed for the first time that he felt he might not survive the axe if he took the club down.

Chief executive Jez Moxey has previously said Wolves may have to 'absorb' relegation in the long-term regeneration of the club, and believes McCarthy could get the chance to lead them to promotion again.

"I've had overwhelming support from Steve Morgan (chairman) and Jez," said the boss, who has been in charge for almost five-and-a-half years.

"They want me to be the manager and for us to do well.

"They could want to do something else (replace McCarthy), but that's not the case.

"But I also know if you don't get results, it has to change at some stage because the club has to stay in the Premier League and I'm fully aware of that."

McCarthy also believes he has the support of "80 per cent" of the fans.

"I'm more than aware results will ultimately determine what happens to me," he said.

"But I'm also aware that most supporters want me to do well.

"You'll never please everyone, but I reckon 80 per cent of the supporters would be in my favour if you asked them.

"They appreciate what I've done and they want me to go forward with the club."

Wolves are five points better off than at this stage last season, and three places higher in 16^th after dropping one spot following Fulham's 1-0 win over Liverpool last night.

McCarthy insists progress has been made but won't waste time appeasing his critics.

"There's been nothing but progress here since July 2006," he said.

"We're in a better position as a Premier League club than we've ever been.

"But my critics don't like me. There's also an element of people wanting a fresh piece of meat when you've been at a place for a while.

"They get sick of hearing my mantra and it just becomes not good enough for some people.

"Others get wound up by my accent, but I can't do a lot about that - or my grey hair.

"Or they don't like my tactics, what I say in interviews, how I fasten my tie, or my shoes are too shiny or I'm too smartly dressed and they want to see me scruffier."