Kevin Thelwell looks to long-term for Wolves youth

Academy boss Kevin Thelwell today stressed long-term progress beats short-term success as his cock-a-hoop Wolves side kick off their FA Youth Cup campaign tonight.

Mick Halsall's Under-18s host West Ham at Molineux aiming to reach the fourth round after seven successive wins.

But, while Thelwell is looking forward to seeing the youngsters in action in a big-match environment, he is aware of the bigger picture.

"Everybody would like to win the game and have a good run because it means such a lot to the players," said Thelwell.

"But it really is all about the preparation for them to hopefully become professionals and first-team players. On that basis we're looking at the performance as well as the result."

Wolves are on a high and Thelwell is looking for the fans to back the youngsters this evening.

"If we can a get a crowd at Molineux it will be terrific and some home support could make a real difference," he said.

"Given we've had such a good run, it will be interesting for the fans to see how they're doing."

And Thelwell is full of praise for coach Halsall, the former Walsall director of youth and ex-Birmingham midfielder.

"Credit has to go to the players but also to Mick Halsall, who's done a great job," said Thelwell.