Jez Moxey eyeing a short-term fix for Wolves

Wolves are ready to seek out a 13-game firefighter to prevent their Premier League plans going up in smoke.

The search for Mick McCarthy's successor began in earnest today with a view to recruiting a man in time to prepare the relegation-threatened team for their next match at Newcastle in 11 days' time.

And chief executive Jez Moxey admits that part of the Molineux board's strategy will be to focus on a short-term "keep us up" candidate in the hope they can reach the summer still in the top flight.

Moxey acknowledged that identifying, interviewing and then recruiting the man to take on the long term "Molineux project" may not be possible in the time available.

"You may be right," said Moxey when presented with the option of a short-term fix to answer Wolves' immediate crisis.

"That's definitely an option. It's part of our thinking. If someone wants to come in and say 'you know what I fancy this, I reckon I can keep you in the Premier League' – then we create a short-term situation and they can demonstrate they are worthy of a long-term one.

"We're not saying absolutely not to that."

Wolves believe that, with a third of the season still to come and a glut of fixtures against their fellow strugglers, there is time still for the campaign to be retrieved.

Behind the hunt for a 'Red Adair' figure lies the need for McCarthy's successor to accept the club's operating code which Moxey warns will not include an open chequebook. But he also accepts time is pressing.

"We need to do some work really quickly, make a decision as soon as we can and then act decisively," he said.

"If that person is in a job then we have to approach the club, get permission to speak him, if all goes well agree compensation and then get on with it. There has to be chemistry and you never really know until you get into it."

Wolves are cool on an appointment from any overseas coaches. "Whoever he is, has to know who the heck our players are," said Moxey – while admitting an experienced hand was also a priority. "This job is not a job for a novice, that's obvious," he added. "You keep an open mind but winning matches in the Premier League is the most difficult part."

McCarthy was today linked with the Leeds job.