Terry Connor: I can do the top job at Wolves
Terry Connor gets a 90-minute chance to enter the running for an extended crack as Wolves interim manager at Newcastle tomorrow.
Terry Connor gets a 90-minute chance to enter the running for an extended crack as Wolves interim manager at Newcastle tomorrow.
The long-serving 49-year-old could buy the club's hierarchy extra breathing space in their drawn-out pursuit of Mick McCarthy's successor with a positive result at St James' Park.
With Steve Bruce still waiting for further contact and Walter Smith having rejected a short-term offer to take the job until the end of the season yesterday, Connor has the chance to further his claims and ease the mounting pressure on chairman Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey, who see the man in temporary charge as a possible Chris Hughton figure in the making.
And Connor intends to seize his chance.
"I think I'm capable of doing a manager's job; what I don't know is what it's going to be like to actually name a team and leave people out," he said.
"I've never been the guy who's had to stand there and direct his team on the touchline.
"So there are things that will be new for me and I can only reflect on them once I've done them."
Connor added: "The next appointment is crucial, whether it's for 13 games or the next 13 years.
"You have to give them the benefit of taking their time, whether it's a short or longer-term project."
Asked if he had been approached to apply for the post, Connor said: "No. I've had chats with Steve and Jez about looking after things. But in terms of being asked that question (wanting the job), no.
"They asked me to look at it for tomorrow. I don't know what's happening after that.
"I'm sure Steve and Jez will have another chat and we'll see where we go."
Pressed if he wanted the job on a longer basis, Connor said: "Let me get through Newcastle – that's what I've been asked to do."
Meanwhile, Connor insists Wolves' players can beat the drop – whoever is in charge.
"That belief we can stay up is always going to be there because for the last two years, they've done it," he said.
"So there's no reason why they can't again."
