Wolves old-boy Mark Venus says top six finish is a must
Wolves old-boy Mark Venus today warned his former side that anything less than a play-off place would be failing to meet the club's expectations.
Venus, now assistant manager of Wolves' opponents tomorrow, Middlesbrough, believes the Molineux men should at least make the top six because of the investment in players and Premier League talent still at the club following relegation.
Wolves, who haven't won at Middlesbrough in more than 61 years, go to the Riverside seeking their third successive victory after the return to form against Bristol City and Birmingham.
And Venus, who spent almost three years as Tony Mowbray's No.2 at Albion, believes Wolves must keep that run going to match fans' hopes.
"I do think the expectations are there; they have sold a few but they've brought a few in so they have re-invested money," said Venus.
"And you have to take responsibility and live with those expectations.
"Wolves should be in the top six in the Championship come the end of the season because they're not short of cash or resources and they've invested in the talent already there.
"Even though they have lost their top players, they have invested and they have a base of Premier League talent like Roger Johnson and Kevin Doyle who were pretty expensive players.
"They're a powerful team and hopefully for everyone connected with them, they will be promoted."
Venus, who played 338 games for Wolves from 1988-97, believes new manager Stale Solbakken may have found his ideal combination now after the difficult run of results.
"I've been to see them a couple of times; they've got a foreign coach who is trying to adapt to the English league," he said.
"He's trying to work out his best team and best formation. I think he's pretty much got that settled team now and a couple of wins has given everyone a lift."
