Seven go as the Wolves purge begins
Wolves today began a summer of major change with the first steps in a purge of the squad who have slumped into League One.
Front-line trio Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Stephen Hunt and Christophe Berra have all been sent packing without a new offer after reaching the end of their contracts.
Following them will be first-team loanees Kaspars Gorkss, Jack Robinson, Nouha Dicko and Slawomir Peszko.
And in a comment which is sure to mean the end for Roger Johnson and Jamie O'Hara, head of football development and recruitment Kevin Thelwell said: "Certain players will be encouraged to find new clubs."
Four more players have survived the cull, however, as Wolves activated the one-year contract extensions on defenders Danny Batth and George Elokobi, midfielder Dave Edwards and young goalkeeper Aaron McCarey.
And controversial young striker Leigh Griffiths is also set for a fresh chance following his goal-laden loan-spell at Hibernian. Wolves confirmed he is under a one-year extension at Molineux.
The exit of 27-year-old striker Ebanks-Blake will be the most sensitive, but it comes after the player had indicated to the club that League One football had no appeal for him. It's a gamble by the player, too, as he puts himself out on the open market at a time when he is still recovering from a broken tibula.
Thelwell, currently drawing up a short-list for the new head coach position, admitted: "It is anticipated that there will be significant changes to the existing squad this summer.
"Talks with many of our senior contracted players will take place to discuss their futures. Certain players will be encouraged to find new clubs."
Charlton boss Chris Powell, meanwhile, today emerged as a contender for the head coach's job. The Molineux hierachy has been alerted to the 43-year-old for his impressive stewardship of the Addicks.
