Danny Batth: I'm committed to Wolves and here for keeps
Cult hero Danny Batth today insisted he is at Wolves for keeps – with no release clause in his new contract.
The 23-year-old defender committed his future to Molineux to at least 2017 when he finally signed a three-and-a-half-year contract this week.
Both Joleon Lescott and Matt Murray struck gentleman's agreements in the last decade allowing them to leave if Wolves weren't promoted.
But Batth has committed his long-term future to Wolves regardless, and wants to emulate legends such as Steve Bull by being known as a one-club man.
"I'm here for keeps, regardless," said Batth.
Asked about a clause, he said: "Not at all – I've committed myself for whatever league we're in.
"There's no gentleman's agreement. I'm just like any other player and I don't believe such a thing exists.
"It's then up to the club to decide if they want me here or not.
"Fingers-crossed I'll be here in 2017 and hopefully with some success."
Batth wants to emulate club legends such as Bully.
"Establishing myself in the team long term is top of the list of things I want to achieve," he said.
"I'd like to play as many games as I can for Wolves, touch wood.
"People like me always look up to the likes of Bully and aspire to them because they achieved so much at one club."
Negotiations on the deal lasted months and Batth admitted being given a fair chance was a key factor.
"I always wanted the chance at Wolves and it's come," he said.
"I've got friends and family from this area and to make them proud, more than anything, is the main thing I look to do.
Batth wants to captain the team long term.
"Captaining the team is something I'm proud of and it's something I feel I can do," he said.
"I find myself naturally drawn to leadership.
"Making a noise keeps me focused and I like to pass on as much information as I can.
"It always has been an ambition to captain Wolves.
"I've been captain of all the young sides here so the next step is to learn from Sam Ricketts to improve my chances of becoming the next captain here."
As for the Brierley Hill terrace song about him, he said: "The reference to the local area is great. I only hear the first bit - I don't know how the rest goes!"
