Wolves look mean again says Richard Stearman
Richard Stearman has hailed the re-emergence of Wolves' stout defence – after admitting the number of goals they were conceding had become embarrassing.
Wolves were breached 16 times during a five-game losing streak which ran from November to the start of this month.
But they have since recovered to let in just two goals over the past four matches, a run which has lifted them back into Championship play-off contention.
And Stearman believes a back-to-basics approach has paid dividends.
"As a defender and as a defence we were disappointed with how many we were conceding," he said. "Particularly when you consider how tight we have been over the past 12 to 18 months.
"We have gone back to basics and are looking a mean defence again.
"We had to draw a line. It was becoming embarrassing for us as a defence. We were conceding goals and a lot of them – that is certainly uncharacteristic for us.
"We have been a mean defence and have certainly tightened up again in recent games."
Stearman was quick to sing the praises of teenage full-backs Dominic Iorfa and Kortney Hause. Their introduction has coincided with Wolves' defence tightening up.
"I have been very impressed with them," said Stearman. "They have taken to it like they have been there for years.
"Dominic has looked very comfortable at right-back and the proof is in the pudding, really – we have conceded a lot fewer goals since they have been in the team.
"They have bright futures."
Players returned to Compton Park today to begin preparations for Saturday's FA Cup third round meeting with Fulham.
"It won't be an easy game," said Stearman. "We managed to turn them over down there but they have shot up the league since we last played them.
"At least we have had a few days' rest."
