Express & Star

Jeff Shi gives full backing to Wolves boss Paul Lambert

Wolves boss Paul Lambert has been given unequivocal backing by Jeff Shi, who stated: "He's the right man for us."

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The Fosun supremo has already dispensed with two managers since a £30million takeover last summer.

And a few weeks ago Lambert's future looked to be in doubt after a disastrous run of results left Wolves in relegation danger.

But Shi has given his full backing to the Scot, with the pair already planning for next season.

The main director said Lambert's characteristics ticked every box and that he was the hardest working man at the club.

"I like him very much – I chose him," Shi told the Express & Star during an extensive interview at Wolves' Compton Park training ground.

"We did some interviews (last October), I can say frankly, with many candidates. It's me who chose Paul, so he's my favourite!

"To achieve success we need a strong structure, the owner, the CEO, the chairman, the sporting director, the coach, everyone should be right.

"If one isn't right the people will not click.

"When we choose a coach we think the character and personality is important. For Fosun our culture is about working hard, commitment and entrepreneurship. That's the culture in our group and also the formula for being successful all over the world as a company.

"For the club it's the same thing, we need a head coach to have the same genes as us. On that aspect Paul is fantastic.

"We have just been working for a short while but I can say from the character perspective he's the right man for us.

"He suits every requirement of leadership, ability, hard work, passion, intelligence, everything.

"Of course a head coach has to prove himself on the pitch. It's a rollercoaster and we've experienced losses and bad moments but you have to give the coach some time, especially with a new team and new players to gel together.

"It's not only about the several wins we just had now, it's about the character.

"I can tell you, Paul is the first guy at the training ground and the last guy to leave. You can see all the signs and foresee if we keep all that the team will be better. I hope he can stay here for a long time."

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