Danny Batth embracing Wolves challenge – and is grateful for Carl Ikeme support
Danny Batth has seen plenty of regime changes during his time at Wolves.
Six managers – Mick McCarthy, Stale Solbakken, Dean Saunders, Kenny Jackett, Walter Zenga and Paul Lambert – have been at Molineux since Batth upgraded from the Compton Park academy.
With the arrival of the seventh, Nuno Espirito Santo, followed by the signings of three centre halves, Batth could be forgiven for thinking his days might be numbered.
But on Wednesday evening there he was leading the team out for Nuno's first game in charge.
Competition for places will be tough – but Batth is more determined than ever to rise to the challenge.
He told the Express & Star: "They've brought centre halves in, we've also lost two (Richard Stearman and Mike Williamson) and obviously Dom (Iorfa) hasn't travelled.
"There's a scrap for places, we're all pushing each other every day in training and I won't be a play to back down from a challenge.
"I'll be embracing it."
Batth played on the right side of a three-at-the-back formation against Werder Bremen, a system that has been drilled into the players over three weeks of tough training.
The 3-4-3 formation worked well with Wolves running out 1-0 victors.
The Brierley Hill-born centre half sees plenty of potential in the system.
"I really enjoyed the game," Batth said. "Obviously we've had a bit of time with the new manager now and the new staff so I think the fans here will have seen what we're trying to do.
"It's going to be a bit more progressive so they might have to be a bit more patient at times.
"It's definitely pleasing on the eye, hopefully we can learn it inside out and grow into it over pre-season.
"I've played three at the back a few times, it's a great system as long as everyone knows their jobs.
"Watford have been promoted doing it, there are a few teams that have adopted it and if you know if off by heart it's really difficult to play against.
"The result's put to one side as it's a friendly but I thought the performance was encouraging.
"The game was more about showing we're getting the messages from the manager and we can do what he's asking.
"I'm not sure which spot of the back three suits me best – I've done all three in training and the manager picks what he sees.
"I thought I did alright there against Bremen so I'll be learning it inside out and it'll be a great challenge."
It's been double sessions every day for Wolves so far but there are no complaints from Batth.
He has challenged Wolves to become the fittest squad in the Championship – and is optimistic for the new campaign with the likes of £15million club record signing Ruben Neves on the books.
"I haven't seen a lot of him but he brings a quality to the team, a bit of clout and reputation," Batth said of his new team mate. "Teams will be looking at Wolves making a statement. Hopefully he'll reproduce that in performances.
"He's got a calibre and a quality, he's played in the Champions League. Hopefully the fans embrace all our new signings.
"Training has been tough and relentless but that's what we need to do – we need to be the fittest team in the league.
"To be fair the sports science guys that have come in have been top drawer, they know exactly what they're doing.
"There's no doubt in my mind they're going to challenge the lads and push us further.
"From what I've seen so far it's very well organised and we're very excited about the season."
Obviously football pales into insignificance when it comes to Batth's good friend and long-time team mate Carl Ikeme's recent news.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia and is now enduring a far more difficult battle than trivial matters like getting fit for the new football season.
An emotional Batth has spent plenty of time with Ikeme in the past week or so – and confirmed just how much the keeper appreciates everyone's support.
Batth said: "I've spent as much time as I can with him between training. I message him every day, I face time him. He's definitely in a better place now than he was a few days ago.
"Obviously all the support, I can't thank anyone enough across football and everyone. People have united and got behind Carl.
"I was really upset when I heard about it, I'm welling up now to be fair, it means a lot to me that everyone's supporting him.
"A few people have been saying to me "have you spoken to Carl, I've messaged him and he hasn't got back to me" and I've been round his hours for a couple of hours and the phone just does not stop ringing.
"He's seen everyone's messages and really appreciates them but he's got other things on his mind to focus on.
"Fingers crossed he's got good people around him and he's in a good position to battle."
