Wolves Under-23s 'buzzing' to be back in training

Although they have been relegated to PL2 Division Two after 2019/20 was decided on a points-per-game basis, squad morale is high.

They have been training at Lilleshall – Compton only being used by the first team at the moment due to Covid-19 – ahead of returning to action.

The under-23s have also been invited to take part in the EFL Trophy again, and Collins said: "The boys are buzzing to be back and we're all ready to work hard.

"They were delighted to be back together, although we’re now at Lilleshall rather than being at Compton.

“It’s a great facility, but it’s not ours. There are all the one-way systems, the Covid rules, we can’t go within two metres of each other when we’re off the pitch, so the usual team-bonding sessions we would be doing this time of year are very difficult.

“We’ve had to adapt, the same as everybody in these current times, but I think the boys have coped with it very well, and back on the pitch, they’re progressing nicely.

"They’re a terrific bunch of lads. It’s been great to see them and great to be back out with them on the training pitch.

“The attitude, the drive and the team spirit of being together has been really good out on the pitch, which is a good sign.”

Collins' side struggled last season as many of the stars of the previous campaign under Rob Edwards went out on loan to gain senior experience.

Some did very well, too, with Elliot Watt earning a permanent move to Bradford an impressive stint at Carlisle.

It is likely Collins will not have a settled squad this upcoming term, too – it is just how development football is, after all.

"We like to think that if we’ve got the same players in our under-23 group for 18 months, two years, three years, then we’re not doing our job properly," added Collins.

“That’s something as an under-23s coach that you have to get used to. You don’t have a settled squad, but what we have got is the ‘Wolves way’ of playing.

“We’ve got a system that all the boys know, right from the early years of the academy upwards, so they adapt really well if you do need to bring somebody in.

“If someone leaves, or somebody’s not there, others can come in and know what they are doing. This is a big help.”