In the second part of our Q&A with BBC Radio WM reporter Mike Taylor, we focus on the future of Jorgen Strand Larsen and who the leaders are at Molineux?
Jackson asked: Do we intend on hanging on to Jorgen Strand Larsen or will he be sold?
Mike answered: I’m sure plan A is to keep Strand Larsen around for the long term, but these things inevitably depend on events. By setting him up with a longer contract after rejecting Newcastle’s advances, Wolves not only made it worth his while staying, but protected his value as an asset going forward.
But it is simply a fact of modern football life that if the striker performs as well this season as he did last, there will be interest from clubs prepared to pay. When that occurs, Wolves will again have to base their decision on the facts that present themselves at the time.
Taking the case of last summer, if the offer from Newcastle had arrived in June, and/or Wolves had two or three alternatives to Strand Larsen already on their books, the circumstances would have felt entirely different.
The attitude of the player is also undoubtedly important, and Strand Larsen’s behaviour was described throughout as impeccably professional.
I sense no wish from Wolves to sell, but it would be unrealistic to rule out such a situation occurring at some stage during his contract term.
Richard asked: Do you think Wolves have a real natural leader on the field – like a Conor Coady – with obvious grit, determination and passion that team-mates will follow to the ends of the Earth?
Mike answered: This is an interesting one.
Wolves do have players who show all the personal qualities you mention – Joao Gomes perhaps the most demonstrative example – and my view is that, whatever the team’s other failings, it is not short of hard workers.
It is also possible to lead by example, without being quite as vocal as Coady was, but his qualities as a leader were not just defined by the volume of his voice. There was something about his manner that marked him out as a leader long before he was given the armband.
Vitor Pereira named a leadership group – Gomes, Toti, Matt Doherty and Jose Sa – before this season began. I am sure they have the respect of their colleagues, although probably only Gomes is currently assured of a regular starting place.
I would agree with you though, that none of them is making themselves obvious as a leader on the field like Coady did – or even other recent captains like Danny Batth or Max Kilman, who generated the same effect without necessarily saying so much.
From a distance, Ladislav Krejci seems to be an organiser as well as a fine player, so perhaps he will become that leader in time.
Come back to this page later on Thursday for the final instalment of the Q&A, which focuses on Pereira’s future and how well Wolves spend their money.
