Wolves boss Mick McCarthy claims the “numpties” who wanted him out a year ago might have preferred to keep much-maligned striker Freddy Eastwood at the club.

A year after failing to get into the play-offs, Wolves have been promoted and need just a point from tomorrow’s trip to Barnsley to clinch the Championship title

McCarthy’s stock has never been higher at Molineux and he believes the foresight of chairman Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey shows they know what they are doing.

He also believes the last 12 months could have been very different if his critics had had their way.

He said: “One or two of us – including Jez – have had stick at times. A lot of fans should just listen.

“If they (the board) had buckled to a few of the numpties who had wanted me out, then it could have changed the course of this club’s history.

“If you’d had a poll a year ago asking what the fans wanted, Freddy Eastwood or me, I wonder how that would have gone?

“Now Wolves are going into the Premier League, but it’s amazing how these little fickle things could have altered it.

“Thankfully, the people running the place have brains and common sense and understand and know what it takes to run a football club more than some other people.

“I knew Steve wasn’t going to do that (sack the manager) and Jez certainly because I’ve had their unequivocal support. Isn’t it just as well that I have?

“Not only for me, but for the football club and where it is.”

McCarthy’s achievement puts him on a par with Dave Jones, after becoming the second man to lead Wolves into the Premier League.

The 50-year-old feels more thrilled at the prospect of pitting his wits against the big names than proud to have taken his place among Wolves’ better managers.

He said: “Proud is not really the emotion, but I’m thrilled. People say it’s the hardest league to get out of and I’ve taken two teams out of the Championship.

“Unfortunately, we’re going into the league which is the easiest to get out of. But my thoughts have already moved on to this summer.”