Express & Star

No way back for Wolves exiles

Kenny Jackett today re-iterated to Wolves' returning exiles they are unlikely to be part of his Championship plans after declaring: "We've moved on".

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Fourteen players are currently out on loan with all but Bjorn Sigurdarson –whose season at Molde ends in November - due to return next month.

Roger Johnson (West Ham), Stephen Ward (Brighton), Kevin Doyle (QPR), Kevin Foley (Blackpool), Tongo Doumbia (Valenciennes), Razak Boukari (FC Sochaux) and Georg Margreitter (FC Copenhagen) are due back.

All accepted pay cuts to kickstart their careers but have a year on their contracts.

The other six – Zeli Ismail (Burton Albion), Michael Ihiekwe (Cheltenham), Jake Cassidy (Tranmere), Bradley Reid (Wrexham), Jordan Cranston (Nuneaton) and Dominic Iorfa (Shrewsbury) - are all youngsters gaining experience.

Jackett has built a new team that has been embraced by the fanbase and he isn't about to compromise the feelgood factor they have generated.

"I think out of those on loan, quite a high number will come back," said the head coach.

"But if they haven't done this time, it's unlikely they'll be involved next season and break their way back in.

"You can't say for definite but it's fair to assume we've moved on.

"They're contracted players so if there are deals right for the club, we'll consider it. If not, they'll be coming back."

Jackett admits West Ham could make Johnson's move permanent, even though he's only made two league starts.

"I haven't heard that one officially but it wouldn't surprise me because he did very well for Sheffield Wednesday as well," he said.

"I'm sure there will be options there for him."

As for Jamie O'Hara, Jackett insisted the club won't be paying him off.

"He has two years left on his contract and I don't see that situation changing," he said.

"He'll be available again in the summer and we'll see whether anyone takes a chance on him."

QPR boss Harry Redknapp would like to sign Wolves' highest earner - £40,000-a-week Doyle, permanently.

But Jackett said: "It's the first I've heard of it."

And while Jackett believes the current squad can excel in the Championship, he will continue to strengthen with signings.

"I think a continual drip-feed of new players is needed throughout a season," he said.

"It will need to be improved and we hope when we do, we make significant improvements.

"To get true team spirit and parity you need a wage structure so we want to keep to that."

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