Express & Star

Wolves hunting chief scout as backroom rebuild starts

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Wolves are set to appoint a chief scout to work with head of football development and recruitment Kevin Thelwell as the building of their new footballing structure gathers pace.

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The club are hoping to decide on a candidate before Christmas with a view to an announcement in the near future.

Wolves lost chief scout Dave Bowman and European scout Ian 'Taff' Evans to Ipswich when former Molineux boss Mick McCarthy was appointed as manager at Portman Road in November.

Thelwell has been promoted from academy manager to the newly-created post overseeing the club's football operations.

He is also closely involved with the selection of successors to Bowman and Evans as the club look to replace and widen their scouting network.

"I think in the near future there will be another role beneath Kevin which will probably be chief scout," said manager Stale Solbakken.

"So we're on the way towards building a club that can stand on its own two feet and be more effective in the market, not only for my transfers but to the youngsters as well.

"We're in the market for the right people and now the first appointment is 'in the box', maybe the second and the third will come along."

It also emerged that Wolves' board wanted to change the structure towards a European one like rivals Albion before Bowman and Evans left.

Solbakken added: "They want more people committed to the club and not to the manager. What's important with the scouting is when I get the sack or go to another club, I won't take everything or everyone with me.

"The club has to have its own culture so it can build a lasting structure."

Solbakken stressed Wolves' chances of strengthening in the transfer window won't be weakened by a lack of scouts. "Kevin's already started work on things," he said.

He hinted that Wolves are likely to focus on midfield targets.

Tongo Doumbia's possible exit to the Africa Cup of Nations and injuries in the middle and wide areas has forced the manager's hand. Winger Razak Boukari will be out until at least mid-February with a calf injury.