Lack of Wolves deals irritates Dean Saunders

Wolves boss Dean Saunders today admitted his frustration at the low-key transfer business in the loan window.

Just two players arrived on loan – free agent keeper Marian Kello and Wigan winger Nouha Dicko – despite the club losing three players for the rest of the season through injury. Burnley rejected Wolves' enquiry for striker Martin Paterson, one of many players the club was turned down for.

Saunders revealed yesterday the board, who met with him on Tuesday, were unwilling to sanction one more permanent salary, which is effectively what a loan player would have become as all targets wanted a contract at the end of the season.

The club's £25m players' wage bill is the second highest in the Championship and the board are concerned at the risk of dropping into League One and the Financial Fair Play regulations soon to be introduced.

"You're never satisfied – we lost three players two weeks ago – but we have to get on with it," said Saunders.

"I've got bosses to answer to. They run the club, I run the team and I keep pushing all the time to improve and keep presenting things to them. They have to look at the finances and decide what's right for the club."

Despite the lack of additions, Saunders believes the squad should be good enough to stay up.

"I didn't say it should 'easily' be good enough but it should be good enough to stay in the division," he said.

"But we've got to keep playing like we did and show the energy and the desire we displayed in the second half against Bristol City."

Saunders believes there is a fresh buzz and a sense of purpose about the group after two wins and a draw in the last four games before today's visit of Middlesbrough.

"I've told them to keep the picture in their minds of when Kevin Doyle scored against Bristol City and they were all celebrating," he said.

n Wolves Under-21s lost 2-0 away to Southampton last night.