Mick McCarthy insisted Wolves are ready for the new season after a victory more comfortable than it sounds.

Wolves completed their pre-season with a comfortable victory against an under-strength Athletic Bilbao to give watching Stoke boss Tony Pulis plenty to think about.

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has targeted a strengthened ‘spine’ to his team as the Baggies continued talking to Spain international Pablo Ibanez.

Angry Villa have fired off a curt reminder to FA officials that the club does not expect World Cup-bound James Milner to be dragged into talking about his future.

Albion are weighing up a bid for Stoke striker James Beattie as they hunt extra firepower for their assault on the Premier League.

Wolves are drawing closer to the signing of £2.5million Anderlecht utility man Jelle van Damme – but have denied any interest in £7million-rated Steven Fletcher.

Wolves legend Steve Bull gives it to you straight in his weekly column and believes boss Mick McCarthy should take his share of the plaudits when survival is secured.

Wolves defender Jody Craddock has warned Stoke will not stand a chance of bullying his team if Sunday’s Staffordshire derby turns into a war.

Wolves legend Steve Bull gives it to you straight in his weekly column and believes the visit of Stoke can be the barometer of how far the team have come this season.

Villa manager Martin O’Neill admits Stoke will represent an even tougher challenge for his team at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday than last season.