Wolves boss Kenny Jackett pleased with first friendly win
Wolves boss Kenny Jackett was pleased with his team's first pre-season run out after a 2-0 win against Crewe Alexandra.
Goals from Dominic Iorfa and Joe Mason saw Wolves run out comfortable winners at Gresty Road.
After a turbulent few weeks off the field and amid increasing uncertainty over the club's ownership - and Jackett's position as boss - it was a welcome win.
And Jackett was pleased to be concentrating on football again.
He said: "I thought it was a good game, a fast game, and fitness-wise very good.
"It's always nice to win. It was hard-earned and we scored two good goals, including an excellent one by Dominic Iorfa and then a terrific finish by Mason at the end.
"I felt Jack Price was the standout player. James Henry was quite interesting in the '10' role and I think he can both score and create goals.
"It was tough on a pitch that wouldn't run but he still showed glimpses of being able to do very well in that position.
"It's out of necessity (with Wolves short of strikers). He's a natural wide man who can play either side.
"But if at the moment he goes up there and support Joe that can help us.
"A clean sheet was nice. It was very competitive and Crewe put pressure on us."
Wolves travel to Cork on Sunday for a six-day trip that includes a friendly against Cork City on Monday.
Young starlets such as Niall Ennis and Connor Ronan will be given a chance to impress then, with Jackett using the Crewe game to build up fitness for his senior players.
"We'll see a lot of the youngsters on Monday, we'll switch it around and see if the players that are now supporting can push their way into the first team.
"We need them to step up and put pressure on the senior players.
"I felt at times our passing could have been a little bit better, and we have some good chances to go further ahead.
"But overall coming out of it with no injuries is a very good thing and quite a number of players played 90 minutes.
"Switching from 4-3-3 last year to 4-4-2 this year is something we have to keep working at.
"I think there was a good spirit and attitude about us,.
"They're at the level I want them to be at right now. I can hear them talking, I've seen a lot worse and less competitive pre-season friendlies.
"We have to keep working in and out of possession at the 4-4-2 system."
The gaps in Wolves' squad are there for all to see.
And Jackett made it clear where exactly he thinks they need to strengthen - regardless of any mooted takeover.
"I feel for our squad we have two experienced goalkeepers who have done well in pre-season," he added.
"We have four fit defenders with Ebanks-Landell and Williamson injured, we have six central midfield players, three wide-right players, not a natural wide left, and one recognised forward.
"We're short on numbers and short on competition and we're certainly short on balance.
"We all know that."
