Wolves blog: Rating the defenders at Molineux

Wolves conceded 58 goals in the Championship, the same amount as promoted Huddersfield Town. However, this is also one more than relegated Wigan Athletic, highlighting the bizarre nature of the league.

The defence is an area Wolves seem keen to strengthen, as they have been linked with a number of players, having already confirmed the arrival of Ryan Bennett.

Conor Coady – although previously considered a midfielder, he is included here because he spent most of the season at right back. He did a decent job throughout the season, being voted in the top three by the fans for their player of the season. Many would have expected Dominic Iorfa to play most of the games this season, but Coady has been dependable if unspectacular. He did the job he was asked, and for the most part didn’t let anyone down.

Grade - B

Mike Williamson – what he lacked in pace, he made up for in organisation. Unfortunately, he didn’t play enough games to warrant a new contract after a lengthy period out with injuries. His only bad game for Wolves was in the final away game against Derby, when in fairness the whole defence was unable to cope. When he did play, he provided stability and helped his centre back partners. If he had played more games, he would be a solid B, but his lack of availability has been disappointing.

Grade – C/B

Kortney Hause – where Iorfa has plateaued (for now), Hause has kicked on. He is prone to the occasional mistake but is still only young, and has undoubted potential, being regularly chosen in the England Under-21 squad. With an experienced player alongside him who can play a solid number of games, a Mike Williamson without the injuries, his game could become even better.

Grade - B

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – many were excited when he joined Wolves on a season-long loan, but he never really took his chance. He looked far too blasé at times on the ball and never seemed to put the required effort in. Both Walter Zenga and Paul Lambert seemed to have the same idea about CBJ, which shows there must be a valid reason behind his absence.

Grade - E

Dominic Iorfa – a player that still has unfulfilled potential, but this was really not Dom’s season. His confidence seems to have dropped massively – when he returned to the team, he looked far more hesitant than he did when he initially broke into Jackett’s Wolves team. His physicality and athleticism mean he could be a fantastic player at this level. Hopefully a fresh start under the new regime will get him back on the right track.

Grade - D

Danny Batth – like Dave Edwards, he is a player that hugely divides opinion amongst Wolves fans. He scored four goals this season, and is probably the club’s biggest goal-scoring threat from corners. It is likely Wolves will have more competition in this part of the pitch next season, but Batth is a decent squad player at this level. He had a bad spell of form through the middle of the season but improved towards the end. He did a decent job for the most part, although the tendency to play long balls up the pitch is frustrating.

Grade - C

Richard Stearman – ‘that’ goal he scored at Anfield will go down as one of the greatest moments of Stearman’s Wolves career. We all know Stearman as a player who will bleed for the cause, but limited in terms of ability. He did a solid job when called upon, with the highlights probably being Liverpool and Leeds away. Only making 17 league appearances, it was always unlikely Wolves would re-sign him permanently. Overall, he proved a solid enough loan deal.

Grade - C

Silvio – described as ‘injury prone’ when Wolves signed him last summer, as many predicted he didn’t manage very many games. However, a final game link-up with Jordan Graham in the victory over Preston showed what could be. He undoubtedly has quality which he has not shown to its full extent in a Wolves shirt, but whether he is worth the risk of an additional year’s contract is questionable.

Grade - C

Matt Doherty – five goals and five assists from a full back is a promising return. Although he didn’t repeat the previous season’s feat of being the double-award winning player of the season, his standards didn’t drop off too dramatically – this season, there was an obvious award winner in Costa. Like Silvio, he is able to play in both full-back positions. His free kick against Stoke was especially memorable. Some more competition is needed in his position, though, as whether he is capable as a first choice player in a promotion-chasing team is questionable. He is better offensively than defensively.

Grade – B