Express & Star

Wolves season review: Struggles, sackings and some success

In a season fraught with difficulties, Wolves achieved their ultimate aim of remaining in the Premier League.

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Julen Lopetegui speaks with the players in the dressing room (Getty)

That was never the plan from the outset, of course, as the club’s many mistakes landed them in a relegation battle.

Here we review the highs and lows of Wolves’ 2022/23 campaign.

Successes

At the start of the season, success for Wolves would have been building on the 10th place finish from last season and perhaps mounting a charge for European football, particularly with the money they spent in the summer.

But once the campaign got under way, and it was clear by the World Cup break that the club was in serious danger of dropping out of the league, survival would be a success.

Taking that into account, finishing 13th is a remarkable achievement after being bottom at Christmas. Wolves were down and out, but a smart managerial appointment and shrewd business in the January transfer window ultimately saved Wolves’ season.

Another success from the campaign saw some young talents emerge. Hugo Bueno finally got his chance and overall has been excellent.

Joe Hodge is a superb talent and has a big future, while Dexter Lembikisa continues to grow and looks very promising.

Wolves must take advantage of their excellent academy and the emergence of these impressive young players is a shining light in an otherwise difficult and disappointing season.

Failures

Wolves’ many mistakes this season began last summer, when they allowed too many leaders to leave at once.

Losing John Ruddy, Romain Saiss, Willy Boly and Conor Coady all in one window ripped the heart out of the dressing room, which was never replaced until January.