Critics slam decision to appoint Terry Connor

Wolves' decision to appoint Terry Connor as manager was today criticised by former player Michael Gray and managerial candidate Alan Curbishley.

Popular Gray, who played 47 games for Wolves between 2007 and 2009, believes his old club made "two huge mistakes" in sacking Mick McCarthy and appointing Connor as his replacement.

"I feel for Terry, he's a lovely fellow, but I think he's a coach (not a manager)," said Gray, who was coached by Connor at Molineux.

"Wolves have made two huge mistakes – the first by getting rid of Mick McCarthy, and the second by not appointing someone with a bit of experience, to try to give them the opportunity to beat relegation.

"I think they're going to find it really hard and I can't see them getting out of it.

"Wolves conceded five goals against Man United, five against West Brom and five against Fulham. It's not a good return. When you're down at the bottom you have to get the balance right and they obviously haven't at the moment."

Former Charlton and West Ham chief Curbishley, who twice turned down the chance to manage Wolves during the hunt for McCarthy's successor, also believes their decision was flawed.

"If you look back at clubs who have replaced their manager in this sort of situation, I think Hull went with Iain Dowie with 10 games to go after Phil Brown was sacked and

Alan Shearer went to Newcastle with nine games to go and they found it very difficult," said Curbishley.

"Mick is experienced, having kept them up before and he knows the players' strengths and weaknesses, so there is an argument for saying he is the best man to lead them out of it."