'Without a doubt' - Wolves legend makes bold prediction about next season

Wolves legend John Richards admits he was ‘totally surprised’ at the club’s managerial change but has backed them to get promoted to the Premier League.

Cesar Peixoto is the man leading Wolves into their first Championship season in eight years, as the club aims to bounce back at the first attempt following relegation.

Club hero and vice-president Richards has full faith that Wolves can have a successful season, but has warned it will not be an easy task.

"Without a doubt,” Richards said when asked if he is backing Wolves to go up straight away.

"It's not going to be easy, a lot of the players will have to adjust very quickly because there's a lot of games. There's a lot more games in the Championship than there were in the Premier League and on top of that you've got cup games as well.

"So it's going to be a long season, it really is, but you look at the squad and they're very experienced.

"The majority of the players are mid-20s to late-20s, with a couple of really good youngsters and a few very good-quality experienced players alongside them. It looks like a good mix to me.”

Richards also says he is ‘optimistic’ about Wolves’ managerial change, despite being surprised at the sudden decision.

Rob Edwards was being backed for next season and helped to sign Kieran Trippier, before club chairman Nathan Shi and owners Fosun decided to sack him unexpectedly and replace him with Gestifute client Peixoto.

"Like most people, I was totally surprised,” Richards said.

"I'm not directly involved with the club. My role is an honorary position, I'm very privileged to have it, and there's no reason why I should be aware of what's going on on a day-to-day basis. But it came as a bit of a surprise because Rob hadn't been there for all that long.

"But the more that you think about it and you hear what's coming out from the club now, I'm actually surprisingly optimistic.

"With what's been said by the hierarchy and also by the new manager, it has given me a lot more hope than I had a few weeks ago, just after Rob was sacked.”