Michael Mancienne today admitted it feels like he's never been away as he prepared for the launch of his season-long loan at Wolves.

 

The highly-rated Chelsea defender has returned to Molineux having enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell at the end of last year in which Wolves collected 21 points - and only lost one game - of the ten in which he was involved.

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And the 20-year-old, included in the squad for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League curtain-raiser against West Ham, is delighted with both the temporary switch and the fact he has penned a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.


"To be honest I'm really happy to be back," Michael told WOW.

 

"I want to be playing regularly and it's good to be back here with a chance of doing that for Wolves.

 

"I knew Wolves were interested again and it was just a case of waiting to see what would happen and talking to Chelsea and to my agent.

 

"I'm glad it all got done.

 

"Signing the new contract at Chelsea makes me feel secure there long-term but I also want to be playing games and so to come back to Wolves is a massive thing for me."

 

There was an extra special bonus for Michael at the end of last season.

 

Although his ten appearances didn't automatically qualify him for a Championship medal, he was among a group of players who received replicas arranged by boss Mick McCarthy.

 

"The gaffer sent me a Championship medal at the end of last season which I didn't expect but it was great to get one," he explained.

 

"I had some good times here last year and it's important that Wolves like to play good football.

 

"That's something I like to do as well and so it's good to come back into a team who is confident and wanting to play good football.

 

"The lads have all welcomed me back and to be fair it feels like I've never been away."

 

Now he is line to face West Ham tomorrow at the start of a challenging season for Wolves.

 

Already familiar with several of the Hammers players from the England-under-21 line-up, he expects a tough test but believes Wolves have a good chance of a successful season.

 

"The first priority for Wolves is to stay in the Premier League," he said.

 

"To do that we've got to be solid as a team and if we can get a couple of wins under our belt early on that will get us going.

 

"I know a couple of the West Ham lads from the under-21s and Carlton Cole was at Chelsea as well,

 

"Carlton's flying at the moment and he'll be very confident so we know we're in for a tough game.

 

"We'll need to get the fans behind us and support us tomorrow and I'm sure they will."

 

Season Tickets

 

* Subscribers to Wolves Player can check out Michael's first television interview shortly.