Walker | 'It's fantastic to finish third'

Richard Walker has praised his players following their victory against Derby County and top three finish in the league table.

Wolves under-18s came from behind to beat Derby County on home turf, with Dani Angel successfully finding the net twice before Mateus Mane secured the victory with his first U18 goal for the Old Gold. This result ensured that Wolves finished the 2023/24 season in third place, behind champions Manchester United and Manchester City.

On an inspiring win

Delighted with the way the boys responded, they were brave to get on the ball and work our way through.

“We always looked a threat up top, I always thought we’d get goals.”

On Mateus Mane scoring his first Wolves goal

Delighted for him, he was one of five under-16s playing today.

“I thought he was excellent; we know his hunger for the game and his hunger to learn and I think that is evident in the way he plays.

“As a group of staff, we are really looking forward to continuing to work with him and help him because he has plenty to be excited about.”

On finishing third and preparing for next season

It is fantastic to finish third in the league. Our job is about developing players for our first-team and progressing players to go and have careers.”

“The bigger picture is we have young lads involved in the first-team squad; we have lads progressing to the 21s and with the 18s.

“As long as we keep working hard as a group of staff and the players do what they need to do in terms of their own development, we will be in a good place.”

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