Moving Things Forward

Gaffer on takeover and need for new faces

Kenny Jackett says he is confident the situation at Wolves will now settle down after the takeover by Fosun Group has been completed.

 

And Wolves’ Head Coach has revealed he has already met with Fosun representative Jeff Shi to discuss potential squad strengthening.

 

Jackett admits it has been a difficult few weeks with speculation surrounding the takeover and his position, but it is to be expected in football and he has been able to concentrate on getting on with his job.

 

Speaking after today’s goalless draw against Port Vale in the latest pre-season friendly, Jackett said:  “I met Jeff last night and he was very positive and enthusiastic about the future of the club.

 

“He was asking about the team, and we need to address it, which was the main issue.

 

“He said he wants to settle the whole situation down and settle the whole club down which is very important.

 

“He is very aware that the season is coming up and we do need to sign players and we need to improve the squad.

 

“We will be meeting tomorrow as well in terms of the way forward for the future of the squad.

 

“The takeover has affected the summer and it is the best thing for the club that is it now complete.

 

“These things do take time and there was nothing anybody could do about that.

 

“Fosun have come in now and will be wanting to take steps in the right direction and that is very important.

 

“In terms of all the speculation, I definitely see it and am aware of it and it is part of management, if not a nice part of management.

 

“I know it is there, but I am professional and make sure that it doesn’t affect me and that I do my job and prepare the players as best I possibly can.

 

“I was here today concentrating on my job and I certainly hope to be leading the team at the start of the season.

 

“I am always confident in my own ability and confident in my own ability to make the right assessment and come out with a team which can compete.”

 

Jackett feels the goalless draw in today’s friendly showed areas where Wolves are lacking.

 

“We all know that the squad needs to be improved and invested in and today proved that,” he added.

 

“This showed exactly what we need to do and where we need to improve.

 

“With Danny (Batth) ill today we have three fit senior defenders and had to play a midfielder in Conor (Coady) at right back.

 

“It shows how short we are.

 

“We have a clutch of central midfielders but lack natural options down our left hand side and are lacking up front.

 

“There is an imbalance in the team and a lack of options up front, a lack of competition in key areas and a lack of creativity.

 

“We do need to address those situations quickly because the season is coming up and the deadline is coming up as well.

 

“We are behind slightly because of what has happened over the summer with planning and the squad planning especially as there is no emergency loan situation this year.

 

“In the last six months or so it has been a defensive approach and that is what has been needed but now the takeover is complete, I am sure the club will make the right decisions and move things forward.

 

“Everybody at Wolves is pleased that the takeover is now complete and interested to see what happens."