Rob Edwards today described himself as excited and focused as he relished the prospect of leading Wolves into Saturday's game at Blackburn Rovers.
And the interim head coach, placed in control on Tuesday following the departure of Walter Zenga, immediately made it clear he is seeking a performance of pride and passion at Ewood Park.
"We have tried to organise the week as well as we can," he said. "The staff have been fantastic, really supportive, and the players have bought into everything. I couldn't ask any more.
"All we are thinking of is Blackburn. A lot of fans will be travelling and wanting to see a good performance and we can't let anything that has happened this week to affect that.
"There have been two or three key messages and I am going over them and hoping we get the right response. It's a big game, on the TV, and I know the players are looking forward to it.
“I can't look further ahead than tomorrow and Saturday. I want to see the team playing with passion, for the badge and see an identity. If we get those, I will be happy.”
Edwards, a popular figure at the club after the years in coaching that have followed his substantial playing spell at Wolves, knows he can trust those he has around him as he assumes the 'main man' role at the training ground and in the dug-out.
"Scott Sellars has stepped up from the under-23s and has vast experience as a player and coach," he added. "It's great to have his experience and that of all the staff.
"I have leaned on them but it's up to me to make the decisions and get the players focused and ready for Saturday.
"I am in a position of leadership and you have to have good relationships with people. I'm not trying to complicate things too much. They want to enjoy things and that's what I want to give them.
"I know the League position is disappointing and we feel we're better than that. But the Villa game was very good, so there's a high level of confidence and I haven't had to pick people up.
“We have some fantastic players at this club and if we have some clear messages, they can get that into their game. I am really looking forward to it, with the players performing like we know they can.”
In recognising the need for more consistency in performances and results, the 33-year-old former Wales defender also had words for the outgoing regime when interviewed by Wolves Player HD this morning ahead of his first media conference.
"We are all professional....you see it happens and it's unfortunate," he said. "You don't like to see people lose their jobs. Others clubs have been in the same position this week.
"I want to thank Walter because he was great for me and I really learned a lot from him, as I did from Kenny (Jackett).
"I think I will be nervous (on Saturday)....it's like your debut again. I aim to get the players knowing their roles and responsibilities. That's what anyone would do. Hopefully you will see on Saturday what we have tried to do.
"Blackburn are probably in a false position. They are very hard-working and will be trying to stop us doing what we want to do. We are expecting a really tough game but if our players turn up as I fully expect them to, we can make it tough for them, too.
"My whole experience since finishing playing has helped. A year with the under-18s was invaluable because I was leading a team of staff and making decisions.
“I'm obviously going to lean on that now; pull it all together, lean on the last four years and on my ten years of playing in the Championship, and use it to the benefit of the club and players.”
