Togetherness And Work Ethic

John Ruddy says that, although attention will be focused on the quality of Wolves' play after their 5-1 win over Bolton at Molineux on Saturday, the squad's togetherness and work ethic have been equally important in the positive first four months of the season.

Wolves overcame Bolton to record their fifth straight victory, with goals from Willy Boly, Leo Bonatini, Ivan Cavaleiro (two) and Diogo Jota sealing the win.

The victory completed an impressive week’s work for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, following the hard-fought 2-0 win away at Reading last weekend and the convincing midweek victory over Leeds United.

"I thought that we were efficient and effective, and that we dominated from start to finish," Ruddy said. "We were disappointed to concede a goal, but that was the only blip.

"It was important coming into this game that we finished the week right. The previous two performances had been good and got us two wins, but we knew that nine points from these three games was what we wanted to achieve.

"We knew that Saturday would be a different test. Bolton are resolute, despite what their position in the table suggests, and they came here and frustrated us for the early part of the game. However, after we got the goal I think we really took control."

In addition to another solid performance between the posts, Ruddy also claimed a late assist on Saturday, setting up Jota to score Wolves' fifth and final goal late on.

"It was a decent shank!" Ruddy joked after the game. "It's always nice to do something like that, and when you have players with the pace we have, players who are always playing on the shoulder of defenders, it makes it easier.

"Thankfully Diogo has done what he does best and tucked the chance away. I was pleased with it but it's obviously far more important that we got the points and capped off a very good week."

Wolves' football has drawn numerous plaudits this season, but Ruddy believes that their excellent team spirit and outstanding work rate have laid the foundations for what has been a hugely positive season so far.

"It's easy for people to look at us and think that we have the money to spend, but you also need togetherness and team spirit - you can't buy that, but we have it," he continued.

"For the majority of goals we've scored this season, you've seen ten players celebrating together. It's a bit far for me to go, so I don't make the trip very often, but you can see the togetherness. Not just in the celebrations either, but in the way we're playing - everyone knows their job, everyone is working together, and everyone knows what we have to do as a team.

"We all know that the minimum requirement in this league is to work as hard as you can.

"The dressing room is buzzing, as you would expect. The lads are working hard to make sure we're on the right track and staying grounded. We've got a really good group - the lads who have come from other countries have needed to adapt quickly and they've done that. That's credit to them, but also to the management for getting that blend right.

"We know that there's still a long way to go. We can't forget that we've got a tough period coming up, when games come thick and fast over Christmas.

“There's a long way  to go until the next opportunity to have a break and re-charge the batteries, but I'm sure the management will make sure that our recovery is spot on and that we're ready to go for Birmingham in the next game."