Danny Batth says Wolves are committed to trying to round off a tough season in style with a performance “worthy of the support” against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (12.30pm).
After a disappointing season which will end in a mid-table finish, Wolves also head into their final game of the campaign on the back of four successive goalless draws at Molineux which has raised the frustration levels among the home fans.
And that is another big motivation for the players as they aim for a winning finish against an Owls side which has already booked their place in the end-of-season play-offs.
“As I have said before we know it has been tough for the fans this season,” said the captain.
“We are thankful for their support - they have travelled up and down the country and already committed to their Season Tickets.
“They have stuck by a very young team which is to their credit.
“We are the ones wearing the shirts, and it is important we give it our all.
“We have to make sure we can excite the fans, but also have the work ethic and the backbone that playing for Wolves demands.
“It is always important at the end of the season to acknowledge the support, and say thanks to fans for their loyalty and sticking with us.
“We are hoping for a busy Molineux tomorrow and that we can put on a display worthy of the support.”
To some degree the end of the season will at least give Wolves the chance to regroup and be ready to go again next time out.
After two successive positive seasons under Kenny Jackett, it is the first mid-table Molineux season for many years.
“I am sure the planning for next season has already started upstairs,” says Batth.
“For us on the pitch it is about making sure we get our side of it right when we come back for pre-season.
“This season has been frustrating for everyone involved - the players, fans and the staff.
“We have finished mid-table and at times not really excited the fans.
“We have been hard to beat at times but have struggled to find the net and I think it has been an average season.
“You play football to try and achieve something, and everyone at Wolves wants to achieve better things for the club.
“It is a sad day to have nothing to play for at the end of the season in terms of promotion.
“We are safe in the league, and now have the chance to rebuild for next season and go again.
“We have to look at Sheffield Wednesday and the other teams up there and aspire to be a top six team ourselves, planning for promotion to the Premier League.
“We need to work our socks off and make sure we are in the best possible condition when we come back, and then hopefully we can also welcome back some new faces and some lads back from injury.”
Wolves welcome a Sheffield Wednesday side with whom Batth enjoyed some good memories during a loan spell back in their League One promotion-winning season of 2011/12.
Much has changed for the Owls since then, and while Batth holds fond memories of his stay in South Yorkshire, all his focus tomorrow is on Wolves.
“I had great spell there, it was few years back now, and I have played against them a few times since,” he says.
“It was nice to have been part of their resurgence and they have kicked on again over the last couple of years.
“They have a lot of new faces in the team and have made some big signings with players like Forestieri and Hooper coming in and doing well and scoring goals.
“After the game I will wish them all the best but during the game I won’t be holding back.
“It will be business as usual, focusing on doing my best in captaining Wolves and being the best that I can.”
