Danny Batth says the Wolves players will embrace the change heading into a new era under new ownership and a new Head Coach in Walter Zenga.
Whilst paying tribute to the work of departed Head Coach Kenny Jackett and his assistant Joe Gallen, the Wolves skipper says the dressing room will accept that change happens in football and it is time to embrace the new dawn.
Batth was withdrawn as planned at half time of Saturday’s friendly defeat against Swansea to ensure he is fit and ready to lead the team in the first game of the Sky Bet Championship season at Rotherham at the weekend.
“We are players but we are also human beings,” said Batth.
“We went into the game focused on the game although there has been a few moving parts over the last few weeks.
“We are all paid to play for Wolves and that is something we are proud of and every time we go out there that is all we are focused on.”
It is a big change now but it is also exciting.
“I think every Wolves fan will be excited about the season to come.
“We have got a week before the Rotherham game and we have to make sure we listen to what the new boss is saying and make sure we implement his style and his philosophy and make sure we are hard to beat.
“Football is always evolving and is important to move with the times.
“I haven’t had chance to chat with the new boss yet because he has only just arrived but I am sure we will pick it up next week and work out the way forward.
“He has got huge playing experience and he is well travelled – he knows different league and different players.
“He will want to do well in the Championship and this is a good opportunity for us as players as well with the new owners having come in.
“We need to make sure we are part of these plans and we get behind the gaffer.
“He has come in and introduced himself and seems very enthusiastic and well motivated for this job.
“This week we will learn a lot more about what he expects on the pitch and we have to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.”
Batth was a key figure during the three years Jackett and Gallen were at Wolves, missing games only through injury at the end of the second and start of the third, and also being made captain.
He admits they were good times, especially the promotion from League One.
“Kenny did a great job,” he says.
“Some teams have gone down to League One and not resurfaced for a few years.
“We won that league and then went close to the play offs and I think every fan would want to thank him and Joe for that.
“Last season was difficult for various reasons but he should lead with his head held high and the players will be very respectful of what he achieved.
“He changed the momentum of the club.
“There was a lot of negativity when he first came in but it didn’t take long for him to turn it around.
“Now we have to try and go one better and make sure we get behind this new era and have a good season.”
Change will not be confirmed purely to the boardroom and Head Coach position.
New faces have already arrived and several more are in the pipeline, which Batth says must also be embraced as the new season kicks off.
“Squads never stay together forever – as players we know that,” he said.
“We make sure that whoever is wearing the shirt for Wolves that we are united and we are strong together.
“We have a new gaffer and new impetus and have to go forward with that.”
