Matt Doherty says there is far more than just personal pride at stake for Wolves players in the final three games – also the need to stay in Kenny Jackett’s thoughts for next season.
Wolves have home fixtures with Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday, and a trip to Nottingham Forest sandwiched in between, before the Sky Bet Championship season comes to an end with a mid-table finish below many people’s expectations.
After back-to-back defeats, and also three successive goalless draws at home, Doherty insists there is plenty at stake when the Millers check in to Molineux on Saturday (3pm).
“We are playing for next season already,” says the defender.
“Our attitude will stay the same and, if doesn’t, the gaffer will see it.
“Everything is looking towards impressing for next season now and if anyone’s attitude drops it will work against them.
“Everyone wants to be in the team at the start of next season, and will be working towards that in the remaining games.
“We are all playing for places, because there are boys coming back from injury and new players might be signed.
“We are all looking to be in form at the end of the season to stay in for the next one.
“As a team we are also looking to find a consistent way of playing in these final three games.
“We can then work on a lot of things during pre-season building up to the new one and be ready.”
Doherty admits it was a disappointing performance at Leeds on Tuesday, which ended in a 2-1 defeat, despite an encouraging Wolves start.
“In the first 20 minutes we were quite good,” he says.
“Leeds didn’t seem to get to grips with our formation and we got in behind a couple of times and should have scored.
“After they clocked it, and got their midfielders wide, we struggled, and from there on we were a bit off it.
“We changed our formation in the second half and got a goal and another good chance but it was disappointing not to get a result.
“I think people can see we are not scoring goals – we are trying to get in behind teams a bit more and down the sides but unfortunately we couldn’t make that happen at Leeds.”
