Paul Lambert heaped praise on his Wolves players for their performance in winning at promotion-chasing Leeds – as the team secured Sky Bet Championship status for next season.
Nouha Dicko capitalised on Ben Marshall’s sublime through pass for the only goal of a first half in which Wolves largely dominated, creating a string of fine chances.
The hosts hit back strongly in the second half but Wolves’ defence held firm, to make it 19 points from the last nine games and ensure the planning for next season can start now.
“I thought we played really well and we looked a threat,” said Lambert.
“It was a big performance and a big win to beat a team who is up there and has been on good form.
“To come to Leeds with their crowd right behind them – it is tough to win - but the lads responded and I think we could have been two or three up at half time.
“In the second half you would expect them to come at us but we defended well and the performance was fantastic.
‘The lads may have looked like they weren’t under any stress – but I was under stress!
“The defenders did really well – it was a big compliment to Mike (Williamson) and Stears for coming in and showing their experience and playing the way they did. They were outstanding.
“And then Kortney came on and made a great clearance at the end.
“Leeds were getting too many crosses in and they are a big team so we needed the height of that extra defender – he produced a world class clearance.”
The Head Coach has already spoken of the need to recruit well in the summer, and add quality to the squad but also with stability after so many new players arrived last summer.
Before the recent run Wolves were perched dangerously above the relegation zone, but are now safe with four games remaining.
“It is huge for us to secure Championship status,” said Lambert.
“I don’t look at the league table as much as you guys do because I go from game to game to try and win as many as I can.
“We are safe now and one thing I do know is that what happened last summer can’t happen again.
“We can’t have another 12 or 13 coming in with many who maybe don’t know the division and haven’t played many games.
“We will do everything we can to get lads in who are going to be ready for it, to play in front of big crowds, Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday.
“Credit to the team today but we need reinforcements to help them and players who will come in and thrive on these challenges.
“Ben Marshall and Andi Weimann have been superb for us since they came in and have been brilliant.
“They are talented footballers and are robust and we know exactly what we are going to get from them.
“It was important to get the win today after the last two games.
“Bristol City was really disappointing for us where we lowered our standards but it was more a case of fine margins against Brighton who are very strong and consistent.
“To get out of this division you don’t want to lose two games on the spin, let alone three, so today’s win was really important.”
Wolves were missing several players today through injury, with skipper Danny Batth absent with the knee injury sustained in a tackle during the game with Brighton on Friday.
Ivan Cavaleiro was also out with a back injury, while Helder Costa remains on the sidelines with an ankle problem.
