Matt Hobbs says Hee Chan Hwang signing a new long-term contract at Molineux is symbolic of the belief and excitement Wolves’ key players have in the club’s current rebuilding project.
The Old Gold’s top scorer, who has netted nine times so far this term, has put pen to paper on a new deal, having flourished under Gary O’Neil so far this season.
Hobbs has seen the South Korea international grow on and off the pitch since his arrival in 2021, initially on loan, and he believes the new deal is a reward for his application on and off the pitch, but also reiterates that the club is moving in the right direction.
On Hwang’s new contract
“Since he’s come in, it’s not always been plain sailing, he’s had a couple of niggles, but has always given everything. Now, the fans are really appreciating what he’s doing on the pitch, he’s scoring goals and is an important part of Gary’s team, but it’s also about the person he’s been. It’s fully deserved for what he’s doing on and off the pitch.
“Form always dominates these sorts of decisions, there’s no point pretending it’s anything else, but he’s bought into the club, he loves the area, and you can see the love he has for the fans, with the song he has. It’s something which fits really nicely and gives us some longevity with him on a longer contact, being such an important player for us.”
On what the contract shows
“It shows that good players want to be here, during what’s probably not been the smoothest time for the football club, going back to last season, but good players can see what’s going on at Compton and what we’re trying to build.
“We’re resetting the club and moving forward again, and they want to be part of that project. For important players, praising the manager and coaching staff in the media can be easy, but this shows their commitment and belief. It’s what it represents from us to Hee Chan, but also Hee Chan to us. What he’s shown by signing is that he’s not got one eye somewhere else.”
On him flourishing under O’Neil
“It’s the same for any individual at the football club, whether you’re a player or a member of staff behind the scenes, when you feel valued and important, subconsciously you give more. You feel more settled, more at home, and you produce on and off the pitch.
“His versatility has been really helpful to Gary, playing across the front line, and he’s been helped, similar to Pedro, by the faith that Gary has showed in him. It’s allowed them both to play the best football since they’ve been here.”
On the mental strength he possesses
“He’s strong as an ox, mentally and physically. He’s such a strong person in how he acts on and off the pitch, his attitude towards his football, but you can see how much he’s loved by the players. They came in and tried the South Korean foods and you can see the affection they’ve got for him, because they know on the pitch, he’s going to give everything for them. I’m sure the players are really happy he’ll be here for a long time as well.
“His English is really good, definitely better than my South Korean, and he’s worked hard at that. He’s got his confidence back after a tough spell at Leipzig, and the more confidence he’s had, the more he’s produced on the pitch.”
On the knack of scoring goals
“He wants to get in the box and score goals. The goal against Newcastle, the composure he showed – he could have shot first time, but he chopped, sat the defender down and put it in the corner, it shows the type of cool finisher he is. I think if you were to ask him, he’s a bit of a perfectionist, so he’d want more and probably thinks about other chances, but he’s been great this season.
“With Pablo coming into the team recently, the attacking players have all shown really good signs. It’s no surprise that if one plays well, two play well, and so on. Competition amongst the forward players is really healthy.”
