After romping to the Championship title last season Wolves were expected to make their mark this season.
However, it hasn’t gone according to plan with play-off winners Burnley and runners-up Birmingham both adapting life amongst the elite more quickly.
Wolves slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of their local rivals Birmingham on Sunday but the margin of defeat could have been wider as confidence appears to be on the wane at Molineux. Mick McCarthy now faces a crucial week as he bids to repair shattered confidence ahead of another crunch clash with Bolton this weekend.
Givemefootball’s Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Wolves’ midfield general Karl Henry who is determined to prove that both he and Wanderers can cut the mustard at this level.
Q: Are you happy with your own performance this season as the manager has praised your performances?
A: Me get carried away by the manager’s praise? Certainly not. I try to be laid back. I am certainly not a big time Charlie who is going to allow things to go to my head. At the end of the day we are in the bottom two and I am not worrying about anything other than getting us out of there. But on a personal note I have been pleased with my own performances. I am happy that I have adapted.
Q: Is there a big difference between the Premier League and the Championship?
A: People talk about how big a jump it is from the Championship to the Premiership - who can make it? Who can play there? And I feel I have shown that I can play in the Premier League. But there is a long way to go in the season and I want to continue doing as I have done, and more importantly keep Wolves in this division.
Q: Do you feel more responsibility as captain?
A: I am certainly aware that I am captain and I am sure that people will be looking at me to pick the other players up. That’s certainly a responsibility that I enjoy, and it’s something that I look forward to. I do it out on the training pitch. I am a vocal person - most of the lads will tell you that.
Q: Even though you are 26 you are still one of the more experienced players in the squad aren't you?
A: I am 26. I’m only young; at least I keep saying that to the rest of them. We have an old versus young game here, the day before a game and ever since I joined here I have been on the old team. I was 23 when I first came here - we just have such a young squad which is good for the future here. I love it being captain and every game I go and wear the armband I thoroughly enjoy it and it is a real honour.
