As Wolves prepare for a relegation battle to secure their Premier League status in 2010 one man who is backing them to succeed is Mel Eves.
The Wolves legend spent 10 years at Molineux from 1975-1984 with most of those seasons in the top flight, with a League Cup success to boot.
Eves still lives in the Black Country and has seen the current crop of Wolves stars in action this season as they bid to achieve an unprecedented step. The men from Molineux spent one season in the Premier League prior to this campaign and they were dumped straight back into the Championship.
However, hopes are high that they can avoid the drop this season under the tutelage of Mick McCarthy and are currently outside the relegation zone.
Weather permitting, they face a trip to West Ham this weekend where they will be looking to avenge an opening day defeat and, as Eves told Givemefootball’s Ian Clarkson in an exclusive interview, these are games they must win if they are to avoid a swift return to the Championship.
Q: How important is the game against West Ham?
A: It is a crucial game for Wolves as they are in a dogfight with around seven other teams and you cold throw a blanket over all of them. I think it will be between Wolves, West Ham, Portsmouth, Wigan, Bolton, Hull, Burnley and Blackburn to see who is relegated this season.
I can’t see Everton, Sunderland, Stoke or Fulham getting dragged in but you never know. This is a crunch game as Wolves have beaten Burnley, Wigan and Fulham already this season and West Ham is another game they need to get something out of. They also picked up the bonus win at Spurs of course.
Q: That was an unexpected win, wasn't it?
A: If you have got a really good team spirit and people working hard for each other then – on any particular day – it can really gel for you. That is when you pick up the bonus results at places like Spurs and you earn those throughout the course of a season with belief and a strong team ethic.
That’s where Mick McCarthy and his backroom staff have really come into their own as the self-belief starts at the top and they are obviously working hard on that aspect.
Q: Can they survive this season?
A: I think they have a more than decent chance of surviving this season as I have seen all the squad play. I have watched them home and away and I think Wolves are a side with a fantastic team spirit that is learning to win at this level.
I think Birmingham have managed to do that already and Wolves are moving in the right direction. It is crucial that players such as Kevin Doyle stay fit and I think the squad will be stronger when the likes of Michael Kightly and Dave Edwards return from injury.
Q: How is Mick McCarthy's Premier League experience?
A: I think Mick is doing a great job and all the team are pulling their weight. In his words, everyone is putting a shift in and that is important. There are no prima donnas in this Wolves team and they are working together to achieve their goal.
The team as a whole is far stronger than any individuals at Wolves and the supporters are responding to their efforts. I think the squad is stronger than the last time they were promoted and they are able to cope with injuries and suspensions far better.
