Mick McCarthy today revealed he turned down the chance to sign Joey Barton because the Premier League bad-boy did not fit in with the ‘Wolves way’.

QPR visit Molineux on Saturday having made the most of Tony Fernandes’ takeover by signing established top-flight stars such as Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anton Ferdinand and Luke Young.

Wolves have shown a more measured approach under boss McCarthy, gradually improving with players mostly in their early 20s.

And for all McCarthy’s admiration for Barton the footballer, the controversial star’s free transfer from Newcastle never attracted him.

“He’s a very good Premier League player, without a doubt,” said the boss.

“He was offered to everyone – from Kuwait to Kuala Lumpur to Kansas City to Wolverhampton. But I wouldn’t have done it.”

Asked if he was surprised by Barton ended up at QPR, McCarthy added: “There aren’t many clubs bigger than Newcastle.

“I think it was because Tony Fernandes was prepared to give him £65,000-a-week. He was always going to go somewhere. It wasn’t going to be a ‘middle of the road’ club like us paying him £65,000-a-week on a three-year deal.”

McCarthy is a huge believer in Wolves’ more prudent and patient policy which has seen them attract and keep players whose value has increased.

“I’ve always had the support of Steve Morgan and Jez Moxey and when we were promoted we tried to sign Premier League players,” said McCarthy.

“We’re never going to sign players on £65,000-a week – because we don’t think that’s the way to go about it.

“But we did spend millions on two strikers one year after (each other).”

By TIM NASH