Fan Column: Erratic Wolves need change to save season

But then, to engage in negotiations for a return with a man still receiving severance pay beggared belief. The absurdity simply beyond parody. Deja-vu gone crazy; bad decisions it seems know no boundaries.

Asking for wise heads to prevail at Molineux is an oxymoron on a grand scale. I was unaware that Mr.Shi retained such a risible sense of humour. Graceful exits for departing managers and coaches are rare and sadly Vitor leaves behind an increasingly deplorable record. 

Any continuation could only have been construed as negligence by an executive already carrying much responsibility themselves for the turmoil engulfing the club. Despite ‘mission accomplished’ last season, Vitor by nature was not the type of guy to hang around. 

Associating him with stability and continuity was fanciful; building a ‘project’ simply a buzzword and for him a cultural contradiction. Wolves, like so many of his previous clubs, merely a fleeting visit. 

Personable and positive, his initial impact was undoubtedly seductive. On Boxing Day his first home game under the lights generated passionate excitement as Manchester United were stylishly dispatched. Molineux felt liberated, a throwback to the best days of Nuno. 

A genuine rapport with fans was forged and six consecutive late-season wins - a commendable achievement - enhanced his popularity. 

But reality was waiting in ambush and faced with prolonged challenges and shorn of three of his most influential players, he floundered. 

He tinkered incessantly with different formations hoping as if by chance to stumble upon an effective approach, gave the captain’s armband to numerous individuals seeking that leader on the pitch that the team so lacked. 

Selection became increasingly erratic, players appearing genuinely puzzled as to the nature of their roles and most telling of all, nothing he did gave any cause for optimism that the continuing malaise could be arrested. 

Like politicians, most managers finish their careers as failures; the Burnley episode an unedifying slanging-match with his own frustrated supporters. And the last-rites at Fulham; Emmanuel Agbadou sent-off to seal Pereira’s fate. 

The pair of them a mirror image metaphor of the other; confident and influential last season, both haplessly diminished at present. 

What now? A modicum of basic good judgement would be a start.