Wolves players get Christmas Day off

Traditionally, players across the nation train on December 25 as it's seen as an important preparation day for the Boxing Day fixture.

But manager Stale Solbakken has decided to bring his squad in early on the 26th – just hours before the Peterborough game – to run through preparations instead of them training on the big day.

Tonight's televised clash at Blackpool kicks off a spell of four games in 11 days for Wolves.

The day off is also expected to allow Solbakken, his assistant Johan Lange and first-team coach Patrick Weiser brief time to see their families in Norway, Germany and Denmark respectively before returning in time for the Posh clash.

Former boss Mick McCarthy gave players Christmas Day off last year because the Arsenal away game on Boxing Day was put back 24 hours due to a Tube drivers' strike.

Solbakken said: "I'm aware that in England, December 25 is a very big day, so the players are off on Christmas Day.

"But they will come in very early on the 26th for a light morning session to do extra preparation, so we are 100 per cent sure everyone is ready."

Solbakken told of how the players are happy with the arrangement.

He said: "For the last three years, they haven't trained on Christmas Day. This is what we went through with Tony Daley and this is what they have been used to.

"We are in early on the 26th so we can have a look at some extra details or players we want to talk to them about, so it's fresh in their minds."