Wolves boss promising O'Hara fresh start after loan bid
Jamie O'Hara was today promised a clean slate at Wolves after Kenny Jackett revealed the midfielder's loan to Blackpool broke down over finances.
O'Hara is back training with Wolves after his trial at Bloomfield Road, after Tangerines boss Paul Ince said the £5m playmaker was two weeks' short of match fitness.
But with the 27-year-old being offered a cut-price deal of £5,000-a-week, it is understood agreement couldn't be reached.
Head coach Jackett said: "I've been assured Blackpool wanted to take him on a football basis, but that financially a deal couldn't get done – that's why he's back.
"It's maybe frustrating for him that maybe it didn't happen there."
Jackett said he is unaware of Ince's decision to reconsider taking O'Hara when the transfer window re-opens in January.
But he has promised O'Hara another chance.
"I didn't know Blackpool would be back in January but everyone's situation changes with managers, form, injuries and suspensions and when the window opens again," he said.
"So we'll see whether the changes result in something for him. If it does, we'll deal with it.
"But I'll judge him exactly the same as everyone else – he won't be moved to the side, he'll be judged on his work and his efforts at trying to earn a place in our midfield.
"He's got to keep working and training and if selected, try to work his way back in.
"At present, Dave Edwards has taken his chance along with McDonald – they've got the shirts at the moment.
"But if I think Jamie should play, I'll pick him.
"It's 'as you were' – he's in with the group, training to earn a place."
Jackett added: "When he's played, he hasn't got around the pitch as much as when I've seen him in past seasons, but I haven't questioned his ability on the ball.
"Getting that mobility very much depends on how much Jamie works but there's a degree of 'chicken and egg' because you need to play to maybe get match-fit.
"But it's very up to him – he's got to force his way into the side and that's what I'm looking for every player to do."
O'Hara will again be considered for Under-21 games.
"Yes at the right times, depending on how many because you can only player three over-age players plus a goalkeeper," added Jackett.
