Beards to stay: Wolves' Richard Stearman says hair will remain until promotion is sealed

A clutch of Molineux men have become more hirsute in recent weeks. The former Leicester defender has been joined by team-mates Matt Doherty, Danny Batth, Jack Price, James Henry and Michael Jacobs in sprouting an abundance of facial hair.

It was thought the razors would come out after the club-record nine-match winning run came to an end with the 0-0 draw against Shrewsbury 13 days ago. But the beards are bushier than ever.

Wolves need 15 points to guarantee promotion, and could seal a return to the Championship by Easter – or earlier, if Kenny Jackett's side win their matches and Leyton Orient drop points.

And Stearman is promising to keep the hairy look until going up is a mathematical certainty. "I've grown attached to the beard," he said. "So we'll keep it going until we get promoted then we'll re-assess it.

"There are still eight games left, so we have to stay professional and be committed to seeing the job out. Until that's mathematically achieved there can be no let-up."

The big talking point for tomorrow's clash at Milton Keynes Dons is the record-breaking travelling support, with 8,800 tickets sold to Wolves fans. But while Wolverhampton-born Stearman enjoys the size and passion of the backing, he is determined it won't place the players under any additional pressure.

"We'll have great travelling support which is something we really appreciate," said Stearman.

"There should be a great atmosphere down there," said Stearman.

"We're confident going into the game that we'll get three points."