Andy Lonergan: I'm no Wolves back-up
Andy Lonergan insists he sees himself as a number one goalkeeper after becoming Wolves' first signing of the summer.
The 32-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year-contract yesterday after Wolves agreed an undisclosed fee with Fulham.
Lonergan, who played 31 times for the Cottagers last season, will now compete with Carl Ikeme and youngster Jon Flatt for the number one jersey next season.
But while the former Preston man believes Ikeme is one of the best keepers in the Championship, he is ready to battle him for a starting spot.
"In my opinion Carl is comfortably one of the top three keepers in the league," Lonergan said.
"It is up to me to put pressure on him. Obviously I want to play – everyone wants to play – and everywhere I have been it has been a challenge.
"You just have to be patient if you are waiting for your chance and take it when it comes along.
"Clubs are now going down the route of wanting two number one goalkeepers.
"I have played nearly 400 games in this league so I would like to class myself as a number one.
"Most clubs now have two goalkeepers who could both go in and play and hopefully I can add to the squad here."
Lonergan spoke to former Wolves defender Richard Stearman before agreeing his contract which includes the option of a further year.
But he felt the move was right for him as soon as Wolves expressed their interest.
"I spoke to Stears about it and he couldn't speak highly enough of the club," the keeper added. "Wolves is a massive club and one of those when you play them you know the atmosphere will be fantastic.
"To be part of that, and hopefully a successful team at Molineux, is something I am looking forward to.
"There are a lot of factors which go into moving clubs.When you hear that first bit of interest you either say to yourself 'yes I fancy that' or 'I'm not sure'.
"My gut reaction with the Wolves interest was that I would like to make the move. There is something about these traditional clubs that really get you going."
