Andy Thompson: Wolves must focus on forward line
Club hero Andy Thompson reckons bolstering the forward line must be a priority for Wolves this summer.
The former full-back believes bringing in a dependable goalscorer is imperative if the club are to come close to fulfilling the ambitions of owners Fosun and challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
Winger Helder Costa top scored last season with 12 goals but the campaign was a collective struggle for the club’s strikers with Joe Mason, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Nouha Dicko netting just 10 between them.
Andreas Weimann scored three while on loan from Derby during the second half of the campaign but Wolves opted against making the move permanent.
Thompson feels it is vital the club address the striking department in the weeks ahead. “There is a nucleus of a good squad but you need that belief. That is what is going to bring you success,” he said.
“You need a goalscorer if you want to do that.
“Wolves were OK at creating chances last season but they weren’t able to convert them.
“Players like that do cost money but that is the way it is.”
A hectic close season at Molineux to this point has seen Nuno Espirito Santo replace Paul Lambert as boss.
Early inroads into the transfer market have, meanwhile, seen a focus on the defence with centre-backs Ryan Bennett and Roderick Miranda brought in to beef up the backline.
Nuno became the club’s fourth boss in the space of 10 months and Thompson believes the pressure will be on the 43-year-old right from the off.
“There is more pressure on this year and I think it will be on right from the start of the season,” he said.
“The owners will not have spent the money they have on the likes of Cavaleiro and Costa without expecting results.
“Last season was a chance for them to get a feel for it in many respects. Now is when you would expect things to start kicking on.
“Fosun are a company who are used to success and they have already shown they won’t put up with failure for long.
“The next few weeks and pre-season are going to be crucial. This is the time when they should be getting things in place.
“The new man has a decent track record in management but the Championship is a hard league and it is going to be another tough season.”
