Shropshire Star

Matt Doherty hails 'world class' Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo

Matt Doherty hailed 'world class' boss Nuno Espirito Santo as being the difference for Wolves this season.

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Nuno has guided Wolves to the top flight in his first season in charge and become only the seventh foreign boss to win promotion from the Championship.

The players have spoken in glowing terms of the head coach all season and Doherty said he's not surprised Nuno has led Wolves to the title.

"The manager's been the difference," the Irishman said. "When he first came we didn't know because he'd never managed in England before but he's proved you can come in as a foreign manager and succeed straight away.

"The formation, his tactics, man management...everything about him is world class.

"Now that I know him I'm not surprised he got us up in his first season.

"It's been unbelievable. We all had hopes at the start of the season with the players they were bringing in.

"Credit to the manager, everyone's gelled, the formation, it's all clicked into place. It's meant to be. We conceded two penalties at Cardiff and still didn't lose, we had nine men at Middlesbrough, things just happen, we won the games and it's just meant to be this year.

"One more game to go, we'll be happy to get that out the way and enjoy the summer."

Doherty has enjoyed a remarkably consistent campaign and was rewarded for his performances by making the shortlist for the player of the season award, along with Conor Coady and Ruben Neves.

The 26-year-old also earned his first ever cap for the Republic of Ireland recently.

He said of the season: "Winning League One felt good but to win this and get back in the Premier League, it's one of the best feelings I've had.

"There's no egos, everyone is of a good age where they're still growing and improving. A lot of us are friends, there's no one secluded and it's a top dressing room."

Wolves are back in the Premier League after a six-year absence and Doherty is one of only three players, along with Danny Batth and Carl Ikeme, to still be with the club from the squad that was relegated in 2012.

The right wing back admitted he's constantly thinking about next season.

Doherty said: "I guess you're constantly thinking about it, potential fixtures and that. As a group we've not spoken about it, I guess we'll wait until the summer before we do that."