This Wolves team will have to work extremely hard to succeed consistently

Maximum points against teams not reckoned to be pacesetters in this league was the aim but in reality, any notion that Wolves might ride roughshod over perceived run of the mill opponents was quickly dispelled.

Bolton set the ball rolling by showing scant regard for any pretentions we might have had regarding our pedigree at this level.

With Wolves not covering the acres of space they had vacated, Bolton cut swathes through the midfield, outsmarted and finally outplayed Wolves deservedly taking the points.

Momentarily, they lost their composure after Bellegarde’s equaliser, but Wolves failed to exploit their indecision and the killer-instinct was decidedly lacking a week later when an indifferent Portsmouth outfit were allowed to pirate a point late on due to some dire game-management on our part.

A mere point from the six on offer and a fan-base in contrast to the euphoria after the Albion victory, frustrated and intensely irritated demanding successive wins in the following two games. Credibility very much on the line and to the relief of all, the two wins did transpire.

Wolves made desperately hard work of disposing of a bland Watford outfit and just as they had done against Pompey, risked catastrophe by sitting on a slender lead seemingly reluctant or unable to commit to extending their advantage.

And despite tearing into Cardiff at the outset and establishing a two- goal lead, this passivity enveloped Wolves again with possession surrendered allowing the Welsh team to fashion enough chances to cause embarrassment. Mercifully, these chances, and they were numerous, were all wastefully spurned.

Seven points from the 12 on offer; just about acceptable buttressed of course by the win at Burnley sandwiched between the four home fixtures.

The conclusion? By any objective assessment, this Wolves team will have to work extremely hard to succeed consistently.

They still appear to be seeking a genuine definition of their playing method, relying on isolated flourishes, still suggesting a level of uncertainty.

This squad demonstrably does not carry the talent that the saw us to promotion the last time we were encumbered in this league.

Nuno’s team had both the flair and the firepower to overwhelm less talented opposition, currently Wolves don’t enjoy similar probing credentials.

But that’s not to say they can’t be successful; injuries have already taken a toll and certainly some business in January would be a welcome boost.

We’re not badly placed but the room for improvement remains considerable.