Wolves fans' first glimpse of new boss Nuno in action
Wolves fans were feeling optimistic about the season ahead as they descended on the club’s Compton Park training ground for an open training session.
New signings Roderick Miranda and Ryan Bennett were among the players taking part in the session yesterday led by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
It was a first glimpse for fans of the former Porto boss who it is hoped will lead a promotion charge next season following his arrival in May.
And those who came to watch the players were put through their paces in 23C (73F) heat were generally optimistic for the future.
New boss Nuno was delighted with the fans' support and helping to welcome him to the club.
"We have to thank them for being here," he said.
"They had a chance to see the players up close, they're getting autographs – this is the dynamic of a club that wants to be united with the fans."
Wolves captain Danny Batth also praised the fans in a message on Twitter.
Kevin Harris, aged 66, from Willenhall, had a front row seat with wife, Iris, 64, and grandson Reggie, four.
He said: “From a spending point of view the last few weeks have been fantastic really. It is now just whether the new contingent of players gel with the team and perform in the muck and nettles of the championship.
“Obviously last summer we had 12 new signings and only two or three of them did it. But I am staying positive for the season at this stage.”
Another fan who made the journey to see the players was Amol Kroth, 48, from Bloxwich.
He said: “I am here to see the players and particularly Helder Costa.
“I also want to see what the new manager is like - he looks a bit wild.
“Things look better than last summer as the manager has got more time to look around.
“But it is too early to say because when you look at the 12 signings last summer there can be problems.
“I would say the minimum we will be looking for this season is the play-offs but we could be promoted from the top two.”
Also at the session was die-hard fan Steve Plant who recently published a book charting the history of Wolves’ shirts to raise money for charity.
He said: “I never thought I would see this, this many people at a training session.
“I started coming to these in 2009 and the most I would ever see is 10 or 15 people.
“Quite often, particularly over the winter, I was the only one.
“At most there were two or three people so to see this many is incredible.
“I think last year we lacked direction. It seemed to be a case of just bring lads in and hope some of them work out.
“But this year it seems there is a good manager in place and they are building from the back having signed four defenders.
“They are doing it the right way and they are quality players too.
“I think it is going to work and I am positive for the season ahead.”
The players will travel to Austria later this month ahead of Nuno's first Championship fixture against Middlesbrough on August 5.
Wolves remain hopeful of landing Porto pair Ruben Neves and Willy Boly in the near future to further bolster their ranks.