On the Powell.

Monday, 13. February 2012, 22:58

Quote:

 

Reading manager Brian McDermott has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Mick McCarthy as Wolves manager, BBC Sport understands.

BBC Radio Berkshire reports McDermott was in Wolverhampton on Monday to discuss the Molineux post.

Steve Bruce remains in the frame, although Wolves have dismissed reports linking Brighton manager Gus Poyet to the job.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: "All our options remain open."

McDermott, 50, has been in charge of Reading since December 2009 when he succeeded Brendan Rodgers.

The former Arsenal player has steered the Royals to ninth and fifth-placed finishes while they are currently challenging for promotion after winning their last four games without conceding.

McDermott has not managed in the Premier League before, but Reading striker Noel Hunt said he "would not be surprised" if he left.

"They are in the Premier League and every club wants to be there. That is the same for players and managers," Hunt told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"Managers want to test themselves at the highest level against the best teams and if you don't have drive then you won't be very successful.

"We don't want him to go and I'm sure the fans don't want him to go. Everyone loves him, he is loved around the club and he is a very good man."

Wolves owner Steve Morgan had hoped to name a successor to McCarthy, who was sacked on 13 February, before the game away to Newcastle on 25 February.

But Moxey declined to say if they would have a new man in place for the weekend.

"We have been talking to people in and out of current positions all the time," Moxey added. "All our options, including both short-term and long-range possibilities, remain open."

Meanwhile, Wolves caretaker manager Terry Connor is demanding a positive response from the team when they return to action for the first time since McCarthy was sacked.

He said: "We're asking the players to respond positively, like they always have done at bad times, and come back ready for another fight."

Alan Curbishley was interviewed for the Wolves job but the former Charlton and West Ham boss is believed to have dropped out because he and Morgan did not share the same vision for the club.

Neil Warnock was also interviewed but has since taken over at Leeds. while former Queens Park Rangers manager Ray Wilkins has admitted he would be interested if approached.

"I believe there has been a bit of name-searching for the Wolves job and it would be lovely," Wilkins told talkSPORT.