Kenny Jackett says Wolves have returned with “a lot of optimism” as they reported back to start pre-season preparations at Compton Park.
The majority of the squad returned yesterday for fitness testing ahead of the 2016/17 campaign, boosted by Nouha Dicko, Mike Williamson and Ethan Ebanks-Landell also back in amongst it.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Jackett.
“There is a new season coming and there is a lot of optimism around the place among the players who are looking forward to getting back to work and pre-season.
“We have six weeks to shape the squad, get them as fit as possible, and make sure they all prepared both with base fitness and match practice.
“We need to make sure we are ready for what is a very busy August when the games start.
“We have a sensible group of players, a fit group, and an enthusiastic group.”
In terms of those players who finished last season injured, it was very much a positive return with three involved in the testing ahead of the football work due to start later this week.
And that is particularly good news for Dicko, who missed almost all of last season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in August.
“Looking at Mike Williamson, Nouha Dicko and Ethan, we are confident they will be fit and ready,” said Jackett.
“It will be some months until Jordan (Graham) is available but we are pleased with how things are going with him.
“We’ve been building up with Nouha since the end of last season.
“Hopefully he can have a really good pre-season and keeping working hard and get back to where he was.
“The summer’s been good for him, that it came when it did.
“It’s given him the extra time and hopefully we and he benefit from that.”
Several players are due to report back next Monday having had either loan or international commitments during the close season.
“Lee Evans has had a bit more time off having played for Bradford in the play-offs, and Carl Ikeme who played for Nigeria,” added Jackett.
“It’s the same with Kortney Hause and Dominic Iorfa who played for England Under-21s in Toulon – all those players are due to report back next Monday.
“Then there is Dave Edwards, who is away in France with Wales who are doing really well.”
*Wolves have added another friendly to the pre-season schedule. Shrewsbury Town will visit Compton Park for a behind-closed-doors friendly on July 9th.
