Jeff Shi congratulated Steve Davis after he guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to victory over Nottingham Forest – and the interim manager is targeting an extended run in charge. Wolves sealed their second win of the season thanks to Ruben Neves’ penalty against Forest. It brought an end to Wolves’ losing run and lifted the club out of the relegation zone. Wolves chairman Shi was one of the first to congratulate Davis at the final whistle and the caretaker boss is expecting to oversee the game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Steve Davies said: “Obviously Jeff is delighted with today, he came in to congratulate myself and James (Collins). We felt that we would always be doing this game and maybe the Tuesday game with that being a little bit too soon for a coach to be brought in. We’re in tomorrow and we’ll prepare the team for Palace on Tuesday. Beyond that I don’t know. I’ve not really had any further communication with Jeff. At the moment it’s Palace.”
Davis isn’t expected to remain in charge after the Palace game, with ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo among those under consideration to replace Bruno Lage. But the ex-Crewe Alexandra manager would be open to remaining in charge until the Premier League stops for the World Cup on November 12. Asked whether he could oversee first team duties for six more games,
Steve Davis said: “Possibly, I think it depends on the results. I think today would help and if we got something on Tuesday, that would help again. It’s all about the results. The players are responding well to the work and that’s all we can do. We’ve had a positive reaction. They’ve bought into everything we’ve done and we’ve worked with great intensity. They’re enjoying it, but beyond Palace we don’t know so I don’t want to speculate on that too much.”
Davis, a lifelong Wolves supporter, heard his name chanted by the South Bank at the final whistle. After tasting defeat at Chelsea last week, Davis can say he led his boyhood club to victory at Molineux.
Steve Davis said: “I can’t explain it. It’s very difficult as a fan. It’s been a brilliant experience. I did say that if we win today I’ll retire – but I won’t! I’m just kidding… It doesn’t get much better, really, for me.”
