It's time to deliver on potential

Mar 18 2008 Comment By Paul Berry

WHEN Wolves were initially due to play Scunthorpe four weeks ago tonight, they had just been humiliated by Cardiff, were seven points off the play-offs and had one game in hand.

They head into this evening's potential date with destiny on the back of an excellent win at Burnley, four points off the pace and with two extra games to play than sixth-placed Plymouth.

More than ever, now is the time for Wolves to deliver.

Mick McCarthy knows it and his players know it - there have been too many false dawns this season and while a Scunthorpe side fighting for their Championship lives will certainly not roll over, Wolves simply have to take three points.

And that Molineux faithful, some of whom remain bewildered and frustrated by the season thus far, must also play their part.

Tonight's is the first of six home games of the last nine which will determine Wolves' play-off dream.

As Karl Henry admits on these pages, Wolves know they have under-performed this season, and they understand the frustrations of the long-suffering fans who expect and in many ways deserve so much more.

Now though the time has arrived to put those frustrations to one side.

Forget any squabbling, dismiss negative views about McCarthy and individual players, and generate the sort of electric atmosphere which can have Molineux rocking to its core.

Because, despite everything, there is still so much to play for.

Those fans have risen to the challenge before, most famously and majestically amid the failed ruins of the Premiership and again when McCarthy's young charges were wilting last season.

Six games, nine hours, 18 possible points - if Wolves are to rescue a place in the play-offs then the famous old stadium will have made a major contribution.