Solbakken excited by Wolves challenge
Stale Solbakken is relishing the chance to revive Wolves' fortunes after being appointed as their new manager.
The 44-year-old former FC Copenhagen and Cologne coach, who will replace the sacked Mick McCarthy and interim manager Terry Connor, will be aiming to restore the Black Country club to the top flight following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League after three successive seasons at the highest level.
The former Wimbledon player, who will be presented to the media on Monday, said: "I am delighted to be taking up the important challenge to manage Wolves. It's an exciting opportunity to manage a great club and I can't wait to get started."
Connor will manage the team for the final game of the season against Wigan at the DW Stadium on Sunday.
It is believed Connor will retain a role at Molineux as part of the backroom staff after 13 years' service with the club. Wolves owner Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey will hope Solbakken can pump new life into a team which has endured a disastrous campaign and failed to win in their last 13 games.
The former Norway international has Champions League experience with Copenhagen and steered them to a shock win over Manchester United six years ago as well as holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in 2010.
But the Championship will be a new experience for Solbakken.
Morgan has already promised that funds will be made available to try to restore Wolves to the top flight at the first attempt. But Solbakken faces a fight to hold onto the likes of top scorer Steven Fletcher, fellow striker Kevin Doyle and England winger Matt Jarvis.
The Wolves players and Connor were informed of the appointment in a meeting with Moxey at the club's training ground on Friday morning and several of them are in the dark about Solbakken's pedigree.
Central defender Roger Johnson said: "I am not too sure. I don't know who the guy is to be honest. It is out of the blue. We'll see what happens." Defender Ronald Zubar said: "Seriously, I don't know who he is but I will know today for sure."
