If I asked you to name the big four in English football, chances are you would reply with Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. You’d be wrong though. In fact, instead of the Blues, it is Wolverhampton Wanderers who find themselves firmly cemented in the top four in terms of all time results joining United, Arsenal and Liverpool. This may come as a surprise to a newer generation of Premier League followers, especially considering the relative lack of attention given to the Molineux club since promotion. Many for example, will not know that it is was Wolves’ domination of 1950’s football, including famous floodlit victories over the likes of the much feared Honved that led to the club being branded ‘Champions of the World’ by the British press. Such a label led the French to call for the formation of a European Cup, which fifty years on we now know as the Champions League.

Perhaps though, the lack of coverage allowed for Wolves can be interpreted as a compliment to the inconspicuous and effective way in which the club went about maintaining its Premier League status last year. None of the scandal of Pompey, farce of Hull, or media outbursts of West Ham. Instead, the trio of owner Steve Morgan, Chief Executive Jez Moxey, and manager Mick McCarthy have created a co-operative ethos of professionalism that permeates every level of the club.

Morgan took over Wolves having long courted ownership of Liverpool, a move which raised eyebrows in some quarters. However, the £10 he paid for the club, following a remarkable act of generosity by Wolves’ outgoing Chairman Sir Jack Hayward, now looks like the purchase of a lifetime. Having committed to investing at least £30m, Morgan has established himself as one of that rare breed of owners that is well-liked amongst supporters.

McCarthy, who became manager when Wolves were at their lowest-ebb in recent years, has transformed the way in which the club do business. No longer is Wolves a final pay-cheque for big names. The money made available by Morgan has been invested responsibly and wisely in a newer generation of young players. Very few players have moved on at a loss for the club. McCarthy, well known from his Ireland days, is often typecast as a gruff Yorkshireman, demanding grit and effort from his teams, but not much in the way of invention. While the way Wolves played last season didn’t do much to dispel this myth, supporters familiar with the way in which Wolves were promoted from the Championship will know that McCarthy can produce fast, exciting, footballing teams. Furthermore, he has shown a tactical awareness beyond the credit he is given by the footballing public – outthinking several rival managers in the course of last season, most notably Gianfranco Zola when Wolves travelled to Upton Park.

So what is in store for Wolves next season? Well, at a time when clubs are scrambling around trying to do business with the season looming on the horizon, Wolves’ business is largely concluded, having signed Stephen Fletcher, Stephen Hunt, Steven Moyokolo and Jelle Van Damme within weeks of the conclusion of last season. It is perhaps joint club record signing Fletcher that most catches the eye. Having scored eight goals in a very poor Burnley side, hopes are high that he can forge an exciting partnership with Kevin Doyle.

Despite Wolves being extremely light on the goal front last season, Doyle drew admiration from opposing managers and fans alike for his intelligent hold-up play. Now coupled with Fletcher, it is hoped they can form one of the Premier League’s more exciting young partnerships.

Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, who arrived in the Premier League as the Championship’s top goalscorer two seasons running is also expected to improve on his disappointing, albeit injury interrupted last term. Extra creativity from midfield will be provided by Hunt, who is a reliable Premier League performer. With the Irish international added to rising young star Matt Jarvis, and the once hottest property outside the Premier League Michael Kightly, Wolves fans will expect goals to be easier to come by this season.

As well as improvement on the pitch, Wolves are embarking on a period of significant stadium expansion. Molineux, one of the famous names in British stadia, while remaining an impressive structure, at 30,000 capacity is too small to host a club with a fan base far in excess of its league position. Plans are in place to take the ground to closer 50,000, with work commencing at the end of this coming season.

Long described as a sleeping giant, there is a genuine feeling around Wolverhampton that the giant is stirring. However, Wolves fans must remain cautious. History proves that second season syndrome is a genuine threat, and while on and off the pitch the club appears to be making significant strides forward, the weight of expectation from the Molineux faithful has proven a heavy burden in the past. However having currently strengthened more than their rivals at the foot of the Premier League, the club should see no reason not to aim to improve, or at least consolidate on their 15th position last season.

Once the perilous second season is out of the way, and with an owner set on top half and European positions, while maintaining responsible financial management, who knows how far Wolves can progress?