Edwards confident for title bid

Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards admits missing out on the play-offs could be a blessing in disguise because the team isn't yet ready for the Premier League.Fans are still smarting at the failure to make the top six by a single goal, which has consigned Mick McCarthy's side to another season of Championship football.

But former Shrewsbury ace Edwards, who has already playing in the Conference, League Two, League One and the Championship, believes the young squad will be better for missing out because promotion could have been damaging to morale.

He said: "It was heartbreaking to miss out on the play-offs and the chance to get to the Premier League because everyone wants to be there.

"But if we'd have gone up there would have been quite a lot of players who weren't quite ready for it, myself included.

"The manager would have had to spend a lot of money and revamp the squad completely and a lot of lads would probably have been left in the dark.

"With another season in the Championship where we can prove ourselves and get better, we'll be better placed if we did get up for that extra experience and quality. I've played Conference, League Two, League One and Championship and I don't think I've proved myself at Championship level yet.

"I want to have a really good season, touch wood stay injury free, and show the fans what I can do then hopefully play in Premiership."

After telling McCarthy his job is safe, owner-chairman Steve Morgan has spelt out exactly what he expects next season - automatic promotion.

Edwards believes Wolves should be encouraged by Morgan's bullish statement rather than feel it as an extra burden. Meanwhile Wolves have pulled the ply on a potential deal for Newcastle defender Peter Ramage because he wants too much money.

With centre-halfs Gary Breen and Jody Craddock out of contract and due to have their futures announced today, McCarthy had considered a move for the 24-year-old Geordie.

Ramage has been handed a free transfer by Toon chief Kevin Keegan.

Wolves loan players Darron Gibson, Kevin Kyle and Graham Stack are expected to return to their parent clubs while striker Jay Bothroyd is expected to return from Stoke.