Paul Lambert paves way for mass Wolves clearout

Wolves have used 34 players in total this season. And with Lambert hoping to make several splashes in the transfer market Wolves may need to shift at least 10 players to reach the head coach's ideal figure.

A number will leave next week when Wolves announce which out-of-contract players they are releasing.

Mike Williamson, Silvio, Jack Price, George Saville and James Henry are all at risk, while a decision needs to be made on loanee Richard Stearman's future.

Lambert said of his squad: "Any manager, you can't work with 30-odd guys. It's nigh-on impossible.

"When you do sessions or put training on or games, it's impossible to train them.

"You have to get a number where it suits everybody.

"There are too many players here and I think there are 14 out on loan, which includes young players.

"It's impossible. You had to get the squad down a number you can really work with.

"Too many players...it's not healthy for the player or the club.

"If you're a footballer with ambition you want to play the game, you don't just want to hang around the place.

"That's not your job. Your job is to play football, whether it's this level, higher or lower, you want to play football."

Lambert is keen to make additions as soon as possible. But just as important to the boss is trimming his huge squad.

"I don't think you'll get everyone in at the start, but hopefully you get the majority in ready to go for pre-season.

"I have to get a number I can work with that I know I can try and make them better, not just on the pitch but off the pitch, and work as a team.

"You don't get that with 30-odd players, it's too difficult.

"Around 23, low 20s, that's a good number. I'll wait and see, we'll get these games finished and we'll see.

"I know exactly what I want to do."

The likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Connor Ronan have joined the first-team picture this season and Lambert said they'll need to raise their game again in 2017/18.

"They're kids and hopefully they can make an impact," he added. "If I bring players in they'll have to raise their level again, but I think they'll rise to the challenge."

CURRENT SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme, Andy Lonergan, Harry Burgoyne

Full backs: Dominic Iorfa, Conor Coady, Matt Doherty, Silvio (out of contract), Cameron Borthwick Jackson (on loan)

Centre backs: Danny Batth, Kortney Hause, Mike Williamson (out of contract), Richard Stearman (on loan), Ethan Ebanks-Landell (out on loan)

Central midfielders: David Edwards, Lee Evans, Romain Saiss, Jack Price (out of contract), George Saville (out of contract), Prince Oniangue (out on loan) Connor Ronan, Morgan Gibbs-White

Wingers: Helder Costa, Ivan Cavaleiro, Ben Marshall, Jordan Graham, Michal Zyro, James Henry (out of contract), Jed Wallace (out on loan)

Forwards: Nouha Dicko, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Joe Mason, Andres Weimann, Bright Enobakhare, Paul Gladon