Walker | ‘I’m really enjoying it so far’

Richard Walker believes his values as a coach matching those of Wolves were key factors in his recent appointment as under-18s lead coach.

Speaking on the final day of the pre-season camp in Bratislava, Walker says he has enjoyed his first few weeks in charge and is ready to get to work ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The under-18s drew one and won one of their two friendly matches on tour, with Walker praising the application of his players as well as the opportunity to collaborate with the under-16s and under-21s in the same environment.

On his first few weeks at the club

“I’m delighted to be here. Everyone’s been super friendly, warm and embracing me and what I’m about – that’s players, the staff and supporters alike. I’m really enjoying it so far.

“It’s a typical pre-season in the sense that the groups are a little bit messy at the minute where half the 18s are around the 21s, 21s are around the first-team and 16s are around the 18s.

“It’s been good in a lot of ways that we’re all on the same site, so you’re able to get a good feel and develop good relationships with the players off the field.

“On the field, you can start cementing some of your own ideas within the group and get certain principles out that you want to see.

“Over the next two to three weeks it will start to take shape a little bit more where the groups will start looking like the groups that will be going into the season.”

On what his values are

“I was ultimately brought to the club because the values and playing style of what I want from my groups are fully aligned to that of Wolves.

“In my view, there isn’t any team in the world that, if you want to be a top team, you don’t work hard.

“It’s great that you’ve got top players in the Premier League showcasing that with and without the ball.

“The days of anyone being a passenger are gone. Everyone’s got to be capable of doing both and I think that’s what the football club is about here and that’s what I’m about.

“Without the ball, go and get it back. With the ball, look to play progressive football with intensity, purpose and control.”

On the pre-season games in Bratislava

“It’s very hot so physically it was very demanding on the players. What that did do was place more emphasis on ball retention and the boys generally kept hold of the ball really well.

“The first game we came out with it with a draw and between both boxes, we were really the dominant force but probably should’ve been more ruthless in the top end of the pitch and convert some of the chances we had.

“In the second game against Honved we were 2-0 victors and for 60/70 minutes we were outstanding in a lot of aspects of our play.

“There were a few changes which changed the momentum but by and large it was really pleasing.”

On the U16s, U18s and U21s all being in the same environment

“It’s really good. We’ve had training groups over the course of three hours where all three training groups are playing, so you get to see what’s going on on the grass before and after your session.

“You get to share ideas with other staff and pick up ideas which is massively important. Then we’re really learning about each other – there’s been downtime where you can get amongst each other and find out about other people.

“I’ve got to say it’s been a really good trip for multiple reasons, both on and off the pitch.”

On his team of staff and aims going forward

“The staff have been outstanding, certainly in the under-18s which is my core group. James McPike, Jess (Fay), Elliot (Piggott-Smith), Flatty (Jon Flatt), Tate (James) have been excellent.

“I’m looking forward to progressing with them and us working together to bring the best out of each other.

“Long-term, it’s about getting players into the first-team and that’s really got to be everyone’s focus.

“If you can win games along the way doing that, then that’s the best way because everyone can enjoy it.

“It’s about getting players into the first-team and if that looks like players progressing onto the 21s early then sobeit. If it means 15s and 16s playing in the 18s then sobeit.

“We want to do that in as much of a winning environment as we possibly can but always with the ultimate of players playing in our first-team.”