BBC Sport asked Dave for his report card on wolves for 2025
Best memory and why?
My best memory of 2025 feels like it happened a lifetime ago: the six-game winning run in April. We won every match that month, including big victories over Spurs and Manchester United. For a few weeks, it felt like momentum, belief and pride were back. That winning feeling has since disappeared, which is why that run stands out even more.
If I am picking a highlight from the more difficult months, it has to be Mateus Mane. He has been a breath of fresh air and it is starting to look like a real partnership is building with Tolu Arokodare.
Worst moment and why?
We have not had one worst moment, we have had an entire season of them. The struggle has not shocked Wolves fans, because the signs were there in pre-season. The warning lights were flashing early and sadly the season has followed that pattern. The summer transfer window was key to the problems.
If I could drink a New Year’s brew with one member of our squad/management it would be…
Nathan Shi, the new executive director. I would want a frank, honest conversation about what he thinks has gone wrong on and off the pitch. I would ask what the plan is to steady the club, put us back on an even keel and take us forward. Most of all, I would want clarity on Fosun’s true intentions as owners. Are we trying to compete again or simply trying to survive on the cheapest possible terms?
The thing that’s infuriated me in 2025 is…
The mentality. The moments where we have switched off, conceded soft goals and handed away points. Too many games have turned on a lack of focus, and we have paid for it again and again.
My gut tells me 2026 will bring…
The Championship. Relegation is almost a certainty now and a hard reset in the summer feels inevitable. The only hope is that we use it to rebuild with purpose, with players who want the shirt, and a clear plan the fans can actually believe in.
