Wolves boss expects tight league

McCarthy accepts there is great expectancy at Molineux (Getty)

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is warning his players that the Championship will be tighter than ever this season.

McCarthy knows there is real expectancy at Molineux, but believes there are many contenders for promotion.

"I've seen what Derby are doing and Birmingham are trying to do spending, and Reading, I think they're always favourites," McCarthy told BBC WM.

"Palace shoot money, Watford have parachute payments still. It's a hard league as we all saw last season."

Despite that, the former Republic of Ireland boss is not concerned about Wolves' supporters setting their sights high for the new season.

When you try to sign new ones you've got to remember what you've got under your nose, and we've got good players Mick McCarthy

"Expectancy will be there," said McCarthy. "But let me tell you there's expectancy at 24 clubs in the league. We'll be doing our level best with 23 other teams."

Chris Iwelumo became the fourth new face to arrive at Molineux this summer on Monday, agreeing an initial two-year contract after leaving Charlton Athletic.

He joins defender Richard Stearman, midfielder David Jones and young striker Sam Vokes in a revamped squad.

But McCarthy is keen to stress that the players he already had at the club are also of a high standard. And he says that the new contract signed by winger Michael Kightly may have been his best piece of business of the close season.

"That can get overlooked, the players that you have," he said.

"He's never been taken for granted certainly, and never will be. And I think we make sure of that with all the players.

"When you try to sign new ones you've got to remember what you've got under your nose as well, and we've got good players."

Iwelumo is unlikely to be the last new face to arrive at Molineux this summer, as McCarthy looks to strengthen his defensive options.