O'Neil admits big spending days are over

Sam Johnstone arrived at Wolves from Crystal Palace for £10m.

Boss Gary O'Neil admits the days of Wolves spending big are over for now but is relishing the underdog challenge.

The head coach has previously spoken about finances being tight and has suggested that will continue at Molineux.

Wolves still spent over £50m in the summer, including the deadline day additions of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and midfielder Andre, and are committed to making Jorgen Strand Larsen's loan permanent for £22m if he triggers clauses from his loan from Celta Vigo.

They also have an £11.4m option to sign loanee Carlos Forbs from Ajax.

Wolves sold Pedro Neto and Max Kilman to Chelsea and West Ham respectively for a combined £94m but O'Neil conceded the club, who do not have any profit and sustainability concerns, will still need to work with a tight budget.

He said: "The transfer windows now for Wolves are not what they were. [Ruben] Neves, Matheus Cunha, and Mario [Lemina] arrived for big fees. It's different. The excitement for me now is we know where we are now, we have opportunity to upset what people expect from us this year.

"It's what I've done since I started with Bournemouth and with Wolves last year.

"I know there is enough in this group that if we can push and drive we can upset a few and pick up some good results and punch above our weight.

"Not many people outside of Wolves will give us a chance and I always try to give the players enough freedom in games anyway.

"We know at this moment we are going to play a lot of teams who are expected to finish high up the league.

"Our expectation is to show we have got a good side and see what we can achieve."