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Thursday, 23 February 2012

Walter Leaves Wolves at the Door


Walter Smith has confirmed he has rejected the opportunity to return to Premier League management with Wolves.

The former Rangers and Everton boss was asked to take over on a 13-game contract until the end of the season after previously rejecting a full-time offer to become Mick McCarthy's successor.

But Smith has also decided to turn down the short-term deal, leaving Wolves back at square one in their search for McCarthy's replacement.

Smith told the Express and Star: "It's true I'm not going (to Wolves).
Totally unsure

"I was totally unsure whether I really wanted to do it or not. It was a purely personal thing, nothing to do with Wolves.

"I know Jez Moxey (Wolves chief executive) and knew I was more of a fall-back than anything. We didn't even get as far as discussing money.

"There was never a face-to-face meeting and we never discussed finance. If someone asks you, you're pleased to be asked, but the longer you think about it, you start to ask yourself whether it was right."

Smith, who is 64 on Friday, had been among the favourites to take over from McCarthy, who was sacked last week.

Wolves have already endured several setbacks in their efforts to engage a new manager with Alan Curbishley pulling out of the race and Brian McDermott signing a new contract with Reading.