Wolves' chairman has paid tribute to Conor Coady's 'outstanding' influence after the defender's season-long loan switch to Everton was confirmed yesterday evening.
The 29-year-old centre-back has been key to Wanderers' rise in recent years but has fallen out of favour after Bruno Lage's decision to opt for a four-back formation for the current campaign, having previously preferred a 3-5-2 system.
Wolves' decision to offload their club captain, with the Toffees possessing the option to make this a permanent move, has been frowned upon by some supporters but hopes are being pinned on new arrival, Nathan Collins, to fill the void left behind by the Liverpool Academy graduate.
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Coady's contract at Molineux is not set to expire until 2025, though the fact Frank Lampard's side have been given the option to prolong the defender's stay suggests Wolves are happy enough to part ways with their ever-reliable skipper. Wolves chairman, Jeff Shi, has now singled out the former Huddersfield Town man for praise as he reflected on the player's seven-year stay.
“Conor has been an integral part of our success over the last five seasons, and loyal servant to the club over his seven years at Molineux," said Shi. "His dedication to Wolves in that time means that we choose not to stand in the way of his desire to play football elsewhere, and he leaves with our best wishes.
“Even when emotionally it can be hard to part after everything we have been through together, it is important for me to look at the wider picture and make difficult decisions. A huge thank you to Conor for everything he has achieved at Wolves, and for being an outstanding person, on and off the football pitch," he added.
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