McCarthy says sorry for ‘awful’ display

Mick McCarthy offered an apology to furious fans after enduring more Molineux misery — and insisted he was still the man to guide Wolves to safety.

Wolves manager McCarthy branded his relegation-haunted team “awful” after they crashed to their sixth defeat in seven home games.

It was their joint heaviest defeat to their bitter Black Country enemies and could have serious repercussions for the former Republic of Ireland manager.

Over 200 fans staged a post-match protest and McCarthy had to suffer chants of “sacked in the morning” from BOTH sets of supporters on a dark day for the club.

But he last night claimed he is still confident of achieving their survival mission, even after an nightmare afternoon.

He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever apologised for a performance from one of my teams in the last 20 years. It was an awful performance and the fact I’m apologising should tell you how badly I feel.

“It’s a bit raw to explain it now, we capitulated which is not something that is really associated with me or my teams.

“Am I the person for the job? I always feel I’m the person to do it, absolutely. I haven’t got any message for the fans, an apology is about as much as I can afford to do at the moment.

“I want to concentrate on keeping my dignity and doing my job — that’s how I deal with it every single time. Immediately after the game to articulate those feelings would be really difficult so I’m not going to try.”

Roy Hodgson celebrated 12 months in charge in perfect fashion and his rampant side have now secured more away wins than Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea this season.

This win surely eradicates any fear of relegation and Hodgson made a staunch defence of his under-pressure rival last night.

He said: “Of course I feel sympathy for Mick and Wolves can be more satisfied with what he has done for this club. People should be careful what they wish for. Wolves are one of the most difficult teams to beat in the league, even when you’re in the lead against them you never feel safe because they’re always ready to come back at you again because the team spirit and work ethic and desire is so good.

“So I’m always saddened that those jobs don’t always get recognised but on other hand I don’t want to appear naive. I know it’s part of the game nowadays and it doesn’t matter whether you’re God Almighty or Mick McCarthy, people are going to think there’s people out there who can do it better.”