Results tagged “Breen” from Birmingham Mail - Wolverhampton Wanderers Blog

As the first signing of Mick McCarthy's Molineux reign some 18 months ago Gary Breen was never going to set the pulses racing.

But here we are - a year-and-a-half on - and McCarthy's most trusted on-field lieutenant could have a pivotal role to play between now and the end of the season.

Breen became something of a cult figure among the Molineux faithful as he won them over in the early stages of his Wolves existence.

At 34, he's clearly not in the formative years of his career but what he may lack in pace is more than compensated for by an ever-alert footballing brain and even now an appetite for success.

McCarthy's Wolves may have produced good defensive performances without Breen in the side, but with him they just seem so much more solid a unit.

Since the skipper's return after four months out injured there has of course been the debacle of the first 10 minutes at Cardiff.

But sandwiched either side came two impressive defensive displays at Blackpool and Crystal Palace that trousered Wolves a healthy four points.

And Breen's influence behind the scenes cannot be over-estimated.

Streetwise, knowledgeable and experienced, the former Republic of Ireland international is a calm and composed presence amid a generally young and vibrant dressing room.

And while those whippersnappers may describe him as a "supply teacher" due to their opinions of his dress sense, instilled within that is some serious respect.

Breen and Jay Bothroyd often share lifts due to the proximity of their residences - two contrasting characters you could perhaps not wish to find - but it's perhaps another example of Breen's influence and, much as Wolves fans might doubt it sometimes, Bothroyd's desire to learn.

Surely one day destined for the dugout if he so wishes Breen is also a key figure when it comes to the media.

Not one who enjoys talking just for the sake of it, his interviews are clear and unequivocal always conveying an important message.

Wolves may or may not reach the play-offs because it remains a tough ask to do so over the last 13 games of the season.

But if they do, it's a fairly safe bet to assume Breen will have played a captain's innings.