Connor defends Johnson omission
Terry Connor
Wolves caretaker manager Terry Connor has defended his decision to omit captain Roger Johnson from the starting line-up against Newcastle last weekend.
Connor left Johnson out of his team for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Magpies - his first game since temporarily replacing the sacked Mick McCarthy.
The move was Connor’s response to the 5-1 derby defeat to West Brom which cost McCarthy his job, and the new man at the helm has praised the defender for his response.
“I didn’t want to do it but I thought it was the right decision,” Connor said.
“I’m not blaming Roger for us losing to West Brom but most people would agree you couldn’t keep the same team and subs when you’ve lost 5-1.
“But Roger took it very well, took it on the chin. He supported the lads and did everything I’d expect of him as captain of the team. That’s what you have to do.
“He will want to be in the next team [at Fulham] so he has to be a good pro.
“Being captain doesn’t mean that you have to play in every game.”
Johnson was also axed by McCarthy for the home game with Sunderland in early December and his form has been up and down since his summer move from Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Wolves’ leading scorer Steven Fletcher has recovered from illness for the weekend clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Fletcher’s replacement against Newcastle, Kevin Doyle, impressed and scored at the weekend, and Connor admits he faces a tough decision between the two.
“I’ll cross that one when we come to it,” he said. “If it’s difficult decision, then I’ll make it.
“I’ll make a decision I’m comfortable with.”
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