Doherty Matt slammed by Wolves fans after he gives excuses for why the players are ‘suffering’ this season
Matt Doherty faces Wolves fan backlash after explaining why players are ‘suffering’ this season
Wolves defender Matt Doherty has come under fire from supporters after suggesting a combination of factors has contributed to the team “suffering” during a difficult campaign.
The Republic of Ireland international, speaking after another frustrating result, pointed to injuries, fixture congestion and a lack of continuity as reasons behind Wolves’ struggles, comments that have not gone down well with sections of the fanbase already exasperated by results and performances.
Doherty said the squad had been stretched by absences and constant changes, adding that players were “feeling it physically and mentally” as the season has progressed. While he insisted there were “no excuses” and accepted responsibility on behalf of the players, his remarks were widely interpreted by some supporters as deflecting blame.
Reaction on social media was swift. Many fans accused the experienced defender of offering explanations rather than answers, arguing that the performances on the pitch have not matched the effort required to pull clear of trouble. Others questioned leadership within the squad, calling for players to “front up” and show greater resilience in matches.
Wolves’ season has been marked by inconsistency. Periods of promise have been followed by runs of poor results, leaving the club looking over its shoulder and increasing the pressure on head couch Rob Edwards and his players. Defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack have been recurring themes, contributing to a sense of frustration among supporters at Molineux.
Doherty, one of the senior figures in the dressing room, returned to Wolves with a reputation for reliability and experience. His comments were intended to provide context, but they have instead highlighted the growing disconnect between fans and players at a testing moment.
Speaking to club media, Doherty said: “We know the standard that’s expected here and we’re not hitting it often enough. We’ve had injuries and changes, and that makes it hard, but it’s on us to deal with it. We have to find a way.”
Despite the backlash, there were also voices urging calm, pointing out that Wolves’ squad has been hit hard by injuries at key times and that constant criticism risks deepening the confidence issues Doherty alluded to. Some supporters acknowledged the honesty of the defender’s assessment, even if they disagreed with the timing.
Edwards has consistently defended his players, stressing unity and hard work on the training ground. He has called on fans to stick together as Wolves attempt to stabilise their season, while accepting that results must improve quickly to ease the pressure.
With a run of crucial fixtures ahead, Wolves know performances will ultimately speak louder than explanations. For Doherty and his team-mates, the challenge is to turn talk of “suffering” into tangible improvement on the pitch and to rebuild trust with a fanbase demanding commitment, fight and points.
As the margins grow finer and scrutiny intensifies, Wolves’ response in the coming weeks is likely to determine whether Doherty’s comments are remembered as an ill-timed explanation or a turning point that preceded a revival.
