• The Championship

Wolves axe Dean Saunders

ESPN staff
May 7, 2013
Wolves were relegated after the 2-0 defeat at Brighton on the final day © PA Photos
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Wolverhampton Wanderers have dismissed manager Dean Saunders following the club's relegation to League One.

Saunders, 48, was appointed in January, having overseen League One side Doncaster's promotion challenge, as they sought to move clear of trouble, but relegation was confirmed with the 2-0 defeat to Brighton on the final day of the season.

A club statement on Tuesday read: "Manager Dean Saunders has been informed by Wolves that his contract is to be terminated. The decision has been made following confirmation of Wolves' relegation to npower League One.

"Assistant Manager Brian Carey will also be leaving the club.

"Wolves have now begun a recruitment process, which, in conjunction with the board, will be managed by head of football development & recruitment Kevin Thelwell. The club will now take as long as is necessary to make this crucial appointment and there will be no publicly communicated timescales."

Wolves have endured a tumultuous spell since Mick McCarthy's reign, which had lasted almost six years, was brought to an end in February 2012 as the club sought to remain in the Premier League.

Terry Connor saw out the remainder of that season but failed to record a victory, and Stale Solbakken was appointed to spearhead the club's planned promotion bid from the Championship.

However, he too was dismissed at the turn of the year, with the club 18th in the table and having exited the FA Cup to non-league Luton Town, and replaced by Saunders.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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