Bruno Lage explains what 'surprised' him about Wolves fans

Bruno Lage has thanked Wolverhampton Wanderers' supporters for "making a massive difference" in his first season as head coach.

The Portuguese arrived as a relatively unknown quantity last summer to replace revered compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo, with an 18-month stint at Benfica his only previous experience as a first team manager. Wolves were unfancied under Lage, but he has masterminded a superb campaign which could yet bring the club’s best-ever Premier League finish.

Wolves fans stuck by Lage after three successive defeats in August left the club near the foot of the Premier League table. And they have been rewarded with a remarkable run since the turn of the year which has put Wolves on the cusp of an unimaginable return to Europe.

"It was a big surprise for me,” said the Wolves head coach. “I have a photo from our first away friendly game when I came out and the people knew nothing about me but since the first day I've felt that good environment and big support from the fans.

"On that day we hadn't given anything to them and they were there from the first day giving us a big support. When you have the fans at your back you feel a big confidence. I've felt that since that day, not just in the building but outside from the fans.”

With eight wins from their 16 matches on the road, Wolves have gained more points away from home than they have at Molineux in Lage’s first season. Away wins over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have provided a vociferous support with unforgettable memories.

"They can make a massive difference,” added Lage. "That's why after the Everton game my first reaction was to say thank you to the fans. When we play away, I really don't feel the difference.

"We've had a massive