Wolves head coach Cesar Peixoto has declared that his squad are firmly focused on the future, brushing aside the club's recent struggles as they prepare for the new season.
The Portuguese boss took charge last month, succeeding Rob Edwards, and inherited a side that endured a miserable Premier League campaign, finishing bottom of the table with only three wins to their name. Despite that grim backdrop, Peixoto insists there is a renewed sense of belief within the group following a strong pre-season showing.
Wolves rounded off their preparations with a convincing 3-0 friendly win over La Liga outfit Racing Santander on Saturday, a result that appears to have boosted morale heading into the new campaign.
"It's a new era," Peixoto told BBC Radio WM. "The past is the past, so now we are going to build a present and a future for the club. The players are committed to our idea of the game, our way of working and we believe in that, we believe we are going to do a good season, good work and the players try to feel the confidence."
This marks Peixoto's first coaching role outside his native Portugal. The 46-year-old previously guided Gil Vicente to a sixth-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season, and he has brought a clear attacking philosophy to Molineux, calling for his side to play with organisation and ambition.
According to Peixoto, the squad have responded positively to his methods since his arrival. "Since the first moment I talked with them and trained with them, all the players work very hard to try and do all I want from them," he said. "The team has started to grow up physically and tactically and understand the game. We stay at a good level but we have to improve more and more."
Wolves begin their competitive season on Friday with an EFL Cup fixture against League Two side Port Vale, before turning their attention to the Championship the following week with a home clash against Blackburn Rovers.
In terms of squad building, Wolves have already made moves to strengthen their ranks. Striker Raul Jimenez has returned to Molineux, while full-back Kieran Trippier was brought in prior to Edwards' departure. Winger Rafiki Said has been the club's sole addition since Peixoto took over, but the head coach expects further recruitment before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
"Things are going to happen," Peixoto said. "There are delays because of the World Cup but we know what we need, we know what we are doing. At the moment it is the players I have to work with and I'm happy with them. The team works well, works hard and has a good spirit."
He added that identifying the right additions remains a priority as the club looks to rebuild following last season's relegation-tinged campaign. "It's important to look at these players and find the solutions we want to improve the team, but I am happy with these players," he said.
With pre-season form offering encouragement and a clear tactical vision being implemented, Wolves supporters will be hoping Peixoto's message of renewal translates into tangible progress once the Championship season gets under way. The club's immediate focus, however, remains on Friday's EFL Cup tie against Port Vale as the new era officially begins.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.