FROM PINTS TO A BITTER FALLOUT

Pereira dished up drinks to Wolves fans when he took over. Now the fans are dishing out anger as the situation at Molineux turns toxic

- BY ANDY DUNN Chief Sports Writer

"FIRST the points then the pints", that was his catchphrase when fans were slightly tipsy after some early success in Vitor Pereira's time at Molineux.

Now, if it is a pint of anything, it is bitter. After what amounted to a barroom row with supporters following the defeat to Burnley, it remains to be seen whether last orders have been called for Vitor.

But what is for sure is that the landlords of a great club are responsible for the ugliness that has enveloped it.

From the relative giddiness of the Nuno Espirito Santo days, this is managed decline. Owners Fosun and chairman Jeff Shi will say their recent stewardship has been all about sustainability.

But sustainability is just an excuse for a lack of ambition, an excuse for being content to merely EXIST in the Premier League.

Wolves have not been alone in being afflicted by this disease down the years, there have been plenty of examples.

But they are now the grim poster boys for a mission statement that reads something like this. Let's find three teams worse.