But if they are going to be around for a length of time, then Wolves will have to be better than they were against Blackburn and Ebanks-Blake, above, will have to do better than he has all season, with just two goals.
“It took an age to go in. Fortunately it did go in and it was a step closer to safety,” said Ebanks-Blake of his second-half header, two minutes after coming on as a substitute and saving a game in which Wolves had been poor.
His manager, Mick McCarthy, would admit nothing was certain until after Burnley lost against Liverpool, making it impossible for them to catch Wolves.
It became hard for Wolves from the moment Ryan Nelsen put Blackburn ahead.
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce, who is from Dudley, about a goal-kick from Molineux, has a few words of warning for McCarthy.
“I’m pleased for Wolves,” he said. “They can look forward to next season in the Premier League, rebuild again, make the team stronger, but the second season is nearly as hard as the first.”
But cool McCarthy said yesterday: “I went out for a ride on the bike on Sunday afternoon so I didn’t follow any of the Burnley and Liverpool game. I got back home, had a shower and when I came down the stairs Fiona, my wife, said it was 4-0 to Liverpool so it was ‘Happy Days’!
“I went out and had a drink with some of the staff and then back home for a Chinese and a glass of bubbly.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for all concerned, from the backroom staff through to the players and everyone connected with the club.
“It has been hard work. I am proud of the players. It’s nice to do it with two games to spare.”
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