Steve Bruce was blanked by Wolves yesterday after they named Terry Connor as manager.

The Sun says Molineux owner Steve Morgan had presented former Sunderland boss Bruce with a contract offer to take over from axed Mick McCarthy.

But Bruce then received a call telling him the job was now Connor's because he had 'galvanised' the training ground.

Wolves go to Newcastle today with Connor - McCarthy's No 2 - promoted from caretaker boss to manager for the remaining 13 games of the season.

He has been told to pull off an escape act. And if he does he can expect a modest bonus of around £100,000 . . . plus a few glasses of plonk.