WOLVES’ new head coach has had the club’s expectations outlined to him.

The Wire have been actively looking for a replacement for Tony Smith since his departure was announced on September 10 and are in the midst of a major rebuild of the playing squad.

Former St George Illawarra Dragons boss Steve Price has been heavily linked with the role and, while stopping short of naming him as Smith’s successor, chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick says there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“As far as the coaching appointment goes, we are in the latter stages now,” he told the Guardian.

“We’ve had interviews with a number of top candidates and it is a highly sought-after role.

“This club has massive potential and I believe it has been unfulfilled so far as we have yet to win a Grand Final.

“Everyone we have interviewed knows that we expect trophies to be delivered. There is no doubt about that.

“The coaches we met understand that. We are nearly there now and we will be in a position to announce shortly.”

Fitzpatrick also says the new coach will be “given licence” to bring in his own backroom team, with assistant first-team coach Richard Agar confirmed to be leaving for the NRL.

However, the chief executive says he does not expect “too much movement” in terms of the club’s other coaches.

Head of performance services Ben Stirling and head of performance analysis Emma Edwards are confirmed to have left the club and Fitzpatrick says the process of replacing them is ongoing.

“We still have backroom staff in situ, but the new head coach will be given licence to bring his own team in.

“I don’t anticipate there being too much movement, but the new coach does need that license to bring his own people with him.

“We went out to advert for the performance positions. That closes in a few weeks so things are moving along.”

On Monday, The Wire confirmed a deal to bring New Zealand international centre Bryson Goodwin to The Halliwell Jones Stadium on a two-year deal.

Goodwin becomes the club’s second signing for 2018 and reports claim Wolves are closing in on further additions.

The club are rumoured to have agreed a fee to sign Salford Red Devils powerhouse Ben Murdoch-Masila.

Wolves have also been linked with bringing playmaker Tyrone Roberts to England, but reports in Australia say current club Gold Coast Titans are keen to keep hold of the 26-year-old.

Fitzpatrick moved to assure Wire fans that more movement in the recruitment market was on its way but did not confirm whether the rumoured players were on their list of targets.

“While interviewing coaches in Australia, we were also able to meet with several agents and players,” he said.

“With the funding Simon Moran and Stuart Middleton have provided, it puts us in a position to bring marquee players in.

“There is plenty of room in our salary cap and things are moving along in that respect.

“The new coach will have that backing and that room for manoeuvre to do with as he sees fit.

“We know the fans want to see movement and we are working hard to deliver the players they want to see at the club.”