CHRIS WISE Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle has hinted that captain Paul Ince could be offered a new contract to lead the under-achieving Midlands club into Championship battle next season.

CHRIS WISE

Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle has hinted that captain Paul Ince could be offered a new contract to lead the under-achieving Midlands club into Championship battle next season.

The 38-year-old is one of nine senior first-team players whose Molineux deals expire this summer.

Ince had initially indicated he was planning to hang up his boots at the end of this season, but has scrapped any retirement plans to play on for another year.

He made a public declaration of his desire to spend another year with Wolves at a tribute dinner in his honour, a statement which was greeted with delight by the 300 guests.

And, in paying tribute to a player who has been his captain at both international and club level, Hoddle hinted Ince may get his wish.

“Paul has always been a winner and his enthusiasm and commitment rubs off on other players,” said the Wolves boss, whose side round off a disappointing season with an away clash at Norwich on Sunday.

“It was a pleasure working with him with England and again since I came to Wolves, and hopefully we'll be able to carry on into next year as well.”

Ince admitted he had planned to retire after his first season at Molineux, when he led Wolves into the Premiership through the play-offs.

But after catching the bug to play on, he has become increasingly attached to the club he now considers home.

He is likely to have to wait until after next week's board meeting to find out if he will be offered a new deal, but made it clear he wants to stay with Wolves for the long term.

“I hate the thought of retiring,” said Ince. “Even now I keep striving because I want to be the best. That's the attitude I've always had.

“I want to stay at Wolves, I've really enjoyed my time here and I love working with the gaffer.

“And because he's given me the rest time when I've needed it he's probably prolonged my career and the reason I want to play on for another year.

“As I've said before, my ambition is to manage this club eventually. I've already learned a lot from the gaffer and he is the kind of person I want to manage like. But for now I want to keep playing and I would like to be here again next season.”

One player who will be bidding farewell to Wolves at Carrow Road is striker Jeremie Aliadiere, who will be completing a three month loan move from Arsenal at the weekend.

The Frenchman has scored twice in 13 games for the Midlanders and will be looking to improve on that modest tally against the Canaries before pushing for a first team spot at the Emirates Stadium during the summer.

“I have really enjoy it here,” he told the club's official website. “I have played in every game so I am very happy. I feel very fit and sharp and I feel ready to go back to Arsenal and work hard over the summer to hopefully get a chance to play for them.As for what the future holds for Wolves, he added: “We have got really good players here and I think the club can go on to do well.

“From what I have seen the club has everything here and perhaps we should have been in the race to be promoted this season. It didn't happen unfortunately but the potential is there for next season.”