Published: Friday, 19th June, 2009 2:00pm

Mick lured Marcus to Molineux

by Anthony Smith

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Old times: Marcus Hahnemann during one of his last appearances for Reading.

MARCUS Hahnemann has revealed the prospect of playing for Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was the clincher in his decision to join Wolves.

A string of Premier League and Championship clubs were clamouring to sign the USA goalkeeper following Reading"s decision not to renew his contract.

But a meeting with McCarthy told Hahnemann all he needed to know and he immediately penned a rolling 12-month deal with the Premier League outfit.

'I was surprised by how quickly Wolves initiated it and got it done,' Hahnemann told the Chronicle. 'I spoke to Mick McCarthy about his plans. We both had questions to ask and it was a great to meet him.

'When I played against Wolves you chat to players and staff without really getting to know them. So it was nice to sit down and have a good talk.

'I had already spoken with Kasey Keller about Mick because they were together at Millwall. He said Mick was a great guy and to have that kind of recommendation from a good friend of mine meant a lot. People have time for Mick and I now I can see why.

'He has big plans for Wolves and he is confident we can do well next season. The aim is to try and repeat what we achieved with Reading in our first Premier League season when we finished eighth.

'I"ve looked at their team and I"ve been impressed. I also visited their training ground which is unbelievable.

'Wolves are a big club with an amazing set-up and I know I"ve made the right choice.'

As soon as Hahnemann knew Wolves were interested he immediately flew back to the UK from his USA hometown Seattle to meet with McCarthy.

A deal was quickly done and Hahnemann, who has just turned 37, will now fight Wayne Hennessey, Carl Ikeme and Matt Murray for the No.1 Jersey.

But the keeper, who made more than 300 Royals" appearances, insisted: 'I didn"t want to leave Reading. I thought I would finish my career there, I loved the club and I love living in the town. It"s been just awesome.

'I wanted something a bit closer to Reading but I couldn"t turn down a massive opportunity like this. Wolves is two hours away so I"ll drive up each day and see how that goes.

'But we may look for an apartment so that I can spend a few days up there and a few back here with my family.

'But my family are so important to me and I don"t want to be away for too long. I"d much rather be at home so but I"m sure we"ll work something out.'

Hahnemann may be entering the twilight of his career but he never doubted his ability to play in the Premier League again.

'I honestly thought I"d be playing in the Premier League this season,' he said. 'I just though it would be with Reading.

'Sadly it didn"t happen so joining Wolves is a wonderful opportunity, especially at this stage of my career.

'I celebrated my 37th birthday recently so to still be playing at places like Old Trafford and Anfield in the best league in the world is just incredible.'

Meanwhile, Royals striker Kevin Doyle could also be on his way to Wolves, although the £6.5 million get-out-clause in his contract could prove a stumbling block.

Everton have also been linked with a £10 million double swoop for Doyle plus left-winger Stephen Hunt who is seeking a move.