Gunnar Halle is thrust into the cauldron of the play-offs with Wolves tomorrow, insisting to his team-mates: I'm not a promotion jinx.
Wolves have won only two of the five games the Norwegian has played since leaving City on loan for Molineux.
It is a wobble that cost them second place as bitter rivals West Brom nipped in on the rails to go up automatically. Now Wolves must negotiate the tricky play-off route to the Premiership.
Halle will draw on his experience for the nerve-shredding first leg against Norwich at Carrow Road, where he helped the Bantams to a thumping 4-1 win back in November.
He said: "It's been very disappointing the way it has turned out in the last few weeks. Obviously when I came here I thought Wolves were going to go straight up but that hasn't happened.
"I don't think it's my fault, though! We've been playing quite well but just not getting that bit of luck you need, while West Brom hit top form and had a great run at the right time.
"The mood has been a bit flat but we've had to pick ourselves up for the Norwich game. There is still a good chance of promotion as long as we can get through the next three matches."
Wolves finished 11 points ahead of sixth-placed Norwich who nudged ahead of Burnley on the final day on goal difference.
Halle said: "The league table doesn't make any difference now. Everything is thrown up into the air when you get to the play-offs and it won't be easy for us.
"Wolves lost down there and drew at home but I wouldn't mind the same result I had with Bradford.
"People are saying that because we were second for a long time then we will struggle to lift our game again.
"But it is like the start of a cup and it's up to ourselves to show that we are still good enough."
Wolves manager Dave Jones made it clear when he brought in Halle that it was a short-term move to cover the injured Kevin Muscat.
Halle, who will be 37 when next season kicks off, said: "There may be a chance of staying there, although it's a bit far to travel and I don't really want to move my family just for a year.
"There is the possibility of going back to Norway but I'm going to wait until after the season before making any decision."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article