Steve Morgan has revealed that Stale Solbakken turned down offers from clubs playing in the Champions League to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 44-year-old, who has agreed a one-year rolling contract at Molineux, has previously competed against Europe's elite clubs during his time in charge of Danish outfit Copenhagen.
Speaking to reporters at Solbakken's unveiling yesterday afternoon, Wolves owner Morgan has claimed that the Norwegian boss passed up the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest clubs in the world once again in favour of Championship football.
"He had two clubs who are involved in the Champions League next season after him this time," said Morgan. "So I think it was quite a coup for him to come to Wolves. It was before we were quick off the mark.
"The two teams interested in him were from northern Europe and regularly involved in Champions League football."
Solbakken has joined Wolves following an ill-fated 11-month spell in charge of German side FC Cologne, who were eventually relegated from the Bundesliga.
Despite having a 22% win percentage from his stint with the Billy Goats, Morgan believes that Cologne's managerial history meant that Solkbakken was on a hiding to nothing from the very start.
"I think you've got to look at Stale's career, both as a player, where he was very successful, and as a manager the man is a winner," added the owner. "He had one bad season but if you look where he had a bad season it's a very successful dysfunctional club.
"Nobody can have 26 managers in 25 years as a unified club that quietly goes about its business.
"If you look at his track record and look at Cologne's track record, is it any surprise? If you were to criticise him for anything, it's possibly, and we all get things wrong, it's for going there in the first place. It was probably not the right club to go to."
Solbakken will begin his duties officially on July 1.
Liam Apicella
