Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced that Richard Stearman has returned to the club on a season-long loan from Fulham.

The 29-year-old centre-back joined the Cottagers 12 months ago for a £2m fee after spending seven years at Molineux and making 212 league appearances.

Stearman, who has made 32 appearances for Fulham, fell down the pecking order under manager Slavisa Jokanovic and has now returned to Wolves to improve their defensive options.

"It feels amazing to be back," Stearman told Wolves' official website. "I think everybody knows what this club means to me. When I heard there was a chance it could happen, I didn't want to let it pass up. I told my agent to make it happen whatever it takes and here I am.

"I'm delighted to be here, ready to crack on and hopefully can help to get us promoted. I know people say not to go back in life but why would I not want to come back?

"I had a great seven or eight years here, I spent a large portion of my life at this club and I've got nothing but happy memories so I just want to pick up where I left off. I'm looking forward to getting back out at Molineux and hearing that roar from the South Bank."

Stearman won the Championship and League One titles during his first spell at Wolves.