Not so nice christmas after all?

Sorry for the lack of posts, I've been away for christmas in wales, with no internet at all. I was able to watch the Liverpool match though.

Despite them dominating for the first ten minutes, I thought we were really good in the first half. We didn't let them do anything at all, I can't remember any clear cut chances they had. We made some of our own and Doyle should have put us ahead at half time. I think the sending off is harsh, Lucas makes a right meal of and might have dived. Their goal was good, but was Gerrard leaning into Milijas? Had it been at the other end, I doubt it would have counted had Milijas scored it above Gerrard. After that it was over, but we did well to hold out.

Hahnemann - 7
Stearman - 7
Berra - 8
Craddock - 8
Ward - 7
Foley - 7
Henry- 7
Milijas - 8 (Mancienne, 7)
Jarvis - 9
Ebanks-Blake - 7 (Iwelumo, 5)
Doyle - 7 (Elokobi, 6)

Jarvis was brilliant, helped out at the back and our biggest threat attacking.

I could only listen to the City match, where our weakened side played really well, but lacked the creativity. Had Milijas and Jarvis been playing, we would have created a lot more. The goal is really lucky, nothing Hahnemann could do about it. Another unlcuky moment for us when the linesman fails to see Bellamy is offside. The freekick is cleverly done, it looks obvious Tevez will take it but Garrido curls it round the wall. The thitd is alright but we looked a bit tired and down.

Hahnemann - 7
Zubar - 7
Berra- 7
Craddock - 7
Elokobi - 7
Foley - 7
Henry - 8
Mancienne - 8
Surman - 7
Iwelumo - 7
Doyle - 7

Mancienne has excelled in centre midfield, a more defensive option for when we need to hold on to a lead.

Tranmere next, I hope Mick gives them all a nice rest so we can get all three points at West Ham.

Can we go to Anfield and get something?

With us being in a bit of form and Liverpool having their never ending problems, I think we can be optimistic about the boxing day match. Gerrard and Torres didn't produce on Saturday and looked half fit which may mean benitez will rest one of them or maybe both. They were rubbish against Portsmouth, had no creativity and their defence was shakey.

If Mick doesn't rest ten of our players, we can definitely give them a game!

Agree with me, or think I am dreaming? Comment!

An early christmas present!

Who would've thought a month ago that we'd be 12th (or 13th) by christmas. That victory was vital, for obvious reasons. We didn't want to be in the bottom three at xmas and we needed to prove Mick was right in resting his players.

I think the difference between the two sides was the forwards. Ours never stopped trying, jumping for every ball, feeding each other in while Burnley's was a bit lifeless. They didn't look up for it, which maybe why the have such a poor away record.

Milijas once again showed why he is so important. Some of his passes were top class and he is working for the team too. His partner, was immense. Karl Henry was always there to cover and hold up the ball for our team to get back in place. Jarvis had an alright game, as did Foley. They never really looked like scoring until the final few minutes, when it was too late. Berra and Craddock were solid and were involved in the goals. Ward and Stearman handled their wingers well. I saw alot of Eagles but Elliot was hiding throughout the game.

Hahnemann hardly had a thing to do all afternoon. He caught a few crosses but apart from that was probably bored.

Next we have Liverpool, who even Mick must think we have a chance against. They just lost to Portsmouth and were terrible. If he rests his players again, we will all be going mental!

Hahnemann - 7

Stearman - 7
Craddock - 7
Berra - 7
Ward - 7

Foley - 7
Milijas - 8
Henry - 8
Jarvis - 7

Doyle - 9
Ebanks-Blake - 8

Doyle gets MOTM. Made the first goal happen and got his fifth of the season. He is now only two behind our previous top goalscorer in the top flight - Henri Camara.

Another massive game!

This simply is a must win game. With another two matches to follow, we need to make sure we have some points already. If we win by two goals, we definitely go above Burnley. If Blackburn also lose by two (v Tottenham) then we go above them. we could actually be 13th by the end of tomorrow.

Burnley are yet to win away, and what a perfect game for them this must be. Portsmouth came to the Mol with no points from eight and got their win, and many others have brokenn their duck against Wolves. Owen Coyle's men play fantastic football, but it has only payed off at home. Only one point away, they put too much pressure on the games at Turf Moor so they need to sort it out away.

We must really attack them, their defence is the worst in the league. If we can have Milijas spraying balls everywhere and Jarvis running at his fullback we can really create some chances. Ebanks-Blake will look at this game and think he can get a goal or two here, same with Doyle.

Mick will make another nine changes, which won't be a shock at all. I hope he sticks with the same side as versus Spurs apart from the injured Edwards. I think Foley should be the man to come in. Hard working and very reliable, he will give us quite a good balance.

Team like this:

Hahnemann

Stearman
Craddock
Berra
Ward

Foley
Henry
Milijas
Jarvis

Ebanks-Blake
Doyle




We have won every match that we have scored in the first half. an early goal in the first ten minutes and we might see the Burnley team's heads drop. 2-0 to the Wolves, SEB and Doyle.

Insanity: Man Utd 3 Wolves 0

I was in utter shock when the teams were announced. Three or four changes, maybe even five, but ten? It's what everyone is talking about now and taken away the positivity out of our two previous wins.

Despite the team we fielded, I thought we played alright. For half an hour, we had matched them. They started to look a bit fustrated and we had a chance of our own. But then a corner comes in and game over. It is dissapointing that we have conceded another two goals from corners. If we sort that out then we will have a chance but it is terrible.

I thought Maierhofer was excellent, he hardly lost the ball in the air. He also provided some good hold up play, and brought the wingers into the game a bit more. When Iwelumo replaced him I don't think we did aswell. Mancienne and Elokobi hardly made any mistakes. George looking a lot more solid, like we know he can be. Mancienne as usual was flawless and always wins it in the air and finds a player with the header. Hahnemann again made some good saves.

Surman and Friend impressed me. The look like quality players for the future. Castillo provided the know how and never misses an opportunity to tackle. Mr.Consistent Kevin Foley was the captain and looked comfortable, I reckon he will play right midfield next Sunday because Greg Halford didn't play very well.

The third goal was just brilliant. Not many defences in the world could have prevented it. The flick from Berbatov and the finish, all perfect.

I hope all this attention does not affect our players. Hey, it might even help!

Hahnemann - 7

Zubar - 6
Mancienne - 8
Elokobi - 8
Hill - 7

Halford - 5
Foley - 7
Castillo - 7
Friend - 7
Surman - 7

Maierhofer - 8

MOTM: Mancienne was top class but I think Maierhofer showed us why Mick paid 2 million for him. Keep it up Hof!

Wolves v United Preview

A early goal tomorrow night won't be enough. If we score after three minutes and try to hold on it won't work. The champions attack would just tear us apart. Yet, Aston Villa did it and we drew with them. We are no-where near as good as them, but anything can happen. Utd will look to take out their home loss on us. And how likely are they to lose to home game son the trot? Almost nil.

Some good news, Ryan Giggs is very doubtful. He has been one of their best players this season, next to Wayne Rooney. Rooney has had to fill in due to the absence of the best player in the world. People have been going on about how much weaker they are now. Rubbish. He signed Valencia, one of the best young wingers in the country and England's best finisher in Michael Owen.

We played them in the cup game earlier this season at Old Trafford. We cma away form that match very dissapointed to lose. When they went down to ten men it was upon us to take it to them. We had been the under dogs but it was now us who could go through. We didn't react very well to it. It was their reserves but it was also many of ours, and Milijas came on as a sub!

Foley is said to be filling in at right midfield. It could be Halford, who played their at the very start of the season. His long throws may give us something too. Doyle ended up there on saturday. Or maybe even Mancienne, who can play anywhere.

Team:

Hahnemann

Stearman
Craddock
Berra
Ward

Foley
Milijas
Henry
Jarvis

SEB
Doyle

Wolves v Tottenham: Amazing

I don't think anyone in the country thought we stood a chance at White Hart Lane. All the cocky Tottenham fans on forums saying how the only shock would be if we kept it below four. We have shown we can produce a shock win when we really need it.

Milijas is the creator for every goal we score. When was the last time he wasn't involved? I haven't seen it, but it sounds like Doyle gets the slightest of touches from Milijas freekick. To get such an early goal, is crazy! The next few weeks will be very fun, lots of my school friends support Spurs and some of my football team.

On the radio they said we defended vey well, we didn't let them have any time or let them create any clear cut chances. Berra and Craddock were blocking every shot that came their way. And when needed, the man between the sticks was there to cover them. Hahnemann has done well in these past two games.

Our strikers did well, they kept the ball late on. Ebanks-Blake held the defenders off and almost scored from an excellent effort. Doyle got his fourth, and continues to show us why we paid a record transfer fee for him.

Fortunately Edwards's injury is not serious. He looked in serious trouble but he came out from the dressing room with an ice pack on his ankle. He worked really hard, as did Matty Jarvis. He always looks a threat on the left, his pace too much for some full backs.

Hahnemann - 7

Stearman - 7
Berra - 8
Craddock - 8
Ward- 8

Edwards- 7
Henry- 7
Milijas - 8
Jarvis - 7

Doyle- 8
Ebanks-Blake- 7

MOTM: Berra, kept a first clean sheet in the premier league.

Wolves v Tottenham: Preview

Spirits will be higher, and maybe we can take some sort of momentum from the last game into this one. Tottenham haven't won for three games, and will want to take their fustration out on us, their last three home games have seen 13 games, 9 of them in that game against Wigan. Someone we must be wary of is Jermaine Defoe. Currently top scorer in the league, in the form of his life. He will look at this game as a chance to get a few more.

Tottenham are currently in 4th place, where they hope to be come the end of the season. Manager Harry Redknapp has worked a miracle, a year and a bit ago they had only a point from 9 games.

Let's hope ex-Wolves hero Robbie Keane stays where he has been in the last few weeks- the subs bench. Redknapp obviously favours Defoe and Crouch as his first team partnership and this could force Keane to look elsewhere for first team foootball. Maybe the Molineux? He has scored 4 goals in 2 games against us. each time he didn't celebrate, and we clapped him.

Another man facing his old club will be Tom Huddlestone. He had a brief spell on loan from Tottenham with us, and showed us how good he will become. There was a rumour we offered £6 million but they wanted 8 so we gave up. I hope that isn't true. He is really settling in at Spurs, the centre midfield partnership with Palacios has a great balance.

Mick will start with the same as against Bolton. The only change I can possibly see is Ronald Zubar coming in for Richard Stearman, who has performed well. With 4 goals in his last 5 games, Jody Craddock will be a threat at set pieces. If we can possibly hold out Tottenham for a bit, Milijas may be able to provide a magic moment to give us a chance.

Team will start like this:

Hahnemann

Stearman
Berra
Craddock
Ward

Edwards
Henry
Milijas
Jarvis

SEB
Doyle

Prediction: 2-1 to Spurs, with us pressing towards the end.

Wolves 2 Bolton 1

Last week, after 3 minutes at the Molineux it was very much doom and gloom. 3 minutes gone there yesterday, and Wolves fans were going crazy. Yes, he is offside but we deserve a little bit of luck. Megson couldn't anything about the second goal, Milijas scoring his first goal for us. I think most knew he could do that, there are so many amazing goals by him on youtube. In the first half, we were all over them. We started to play like we knew we could, Jarvis creating problems as usual, and Edwards filling in for Kightly (who is out for two months). With Henry and Milijas you can have a good balance.

For most of the game, we defended alright but it was annoying to concede from another corner. We do need to get this sorted. It was a scrappy goal, and there could have been a few more of them. Hahnemann made a good save and The Hof saved us at the end. Klasnic had a lot of chances, but their best player was Lee. He was the one creating chances.

Stephen Ward has continued from where he left off at Man City. I knew when he came back he would play well too. He's so consistent, and remember we signed him as a forward! He was probably the Man of the Match alongside Nenad.

Did you know Christophe Berra has now set up 4 goals. Milijas has been involved in 5 of the last 6 and Craddock scored 4 out of the last 5. This was a much improved performance, let's hope we have turned a corner and we carry on improving at White Hart Lane.

Hahnemann - 7

Stearman - 7
Berra - 7
Craddock - 7
Ward - 9

Edwards - 7
Henry - 7
Milijas - 9
Jarvis - 7

Doyle - 8
SEB - 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlAHVu1syA4

Wolves v Bolton: Time for the boys to produce.

Portsmouth play Burnley at lunch time today, at home. This could be Portsmouth's chance to over take us and if they win, they do. Burnley need to sort their away record out and this could be where to start, hopefully not at the Molineux.

Back to the mol, Bolton are the visitors. Only just above us, we could go to 18th if we win. After this game, we have faced everyone we should be beating at home. We have got one point from those games when really, we should have at least eight more. We need to prove that we won't be going down without a fight in this game, because last sunday's performance was dreadful. I hope Mick has been working on the midfield blocking shots on the edge, being first to the ball, and annoying the other teams players.

Kevin Davies will not be playing, he is the type of player who scores against us in these games, but who doesn't score against us? Johan Elmander and Ivan Klasnic haven't been scoring that much this season, and they will feel this is their chance to add more to their woeful tally.

Without Kightly, I think Dave Edwards will be the man to come in at right wing. He has been one of our better players this season, at the wing or in midfield. Henry and Milijas could start in the centre, but it wouldn't suprise me if Castillo was played for the battle in midfield. Nobody deserves to start more than Jarvis, who could be the one who starts right wing, Milijas at left midfield.

Ebanks-Blake should start, rightly, because he deserves his chance in the Premier League. If he get's a chance in this game, I'm backing him to score. Bolton are best at freekicks and corners, where they score their most goals. Another thing Mick needs to teach them is how to defend a corner. We look shakey at corners and this needs to be sorted, it's just not good enough.

The team could be like this:

Hahnemann

Mancienne
Craddock
Berra
Ward

Edwards
Henry
Castillo
Jarvis

SEB
Doyle

I think we should start with this though:

Hennessey

Foley
Mancienne
Berra
Ward

Edwards
Henry
Milijas
Jarvis

SEB
Doyle

I reckon a 2-1 win, won't be surprised if we concede. SEB and Doyle. Come on Wolves!!

Is it over for Murray?

Matthew Murray has had another set back, he's out for several months. He has been desperately unlucky with injuries, each time coming back and getting injured not long after.

I think he has only had one full season in the last five, which he almost got us up on his own but it was injury before the play-offs (v west brom) that cost us. The question is, should he just give up?

I do believe had it not been for injuries he would be England's number 1, a lot of Wolves fans would probably agree. He just can't seem to last long enough without getting hurt. Being only 28 though, could means atleast ten more years if he can finally get fit and stay clear of injury.

Think he can/should try to carry on, or just think he should give up?

Comment.

Wolves 0 Birmingham 1: It's not looking good.

When I saw the team line up on sky sports, I was angry. Hahnemann (who did ok and made a good save) in for Hennessey. Here's a stat - Marcus Hahnemann conceded a goal on his PL debut for Wolves without having touched it. The goal isn't his fault, it was the midfielders not covering that space. It happened vs West Ham and it's happened now. If it had been at the other end, I'm sure Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson would havebeen there to put the atacker off.

We don't have a settled team. Last season we had Wayne in goal, Foley right back, Stearman and Mancienne when he was there (later became Berra and Craddock) with ward at left back. Jarvis and kightly on the wings with Henry and Jones in the middle. Sylvan and Iwelumo upfront. Ok, injuries have stopped us. But you'd expect some kind of consistency with the formation. Mick went for 3-5-2 for the first ever time away at Chelsea. I do think 4-5-1 would suit us but 4-4-2 does too.
I thought it was obvious at the start. Milijas in for Jones. Dave Edwards has had a good season so far though, which has gien Mick soem choices.

Onto the performance. It was horrible to listen to. Birmingham would win 9/10 headers and on the 10th, which we won, they got the second ball. We didn't create at all and had no shape I hear. Why narrow the pitch when our style is supposed to be with wingers attacking? You can't try to combat the other teams style, your have to have your own.

Here's what I'll give for marks based on what I have heard and seen.

Hahnemann - 7
Mancienne - 7
Berra - 6
Craddock - 6
Stearman - 7
Halford - 6
Henry - 7
Edwards - 6
Jarvis - 7
Ebanks-Blake - 6
Doyle - 6

Milijas - 7
kightly - 6
Ward - 6

Stearman sounded good when attacking, and the man I kept hearing winning the ball in the air was Michael Mancienne. Hahnemann made a very good reactive save too.

VitalWolves

I have jutst written an article on VitalWolves which is posted on newsnow. VitalWolves is for the fans and by the fans. You can join in, they have a forum which people post on and talk about the Wolves!

My articles is about us needing a clean sheet!

The Site:
http://www.wolves.vitalfootball.co.uk/forum/category-view.asp

My article:
http://www.wolves.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=179205

Wolves v Birmingham preview

With Portsmouth, Burnley and Hull all getting beat and Blackburn drawing, we could really stop a potential gap with a win tomorrow. We have failed to beat the teams around us (maybe Wigan), but it stops with a win this weekend. It is crucial we win, not draw and especially not lose.

Birmingham fans must be delighted with the start they've had. They have beaten the teams they need to beat and given Man Utd, Tottenham and Liverpool a decent game. Mick has admitted that he was interested in Johnson and Dann. We all knew about Dann, who had pretty much signed for us until The Blues offered him a better deal. Johnson I have never been that convinced by, and Dann I have never seen but they are being praised a lot so far.

Last season I never thought they were going up. They just didn't seem that good and they hardly scored at all. McLeish, someone else who has never convinced me, has created a decent team at Birmingham. He has been a manager at bigger clubs but this is arguably some of the best work he has done.

We have had a miserable league record over them in recent times. No win in seven (5 of them draws) but overall we have had the better record. We have won 55 of the 116 clashes while Birmingham have won 34. 27 have ended in draws.

Zubar is out, which I reckon means Stearman at right back with Stephen Ward at left back. Ward only played 60 minutes in the last reserves match which I means Mick is making sure he is fit for the match. Doyle will return to the side and hopefully Matty Jarvis will have done enough to ensure his place on the left wing. I reckon Kightly will start, which will make us more of an attacking threat. Kites and Jarvis haven't had the chance to play with each other, but this will really bring concerns to the Brummie defence. SEB sounded alright last week, a bit isolated but he nearly scored a great goal. let's hope he gets his second and third goals of the season.

I reckon a one nil win. Milijas to score his first, a real cracker which he is known for in Serbia.

Team like this?
Hennessey

Stearman
Craddock
Berra
Ward/Mancienne

Kightly
Henry
Milijas
Jarvis

SEB
Doyle

Come on you Wolves!

What should the starting eleven be?

With nearly all of our key players coming back from injury, Mick has a selection dillemma. Which defenders will play, one or two upfront? I was wondering what people think we should start with on sunday?

I like this:
GK: Hennessey
RB: Foley
CB: Michael Mancienne
CB: Christophe Berra
LB: Stephen Ward
RM: Michael Kightly
CM: Dave Edwards
CM: Karl Henry
CM: Nenad Milijas
LM: Matty Jarvis
FC: Kevin Doyle

With Hahnemann, Craddock, Zubar, Castillo, Halford, Maierhofer and SEB on the bench.

It is hard to leave SEB out, but I would go with two wingers who need to play together. Doyle has enough to play upfront on his own whilst I don't think Sylvan is as mobile and hard working.

Berra and Mancienne should be the two centre backs, but my guess is Craddock will pair Berra at the centre of defence with Mancienne at left back.

Mick might go with four in midfield. That will mean either Edwards/Milijas has to srop to the bench. It would be harsh for Edwards who has been one of our best players. Then Ebanks-Blake can play upfront with Doyle.

What formation do you think we should play? You may feel differently to me, so comment what you think.

Don't worry wayne, I'll stick up for you.

Alright, a bad result. A demoralising result. We must hold our heads high because it is after all one of the best teams in the world. We knew that getting promoted meant a few beatings, so we must not get too moany. We aren't going to go around beating all the top four. Hey, we might even get a mention on MOTD today!

Jarvis had a top game I hear, which is why I have been backing him recently to start. He is our biggest threat and created chance after chance in today's match.

Cech made a world class save, we missed a couple of chances so it wasn't all one way but our defending needs to be better. We will get better at that, expecially with Mancienne coming back. He will make a real difference, he is top class.

Searching around some articles, I have already seen the comments on Hennessey. Come on. Leave him alone, he is only 22 and is already a Prmeiership goalie. He is young and going to learn from his mistakes. I personally believe he will play for a top four club for ten years (maybe us!). Get behind him, as you would with Matt Murray and he will get his confidence back.

I think some of Mick's decisions of late have been very weird. Surman and Halford are suddenly ahead of Kightly and Foley! Surman souunded good but I think it's unfair. Milijas has dissapeared again. If we are to have a go (as he says) then why don't we play our style, instead of narrowing ourselves down to other teams styles. Mick made the pitch wider at the start of last season, and we won the league. This season he made it smaller so that we could play against other styles. What's the point? If we don't win on Sunday, he could be in trouble.

Hennessey - 6 - Made a top save from Essien.

Halford - 6
Berra - 6
Craddock -6
Stearman - 6

Jarvis - 9
Edwards - 7
Henry - 6
Castillo - 6
Surman - 7

SEB - 6

Subs: Keogh - 6, Kightly - 6,

Wolves v Chelsea Preview

Is this the best time to play Chelsea? I don't know if there is ever a good time, but with their injury problems since the international break Signor Ancelotti may have to field a weaker side. Not that a weaker side is a bad one at mega-rich Chelsea as we will most likely see at Stamford Bridge tomorrow afternoon. This is the game where it is most unlikely for us to get anything, as Chelsea probably have the best home record of the last five years in this league.

Petr Cech hasn't seen a ball in the back of his net at the Bridge since a first half Stephen Hunt put Hull one nil up (Chelsea later won 2-1 thanks to Didier Drogba) on the opening day of the season. with all the best strikers in the league failing to make their mark there, maybe it's Sylvan Ebanks-Blakes' chance to show the league what he is capable of. They've only scored 16 in their six home games, nothing compared to our 5 at home, 7 away or 12 in total. The main threats of the Chelsea line-up, messrs Lampard and Drogba, are both out! Didier Drogba has hit 9 goals in the league so far, behind Fernando Torres only in the goalscoring charts, and has provided his team-mates with 8 goals aswell. Frank Lampard had a slow start for his high standards in terms of scoring, but with 4 goals in the last three games he looks set to continue his run of 20 goals every season. Like Drogba, he has also set up 8 goals, which means the two of them have been involved in atleast half Chelsea's goals. Terry and Cole (Ashley) will both be having late fitness tests which means even if they do play, they won't be fuly fit which gives us a bit more reason to be optimistic.

Zubar and doyle will be having their own late fitness tests, Doyle played 120 minutes on wednesday and will be pretty distraught after the events which occured. Ronald picked up a hamstring strain after a training the other day which means he is a doubt.

Jody Craddock has recently found his dusty old shooting boots, with 3 goals in his last 2 games (not to mention an own goal). Not half bad for a centre back. When he scored at Stoke it was his first Premier League goal for over 5 years, which actually took place at the Bridge....

Everyday I would hear of a new injury, each one giving me a tiny bit more hope to be squashed tomorrow. If we played like we did against Arsenal for the opening 25 minutes, for the whole game, then we can cause an upset. Harrass them from the start and fustrate their team like we can, then it won't be as big a scoreline as you might expect.
Probable line-up

Hennessey

Zubar/Foley
Craddock
Berra
Stearman

Edwards
Milijas
Castllo
Henry
Kightly

SEB/Keogh

Doyle might not be fit or Zubar so Foley could fit in at right back with Keogh (don't be surprised) or Ebanks-Blake getting a start.

Maybe Milijas can provide the goals from set pieces, somewhere chelsea have been hurt by teams though they look like they may have fixed that.

Whatever the score, cheer on the Wolves!!

Don't really want to predict a score and this is top of the league we are playing, so don't expect any points for the Wanderers. If we do cause an upset, I will be going on about it at school for a very long time. Remember stranger things have happened, like when we beat Chelsea 7-1 on March 15th 1973 (or 74) on Willie Carr's debut.

Calls for video technology as Doyle and Ireland crash out of the World Cup.

And the subject is up again. We need a video referee to help with making the big decisions. I think they need to either put the rule in now or just forget about it. I think it would please a lot of people if they did.

Henry has instantly become Public Enemy no.1 in Ireland, not only has he handballed it, but he's brought it down, touching it more than twice. Irleand are demanding a replay, something that just won't happen but what I think they seem to have forgotten is when Robbie Keane score versus Germany in the 2002 world cup when he controlled with his hand and shot past Oliver Kahn.

They do it in rugby and cricket where it seems to work. Only a few added seconds will stop all the moaner's in football. Referees will be less in the spotlight for the bad reasons. The fact is, if they replay the Ireland game, they will have to replay the games v Portsmouth and Sunderland where we should have had a penalty and not had one awarded against us.

Kevin Doyle had a good game and played the full 120 minutes which might mean he will be rested as we are likely to play 4-5-1. Maybe Ebanks-Blake might get his chance against a big team or will Andy Keogh be opted due to his work rate?

Time to make the Mol a fortress?

With three home games against bottom half opposition in the next month, dropping points is not a possibility.

With points dropped at home to West Ham, Hull and Portsmouth, all teams around us, the Molineux has only seen one league win this season, at home to Fulham. Look at Burnley, who have had to play much harder teams at home than we have, they have 15 points form home games (one point away)

If we drop points in the next two, Mick will have to be worrying about his job soon. Mick has said he doesn't care where the points come from if they stay up, but our away points tally is identical to at home, which is not good considering we only have 10 points.

Think it's imperative that we win all games, or think we only need 6/7? Comment!

International Round up for the Wolves

Wayne Hennessey, Sam Vokes and Dave Edwards all played in the three nil thrashing of Scotland. Edwards scored again and Hennessey made some good saves. Vokes got a second half. Christophe Berra was an unused sub for Scotland.

Doyle was voted MOTM by the Irish guys, despite them losing. He did alright and as soon as he went off they scored!

Milijas played the first half in the one nil win over Northern Ireland for the Serbs.

I don't think Austria (Maierhofer) had a game, or Ecuador (Castillo).

Come on Ireland!

Ireland's play-off begins tonight with the first leg at home. Never beaten at Croke Park, I do hope they can continue that.

We have a few irish players in our squad, many of them ex-sunderland, and atleast one of them will be playing. Kevin Doyle has 28 caps for the Republic of Ireland with seven goals. His partnership with Robbie keane (ex-wolves) has looked impressive. He thinks they have a real chance, despite getting in my opinion the toughest draw. France will feel the saem way aswell, Ireland haven't lsot in this campaign and their stuttering form and behind the scene aruments could cause their downfall.

Ireland's expected team:

GK:Given
RB:O'Shea
CB:Dunne
CB:St.Ledger
LB:Kilbane
RM:Mceady
CM:Whelan
CM:Andrews (another ex-Wolves)
LM:Duff
CF:Doyle
CF:Keane.

Whatever the team France put out, it will be strong one.
Rumours have it this will be the team.

GK:Lloris
DR:Sagna
DC:Gallas
DC:Abidal
Dl:Evra
CM:Diarra
CM:Toulalan
LW:Henry
RW:Gourcouff
CF:Anleka
SC:Gignac

Something like that anyway, so I hope wolves supporters (except french Wolves fans!) cheer on Ireland cheer them on!

Prediction:2-1 to Ireland. It will be tight in paris.

I'm on the Wolves site..again!

I was the junior reporter for the Everton match and my report was published in the YoungWolves section.

Here is a link:
http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/YoungWolves/0,,10307~1868141,00.html

And I forgot to add my blog adress I know!!

Oh well, been doing a spot of advertising around places.

I'll probably do a player focus tomorrow.

Wolves 1 Arsenal 4

After 25 minutes I think a lot of us were thinking, we're in a game here. They get 1 corner and goal, we are losing. I don't think it was a foul by Zubar and the ball is already out but we really should defend corners better. Hennessey was no where near the ball and there was nobody on the front past or back post to clear it. Then to make matters worse Berra is caught upfield and Jody scores an own goal, very unlucky espeically as it was a poor cross by Eduardo. Another piece of misfortune when Milijas produces a very good pass but the referee blocks it, was he through on goal? It's a fantastic move though and that was the best goal of the game.

At half time I check my facebook to see the mountain's of abuse from my friends; there wasn't too much. It seemed they didn't really care at all. I think Milijas shouldn't have wussed out of the challenge, and Arshavin gets their fourth.

It's over but we all still cheer for Jody Craddock's third goal of the season. Your views? Any issues about the team selection? I have my own, but I need to go quickly. Will carry on soon.

Hennessey - 6
Zubar - 6
Craddock - 7
Berra - 6
Stearman - 6
Edwards - 7
Castillo - 6.5
Henry - 7
Milijas - 6
Doyle - 6.5
SEB - 6

Jarvis - 6
Kightly - 6
Mancienne - 6

Our best players were probably Edwards and Henry, very energetic displays and impressing Arsenal.

We're gooner gun them down?

The team reckon they are better against better opposition, and this is
their big chance to show it. Arsenal are due a defeat to the lesser teams, but they haven't lost to anyone from outside Manchester this season. Last season they were defeated at home to Hull and away at Stoke. We just drew with both of them, but Hull were on a flukey run and Stoke bullied them. That is what we need to do, pressure them into mistakes and beat them to every ball, everywhere. Deserves a start?
They are easily the best team to watch in the league, they have so many attacking options. Walcott and Bendtner won't be starting while Eduardo isn't quite fit yet. This leaves them with only Arshavin, Van Persie,
Fabregas and Nasri attacking wise. In real trouble they are, eh?. Clichy is out which means the inexperienced Gibbs will start. Very highly rated by many, but people are going a bit far by saying he has a chance of a place in the world cup squad. He's quick, but can Kightly take adavantage of his naivety? Maybe this will be Kightly's big game and prove himself.

I think we will start with the same side as last week, and if losing throw Milijas on. Mick will want to make sure he has Henry and Castillo to stop the most creative players in the league. We need to be strong there and break up everything.

Even if Iwelumo had been fit, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake would've started. If him and Doyle get a partnership going, they will be deadly. Hopefully he can carry on from where he left off in his last appearance, with a goal!

I reckon it will be close. 2-1 to them sorry.

It will start like this
GK: Hennessey
RB: Zubar
CBs: Craddock and Berra
LB: Elokobi/Stearman
RM: Kightly
CMs: Henry and Castillo
LM: Edwards
FCs: Doyle and Ebanks-Blake

What do YOU reckons the score will be??

Player Focus: Ooh ah George Ndah!

Now an agent, George Ndah was one of my favourite players when he was fit. He started his career at Crystal Palace, and made 101 appearances scoring 11 goals. Never really a goalscoring forward, he brought about pace and made the game much more exciting. I remember his fantastic performance against Leicester when he scored two, one of them a run past several City players. Unable to find any film of this, I did find this clip of a top class goal versus Preston.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al-F4IJU3-I

That was the season we were promoted. When Nathan Blake and Dean Sturridge got injured, both on around 10 goal each, it seemed we were in trouble. George and Kenny Miller struck up an immense partnership scoring at least thirty goals between them to lead us to promotion.

He is still only 34 years of age. On only his third game for us, he suffered a broken leg against West Br*m. When he recovered he became a popular man at the Molineux, when he returned with two goals against the very club he got injured against.

After short loan spells at Bournemouth and Gillingham, George joined Swindon Town for £500k. Unsuprisingly he was a fan's favourite there too. after 75 games and 15 goals, financial problems led to his departure and Wolves signed him for £1 million.

In 1999 George was called up for the Nigeria national squad however it was cut short due to injury and he missed the trip.

He has recently set up a company 'Creative Sports Management' and is an agent for some of Wolves younger players.

George suffered injury again when he got injured against Reading, which meant missing the play off final and then, the whole of our season in the premier league.

Jody and Nenad rescue a point.

What a subsitution. I think Mick can take credit for that. When he sent Milijas on I was very suprised, but we had to go for it and it payed off. I was unable to even get a glimpse of the match but it was very clear how bad we were in the first half. The first goal I think was quite unlucky for George. who did have another poor game. The second goal was really annoying, when I saw Berra clear it I thought 'hey, who's marking him?' The answer was noone obviously. A real blow to concede just before half time, especially against such a formidable side at home.

Jody Craddock (above) scored one in the whole of the last season, and in one game has scored more. He is definitely offside for the first one after Berra nodded it on (his third assist of the season) however we were due a bit of luck. The second one is a brilliant header, across the goal which Sorensen almost saves.

What shocked me most was the decision to start Big Chris Iwelumo. I can see why, to compete at set pieces or throw ins. Nevertheless, Ebanks-Blake has just got his first goal of the season and is on a high so Mick decides to drop him. Not great for his confidence and he doesn't even get a look in from the bench. Chris just gave away a lot of free kicks and was replaced by Maierhofer.

We got a point away at a very good home side which is rather impressive. Where you there? What was the atmosphere like? Comment!

Hennessey - 7 - Made a fine save to denie Beattie (I think it was him who headed it)

Zubar - 7 - Looking very reliable and getting forward a lot.
Craddock - 9 - Stayed solid and got two precious goals.
Berra - 8 - A real presence and nuisance at set pieces.
Elokobi - 6 - The weak link in our team, had to be replaced.

Kightly - 6 - Failed to deliver but he needs the games to get going.
Henry - 7 - Kept it tidy.
Castillo - 7 - Replaced at half time but a rock in the heart of the midfield.
Edwards - 7 - Another good performance, he seems tireless.

Doyle - 7 - A bit quiet,still a threat going forward.
Iwelumo - 6 - First start in the premier league and penalised a lot by the referee, as he will be.

Subs
Milijas - 9 - In the second half, everything went through him and we had a bit of flair in the centre.
Maierhofer - 6 - Only on for a short while and didn't do much.
Stearman - 7 - Replaced Elokobi and did well.

Wolves v Stoke: Preview

From one derby to another. This one I suppose not quite so big but probably a game about big players. Physically. Rory Delap's thow ins will be coming from all areas, just like Greg Halford's. They have their big players, like Beattie, Fuller and Faye. But Christophe Berra has proved a menace at dead balls, often positioning himself where the ball is being aimed. He set up Kevin Doyle's goal at a throw in (our only success at throw ins) and set up a goal against Sunderland. I hope it's not a game of who can throw the furthest, as we can ply some good stuff. Credit to Stoke though, their style may not be pretty but what do they care if they succeed?

Tony Pulis is in his second spell at the Brittania, and has fast become a legend there. He's built his team well and this season made some very good signings. He has bought Huth and Tuncay from Boro. Huth has won the premier league with Chelski and Tuncay has shown he can do it in the recent European championships. And what a signing James Beattie was, his goals after joining from Sheffield United in January were crucial.

Something we will need to match is our chanting. Stoke are known for their noisyness (a word?) and are very intimidating. I often wondered last season whether they will ever move stadiums if they kept improving. We need some points from this game (our next two being Arsenal and Chelsea) to keep us out of the bottom three, somewhere we have not been in this season.

I reckon Mick will want us to try and play our way out of this game, but if trailing he will probably bring on his trademark substitution, a big centre forward.

I reckon the team will go like this:

Hennessey

Zubar
Berra
Craddock
Elokobi

Kightly
Henry
Castillo
Edwards/Halford

Ebanks-Blake
Doyle.

Hopefully SEB/Doyle ca get us something out of this game. 1-1.

Sometimes you just wanna...

So now we know why Matty Jarvis has been dropped. His end product isn't enough. I think that is absolutely ridicolous. This means he should drop Michael Kightly, who is yet to put in a decent cross! Dave Edwards (who I think has had a terrific season so far), Greg Halford, are also not great crossers of the ball, and Jarvis brings more to our game than them two. Speed. He is fouled countless times, one freekick leading to the goal against Wigan I believe..
Against Stoke I don't think he will pick Jarvis, or against Arsenal and Chelsea. But after that, we have Bolton and Brum at home, two games he has to play in for me. At home we need to attack them with both wingers, Aston Villa do it with Milner and Young so why not? It has payed off for them so far.

Got a different opinion to me? Or agree and want to let it out? Comment.

Wolves 1 Aston Villa 1: Sylvan finds his goalscoring touch

A decent performance, especially in the first half. We had a lot of possession without carving out any real chances. What the defence were doing in the first minute I will never know, but luckily Agbonlahor can't kick with his first left foot.

I think Dunne should have been sent off though, when he tugged Doyle away from a goalscoring opportunity. Our corners were getting nowhere, as most of Kightly's crosses were hitting the first man. If Mick picks his team by not losing your place when playing well, how come Halford was sub and Jarvis lost his place v Everton?

We came under it in the second half, we held them out well but they got the goal with ten minutes left and I thought we were out of it. Nenad had had some good touches and his flick was brilliant when Kightly got the penalty. There was no messing with our first penalty of the season, and a first goal for Sylvan. I think he will start scoring for fun now, and we'll need him to if we want anything from the next three games.

Hennessey - 8 - Did well at corners and made some good saves.

Zubar - 7 - Solid and did well against arguably the best winger in England.
Craddock - 7 - Some vital clearances when we were in trouble.
Berra - 7 - Defended well against Villa's big boys.
Elokobi - 7 - Miner hardly caused him any problems.

Edwards - 7 - Started well but went quiet towards the end.
Castillo - 7 - Sometimes his passing is great sometimes terrible. Strong tackler as well.
Henry - 8 - Very classy and hardly made a mistake.
Kightly - 6 - Doesn't look confident enough to take his full back on.

Ebanks-Blake - 7.5 - Held the ball up well, his partnership with Doyle looking positive.
Doyle - 7 - Great on the ball, nearly set up a few chances.




MOTM: Karl Henry - the captain has oozed class in this hungry side, an example for the others.

Wolves v Villa: Preview

Our first local derby of the season against a team who have beaten Chelsea and Liverpool, and have a very pacy attack. Don't forget that their last three goals have come from set pieces. Any reason to be worried?

Wolves' last five league games - LWLLD
Villa's last five games - WWLDW

And yet I remain confident. This side is very good at bouncing back as we did after Portsmouth, and tomorrow let's hope we continue that. The performance away at Everton was superb, but we'll have to be better than that if we want to win. It looks set to be a game based around wingers. Young and Milner could cause us problems, don't forget Agbonlahor. We have our own, if they both start which seems unlikely. Mick is too stubborn to change the team. Jarvis and Kightly need a run of games together and then they will really get going. If he does play Jarvis, it will be at the expense of Dave Edwards, as Mick will play two holding midfielders to be safe. He will want to have Halford for the throw ins, espeically as Rory Delap's throw ins saw Stoke give Aston Villa a scare last season.

Martin O'Neill has done a fantastic job, guiding the Villans to consecutive top 6 places. He's never won in march with Villa, which is when we play them away! His signings have looked odd at times, but always come good. He has set up a brilliant team which can change it's play with Carew and Heskey. He is wary of the threat we pose, and won't undermine us.

Our problem at home is we don't press like we do away. They think they have to try and control, and give the other team to much time on the ball. Mick needs to change this, it's just not working. Mark Lawrenson has put us down for a 2-1 win, and I'll say the same. Doyle and SEB.


Probable line-up
Hennessey

Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Elokobi

Kightly

Henry
Castillo
Jarvis

Doyle
Ebanks-Blake

Player Focus

This week I will be looking at Andy Mutch (bottom, duh!).

Andy spearheaded the Wolves attack with legend Steve Bull, and struck a mouth watering partnership. Signed on our way down, an impressive 7 goals in 15 games wasn't enough to keep them up. The next season he joined forces with Bully and just missed out on promotion through the play offs. The following season their combined goals added up to 53, and Wolves lifted the 4th division title. They improved on that the season after with their partnership scoring 58 league goals (83 in all competitions!) bringing wolves a succesive league title.

While he never played for England, he did make the England 'B' team 3 times and the under 21s team once, but didn't score.

Andy was a trainee at Liverpool and Everton but never made the grade at either. He started his professional career at Southport, where he returned to in 1999 for a year. He played 75 times for s'port, and bagged 29 goals. In 1986 Graham Turner snapped him up at the Wanderers.

Part of one of Wolves' greatest partnerships, and in less of the limelight than Steve Bull, but he did something Bully never achieved. A season in the premiership. Bull did score in the top flight for Albion, but only lasted two games in the world's best league. Mutch left the Molineux in 1993 for £250k to newly promoted(to the prem) Swindon. He scored 6 goals for them in his 50 games there, but left for lowly Stockport County, where he won promotion and got to the League Cup semis under Dave Jones (who was later to be Wolves manager). He lasted two seasons at Edgeley park, and left for non-league Barrow. He returned to Southport for one game but soon joined the Telford United coaching staff.

In 2007, he stepped up from his assistant manager position to manage Vauxhall Motors. His first managerial job ended badly, and resigned after losing 6-0 at home to Kettering. His next tenure didn't end well either, where he was manager at Burscough for a a season, and was recently sacked.

Andy has also worked for a car company that specialised in selling to footballers.

Any thing horribly wrong, or something important that I've missed out?

Player ratings

Wayne Hennessey - 8 - Made some top class saves.
Ronald Zubar - 7 - Solid debut.
Christophe Berra - 7 - Only one slip up, kept Saha in check.
Jody Craddock - 7 - Had to have treatment for his head but carried on.
George Elokobi - 7 - Still improving but solid as usual.
Michael Kightly - 6 - had a quiet game and not really fit enough.
Dave Edwards - 9* - Everywhere. Positive and good on the ball.
Karl Henry - 7 - protected his back four well, and lead by example.
Greg Halford - 7 - Decent throw ins and worked hard.
Kevin Doyle - 8 - A top top player, one of the best we have had for a while.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake - 6 - Held the ball up well, but otherwise non-existant.

Maierhofer - 7 - Unlucky to be sent off
Jarvis - 7 - Bright when he wanted to be
Castillo - 6- Added steel to the midfield.

MOTM: Dave Edwards

ROBBED

Feels like two points dropped, but asked if I would have been happy with a point, my answer would have been yes. The journey up was the time for predictions, I went with 1-0, Doyle (so close!). The first thing I will talk about will be the Everton support.

They were shocking!

I can't remember them singing one song. The wolves end enjoyed singing, 'There's only one, Joleon Lescott!'. They were very subdued and didn't look all too pleased with their team's performance.

Our worst two players, who wern't entirely bad, were Kightly and Ebanks-Blake. Sylvan did hold up the ball well, but apart from that had no impact whatsoever. He really needs a goal and should have in this game. Kightly needs Jarvis in the same lineup. They just marked him out of the game, while Jarvis only really came alive in the last ten minutes.

Zubar had an excellent debut, and Edwards was immense. He just seemed to be everywhere. He's really positive and with Henry behind him, he can be. Big George did alright but lost the Russian for the goal, he is still a slight liability but is improving. Bar the sending off, that was certainly Maierhofer's best game. On the ball, he was good and held the ball up quite well. Needs to learn how to jump mind.


What on earth was Tim Howard doing? When the line-o came rushing over to Stuart Atwell, I just assumed he was off, but instead he sent The 'Hof' off! He must surely be banned for that?

And finally, their goal shouldn't have been. We all went crazy when Doyle was fouled and the freekick not given. I knew they were going to score as the were attacking.

View on our performance? anybody else think Everton are lucky to get a share of the points? Comment.

Also...

I will be a junior reporter for the Wolves game!
I'm supposed to talk about the journey, the match and include some photos. I will be in the programme for the arsenal match apparently, but I am so excited.

Note: If the followers part does not come up properly, go to www.mywolvesblog.com, that's the new address.

Wolves v Everton Preview

On saturday morning I will be off to my first Wolves game of the season. The last time I went to a match in the premier league was at the Valley. we were beaten two nil. All I remember was 'the horse' (Luzhny) having a good game. I hope this is a more enjoyable experience, because I'm a travelling a bloody long way to see the Wolves.

Everton have had a mixed start to the season. They were thrashed 6-1 to Arsenal and were beaten at Turf Moor, but that's nothing to be ashamed of looking at their home form. Burnley have made Turf Moor a fortress, which is what we need to make the Molineux. They have some very talented footballers, many of which are missing but some great players who can fill in. I really like that Rodwell. Can't see him starting, but he looks like one for future. The russian left winger is making an impact with his dead ball abilities and crossing at Goodison park, who I have yet to see. We cannot slip up at the back, Louis Saha rarely misses and neither does Tim Cahill at the back post.

Ronald Zubar looks like he's edging towards a premier league debut. Mick has hinted, and maybe Wolves fans could be in for a shock? He'll definitely be on the bench. I think Mick will go for five in the midfield, if Castillo is fit after playing in Chile, he will start with Karl Henry and Dave Edwards/Nenad Milijas. More likely Edwards who I think has played rather well.

Probable team:
Hennessey
Foley
Mancienne
Berra
Elokobi
Kightly
Castillo
Edwards
Henry
Jarvis
Doyle

Prediction: Not expecting much, hopefully a good game but I think we might lose.

Player Focus

Ok this week I shall be focusing on..
Peter Broadbent.

He started his career at Brentford, leaving for Wolves after a year. He became something of a legend at the Molineux, playing 497 times and scoring 145 goals. He only played 7 times for England, with both of his two goals against Wales. His first goal for Wolves was against the baggies!

Broadbent had many admirers, including George Best who grew up a Wolves fan, with peter being his favourite player. Of Wolves fans I have met, lots of them have spoken about him and he sounded like a wonderful player.

Being in that team that won those three titles in the 50s, he had to be pretty good. He played alongside Billy Wright, Bert Williams and co and was one of the main players. He could fill in as the number nine, but I think he preferred to play just off the strikers. He had a powerful shot but he also had the skill to take on players.

After football he ran a babywear shop in Halesowen and then he moved to Codsall for retirement.

Have I got anything wrong? I'm just getting this from what it looks like to me. Please comment on any experiences you had of him or anything interesting you know about him.

Can we really win the world cup?

It's around the time when people start to say, we have a massive chance and all that stuff.

But do we have what it takes?

In goal we have either David James or Green (unless matt murray gets in the wolves team and keeps us up)

Our defence - we have three of the world's best in JT, Rio and Cole. Right back used to be a no-brainer. Gary Neville was great there for us but it is over for him. We need Johnson to get used to international football for him to get more experience.

Again in the middle of the park, we have two of the worlds finest. Gerrard and Lampard are fantastic players and if we have to play Gerrard left wing, with Bary in the middle, to get him to play well then so be it. Our strongest position is right midfield/wing. Becks, Lennon, Walcott, SWP, Young. All great wingers but at most there will be three on that plane to Africa but who? I think at the moment it is Beckham, Lennon and Walcott as a striker aswell. Beckham's experience and set piece abilities are invaluable. Don't forget his passing and work rate. Lennon absolutely ripped Croatia to pieces and deservedly has kept his place, he is too quick.

And to our strikers. We have one of the best talents in the world. He hadn't played well for England since Euro 2004, but Capello is slowly getting him back to his best with that position behind Heskey, who has done a great job holding the ball up.

Finally, the gaffer. He's a bit of a no-nonsense manager. He's strict but he's getting the team playing well. He's the first England manager in a while to not get sucked in to other international team's plan, slow it down. He wants England to play the way the players do in the Premiership. I think some countries, good countries, might be blown away but sometimes we might be careless and throw it away.

Can we really we win it? We have the quality, and if they carry on where they left us against Croatia, they will start to show us why they can.






Tell me what you think!









can Roonaldo silence his international critics?

Player Focus

I think every week I will do a profile on a player or even ex-player. After hearing some rather harsh citicism, I thought I'd start with fast becoming my favourite player, Michael Mancienne.

I think what impresses me most about this guy is his calmness. When he looks in trouble you don't see him panic and kick it into row z. He finds a way out which ends in us having the ball. His positioning is also very good, he likes to clean up behind after a ball has
been knocked down.

Mancienne spent the two years at QPR, and became a fans favourite quickly. He played in defence and midfield in his 58 games at Rangers without scoring.

His father Michael Snr was voted best ever footballer to play for the Seychelles national team. Although Michael Jnr rejected the chance to play for the Seychelles, I can almost guarantee he is the best ever player who could have played for them. He has already been called up to the England squad, after his impressive performances for the Wolves last season.

But what does the future hold for this man. I think he can be Rio Ferdinand's replacement, he has the quality and he will get the experience this season. He is certainly one of the best Wolves defenders I have seen, definitely the best since Lescott, with the potential to be better.

Don't agree with me? Or maybe have something to add to that. comment your opinions!

Oh yeah, and player ratings.

Hennessey - 8
Foley - 6
Mancienne - 7
Berra - 7
Elokobi - 6
Halford - 6
Henry - 7
Edwards - 6
Jarvis - 7
Doyle - 8
Keogh - 6

Subs
Kightly - 6
Maierhofer -6
Ebanks-Blake - 6

MOTM: Hennessey, made some two good saves and could do nothing to prevent the goal.

Embaressment at school...

I went back to school and was harrassed alot about the wolves. We were terrible in the first half and not great in the second. Not that it went without controversy. With atleast half an hour left we were denied the most obvious penalty I have seen this season. The linesmen was right in line with it. Had we scored frpm that, I belive we would have gon onto win. We missed a couple of sitters, The two players you'd like them to fall to most, Doyler and SEB missed them.

Hopefully the boys will get a good rest and really press against Everton, while I am there. Yep, my Dad won tickets and I could possibly be a reporter. I won't get my hopes up too high though.

Another bit of good news for me, I'm on the wolves fan of the month section, and could win a signed football. http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/GoodBadHistoryDetail/0,,10307~1817403,00.html :)

Crunch time.

Here we go.

Tomorrow we face a team who have lost all seven of their league games, haven't paid their players this week (or more) and have a man promising to inject fifty million smackers but nobody knows where the money is. Surely we can't lose
James
Johnson Dystin Campbell Belhadj

Utaka Diarra Muntari Krancjar

Defoe Crouch

That is the team from about a year ago, maybe slightly more. Only 3 are still there. That is one hell of a team but now 3 left for Spurs, 1 to Everton, 1 to Inter, 1 to Real and 1 to liverpool. Campbell left on a free and had ashort spell with notts county.

James came very close to leaving and so did Utaka.

Here is the team I expect us to play.

Hennessey

Halford Mancienne Berra Elokobi

Kites Edwards Henry Jarvis

Keogh Doyle

This could be a big game for jarvis and Kightly. Their first premier league game together properly. If we can get a lead these to will provide the counter that will destroy Pompey. Kightly impressed me against Manure and Sunderland but Jarvis has yet to rip apart a full back properly and now with another winger, he won't be so heavily marked.

When Doyle and Keogh were taken off, the game changed. For the worse. SEB and The 'Hof' failed to make any impact what so ever and when the chance arose, they got in each others way. Doyle is an exciting player and should be our biggest threat.

Portsmouth will make a mistake, and when they do, Wolves have to pounce.

Unlucky?

It is weird for a team to play so well and lose 5-2. When we got back to 2-2 I thought we were gonna win, Kenwyne Jones' second was brilliant and the third Bent was offside before the corner. The fifth was just unlucky, a word we might get used to this season. The first penalty was NOT a foul. Then at the end of the half we were denied an obvious penalty. Things just didn't go our way, although they scored an own goal, and gave us a freekick for a back pass.

Now onto that back pass. When you stop a clear goal illegaly should you not be sent off? Had he been sent off and we scored, things would have been entirley different, it was a good poacher's goal by Doyle (our new top scorer!).

Bent and Jones is a very strong attackon it's own. I think Mancienne and Berra, again, were great. Berra looks solid and Mancienne brings calmness to the team. Halford's done well but when Foley is back we will be very strong.

SEB did not look quite fit, when we brought him and the Hof we played worse I think. Doyle and Keogh had much more energy even though they had played 80 minutes already. Sylvan had one chance he should have buried but lack of communication messed it up.

Hennessey: 7/10
Halford: 7/10
Mancienne: 7/10
Berra: 7/10
Elekobi: 7/10
Edwards: 8/10
Henry: 8/10
Castillo: 7/10
Jarvis: 7/10
Keogh: 7/10
Doyle: 810

Ebanks-Blake: 6/10
Maeirhofer: 6/10
Kightly: 7/10

MOTM: Doyler. has been superb recently, looks a class footballer and will score atleast fifteen this season.
Note: Edwards, Henry and Berra were also very good.