Wolves head to Upton Park with a huge opportunity to open a gap between us and the bottom of the table. But, doesn't that just worry you?
Our record in these type of games isn't great and we don't always put in a good performance, as shown by the game at home to Wigan. We need to go there with a similar game plan as the one at Liverpool, and as we are away again I can see us doing that well.
West Ham's defence is pretty poor. In fact, it's worse than ours so it's got to be pretty bad. If we can get the ball toNenad Milijas in good positions he is more than capable of creating an opening. Against Tal Ben Haim or Danny Gabiddon, Matt Jarvis can give either the run around with his pace.
I expect one change from the team that beat Liverpool. While it would only be fair that the same eleven played, Stephen Hunt looked exhausted and could do with a rest. Dave Edwards can slot in easily at right midfield, where he was impressive against Birmingham. Stephen Ward also went off with a dead leg, so we could see Steven Fletcher make a start.
I think this could be the team:
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Berra
Elokobi
Edwards
Foley
Milijas
Jarvis
Ward (Fletcher if he is injured)
Ebanks-Blake
I think this will be a tight game, with a similar result to the the game at Molineux when we last played them. 1-1 Ebanks-Blake.
Hopefully we can start 2011 with a positive result. Happy New Year everyone.
Friday, 31 December 2010
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Liverpool 0 Wolves 1
To me, this was a game where I wasn't expecting a result, but a performance to at least make up for the previous game against Wigan. However, I did not foresee us playing Liverpool off the pitch at Anfield! And to me, that is exactly what we did.
We went there with a game plan, and it worked perfectly. We pressed them high up the pitch, never allowing them any space and despite what I thought was a lightweight midfield we won the battle in the middle. In Kevin Foley and Nenad Milijas, we have two excellent footballers with football brain who can also defend. For me, Milijas was the best player on the park. He outshone Steven Gerrard in the middle, producing breathtaking passes and crucial strong tackles.
Although I still believe we need to sign a centre back, both of our central defenders were excellent. They never once looked in trouble and Stearman in particular was one of the obvious choices for man of the match. There were no silly mistakes from him, and after Hennessey's save from Meireles he did superbly to follow it in and clear the ball.
And then, there were the forwards. It was fitting that Stephen Ward would get the winner after just over a year ago being harshly sent off at the same ground. I loved Mick's quote about Reina:
Hennessey - 7
Zubar - 6
Stearman - 8
Berra - 7
Elokobi - 7
Jarvis - 7
Foley - 7
Milijas - 9
Hunt - 7
Ward - 8
Ebanks-Blake - 8
If we can go to West Ham and put in a similar performance, we could go into the Chelsea game on the back of two wins and who knows what could happen?
Who was your man of the match?
We went there with a game plan, and it worked perfectly. We pressed them high up the pitch, never allowing them any space and despite what I thought was a lightweight midfield we won the battle in the middle. In Kevin Foley and Nenad Milijas, we have two excellent footballers with football brain who can also defend. For me, Milijas was the best player on the park. He outshone Steven Gerrard in the middle, producing breathtaking passes and crucial strong tackles.
Although I still believe we need to sign a centre back, both of our central defenders were excellent. They never once looked in trouble and Stearman in particular was one of the obvious choices for man of the match. There were no silly mistakes from him, and after Hennessey's save from Meireles he did superbly to follow it in and clear the ball.
And then, there were the forwards. It was fitting that Stephen Ward would get the winner after just over a year ago being harshly sent off at the same ground. I loved Mick's quote about Reina:
“The sending off last year was disgraceful – I didn’t think it was a particularly bad foul on Lucas,” said McCarthy.Ward put in a good all round performance, and after the first twenty minutes grew in confident. Alongside him, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake put in a as good a performance I've seen from a Wolves striker this season. He has learnt to hold it up brilliantly, and his tireless work is being rewarded. He's set up our last two winners and scored the third against Sunderland.
“Pepe Reina ran 70-odd yards to get involved and get him sent off but he was going anyway so it wasn’t needed.
“If he recognised Wardy’s face bearing down on him and sticking the ball past him for the winner then I’m delighted.”
Hennessey - 7
Zubar - 6
Stearman - 8
Berra - 7
Elokobi - 7
Jarvis - 7
Foley - 7
Milijas - 9
Hunt - 7
Ward - 8
Ebanks-Blake - 8
If we can go to West Ham and put in a similar performance, we could go into the Chelsea game on the back of two wins and who knows what could happen?
Who was your man of the match?
Friday, 24 December 2010
Wolves v Wigan Preview
This fixture just under a year ago proved to be one of the most miserable of the season. We simply can't afford that to happen again, otherwise we will see the gap we have fought to close will open once again.
Wigan have gone about their business quietly since their opening two games. They got their act together after two harsh beatings. They've picked up the odd point here and there but haven't won too many. Win, and we over take them.
After our impressive display against Birmingham, it would be no surprise to anyone if we went with the same eleven but I've got a feeling Mick will bring in our star man Matty Jarvis. He'll offer us a bit more more pace and creativity. It's hard to see who he would replace. I think the unlucky one to be dropped will be George Elokobi, with Stephen Ward moving back to left back.
This would mean this could be the team:
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Berra
Ward
Hunt
Foley
Edwards
Milijas
Jarvis
Ebanks-Blake
If we are up for it, and attack Wigan from the off I see no reason why we can't win this game. 1-0 Wolves, Ebanks-Blake to get the winner.
If you are going, roar the lads on. Merry Christmas!
Wigan have gone about their business quietly since their opening two games. They got their act together after two harsh beatings. They've picked up the odd point here and there but haven't won too many. Win, and we over take them.
After our impressive display against Birmingham, it would be no surprise to anyone if we went with the same eleven but I've got a feeling Mick will bring in our star man Matty Jarvis. He'll offer us a bit more more pace and creativity. It's hard to see who he would replace. I think the unlucky one to be dropped will be George Elokobi, with Stephen Ward moving back to left back.
This would mean this could be the team:
Jarvis could go straight back in |
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Berra
Ward
Hunt
Foley
Edwards
Milijas
Jarvis
Ebanks-Blake
If we are up for it, and attack Wigan from the off I see no reason why we can't win this game. 1-0 Wolves, Ebanks-Blake to get the winner.
If you are going, roar the lads on. Merry Christmas!
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Monday, 20 December 2010
January Sales
We are getting nearer and nearer to that time of the season.
Panic buys on the last day, a certain team splashing out their millions and lots of silly rumours. I don't know why so many people hate it!
In the last month Wolves have been linked with a number of players, and if we bought them all there is no way we would fit them all in a 25 man squad, so I'm going to have a look at who I think we should buy, loan and sell.
Buy
Gary O'Neil - Playing in a team struggling in the Championship, but I've always liked him and I think he would make a useful addition on the right. Reportedly being sold to balance out the books at Middlesbrough, I don't think it would take much to bring him here. We need a natural right sided midfielder, and he can also play in the middle.
Robbie Findley - We've been linked with him in the last couple of days, a pacy forward who would provide a good back up to the three strikers we have already. Mick likes to have a fourth, and as Bent is going back to Birmingham I can see this one happening. Would cost nothing.
Michael Johnson - We are short on cover in the middle of midfield, and a fit Michael Johnson would be perfect for us. Shone in Sven's team for a season at Man City, but has been injured for over two years. A questionable character, but if he's fit and has the right attitude we could get him fopr a couple of million. He's not about to break into the City side, especially under Mancini. I'd 'love it' if we signed him.
Loan
Joleon Lescott - Sounds insane, but I think this could happen. Comfortable at centre back and left back, would walk straight into our team. Could we afford his wages? We've seen what has happened with Craig Bellamy and Cardiff, and I'm sure we could pay around half of it. A home-coming? Possibly.
Sell
Carl Ikeme - Is always going out on loan, and wasting space at our club. We have two very good goalkeepers ahead of him, and young Aaron McCarey has earned some rave reviews in the reserves.
Greg Halford - He worked his way into our squad, and looked like he might have earned a starting place but it's not happened and he's out on loan at Pompey. Another taking up space in the squad that we don't need.
David Jones - Has six months left on his contract, and for me this season has been a bit of a disappointment. I'll always remember him for that goal and his vital role in keeping us up last year. I don't see the point in keeping him because if we want to progress, he will be left behind.
Matt Hill - Nowhere near our side, and was just a panic buy back in 2008 when Elokobi got injured.Wasn't in our 25 man squad anyway.
Andy Keogh - I think it is now time for Andy to go. Was great for us at times but has been warming the Cardiff City bench for most of his loan spell there, so imagine where he would be for us.
Which could mean this, as our squad:
Hahnemann
Hennessey
Zubar
Elokobi
Craddock
Lescott
Berra
Ward
Mouyokolo
Stearman
Foley
Hunt
Jarvis
Henry
Johnson
O'Neil
Guedioura
Milijas
Mancienne
Edwards
Kightly
Fletcher
Doyle
Ebanks-Blake
Findley
You may have noticed I have two injured players on that list. Adlene Guedioura is back around March, and I would have him in because he's the kind of player who can make come in and make a instant difference. Michael Kightly, is well Michael Kightly. He has until January the 31st to prove his fitness and with a successful surgery on his knee behind him maybe, just maybe he can make it.
I have tried as hard as I can to keep it as realistic as I can. You can't blame me for believing Joleon will come home, can you? Tell me who you would sign, loan and sell below!
Panic buys on the last day, a certain team splashing out their millions and lots of silly rumours. I don't know why so many people hate it!
In the last month Wolves have been linked with a number of players, and if we bought them all there is no way we would fit them all in a 25 man squad, so I'm going to have a look at who I think we should buy, loan and sell.
Buy
Gary O'Neil - Playing in a team struggling in the Championship, but I've always liked him and I think he would make a useful addition on the right. Reportedly being sold to balance out the books at Middlesbrough, I don't think it would take much to bring him here. We need a natural right sided midfielder, and he can also play in the middle.
Robbie Findley - We've been linked with him in the last couple of days, a pacy forward who would provide a good back up to the three strikers we have already. Mick likes to have a fourth, and as Bent is going back to Birmingham I can see this one happening. Would cost nothing.
Michael Johnson - We are short on cover in the middle of midfield, and a fit Michael Johnson would be perfect for us. Shone in Sven's team for a season at Man City, but has been injured for over two years. A questionable character, but if he's fit and has the right attitude we could get him fopr a couple of million. He's not about to break into the City side, especially under Mancini. I'd 'love it' if we signed him.
Loan
![]() |
You know you want to Joleon |
Joleon Lescott - Sounds insane, but I think this could happen. Comfortable at centre back and left back, would walk straight into our team. Could we afford his wages? We've seen what has happened with Craig Bellamy and Cardiff, and I'm sure we could pay around half of it. A home-coming? Possibly.
Sell
Carl Ikeme - Is always going out on loan, and wasting space at our club. We have two very good goalkeepers ahead of him, and young Aaron McCarey has earned some rave reviews in the reserves.
Jones - Should we get money for him now? |
David Jones - Has six months left on his contract, and for me this season has been a bit of a disappointment. I'll always remember him for that goal and his vital role in keeping us up last year. I don't see the point in keeping him because if we want to progress, he will be left behind.
Matt Hill - Nowhere near our side, and was just a panic buy back in 2008 when Elokobi got injured.Wasn't in our 25 man squad anyway.
Andy Keogh - I think it is now time for Andy to go. Was great for us at times but has been warming the Cardiff City bench for most of his loan spell there, so imagine where he would be for us.
Which could mean this, as our squad:
Hahnemann
Hennessey
Zubar
Elokobi
Craddock
Lescott
Berra
Ward
Mouyokolo
Stearman
Foley
Hunt
Jarvis
Henry
Johnson
O'Neil
Guedioura
Milijas
Mancienne
Edwards
Kightly
Fletcher
Doyle
Ebanks-Blake
Findley
You may have noticed I have two injured players on that list. Adlene Guedioura is back around March, and I would have him in because he's the kind of player who can make come in and make a instant difference. Michael Kightly, is well Michael Kightly. He has until January the 31st to prove his fitness and with a successful surgery on his knee behind him maybe, just maybe he can make it.
I have tried as hard as I can to keep it as realistic as I can. You can't blame me for believing Joleon will come home, can you? Tell me who you would sign, loan and sell below!
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Friday, 17 December 2010
It's back. The Black Country derby preview
We all know how high the stakes are in this game.
The first Black Country derby in the Premier League and it's a huge one. Win, and we start to drag West Brom into a relegation fight. Lose, and they are clear of us and the drop zone.
Despite a tough start to the season, West Brom have been one of the teams of the season. Beating Arsenal at their own game, a dramatic comeback at Old Trafford and a four one win at Everton will live long in Albion fan's memories. They have a brilliant young manager who is always looking to improve and if he carries on at this rate, won't be at The Hawthorns for that long.
Our record against Albion, like against Birmingham, is terrible. We've beaten them once since I've watched Wolves, Jay Bothroyd's goal winning the match and giving us something to cheer about after losing to them four times that season.
Despite our horrible away record this season, I think we can go there and win. Even with the injury list, the team that beat Birmingham will be full of confidence. We have in Stephen Hunt, a player who is perfect for derby games. He will irritate them and will pop up in good positions. I think he will be key.
Another potential match winner is Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. He's likely to be the main striker on Sunday and I can see him putting in another star performance. If he can replicate the movement and work rate he produced last week, he will cause the two centre backs a lot of problems.
The only change in the side is probably going to be Christophe Berra. He is a huge doubt, and with Michael Mancienne back in full training I think he will play centre back. I wouldn't be surprised if George Elokobi moves into the middle and Stephen Ward goes to left back, which might bring Matty Jarvis back into the team.
Team:
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Mancienne
Elokobi
Edwards
Foley
Milijas
Hunt
Ward
Ebanks-Blake
It's a tough game, and I would definitely take a draw. 2-2.
The first Black Country derby in the Premier League and it's a huge one. Win, and we start to drag West Brom into a relegation fight. Lose, and they are clear of us and the drop zone.
At least Kevin Phillips won't be playing |
Our record against Albion, like against Birmingham, is terrible. We've beaten them once since I've watched Wolves, Jay Bothroyd's goal winning the match and giving us something to cheer about after losing to them four times that season.
Despite our horrible away record this season, I think we can go there and win. Even with the injury list, the team that beat Birmingham will be full of confidence. We have in Stephen Hunt, a player who is perfect for derby games. He will irritate them and will pop up in good positions. I think he will be key.
Another potential match winner is Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. He's likely to be the main striker on Sunday and I can see him putting in another star performance. If he can replicate the movement and work rate he produced last week, he will cause the two centre backs a lot of problems.
The only change in the side is probably going to be Christophe Berra. He is a huge doubt, and with Michael Mancienne back in full training I think he will play centre back. I wouldn't be surprised if George Elokobi moves into the middle and Stephen Ward goes to left back, which might bring Matty Jarvis back into the team.
Team:
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Mancienne
Elokobi
Edwards
Foley
Milijas
Hunt
Ward
Ebanks-Blake
It's a tough game, and I would definitely take a draw. 2-2.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Premier League Prediction League
Wolves1992 is back! He extended his lead this week, scoring more than Bob China but closing in on the top two is Wolfie! The person with by far the most points this week is HilpertonionSwindon with 93 points, who has rapidly risen up the table in the past few weeks.
League Table:
Fixtures:
Sunderland v Bolton
Arsenal v Stoke
Birmingham v Newcastle
Blackburn v West Ham
Wigan v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Fulham
West Brom v Wolves
Blackpool v Tottenham
Chelsea v Man Utd
Man City v Everton
Good luck!
League Table:
Fixtures:
Sunderland v Bolton
Arsenal v Stoke
Birmingham v Newcastle
Blackburn v West Ham
Wigan v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Fulham
West Brom v Wolves
Blackpool v Tottenham
Chelsea v Man Utd
Man City v Everton
Good luck!
Monday, 13 December 2010
Wolves 1 Birmingham 0
Despite having a team of injuries, eleven brave soldiers took to the field and made every Wolves fan proud.
No Jarvis, No Doyle. Four youngsters on the bench. Birmingham fans must have thought the game was over before it started. But no, this young (average age 25) and hungry squad fought hard and outclassed a usually resilient Birmingham team
In the place of Kevin Doyle, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake took the role of the main centre forward role. He was everywhere. Hassling defenders, getting plenty of shots in and creating chances for others. He is so much sharper now and, to me, has proved he can play up front on his own.
There were many others top drawer displays. All of our defenders were solid, Dave Edwards put in a stirring performance down the right and Nenad Milijas was full of creativity but the standout performance came from Stephen Ward. A player so regularly criticised and never given any chance of being a Premier League football yet works so hard to please them was brilliant next to Sylvan. Winning balls in the air, linking midfield and attack, he did it all yesterday. It is so pleasing when you know that there is nothing they can say but accept that he put in a tremendous display.
It's been obvious for a while that Stephen Hunt is desperate to find form. His touch has been off and his passing sloppy until the last couple of weeks. Two goals in his last three games is sure to kick start his Wolves career.
We could have, and should have had so many more. Only Ben Foster and some wasted chances prevented it being a huge score which would have been fully deserved. We came out and attacked them straight from the start, which caught them out and never allowed them to settle. If we play like this next week, against a more open West Brom side we have a real chance of getting some precious away points.
Hennessey - 7
Zubar - 7
Stearman - 7
Berra - 8
Elokobi - 7
Edwards - 8
Foley - 7
Milijas - 7
Hunt - 8
Ward - 9
Ebanks-Blake - 9
It leaves us all so positive, we've closed the gap on Wigan and Fulham and have opened a small one on West Ham.
No Jarvis, No Doyle. Four youngsters on the bench. Birmingham fans must have thought the game was over before it started. But no, this young (average age 25) and hungry squad fought hard and outclassed a usually resilient Birmingham team
In the place of Kevin Doyle, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake took the role of the main centre forward role. He was everywhere. Hassling defenders, getting plenty of shots in and creating chances for others. He is so much sharper now and, to me, has proved he can play up front on his own.
There were many others top drawer displays. All of our defenders were solid, Dave Edwards put in a stirring performance down the right and Nenad Milijas was full of creativity but the standout performance came from Stephen Ward. A player so regularly criticised and never given any chance of being a Premier League football yet works so hard to please them was brilliant next to Sylvan. Winning balls in the air, linking midfield and attack, he did it all yesterday. It is so pleasing when you know that there is nothing they can say but accept that he put in a tremendous display.
It's been obvious for a while that Stephen Hunt is desperate to find form. His touch has been off and his passing sloppy until the last couple of weeks. Two goals in his last three games is sure to kick start his Wolves career.
We could have, and should have had so many more. Only Ben Foster and some wasted chances prevented it being a huge score which would have been fully deserved. We came out and attacked them straight from the start, which caught them out and never allowed them to settle. If we play like this next week, against a more open West Brom side we have a real chance of getting some precious away points.

Zubar - 7
Stearman - 7
Berra - 8
Elokobi - 7
Edwards - 8
Foley - 7
Milijas - 7
Hunt - 8
Ward - 9
Ebanks-Blake - 9
It leaves us all so positive, we've closed the gap on Wigan and Fulham and have opened a small one on West Ham.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Friday, 10 December 2010
Wolves v Birmingham Preview
One of the last teams I want to play when we badly need a win is Birmingham.
Why?
Simply that I've never seen us beat Birmingham in the many times we have played them. McIndoe's late penalty miss, Bowyer's early goal and Phillip's double are all horrible moments against Birmingham.
Birmingham come to Molineux in positive mood with only one defeat in ten. Their rock solid defence is always hard to get past, and now they have some useful attackers. Nikola Zigic is now used to the Premier League and is starting to look worth every penny of the £6m spent on him. Cameron Jerome always plays well against us, we struggle to cope with his pace which is why we need someone like Stearman to handle him.
We've got even more injuries this week. Jarvis, Jones and Mancienne are all a doubt. Mouyokolo has more back problems and Steven Fletcher is still ill. David Davis is still suspended and Marcus Bent can't play. We are going to have quite a few youngsters on the bench, and I can see us playing 4-4-2. Against a side like Birmingham, I think we might be able to do that at home. If we do play two strikers, we mustn't do what we did against Bolton and just play hoofball. That's not what we are good at and getting the ball into Milijas must be our first priority. He can produce the piece of magic, and has been a key player for us since he has come into the side.
Here's what the team might be:
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Berra
Elokobi
Hunt
Foley
Milijas
Ward (Jarvis if he is fit)
Doyle
Ebanks-Blake
There are a lot of players missing there, and it's going to be a struggle. 0-0.
Why?
Simply that I've never seen us beat Birmingham in the many times we have played them. McIndoe's late penalty miss, Bowyer's early goal and Phillip's double are all horrible moments against Birmingham.
Birmingham come to Molineux in positive mood with only one defeat in ten. Their rock solid defence is always hard to get past, and now they have some useful attackers. Nikola Zigic is now used to the Premier League and is starting to look worth every penny of the £6m spent on him. Cameron Jerome always plays well against us, we struggle to cope with his pace which is why we need someone like Stearman to handle him.
We've got even more injuries this week. Jarvis, Jones and Mancienne are all a doubt. Mouyokolo has more back problems and Steven Fletcher is still ill. David Davis is still suspended and Marcus Bent can't play. We are going to have quite a few youngsters on the bench, and I can see us playing 4-4-2. Against a side like Birmingham, I think we might be able to do that at home. If we do play two strikers, we mustn't do what we did against Bolton and just play hoofball. That's not what we are good at and getting the ball into Milijas must be our first priority. He can produce the piece of magic, and has been a key player for us since he has come into the side.
![]() |
Mancienne is one of many doubts |
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Berra
Elokobi
Hunt
Foley
Milijas
Ward (Jarvis if he is fit)
Doyle
Ebanks-Blake
There are a lot of players missing there, and it's going to be a struggle. 0-0.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Prediction League: Chance to win a signed Wolves football
The top of the table is closing up. Bob China and Wolfie are getting nearer to wolves1992, who holds a 46 point lead.
HilpertonianSwindon and wolves_fc_4_ever have risen up the table in recent weeks to take up places in the top ten.
The full table is on the Prediction League page.
Here are the fixtures:
Aston Villa v West Brom
Everton v Wigan
Fulham v Sunderland
Stoke v Blackpool
West Ham v Man City
Newcastle v Liverpool
Bolton v Blackburn
Wolves v Birmingham
Tottenham v Chelsea
Man Utd v Arsenal
Good luck.
HilpertonianSwindon and wolves_fc_4_ever have risen up the table in recent weeks to take up places in the top ten.
The full table is on the Prediction League page.
Here are the fixtures:
Aston Villa v West Brom
Everton v Wigan
Fulham v Sunderland
Stoke v Blackpool
West Ham v Man City
Newcastle v Liverpool
Bolton v Blackburn
Wolves v Birmingham
Tottenham v Chelsea
Man Utd v Arsenal
Good luck.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Thank god for Steve Morgan
Mike Ashley, what a numpty.
From the start it was obvious that he didn't want Chris Hughton but the way he has done this is a total disgrace. Eleventh in the league, despite a recent poor run of form and all the backing of his players. all of that is now gone and I think they have just joined us in a relegation battle. The players have already voiced their concern, and you can expect many of them heading out in January. It seems that it will be Alan Pardew aswell, Ashley's friend from a casino! Pardew isn't a big enough name to change their minds either, nor is he that good a manager.
Seeing what he is doing to Newcastle United makes me feel really glad to have Steve Morgan as our owner. He has always supported the manager, obviously cares about the football club and is a calm influence. He's not about to make any rash decision, he's thinking about the long term. Even if we go down I don't think he will have thought once about sacking Mick, as we have the supplies to bounce straight back up.
Everything at the club seems right. From the players, to the staff. There's a good atmosphere around and everyone seems to like each other. Gone are the days of overpaid run-down ex-Premier League players.
You have to give some credit to Mick for this. Where would we be if it wasn't for him? Possibly in the lower leagues. We had thirteen players and were relegation favourites when Mick came in and he turned it around. He's got us promoted and kept us there with a lot of young players. It's amazing to me that fans are calling for his head. There is no other manager, that would want to manage us, that could turn this bad run of form around.
So many people took offence to the 'numpties' comment. Why? Do you think he is calling all fans who do not go to games numpties. No. He's talking about the people who are constantly negative, and want him out. That is who he is trying to offend, and it's worked.
And if you do want 'Mick out', be careful what you wish for. We could get Alan Curbishley.
From the start it was obvious that he didn't want Chris Hughton but the way he has done this is a total disgrace. Eleventh in the league, despite a recent poor run of form and all the backing of his players. all of that is now gone and I think they have just joined us in a relegation battle. The players have already voiced their concern, and you can expect many of them heading out in January. It seems that it will be Alan Pardew aswell, Ashley's friend from a casino! Pardew isn't a big enough name to change their minds either, nor is he that good a manager.
![]() |
Morgan has done a remarkable job at Wolves |
Everything at the club seems right. From the players, to the staff. There's a good atmosphere around and everyone seems to like each other. Gone are the days of overpaid run-down ex-Premier League players.
You have to give some credit to Mick for this. Where would we be if it wasn't for him? Possibly in the lower leagues. We had thirteen players and were relegation favourites when Mick came in and he turned it around. He's got us promoted and kept us there with a lot of young players. It's amazing to me that fans are calling for his head. There is no other manager, that would want to manage us, that could turn this bad run of form around.
So many people took offence to the 'numpties' comment. Why? Do you think he is calling all fans who do not go to games numpties. No. He's talking about the people who are constantly negative, and want him out. That is who he is trying to offend, and it's worked.
And if you do want 'Mick out', be careful what you wish for. We could get Alan Curbishley.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Monday, 6 December 2010
Olympic Old Gold
Here's an article by Steve Menary, about Wolves history in the Olympics that features in his new book 'GB United? British Olympic football and the end of the amateur dream'
Now that the 2018 World Cup finals will go to Russia, the football at the 2012 Olympic Games in London will be the next big international football tournament staged in England for the foreseeable future.
The Olympic football tournament has been staged in England twice before and one of the stars of the original tournament in 1908, which was also the first international football competition, was a Wolves legend, who is featured in a new book on the history of the Olympic football team.
To play in the Olympics, players had to be amateur and the Reverend Reginald Gunnery Hunt was certainly that. He was also a prodigious exponent of the shoulder charge and in 1908 one of the key members of the Wolves’ team that lifted that year’s FA Cup.
A teacher, Hunt was known as the Footballing Parson and scored in that 3-1 win over Newcastle United, which almost guaranteed a place in the England amateur team that represented Great Britain at the 1908 Olympic football tournament.
Amateurs playing in the professional top leagues were entirely uncommon, Vivian Woodward of Spurs, Harold Hardman of Everton and Leicester Fosse keeper Horace Bailey, also played with Hunt as England/GB romped through the tournament before beating Denmark 2-0 at the final in White City n London - now known as the Westfield shopping centre.
Hunt is top row, far left. (Credit to football association for picture) |
Hunt did not miss a game and, though he missed the 1912 Olympics, he returned in his mid-thirties as England/GB returned after World War One to defend their title at the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp.
A weakened team were despatched 2-0 by Norway but that was not the last involvement by a Wolves’ player in the Olympic football tournament.
In 1952, a team comprised of 10 Englishmen and one Scotsman was humiliated 5-3 by Luxembourg at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. Captain that day was Bill Slater, then with Brentford but later to become a legendary captain of a Wolves team that dominated English football.
With the next Olympic tournament restricted to Under-23 players and following directly after Euro 2012, pressure on resources will be greater than ever. At present, the other Home Nations are not going to be involved and with promising young English players such as Jack Rodwell expected to go to the Ukraine and Poland with Fabio Capello, there may be a chance for another young Wolves‘ player to emulate the Footballing Parson in 2012.
Steve Menary is the author of 'GB United? British Olympic football and the end of the amateur dream', which is published by Pitch Publications.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Sunday, 5 December 2010
The Wolves advent giveaway continues
Not for the first time, we've come away from Ewood Park licking our wounds after a horrendous defensive display.
Quite surprisingly, Stephen Mouyokolo came in as well as Berra taking away any continuity we needed from the win against Sunderland. Mouykolo, making only his second league start, just didn't look fit. And this is not a game you want to bring someone coming back from injury into.
If Ronald Zubar was our best player against Sunderland, his performance yesterday was a complete opposite of his return last Saturday. Absolutely nothing went for him today. He was sloppy on the ball and defensively he was terrible. What on earth he is doing strolling back for the second goal I have no idea, I wouldn't be surprised if he was dropped solely for that.
So, what are Blackburn's strengths? Well, they are very good in the air so let's keep booting it up in the air all the time. The times we did get the ball down and play, we created something. We hit the bar three times and forced Paul Robinson into six or seven saves. When we didn't bypass him and got the ball to him, Nenad Milijas looked a class act. He's brilliant at linking up play and opening up defences which is why it is stupidity when we resort to lumping it up the field. Him and Kevin Doyle looked our only players capable of creating something, we have to sort that out.
Hennessey - 6
Zubar - 5
Mouyokolo - 5
Berra - 6
Elokobi - 6
Foley - 7
Ward - 6
Mancienne - 7
Milijas - 8
Jarvis - 6
Doyle - 8
Next week we have Birmingham, and when do we ever beat them? It's time to start then.
I don't know how they'll be training in the week, but I really hope they practice corners...
Quite surprisingly, Stephen Mouyokolo came in as well as Berra taking away any continuity we needed from the win against Sunderland. Mouykolo, making only his second league start, just didn't look fit. And this is not a game you want to bring someone coming back from injury into.
If Ronald Zubar was our best player against Sunderland, his performance yesterday was a complete opposite of his return last Saturday. Absolutely nothing went for him today. He was sloppy on the ball and defensively he was terrible. What on earth he is doing strolling back for the second goal I have no idea, I wouldn't be surprised if he was dropped solely for that.
So, what are Blackburn's strengths? Well, they are very good in the air so let's keep booting it up in the air all the time. The times we did get the ball down and play, we created something. We hit the bar three times and forced Paul Robinson into six or seven saves. When we didn't bypass him and got the ball to him, Nenad Milijas looked a class act. He's brilliant at linking up play and opening up defences which is why it is stupidity when we resort to lumping it up the field. Him and Kevin Doyle looked our only players capable of creating something, we have to sort that out.
Hennessey - 6
Zubar - 5
Mouyokolo - 5
Berra - 6
Elokobi - 6
Foley - 7
Ward - 6
Mancienne - 7
Milijas - 8
Jarvis - 6
Doyle - 8
Next week we have Birmingham, and when do we ever beat them? It's time to start then.
I don't know how they'll be training in the week, but I really hope they practice corners...
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Friday, 3 December 2010
Blackburn v Wolves Preview
Wolves face a tough away trip at Ewood Park where we have had some horrible results.
On the opening day of the season in the 2003-2004, we were thrashed five one. Six years later, we went to Blackburn early on in the season and put in one of our worst performances of the season. Add our poor away record this season and the omens are not good.
Right?
We may not have won away this season, but I think an away win is not far away. We've been unlucky on our travels, and we face a Blackburn side who have just lost seven one.
Who knows how they will react, we've got to focus on our own performance. Keep silly mistakes to a minimum and we are in the game. Only once this season have we gone into the final ten minutes losing by two, away at Blackpool. We are always in the game.
David Jones is ruled out injured, which I presume means a return to the starting line up for Stephen Hunt. His goal will have given him a boost, he's still not at full tilt but hopefully we will start seeing the old (annoying) him.
Another player returning to the team should be Christophe Berra. I'd expect him to replace George Elokobi. Big George impressed last week but Mick likes to have a balanced pairing. It's also nice to have a player who can bring the ball out, and we have that in Richard Stearman.
I expect us to line up like this:
Hennessey
Zubar
Stearman
Berra
Ward
Hunt
Foley
Mancienne
Milijas
Jarvis
Doyle
Sam Allardyce has a knack of beating the teams around the bottom, and I'd definitely take a draw against a Blackburn team who will be desperate to play well in front of their fans.
On the opening day of the season in the 2003-2004, we were thrashed five one. Six years later, we went to Blackburn early on in the season and put in one of our worst performances of the season. Add our poor away record this season and the omens are not good.
Right?
We may not have won away this season, but I think an away win is not far away. We've been unlucky on our travels, and we face a Blackburn side who have just lost seven one.
Who knows how they will react, we've got to focus on our own performance. Keep silly mistakes to a minimum and we are in the game. Only once this season have we gone into the final ten minutes losing by two, away at Blackpool. We are always in the game.
David Jones is ruled out injured, which I presume means a return to the starting line up for Stephen Hunt. His goal will have given him a boost, he's still not at full tilt but hopefully we will start seeing the old (annoying) him.
Another player returning to the team should be Christophe Berra. I'd expect him to replace George Elokobi. Big George impressed last week but Mick likes to have a balanced pairing. It's also nice to have a player who can bring the ball out, and we have that in Richard Stearman.
I expect us to line up like this:
![]() |
Sylvan rescued a point at the Molineux last May. |
Zubar
Stearman
Berra
Ward
Hunt
Foley
Mancienne
Milijas
Jarvis
Doyle
Sam Allardyce has a knack of beating the teams around the bottom, and I'd definitely take a draw against a Blackburn team who will be desperate to play well in front of their fans.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Wolves boss wants nine wins
Here's an article by Will. Want to write an article on the blog? Contact me via the 'contact me' page!
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has issued a rallying cry to his players and set them a new target to avoid Premier League relegation.
The Wolves manager knows his side face a battle to avoid the drop for the second successive season, and they currently sit in the Premier League bottom three.
McCarthy wants his side to win nine games over the rest of the season, and while that may not seem a massive target it has to be remembered they have won only 3 of their 15 games so far.
Last weekend's last-gasp win over Sunderland ensured they ended a run of five games without a win but they did not manage to climb out of the Premier League relegation places and they will be looking to continue their recent resurgence in form when they face Blackburn this weekend, a match the Premier League tips suggest they can win.
![]() |
Can this win change our season? |
"We need two more wins to get out of the bottom three and our target has to be nine wins from our remaining games," stated McCarthy.
"Hopefully the Sunderland result will be a turning point."
The main problem for Wolves has been scoring goals, but they have not been too great at scoring either throughout the course of the season so far. Anyone looking to bet on Premier League action should remember this.
McCarthy wants his side to stop conceding so many goals, especially through their own mistakes, as he knows from experience that is one thing that can certainly spell Premier League relegation for any struggling team.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Prediction League: Chance to win signed Wolves football
No huge change in the league table of note, Bob China closed the gap to 80 points but only because wolves1992 didn't predict this week!
Anyone can get involved, here's how you can score points:
5 points for a correct result (e.g Wolves win)
10 points for a correct socre (e.g Wolves 3-0)
3 points for each correct scorer (e.g Karl Henry)
Here are the fixtures:
Arsenal v Fulham
Birmingham v Tottenham
Blackburn v Wolves
Chelsea v Everton
Man City v Bolton
Wigan v Stoke
Blackpool v Man Utd
West Brom v Newcastle
Sunderland v West Ham
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Good luck!
Anyone can get involved, here's how you can score points:
5 points for a correct result (e.g Wolves win)
10 points for a correct socre (e.g Wolves 3-0)
3 points for each correct scorer (e.g Karl Henry)

Arsenal v Fulham
Birmingham v Tottenham
Blackburn v Wolves
Chelsea v Everton
Man City v Bolton
Wigan v Stoke
Blackpool v Man Utd
West Brom v Newcastle
Sunderland v West Ham
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Good luck!
Labels:
2010/11 Prediction League
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Wolves rewarded for consistency
Here's an article sent in by Thomas Rooney. Want to contribue? Use the contact me form to get involved!
In what could end up being a turning point in the club’s season, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake scored a dramatic late winner at Molinuex after the home side had trailed with just 13 minutes left on the clock.
This was a change in fortunes for Mick McCarthy’s men after four Premier League defeats on the spin had left them rooted in the bottom three of the table.
They may well still be in the danger zone, but with safety just three points away, things are looking much more positive than they would have done had no points been achieved over the Black Cats.
Speaking about the victory, Ward said: “We've deserved that win on the back of the last few weeks. It's important that, after getting that win, we don't get lacklustre now, that we stay sharp and we kick on.”
It is certainly very crucial that Wolves do push on in the coming weeks. The Christmas fixture period is always crucial, of course, but it could be especially so this year.
Ward and co take on Blackburn next, followed by local rivals Birmingham and then games against West Brom, Wigan and Liverpool. There are some winnable games here and Wolves must make sure they are still in touch of safety when the New Year comes around.
One thing the players don’t lack is belief. They always wear their Wolverhampton Wanderers football shirts with pride and go out there giving their all for the team.
As for whether they can survive the drop, Ward is confident. He says: We believe we can stay in this league if we keep playing the way we are and we stick to our plans.
"There's only one way to stay in this league and that's by playing to your strengths, so that's what we'll be trying to do.”
This is exactly the type of attitude Wolves need in the coming months. They mustn’t fear anyone and perhaps most importantly, they should keep turning performances into victories, much like they did at the weekend against Sunderland.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Monday, 29 November 2010
Jelle on a plane
Yep, after only five months and six games Jelle van Damme returns to Belgium with Standard Liege. His last spell in England had also lasted six games, funnily enough.
It comes as a surprise to me, as it sounded like me might just be starting to settle in. He has a new born child, and it was believed that his family was moving to England in January.
It's a shame because he has all the makings of a premier League footballer. Strong, aggressive, good in the air (one of the best I've seen in fact) and decent on the ball. Perhaps not a left back, as we had hoped he would be but as a wide or central midfielder. It even sounded like he was one of the lads, but maybe being away from his family was too hard for him.
Moving on, what do we do with the two and half million we recouped for him? You'd expect us to go for a left back, a position we haven't had a regular in since Lee Naylor. Or could it go towards financing a loan deal for David Bentley, a player who plays in a position we could also do with sorting out?
I guess we will find out in January.
![]() |
Good luck Jelle |
It comes as a surprise to me, as it sounded like me might just be starting to settle in. He has a new born child, and it was believed that his family was moving to England in January.
It's a shame because he has all the makings of a premier League footballer. Strong, aggressive, good in the air (one of the best I've seen in fact) and decent on the ball. Perhaps not a left back, as we had hoped he would be but as a wide or central midfielder. It even sounded like he was one of the lads, but maybe being away from his family was too hard for him.
Moving on, what do we do with the two and half million we recouped for him? You'd expect us to go for a left back, a position we haven't had a regular in since Lee Naylor. Or could it go towards financing a loan deal for David Bentley, a player who plays in a position we could also do with sorting out?
I guess we will find out in January.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Turning point: Wolves 3 Sunderland 2
With thirteen minutes left, my facebook status changed to 'We're down'. I honestly thought we were, thinking it was another good performance ending with a negative result. But as Wolves have always seemed to do, when it most mattered, we came through with both of Mick's substitutions scoring the goals that won the game.
Mick rang the changes. Ronald Zubar started his first league game of the season, Ward came back in at left back and probably the most surprising to all was Wayne Hennessey's inclusion in the first eleven. A Wolves fan who had been informed of this on a forum had told me this yesterday (he also said we are signing David Bentley on loan in January) and I wasn't sure what to think. Did Marcus Hahnemann deserve to be dropped? I don't think so, it was the only mistake I've ever seen him make. There was nothing Wayne could do about either of the goals.
Matthew Jarvis continues to cause Premier League full backs problems game after game. He sent in a lot of dangerous crosses but we never seemed to have enough bodies in the box. Behind him, Stephen Ward supported him excellently. Kevin Foley played his part and got a goal, a tidy finish from a tidy player.
There were two stand out players for me today. I didn't think Michael Mancioenne had played that well this season in midfield but he was important in breaking up the play in Karl Henry's absence. He will need to keep this up for a while, with our skipper injured for two months now. Up front, Kevin Doyle was superb. He is so good at playing up front on his own, and when we brought another striker on he set up the winner with a lovely ball.
And who would have thought it eh? George Elokobi, Premier League centre back. He was a rock today, could he keep a place there?
Hennessey - 7
Zubar - 8
Stearman - 7
Elokobi - 7
Ward - 8
Foley - 7
Jones - 7
Mancienne - 8
Milijas - 7
Jarvsi - 7
Doyle - 8
I think this might be the turning point. Next we've got Blackburn who will want to bounce back from their seven one defeat today, but I think we can go and get something.
Mick rang the changes. Ronald Zubar started his first league game of the season, Ward came back in at left back and probably the most surprising to all was Wayne Hennessey's inclusion in the first eleven. A Wolves fan who had been informed of this on a forum had told me this yesterday (he also said we are signing David Bentley on loan in January) and I wasn't sure what to think. Did Marcus Hahnemann deserve to be dropped? I don't think so, it was the only mistake I've ever seen him make. There was nothing Wayne could do about either of the goals.
Matthew Jarvis continues to cause Premier League full backs problems game after game. He sent in a lot of dangerous crosses but we never seemed to have enough bodies in the box. Behind him, Stephen Ward supported him excellently. Kevin Foley played his part and got a goal, a tidy finish from a tidy player.
There were two stand out players for me today. I didn't think Michael Mancioenne had played that well this season in midfield but he was important in breaking up the play in Karl Henry's absence. He will need to keep this up for a while, with our skipper injured for two months now. Up front, Kevin Doyle was superb. He is so good at playing up front on his own, and when we brought another striker on he set up the winner with a lovely ball.
And who would have thought it eh? George Elokobi, Premier League centre back. He was a rock today, could he keep a place there?
![]() |
Another goal for Sylvan |
Zubar - 8
Stearman - 7
Elokobi - 7
Ward - 8
Foley - 7
Jones - 7
Mancienne - 8
Milijas - 7
Jarvsi - 7
Doyle - 8
I think this might be the turning point. Next we've got Blackburn who will want to bounce back from their seven one defeat today, but I think we can go and get something.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Prediction League: Chance to win signed Wolves football
This was a good week for predicting scorers! It seemed like the obvious choices scored the goals this week which is why there was a bit of movement in the table. Box-clever moves into third, but isn't much closer to Wolves1992 who is still very far away at the top.
Here are your fixtures:
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Bolton v Blackpool
Everton v West Brom
Fulham v Birmingham
Man Utd v Blackburn
Stoke v Man City
West Ham v Wigan
Wolves v Sunderland
Newcastle v Chelsea
Tottenham v Liverpool
Good luck.
Here are your fixtures:
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Bolton v Blackpool
Everton v West Brom
Fulham v Birmingham
Man Utd v Blackburn
Stoke v Man City
West Ham v Wigan
Wolves v Sunderland
Newcastle v Chelsea
Tottenham v Liverpool
Good luck.
Labels:
2010/11 Prediction League
Monday, 22 November 2010
'Make the team' campaign
‘Make the Team’ is organised by v, the National Young Volunteers Service, which helps 16-25 year olds to volunteer and gain recognition for what they do through the vinspired awards scheme. vinspired.com attracts over 90,000 visits per month and has provided over 900,000 new youth volunteering opportunities across England.
v’s new national campaign, ‘Make the Team’, hopes to harness the passion and enthusiasm that young people have for football and their favourite club to encourage young football fans to volunteer in their local community.
Sky Sports commentators Martin Tyler, Andy Gray and Chris Kamara are helping the project, along with footballers Kieran Gibbs, Stuart Pearce and David Seaman, and the campaign is being advertised on radio stations such as Galaxy, Choice, Capital and XFM and in publications such as FHM, 442 and Metro.
(Chris Kamara can be seen promoting the campaign at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=SIObhppBH6A)
In addition to helping communities volunteers will also benefit from the work they do. There are a wide range of opportunities covering a broad spectrum of interests and any work completed can help to develop their skills and enhance their CV. In some cases volunteering may also lead to other opportunities - such as the chance to complete the FA level 1 coaching badge - and new opportunities are being added all the time.
Examples of volunteering opportunities include:
• Coaching young children
• Stewarding at local matches
• Helping to run football groups for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems
• Delivering footballs to children in Africa
• Promoting ‘Make the Team’ online
(The full list of opportunities can be found at http://vinspired.com/make-the- team)
Volunteers will also be entered into a draw and given the chance to win tickets to see Premier League clubs. Details of how they can do this are given below.
This explains how you can volunteer:
1. Go to http://vinspired.com
2. Sign up (it’s free)
3. Go to http://vinspired.com/make-the- team, select ‘click here’ and then ‘I’d like to do this’
4. Select your favourite Premier League club and state male/female
5. Volunteer for one of the opportunities on offer
6. Upload a photo of yourself volunteering for the chance to win tickets to see Premier League clubs
(There will be two prize draws: one on 1st December 2010 and one on 1st February 2011. The opportunity to enter the prize draws will end on 31st January 2011)
As a fifteen year old, I think this is a great opportunity for people out there aged 16-25 to earn recognition for hard work and something I would certainly be interested in when I turn 16.
v’s new national campaign, ‘Make the Team’, hopes to harness the passion and enthusiasm that young people have for football and their favourite club to encourage young football fans to volunteer in their local community.
Sky Sports commentators Martin Tyler, Andy Gray and Chris Kamara are helping the project, along with footballers Kieran Gibbs, Stuart Pearce and David Seaman, and the campaign is being advertised on radio stations such as Galaxy, Choice, Capital and XFM and in publications such as FHM, 442 and Metro.
(Chris Kamara can be seen promoting the campaign at http://www.youtube.com/
In addition to helping communities volunteers will also benefit from the work they do. There are a wide range of opportunities covering a broad spectrum of interests and any work completed can help to develop their skills and enhance their CV. In some cases volunteering may also lead to other opportunities - such as the chance to complete the FA level 1 coaching badge - and new opportunities are being added all the time.
Examples of volunteering opportunities include:
• Coaching young children
• Stewarding at local matches
• Helping to run football groups for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems
• Delivering footballs to children in Africa
• Promoting ‘Make the Team’ online
(The full list of opportunities can be found at http://vinspired.com/make-the-
Volunteers will also be entered into a draw and given the chance to win tickets to see Premier League clubs. Details of how they can do this are given below.
This explains how you can volunteer:
1. Go to http://vinspired.com
2. Sign up (it’s free)
3. Go to http://vinspired.com/make-the-
4. Select your favourite Premier League club and state male/female
5. Volunteer for one of the opportunities on offer
6. Upload a photo of yourself volunteering for the chance to win tickets to see Premier League clubs
(There will be two prize draws: one on 1st December 2010 and one on 1st February 2011. The opportunity to enter the prize draws will end on 31st January 2011)
As a fifteen year old, I think this is a great opportunity for people out there aged 16-25 to earn recognition for hard work and something I would certainly be interested in when I turn 16.
Same old problems for Wolves
Here's another article by Will. If you'd like to get involve and contribute, please use the contact me form.
Mick McCarthy was left bemoaning the usual concerns of his Wolves team after another loss, this time to fellow relegation candidates Blackpool.
In McCarthy's own words, they have "problems in both boxes". Wolves are the only team in the Premier League yet to keep a clean sheet yet this term, and their strikers are still misfiring.
"I'm not blaming them (the strikers) because we've not managed to keep a clean sheet all season, we’ve not even had a base from which to play, and maybe the strikers wouldn't be snatching at things and be anxious in front of goal if that's what the case is. We're always chasing and that's difficult," the manager said.
Both Ian Holloway and McCarthy agreed that Wolves were the better side in the first half, but this will come as scant consolation to McCarthy, who has now seen his side win only two of their opening fourteen Premier League fixtures. If they are to improve this dismal record they are going to need to address both of these issues because the Premier League is an unforgiving environment for a team with even one weakness and the football betting reflects this.

It was the games after the fixtures against these top-drawer teams where Wolves were supposed to kick-start their season, but this simply hasn't happened. The Wolves betting now indicates the side are close to being in serious trouble.
They're yet to win away this season, so maybe it's fairer to judge them after the host Sunderland next week, but if they fail to get anything from that game their problems will only worsen.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Old Gold Tune
" We banged the leather for goal!" With original music written in Elgar's hand
In 1898 Elgar was inspired to write the world's first football chant by Billy Malpass, the Wolves' star centre forward of the time. The Philosophy Football features the original music written in Elgar's own hand and the chant he penned 'We banged the leather for goal.' And squad number? If he'd ever kicked a ball himself Elgar would have surely been a composed player, yet a bit of an enigma with the ability to inject plenty of variations of rhythm to the midfield, well at least 14.
Perfect Christmas present for Wolves Fans. Available from www.philosophyfootball.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Should've, could've, haven't
That was the most one-sided game I have ever seen in my time watching Wolves.
And we still lost.
Of course, we had to give them an early advantage inside the first three minutes didn't we? It's an amazing strike, a contender for goal of the season but I do feel Kevin Foley could have done better. After that, we settled into the game and were the better team for the rest of the half. We had all the ball and created some half chances but they still looked the more dangerous side when attacking.
Marcus Hahnemann made a very rare mistake. He misjudged the cross and watched in horror as Marlon Harewood poked home. Harewood was full of energy and running, something he never displayed in his loan spell with us.
I wasn't particularly surprised that Milijas was dropped to the bench. He had played for Serbia in the week and had been playing a lot for us recently. I was surprised however to see him come on not long until the game. Mick opted to bring him on for the injured Foley and move Mancienne to right back who I thought was superb there.
Does anything ever go our way? There were numerous penalty appeals, including one where two Blackpool players hand balled it and Nenad Milijas being brought down inside the box. Crosses fired in, never seeming to bounce the right way.
I can't understand why some Wolves fans think Doyle needs to be rested. He worked his socks off, on the ball he looked a threat and got a deserved goal. I'd back him to score again next week.
Hahnemann - 5
Foley - 6 (Milijas - 7)
Stearman - 6
Berra - 7
Elokobi - 6
Hunt - 6 (Ebanks-Blake - 7)
Jones - 7
Mancienne - 8
Henry - 7 (Fletcher - 6)
Jarvis - 8
Doyle - 8
The next few games are going to shape our season, we need some results.
And we still lost.
Of course, we had to give them an early advantage inside the first three minutes didn't we? It's an amazing strike, a contender for goal of the season but I do feel Kevin Foley could have done better. After that, we settled into the game and were the better team for the rest of the half. We had all the ball and created some half chances but they still looked the more dangerous side when attacking.
Marcus Hahnemann made a very rare mistake. He misjudged the cross and watched in horror as Marlon Harewood poked home. Harewood was full of energy and running, something he never displayed in his loan spell with us.
I wasn't particularly surprised that Milijas was dropped to the bench. He had played for Serbia in the week and had been playing a lot for us recently. I was surprised however to see him come on not long until the game. Mick opted to bring him on for the injured Foley and move Mancienne to right back who I thought was superb there.
Does anything ever go our way? There were numerous penalty appeals, including one where two Blackpool players hand balled it and Nenad Milijas being brought down inside the box. Crosses fired in, never seeming to bounce the right way.
I can't understand why some Wolves fans think Doyle needs to be rested. He worked his socks off, on the ball he looked a threat and got a deserved goal. I'd back him to score again next week.
Hahnemann - 5
Foley - 6 (Milijas - 7)

Berra - 7
Elokobi - 6
Hunt - 6 (Ebanks-Blake - 7)
Jones - 7
Mancienne - 8
Henry - 7 (Fletcher - 6)
Jarvis - 8
Doyle - 8
The next few games are going to shape our season, we need some results.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Friday, 19 November 2010
Blackpool v Wolves Preview
Despite only being 13 games into the season, this could be quite an important game when we look back at the end of May next year. Lose, even draw maybe' and we could be propping up the table with West Ham. Win and we are back up there and likely to be three points off the bottom assuming West Ham don't get any points against Liverpool.
I'm hoping that we will revert back to the 4-5-1 system we had been playing so well in. Keep the ball on the ground and we can carve out chances. We did it against the best so why not against Blackpool, who have the worst defence in the league.
I get the feeling that Nenad Milijas will be important in this game. He has a knack of producing the goods when we need them, and with his good form of late he'll be in confident mood. Alongside him we will need Karl Henry and Michael Mancienne to watch out for the likes of Charlie Adam and David Vaughan who have been pivotal players for our Tangerine opposition.
I'm quite confident that we will see, potentially, our best defensive line up. At the back Mouyokolo and Berra our both fit and I can see Richard Stearman dropping to the bench. Stears has played excellently at times but he's made quite a few blunders.He'll learn from them however I think he needs a rest. The only position I'm not sure of is left back. Elokobi came in and did ok but Stephen Ward is Mick's first choice when fit.
I reckon:
Hahnemann
Foley
Mouyokolo
Berra
Ward
Hunt
Milijas
Henry
Mancienne
Jarvis
Doyle
It will be tight, but I'm hoping for a Wolves win. 2-1, Doyle and Hunt.
I'm hoping that we will revert back to the 4-5-1 system we had been playing so well in. Keep the ball on the ground and we can carve out chances. We did it against the best so why not against Blackpool, who have the worst defence in the league.
Kevin Doyle is still looking for his first league goal this season |
I get the feeling that Nenad Milijas will be important in this game. He has a knack of producing the goods when we need them, and with his good form of late he'll be in confident mood. Alongside him we will need Karl Henry and Michael Mancienne to watch out for the likes of Charlie Adam and David Vaughan who have been pivotal players for our Tangerine opposition.
I'm quite confident that we will see, potentially, our best defensive line up. At the back Mouyokolo and Berra our both fit and I can see Richard Stearman dropping to the bench. Stears has played excellently at times but he's made quite a few blunders.He'll learn from them however I think he needs a rest. The only position I'm not sure of is left back. Elokobi came in and did ok but Stephen Ward is Mick's first choice when fit.
I reckon:
Hahnemann
Foley
Mouyokolo
Berra
Ward
Hunt
Milijas
Henry
Mancienne
Jarvis
Doyle
It will be tight, but I'm hoping for a Wolves win. 2-1, Doyle and Hunt.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Prediction Leauge: Chance to win signed Wolves football
I've got a confession. I completely messed up last week. On posting the article on the 606 forums (where I get a lot of entries) I forgot to oput it on the Wolves board which is why there was hardly any entries. So I'm just going to miss out that week as I feel it would be unfair on them.
Here are the fixtures for this weekend:
Arsenal v Tottenham
Birmingham v Chelsea
Blackpool v Wolves
Bolton v Newcastle
Man Utd v Wigan
West Brom v Stoke
Liverpool v West Ham
Blackburn v Aston Villa
Fulham v Man City
Sunderland v Everton
Good luck!
Here are the fixtures for this weekend:
Arsenal v Tottenham
Birmingham v Chelsea
Blackpool v Wolves
Bolton v Newcastle
Man Utd v Wigan
West Brom v Stoke
Liverpool v West Ham
Blackburn v Aston Villa
Fulham v Man City
Sunderland v Everton
Good luck!
Labels:
2010/11 Prediction League
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Typical Wolves?
And it all went horribly wrong. After a string of excellent performances against top class sides we once again failed to beat the teams we need to be beating.
Bolton were excellent, but I felt they were there for the taking. they were always a threat but we gave them two of the goals and we played to their strengths too much. I wasn't happy when I found out we had changed the formation, a system that was starting to come good and make us look a really good side. Instead, we choose to play to strikers and hoof the ball up to them. Why? Both strikers I thought did fairly well considering how little service they were given. Sylvan looked sharp, Doyle more positive but it just wasn't working.
We were out battled in the middle, Holden and Muamba won almost everything there and Henry looked half the player he is. Next to him, I thought Nenad Milijas was probably our best player. He came close with shots a couple of times and he created a lot despite the ball being in the air all the time.
In only his first Premier League start, I thought Stephen Mouyokolo did reasonably well. Another Stephen, Hunt needs more games as his touch looks off and he's not quite running at full pelt. We did look like we missed Berra, who is often critisiced but we lacked his leadership in the middle.
Hahnemann - 7
Foley - 7
Stearman - 6
Mouyokolo - 7
Elokobi - 6
Hunt - 6
Milijas - 8
Henry - 6
Jarvis - 8
Doyle - 7
Ebanks-Blake - 7
Subs: Fletcher - 7
And just to top off a terrible day, Jarvis isn't even selected in the England squad.
Bolton were excellent, but I felt they were there for the taking. they were always a threat but we gave them two of the goals and we played to their strengths too much. I wasn't happy when I found out we had changed the formation, a system that was starting to come good and make us look a really good side. Instead, we choose to play to strikers and hoof the ball up to them. Why? Both strikers I thought did fairly well considering how little service they were given. Sylvan looked sharp, Doyle more positive but it just wasn't working.
We were out battled in the middle, Holden and Muamba won almost everything there and Henry looked half the player he is. Next to him, I thought Nenad Milijas was probably our best player. He came close with shots a couple of times and he created a lot despite the ball being in the air all the time.
In only his first Premier League start, I thought Stephen Mouyokolo did reasonably well. Another Stephen, Hunt needs more games as his touch looks off and he's not quite running at full pelt. We did look like we missed Berra, who is often critisiced but we lacked his leadership in the middle.
Hahnemann - 7
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Fletcher's goal meant nothing |
Foley - 7
Stearman - 6
Mouyokolo - 7
Elokobi - 6
Hunt - 6
Milijas - 8
Henry - 6
Jarvis - 8
Doyle - 7
Ebanks-Blake - 7
Subs: Fletcher - 7
And just to top off a terrible day, Jarvis isn't even selected in the England squad.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Prediction League: Want to win a signed Wolves football?
Another week passes and it remains the same at the top. Wolves1992 extends his lead at the top with Bob China over 100 points behind now. Old Beaut got the most points this week with 72.
Here is the top 20 of the league:
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Man City v Birmingham
Newcastle v Fulham
Tottenham v Blackburn
West Ham v Blackpool
Wigan v West Brom
Wolves v Bolton
Stoke v Liverpool
Everton v Arsenal
Chelsea v Sunderland
Good luck!
Here is the top 20 of the league:
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Man City v Birmingham
Newcastle v Fulham
Tottenham v Blackburn
West Ham v Blackpool
Wigan v West Brom
Wolves v Bolton
Stoke v Liverpool
Everton v Arsenal
Chelsea v Sunderland
Good luck!
Labels:
2010/11 Prediction League
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Another late goal: Man Utd 2 Wolves 1
Blimey, that was hard to take. Such a good performance and what do we get from it? Nothing.
United took a very undeserved lead. We kept the ball from them, created the better chances and on an occasion that they had the ball in our half we shut them out. Apart from in the dying seconds of each half. And that's what has been killing us all season.
While I'm sure Mr.Capello was their to watch Jarvis and Ferdinand I wouldn't be surprised if he took note of another English player. Richard Stearman was the best player on the pitch. He was rock solid today, winning header after header. It was clear he had learnt his lesson from last week, as he stayed on his feet as Hernandez turned and lost it. He also offers class on the ball, which is why I think he should be in instead of Craddock from now on. Sure Jody has been great for us in the last year but he has made mistakes this season and it's someone else's turn.
All Mick needs to do is keep their heads up and keep calm, which he is usually good at. We have one game left of this horrible run of fixtures and once again we can go into the game believing we can get something. Hunt, Edwards and Milijas will be a bit fresher having been taken off towards the end. Hunt is still gaining the sharpness required but at times he was a threat.
Ebanks-Blake is now our top league goalscorer. Considering he's not played all the time that's an impressive tally. He now has more than he got in the whole of last season and if he keeps this up he could get into double figures. Every time he plays he looks fresh and works his socks off. Fletcher, who came on with Sylvan, had a great chance to win it. Had he kept a cool head after Mancienne's superb knock down we would have been ahead. Sometimes he doesn't look like he's gelled yet. That's understandable for a new signing but it's a shame that his sloppy pass resulted in United's winner.
Hahnemann - 7
Foley - 7
Stearman - 9
Berra - 8
Ward - 6
Hunt - 6
Henry - 8
Edwards - 7
Milijas - 7
Jarvis - 7
Doyle - 7
Subs: Ebanks-Blake - 7, Fletcher - 6, Mancienne - 6
Ignore the results, we are one of the form sides in the league. Play like this against the 'lesser' sides we will be fine.
United took a very undeserved lead. We kept the ball from them, created the better chances and on an occasion that they had the ball in our half we shut them out. Apart from in the dying seconds of each half. And that's what has been killing us all season.

All Mick needs to do is keep their heads up and keep calm, which he is usually good at. We have one game left of this horrible run of fixtures and once again we can go into the game believing we can get something. Hunt, Edwards and Milijas will be a bit fresher having been taken off towards the end. Hunt is still gaining the sharpness required but at times he was a threat.
Ebanks-Blake is now our top league goalscorer. Considering he's not played all the time that's an impressive tally. He now has more than he got in the whole of last season and if he keeps this up he could get into double figures. Every time he plays he looks fresh and works his socks off. Fletcher, who came on with Sylvan, had a great chance to win it. Had he kept a cool head after Mancienne's superb knock down we would have been ahead. Sometimes he doesn't look like he's gelled yet. That's understandable for a new signing but it's a shame that his sloppy pass resulted in United's winner.
Hahnemann - 7
Foley - 7
Stearman - 9

Ward - 6
Hunt - 6
Henry - 8
Edwards - 7
Milijas - 7
Jarvis - 7
Doyle - 7
Subs: Ebanks-Blake - 7, Fletcher - 6, Mancienne - 6
Ignore the results, we are one of the form sides in the league. Play like this against the 'lesser' sides we will be fine.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Friday, 5 November 2010
Red Fever

Fortunately, our Matthew is a level headed young man who, so far at least, appears unaffected by all this talk of an England call up. Here is his typically unassuming response to a few words of praise from old red face:
‘If Sir Alex was impressed by what he saw, that’s fantastic coming from a manager of such standing in the game. But I’ve got to stay focused and keep doing well and make sure my performances don’t drop’
The form of Jarvis aside, this has to be our best opportunity (and that’s not saying much) of coming away from the ‘theatre of dreams’ with anything but a spanking in many years. Indeed, local grammar school boy Mel Eves is the last Wolves player to score a winner there, and that was more than thirty years ago. So, why the optimism?
Well, Rooney, Ferdinand and Nani are all out injured. Fletcher, Gibson and even Fergie are reportedly ‘under the weather’ and struggling to be fit. But the real reason for the growing confidence of this young Wolves side is the way they have been playing in recent weeks. And not just in last weekend’s win over City (fine though it was). They gave Peter Cech his busiest ever game at Stamford Bridge and scared the pants off League Cup holders United ten days ago with a very attractive passing game that is deservedly winning them plaudits from Ancelotti to MOTD’s Lee Dixon (‘keep playing like that and they’ll be zooming up the table’). It’s surely no coincidence that Nenad Milijas is playing such an integral part in the revival but who would have guessed that Dave Edwards would emerge in the just behind the striker role? Or that Richard Stearman, bringing the ball out from the back, would have such an effect on the style of football being played? Sir Mick needs to be congratulated on the confidence he has shown in these, often maligned, youngsters. Kevin Foley is playing he did in our promotion year (in his natural position) and Doyle and Jarvis are a handful for anyone. If a fully fit Stephen Hunt can begin to be the pest we all remember from his Reading days we can go into games knowing we can do some serious damage whoever we play.
Of course, that spanking is never out of the question away at Man U and Obertan (like Hernandez) is definitely not to be underestimated but something tells me that Mick and his boys might be on the verge of a major breakthrough.
2-1 to Wolves!
by Bob China
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Prediction League: Want to win a signed Wolves football?
Another points, and plenty of points won. I'm not even going to say it, you know who is top. The highest scorer this week was AnotherSalisburWolf with 88 points.
It's never too late to enter, all you have to do is comment below and you will be entered.
Bolton v Tottenham
Birmingham v West Ham
Blackburn v Wigan
Blackpool v Everton
Fulham v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Wolves
Sunderland v Stoke
Arsenal v Newcastle
West Brom v Man City
Liverpool v Chelsea
I will not be doing predictions for the midweek games next Tuesday and
Wednesday.
Good luck.
It's never too late to enter, all you have to do is comment below and you will be entered.
![]() |
For full size, go to the prediction league page |
Birmingham v West Ham
Blackburn v Wigan
Blackpool v Everton
Fulham v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Wolves
Sunderland v Stoke
Arsenal v Newcastle
West Brom v Man City
Liverpool v Chelsea
I will not be doing predictions for the midweek games next Tuesday and
Wednesday.
Good luck.
Labels:
2010/11 Prediction League
Monday, 1 November 2010
You're Wolves, and you know you are..
..the Wolves fans chanted to Joleon Lescott.
It sounds insane, but could Joleon be on his way back to Molineux in January? Hes not in the team, and unless Man City have two or three injuries he's not going to be for some time. And if they were to let him go out on loan I'm sure they would rather he went to club like Wolves (and pay a percentage of the wages) than to another top half team. That's why City are paying for Craig Bellamy to play in the Championship instead of Tottenham.
Obviously, he is loved at Wolves. It would be a real sign of the ambitions of the club and with him in our team we would surely be a much better side. He said:
Agree, or think I'm just being daft?
It sounds insane, but could Joleon be on his way back to Molineux in January? Hes not in the team, and unless Man City have two or three injuries he's not going to be for some time. And if they were to let him go out on loan I'm sure they would rather he went to club like Wolves (and pay a percentage of the wages) than to another top half team. That's why City are paying for Craig Bellamy to play in the Championship instead of Tottenham.
Obviously, he is loved at Wolves. It would be a real sign of the ambitions of the club and with him in our team we would surely be a much better side. He said:
Currently he's behind Toure, Kompany, Boateng and Boyata. When Boyata was sent off against Arsenal, instead of bringing Lescott on he moved Yaya Toure to the back. I'm sure he doesn't want to sit on the bench all the time so go on Mick, give Mancini a ring.“If the situation was right I would always come back. Wolves have been a massive part of my life.
“I plied my trade there, I’ve got a lot of very close friends behind the scenes and if the opportunity was there I’d definitely come back.
“I’m a City player and I’m fully focused on them but if the situation changed then I’d love to play for Wolves, I’d always love to play for Wolves"
Agree, or think I'm just being daft?
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Saturday, 30 October 2010
The fightback: Wolves 2 Man City 1
How good does this win feel?
At last a good performance has been rewarded with three points against a side hoping to be in a title race. Every single player did their bit to secure our first league win since the opening day. After Stearman's ridiculous foul, I thought that was it. For us and Richard. We pulled it together and got a valuable win.
Once again, Jarvis was excellent. It helps that we have an alternative option with Hunt, as it frees up some space for Matty and it showed. Micah Richards is very quick, but Jarvis still beat him every time. His crosses, especially from corners, were accurate and caused the City defence problem.
I keep talking about the same players, and once again you have to praise Kevin Foley. He's a top class player. On the ball he was confident, he supported his winger and made some vital interceptions.
The best player on the pitch for me though was David Edwards. He's always been someone who gives his all and annoys the other team, yet lacking in quality but today everything he did today was superb. He was a lot more positive today and was a threat when attacking. His goal was fully deserved.
City will be disappointed with losing but there's no way they can say we didn't deserve to win.
Hahnemann - 7

Foley - 8
Stearman - 6
Berra - 7
Ward - 7
Jarvis - 8
Milijas - 8
Henry - 7
Edwards - 9
Hunt - 7
Doyle - 7
Subs: Elokobi - 7, Mouyokolo and Mancienne - N/A
Next up Man Utd, where we were unlucky to lose in midweek. With us playing so well, we could go and give them a game.
At last a good performance has been rewarded with three points against a side hoping to be in a title race. Every single player did their bit to secure our first league win since the opening day. After Stearman's ridiculous foul, I thought that was it. For us and Richard. We pulled it together and got a valuable win.

I keep talking about the same players, and once again you have to praise Kevin Foley. He's a top class player. On the ball he was confident, he supported his winger and made some vital interceptions.
The best player on the pitch for me though was David Edwards. He's always been someone who gives his all and annoys the other team, yet lacking in quality but today everything he did today was superb. He was a lot more positive today and was a threat when attacking. His goal was fully deserved.
City will be disappointed with losing but there's no way they can say we didn't deserve to win.
Hahnemann - 7

Foley - 8
Stearman - 6
Berra - 7
Ward - 7
Jarvis - 8
Milijas - 8
Henry - 7
Edwards - 9
Hunt - 7
Doyle - 7
Subs: Elokobi - 7, Mouyokolo and Mancienne - N/A
Next up Man Utd, where we were unlucky to lose in midweek. With us playing so well, we could go and give them a game.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Friday, 29 October 2010
Wolves v Man City Preview
Following close defeats at Chelsea and Man Utd, we return to Molineux hoping to gain some unexpected points to help halt a poor recent run.
Sure, the last two games were very good performances and we proved we can be a tough game for the best of teams but we need points. Anyway will do.
There is certainly a fight for places. Stephen Mouyokolo looked a class act at Old Trafford, and will be hoping to get his long awaited Wolves Premier League debut. Another Stephen, Hunt, completed the full ninety minutes for the first time in nine months. Jellle van Damme was brought off at half time last week, and didn't play in the midweek game so he should be fit and fresh to play. George Elokobi played well too, but this season he has often been dropped after performing well.
There are three reasons I think we can get something from this tough match.
1. Carlos Tevez is injured, so they lose a high proportion of their goals and all their work rate up front. With forwards such as Adebayor and Silva likely to play, this should allow us to play as we did at Chelsea and play the ball from the back.
2. Matty Jarvis is flying at the moment. In one week, he's caused problems for the best full back in the world and ripped apart to ex-England internationals. With Micah Richards powering forward, he should have space to attack down the left.
3. Karl Henry is back. He'll give us something extra in the middle. He's had time to clear his mind and focus on football. Next to Milijas, he will be doing a lot of work winning the ball back for us.
Man City are a good side and in my mind, genuine title contenders. With three defensive midfielders, it allows their three forwards to focus on just attacking. Their full backs will be able to bomb forward and not worry.
Here's what I think the team will be:
Hahnemann
Foley
Stearman
Berra
Ward
Van Damme
Jones
Milijas
Henry
Jarvis
Doyle
I reckon it will be tight. 1-1. Jarvis to open the scoring, and Balotelli to score late on.
One more thing. Make sure you give Joleon Lescott a fantastic reception. He was a truly great player for us, and served us well. Who knows, he may even being playing for us sometime soon..
Sure, the last two games were very good performances and we proved we can be a tough game for the best of teams but we need points. Anyway will do.
There is certainly a fight for places. Stephen Mouyokolo looked a class act at Old Trafford, and will be hoping to get his long awaited Wolves Premier League debut. Another Stephen, Hunt, completed the full ninety minutes for the first time in nine months. Jellle van Damme was brought off at half time last week, and didn't play in the midweek game so he should be fit and fresh to play. George Elokobi played well too, but this season he has often been dropped after performing well.
There are three reasons I think we can get something from this tough match.
1. Carlos Tevez is injured, so they lose a high proportion of their goals and all their work rate up front. With forwards such as Adebayor and Silva likely to play, this should allow us to play as we did at Chelsea and play the ball from the back.
2. Matty Jarvis is flying at the moment. In one week, he's caused problems for the best full back in the world and ripped apart to ex-England internationals. With Micah Richards powering forward, he should have space to attack down the left.
3. Karl Henry is back. He'll give us something extra in the middle. He's had time to clear his mind and focus on football. Next to Milijas, he will be doing a lot of work winning the ball back for us.
Man City are a good side and in my mind, genuine title contenders. With three defensive midfielders, it allows their three forwards to focus on just attacking. Their full backs will be able to bomb forward and not worry.
Here's what I think the team will be:
Hahnemann
Foley
Stearman
Berra
Ward
Van Damme
Jones
Milijas
Henry
Jarvis
Doyle
I reckon it will be tight. 1-1. Jarvis to open the scoring, and Balotelli to score late on.
One more thing. Make sure you give Joleon Lescott a fantastic reception. He was a truly great player for us, and served us well. Who knows, he may even being playing for us sometime soon..
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Is Premier League no longer 'best in the world'?
Here's an article sent to me by Thomas. Want to write for the blog? Contact me through the 'contact me' page.
Sky have repeatedly told me that I am paying to watch the best league in the world for more years than I care to remember. However, have the company's advertising men finally been forced to watch on as the last strand of credibility capable of backing up this claim disappears now that the Premier League has seen just three of its players included on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, and none of them English no less?!
Although the lack of English players on the list will, all too predictably, lead to accusations and outrageous claims from those looking at football betting tips concerning an anti-English bias, it is clearly the case that English football is not in the position it was a few years ago, despite the amount of money that has been spent on bringing the ‘top talent’ to the Premier League.
With Sunderland having their current reserve striker on the list, a man who missed perhaps one of the most high-profile penalties in World Cup history, it seems that it could be plausible that those voting for the shortlist could have made a few errors. However, it is undeniable that the Premier League's leading lights have not been at their best over the past year, especially when compared to the likes of Messi or Xavi, who have shone at a level Premier League fans can only dream of seeing on a regular basis.
Taking this into account, it seems that the Premier League’s physical nature has been at least partially responsible for players not wanting to cash in on the big bucks the league has to offer.
It now seems the case that the lure of the almighty pound is no longer enough to draw the top players to the Premier League and, with that in mind, it may well be that the Premier League sides of the near future will no longer be able to fight amongst the football betting odds for the top prizes in European football.
Gyan - warming the Sunderland bench |
Although the lack of English players on the list will, all too predictably, lead to accusations and outrageous claims from those looking at football betting tips concerning an anti-English bias, it is clearly the case that English football is not in the position it was a few years ago, despite the amount of money that has been spent on bringing the ‘top talent’ to the Premier League.
With Sunderland having their current reserve striker on the list, a man who missed perhaps one of the most high-profile penalties in World Cup history, it seems that it could be plausible that those voting for the shortlist could have made a few errors. However, it is undeniable that the Premier League's leading lights have not been at their best over the past year, especially when compared to the likes of Messi or Xavi, who have shone at a level Premier League fans can only dream of seeing on a regular basis.
Taking this into account, it seems that the Premier League’s physical nature has been at least partially responsible for players not wanting to cash in on the big bucks the league has to offer.
It now seems the case that the lure of the almighty pound is no longer enough to draw the top players to the Premier League and, with that in mind, it may well be that the Premier League sides of the near future will no longer be able to fight amongst the football betting odds for the top prizes in European football.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Wolves 'will get results soon'
Here's an article by Will. Want to write for the blog? Contact me through the 'contact me' form.
Mick McCarthy claims his Wolverhampton Wanderers side have shown they can cope with the best in the league and results will come soon that can help them climb out of the relegation places.
Wolves have not won a game for over a month and that was a Carling Cup victory over League One Notts County. In the league they have not tasted victory since the opening day and as a result they sit firmly rooted in the bottom three with only the beleaguered West Ham below them.
They were defeated by leaders Chelsea at the weekend, and now have to face Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in their coming three games and the Premier League betting suggests Wolves will continue to struggle for another few weeks.
McCarthy reckons his side can take some encouragement by the fact they caused Chelsea "many problems" at Stamford Bridge and managed to handle them "as well as most teams" have so far this season.
"If we play like that against other teams we'll get results."
His striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has echoed McCarthy's sentiment that Wolves can recover, even if the Premier League tips hint they will have to wait a while for a win.
The 24-year-old claims it is "early days" in the league and every player at Molineux is "optimistic" that Wolves can pull out of the Premier League bottom three in the near future.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Didn't like this cup anyway
What a second half.
Man Utd came out with all guns blazing, Wolves came roaring back, Jarvis was unstoppable and in the end it was decided by a Little Pea.
Once again, Wolves put in an impressive performance that shows we are here to play and compete with the big sides. There were moments of misfortune, which shifted the game in United's favour but we didn't let our heads go down. Expect a good performance again on Saturday.
Surely someone has told Capello about Jarvis' performance last night? Against two ex England internationals with years of experience he ran riot. He set up four or five good chances that we should have converted. On Saturday, when we get these chances we need to be a bit more clinical. Even if we did score two goals.
Another Italian who should be watching our games is Giovanni Trapattoni. Our second best player, by quite some distance too, was Kevin Foley. He showed all the class required to play teams at the top end of the table, and if he keeps playing like this will be spotted by someone. He get's himself into some great positions, and despite not possessing any pace or power always causes trouble in the other teams area.
Hunt wasn't quite there today. He made some sloppy passes, and at times lost concentration. The impact he is going to have is there too see. He's an infectious player and once properly fit will boost us. Fletcher too was sloppy on the ball. He got himself into some great positions yet, unlike him, he couldn't keep his cool. Up front with him, I was impressed by Ebanks-Blake. Sharp, hardworking and creative and words most Wolves fans would use to describe him but he will be in Mick's good books after that performance.
Hennessey - 7
Foley - 9
Mouyokolo - 7
Berra - 7
Elokobi - 7
Jarvis - 9
Mancienne - 7
Jones - 7
Hunt - 6
Fletcher - 6
Ebanks-Blake - 7
On to City. I see no reason why we can't give them a game. Especially if Jarvis plays like that.
Man Utd came out with all guns blazing, Wolves came roaring back, Jarvis was unstoppable and in the end it was decided by a Little Pea.
Once again, Wolves put in an impressive performance that shows we are here to play and compete with the big sides. There were moments of misfortune, which shifted the game in United's favour but we didn't let our heads go down. Expect a good performance again on Saturday.
Surely someone has told Capello about Jarvis' performance last night? Against two ex England internationals with years of experience he ran riot. He set up four or five good chances that we should have converted. On Saturday, when we get these chances we need to be a bit more clinical. Even if we did score two goals.
Another Italian who should be watching our games is Giovanni Trapattoni. Our second best player, by quite some distance too, was Kevin Foley. He showed all the class required to play teams at the top end of the table, and if he keeps playing like this will be spotted by someone. He get's himself into some great positions, and despite not possessing any pace or power always causes trouble in the other teams area.
Hunt wasn't quite there today. He made some sloppy passes, and at times lost concentration. The impact he is going to have is there too see. He's an infectious player and once properly fit will boost us. Fletcher too was sloppy on the ball. He got himself into some great positions yet, unlike him, he couldn't keep his cool. Up front with him, I was impressed by Ebanks-Blake. Sharp, hardworking and creative and words most Wolves fans would use to describe him but he will be in Mick's good books after that performance.
Hennessey - 7

Mouyokolo - 7
Berra - 7
Elokobi - 7
Jarvis - 9
Mancienne - 7
Jones - 7
Hunt - 6
Fletcher - 6
Ebanks-Blake - 7
On to City. I see no reason why we can't give them a game. Especially if Jarvis plays like that.
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Prediction League: Want to win a signed Wolves football?
It's that time of the week!
Once again, well done to wolves1992 who scored the most points this week with a huge 82. That extends his lead to 102 points at the top. There's still plenty of time, anything can happen.
Here are you fixtures:
Arsenal v West Ham
Blackburn v Chelsea
Everton v Stoke
Fulham v Wigan
Wolves v Man City
Man Utd v Tottenham
Aston Villa v Birmingham
Newcastle v Sunderland
Bolton v Liverpool
Blackpool v West Brom
Good luck!
Once again, well done to wolves1992 who scored the most points this week with a huge 82. That extends his lead to 102 points at the top. There's still plenty of time, anything can happen.
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There's still plenty of time to catch up |
Arsenal v West Ham
Blackburn v Chelsea
Everton v Stoke
Fulham v Wigan
Wolves v Man City
Man Utd v Tottenham
Aston Villa v Birmingham
Newcastle v Sunderland
Bolton v Liverpool
Blackpool v West Brom
Good luck!
Labels:
2010/11 Prediction League
Monday, 25 October 2010
League Cup Preview
So we travel to Old Trafford for the first time since that game (which will no doubt be mentioned, or more). Many will see this as a break from the pressures of the league, and give our first team players a break but this is a good chance to have a decent cup run for the first time in years.
Players in and around the first team like Mujangi Bia, Elokobi, Fletcher, Hennessey and Ebanks-Blake could have a good chance to stake a claim for a place in the side come saturday against City while Hunt and Mouyokolo will get more minutes under their belt.
Even a second (or third) string Manchester United side is a decent one, so whoever they put out will give us a good game. Michael Owen returns, while youngsters like Macheda and Obertan will be raring to go. They'll have a couple of senior players in the team, such as Carrick or Scholes who have the ability to create something out of nothing. We'll have to watch out for ex Wolves loanee Darron Gibson who has developed a taste for goals in the past year.
I'd love to see a couple of youngsters given a go. Batth sounds like a promising defender and I can see him getting a chance. David Davis, recalled from, his loan spell at Walsall may get a chance simply because we have no one else.
It's hard to know, but I think:
Hennessey
Foley
Mouyokolo
Batth
Elokobi
Mujangi Bia
Mancienne
Milijas
Hunt
Ebanks-Blake
Fletcher
Hopefully we'll have a good old go at United and I can see us winning. 2-1 Wolves.
Players in and around the first team like Mujangi Bia, Elokobi, Fletcher, Hennessey and Ebanks-Blake could have a good chance to stake a claim for a place in the side come saturday against City while Hunt and Mouyokolo will get more minutes under their belt.
Even a second (or third) string Manchester United side is a decent one, so whoever they put out will give us a good game. Michael Owen returns, while youngsters like Macheda and Obertan will be raring to go. They'll have a couple of senior players in the team, such as Carrick or Scholes who have the ability to create something out of nothing. We'll have to watch out for ex Wolves loanee Darron Gibson who has developed a taste for goals in the past year.
I'd love to see a couple of youngsters given a go. Batth sounds like a promising defender and I can see him getting a chance. David Davis, recalled from, his loan spell at Walsall may get a chance simply because we have no one else.
It's hard to know, but I think:
Hennessey
![]() |
Chance to shine |
Foley
Mouyokolo
Batth
Elokobi
Mujangi Bia
Mancienne
Milijas
Hunt
Ebanks-Blake
Fletcher
Hopefully we'll have a good old go at United and I can see us winning. 2-1 Wolves.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
A cause for optimisim: Chelsea 2 Wolves 0
Typical.
Wolves put in their best performance of the season away to the best home team in the country. Rolling it out from the goalkeeper, fluid football and plenty of possession against the highest goalscorers. That's probably the best performance from a visiting team Chelsea have seen in a while!
Almost everything seemed right. David Jones and Nenad Milijas looked like they'd been playing alongside each other for years. Why have they never played together before? Berra was outstanding at the back, as was Foley. Stearman hardly made a mistake all game, and a part from a couple of sloppy passes Ward was fine.
We always looked comfortable on the ball, playing it around and getting it into our wingers feet. Jarvis, not even playing in his favoured position was superb against probably the best left back in the world in Ashley Cole. When Stephen Hunt came on, he freed up a bit of space for him as they couldn't double up on him. We had some natural width and it looked good.
The only player who didn't play that well was Dave Edwards. He looks shot of confidence, you can see it in his passing. Too often he puts someone in trouble, a bit like Ward does. When Henry comes back, you'd expect him to drop to the bench.
Why can't Jelle Van Damme finish a game? He was solid, as usual and always troubled them in the air. But if he can't play more than an hour what use is he? It's very similar to last year with Milijas, and he's playing full games now so perhaps he's just blooding him into the Premier League.
Hahnemann - 7
Foley - 8
Stearman -7
Berra -8
Ward - 6
Jarvis - 9
Jones - 8
Edwards - 6
Milijas - 7
van Damme - 7
Doyle - 7
Subs: Hunt - 7, Fletcher and Ebanks-Blake N/A.
If we can keep this standard of football up will we start getting some good results. We've got the league cup next to give players like Mouyokolo and Hunt a chance to get fit.
Wolves put in their best performance of the season away to the best home team in the country. Rolling it out from the goalkeeper, fluid football and plenty of possession against the highest goalscorers. That's probably the best performance from a visiting team Chelsea have seen in a while!
Almost everything seemed right. David Jones and Nenad Milijas looked like they'd been playing alongside each other for years. Why have they never played together before? Berra was outstanding at the back, as was Foley. Stearman hardly made a mistake all game, and a part from a couple of sloppy passes Ward was fine.
We always looked comfortable on the ball, playing it around and getting it into our wingers feet. Jarvis, not even playing in his favoured position was superb against probably the best left back in the world in Ashley Cole. When Stephen Hunt came on, he freed up a bit of space for him as they couldn't double up on him. We had some natural width and it looked good.
The only player who didn't play that well was Dave Edwards. He looks shot of confidence, you can see it in his passing. Too often he puts someone in trouble, a bit like Ward does. When Henry comes back, you'd expect him to drop to the bench.
Why can't Jelle Van Damme finish a game? He was solid, as usual and always troubled them in the air. But if he can't play more than an hour what use is he? It's very similar to last year with Milijas, and he's playing full games now so perhaps he's just blooding him into the Premier League.
![]() |
Milijas has finished each of his last three games |
Foley - 8
Stearman -7
Berra -8
Ward - 6
Jarvis - 9
Jones - 8
Edwards - 6
Milijas - 7
van Damme - 7
Doyle - 7
Subs: Hunt - 7, Fletcher and Ebanks-Blake N/A.
If we can keep this standard of football up will we start getting some good results. We've got the league cup next to give players like Mouyokolo and Hunt a chance to get fit.
Labels:
2010/11 Premier League season
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