Taking shape

It's taken until mid-January, but it finally feels like Woves can kick start their season.

It's always seemed to take us a while to get a fixed formation set, to get the players in the correct position's and for Mick to finally realise what we need. We need that more than ever now, with us trailing the team above us by five points, and four others breathing down our necks, it's quite remarkable that we haven't been in the bottom three this season.

Here is how I think we are going to, or try to set up from now.

I don't think there's any doubt that this man would be first choice keeper, Wayne Hennessey is vital to our survival chances. We can't afford for him to get injured, or sold because I'm not convinced Dorus de Vries has what it takes to play in the first team.

Oh Kevin Foley, how I have missed you. Mr Consistency showed his class in the cup game at Birmingham, looking infinitely better than Richard Stearman or Ronald Zubar have at all this season. Mick has hinted that he will start at Tottenham, thank god.

Roger Johnson finally looks like returning to form, with impressive performances lately. Injured his ankle in the cup, but should be okay at White Hart Lane where we are going to need a big performance from him.

You don't need to ask for a big performance from this man, he's given them week in week out all season long. Christophe Berra has shone lately, and has even been linked with a move away due to his brilliant form.

Stephen Ward completes the back four. Our player of the season so far, and though he has been a bit shaky lately continues to be a great outlet going forward as well as solid at the back. His partnership down the left hand side with Matt Jarvis is vital for us, when George Elokobi has played there we have seen Jarvo get less of  the ball and be less impressive.

It was a great sight to see Michael Kightly finally looking sharp and ready for first team football at Wolves. He's been so unfortunate over the last two and a half years, but I firmly believe that this time 'Kights' is ready to make an impact in the Premier League.

I was delighted when we signed Emmanuel Frimpong on loan, because he's exactly the type of player we've been lacking. Infectious, moves the ball quickly and can get about the pitch. He looks like he has the right attitude, and hopefully we can get the best out of him.

Karl Henry comes in for a lot of criticism from the fans, but I think he's been one of our most consistent players this season. He does a great job for us, and you can see he's improving on his attacking side of the game. In the Chelsea game he was excellent, moving the ball quickly. Maybe it was to do with having Frimpong next to him, he seemed less scared to go forward.

I'm not convinced that we have seen the very best of Jamie O'Hara,  but once he's fully fit I think he will be one of the players who benefit's most from this system. With two more defensive minded players with him in the middle, it gives him the freedom to get on the ball further up the pitch. We have seen he can get in good positions to score, so it's a case of using him effectively.

In Matt Jarvis we have one of the most dangerous wingers in the land. When he's confident, there's not a full back that can handle him. He is huge for us, and if he carries on with his recent form an England call up won't be far away.

12 starts, 8 goals. Has the best chances to goals record in the league. It's not hard to see why Mick is warning potential suitors not to bother bidding for Steven Fletcher. If we sell him, we are doomed.



So a 4-5-1 for me, with Frimpong and Henry holding, and O'Hara playing in front of them just off Fletcher. To me that looks like a decent side, as good if not better than the sides around us. It's not just the first eleven, we have Zubar, Stearman, Milijas, Edwards, Hunt, Hammill, Ebanks-Blake and Doyle all waiting to take their chance. All of a sudden our squad looks a whole lot stronger, and with time to make more signings could look even more impressive come the end of January.

One of three

After hearing that Stephen Fletcher was a doubt for the game on Sunday the first thing that came to mind was, 'It's got to be 4-5-1'.  In fact as important as Fletcher is for us it could be a blessing in disguise, just for this game.

This looks like it is going to be a tight game with both sides desperate to avoid defeat to their closest rivals. With Peter Odemwingie also a doubt it means Albion are also more likely to pack the midfield. That's where the game will be won, and if we make a similar mistake to the one against QPR (in terms of selection and formation) the witch hunt will definitely be out for Mick.

But who comes in? Well for me it is one of a possible three.

Dave Edwards, Nenad Milijas and Adlene Guedioura.

All have their strengths and weaknesses, but it's a tough trio to decide from.

While Edwards brings enthusiasm and forward runs, he also lacks the quality. Milijas brings composure and keeps possesion but perhaps lacks the mobility and aggression for a derby like this. Adlene Guedioura (extremely impressive against Newcastle when he came on) has the grit, determination and skill yet the problem with him is discipline and the fear that he will do something reckless or stupid.

It's a tough choice, assuming Mick goes with a five man midfield.

What would you go with?

The Bullys - MyWolvesBlog silly awards

It's been a funny season hasn't it, a memorable one with some very funny moments. Here are some I remember..


Silliest moment

I really wish I could find a picture of it, but this happened early in the season away at Chelsea. Christophe Berra had been fouled, and as he was lying on the floor not knowing a freekick had been given he was trying toget the ball out of play with his head. Had me in bits!

Act of braveness that was really stupidity

Here is one picture of Berra I have found. No wonder he never scores when he does ridiculous things like this! A cross comes in for the right and instead of tapping in from a yard he decides to go for a diving header. He connects... with the goalpost.

Best opposition fail

This came on the opening day, in our victory over Stoke. Holding onto a two one lead, Rory Delap stepped up to take a throw in in probably their last attack.His throw ins are nearly always a threat but not this time. Rory look in disappointment as it slipped as his hand to give away a foul throw.

Best slip

Richard Stearman hadn't been on the pitch long when he broke away from two challenges against West Brom. We got on our feet, he had the legs to make something of this opportunity. Unfortunately his legs decided not as he tripped over himself, cue laughter.

Grooviest dance

Forget Gyan's celebration, I think everyone should try the Mick!

Best Mick QuoteS

It wouldn't be right if there wasn't a classic Mick quote somewhere. In fact, let's have a few.

"The sending off last year was disgraceful – I didn’t think it was a particularly bad foul on Lucas,” said McCarthy. “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.”

"I'm surprised because I told them to go out and knock seven bells out of them like I usually do, and they've actually played free flowing football" - Mick McCarthy following Wolves' draw with West Ham, mocking the allegations that he informs his players to foul the opposition. 

"It's Wayne Rooney in the news this week, is it? Blimey, we've not tackled him have we?"

"What is the wing-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?" 

And on Sunday, after being sprayed by George Elokobi: "If it was anyone else I'd do them....my body double."

Think I've missed out some funny moments, comment below with yours!