Wolves blogger Nathan Lloyd nurses a footballing injury of his own but should be fit for the visit of Blackpool.
I was glad to see that on-loan defender Michael Mancienne didn’t come on against German in the last few minutes.
One because it would have been a pointless first cap and two, from a purely selfish perspective, I didn’t want him to pick up a knock and return to Chelsea prematurely.
In other injury news, I sprained my ankle last week and really shouldn’t have played in my usual five-a-side game. But despite medical advice (the missus) I went and played anyway, probably making the sprain worse.
Regardless of the fact that my footballing skills are nothing to shout about, I love nothing more than a good kick around and love the challenge of a game.
So, if I can play with a dodgy ankle against some blokes at Aldersley, you would think that the pride of playing against the old enemy in Berlin would have any English International player worth his salt reaching for the aspirin, to play come what way?
As it was, we saw some really hungry newcomers to the squad stake a claim for future England teams.
It will be interesting to see how many of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Cashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney will adopt the same pathetic attitude to a friendly game when England travel to Spain in February.
I wonder how many will have also miraculously recovered in time to be playing for their Premier League clubs this weekend?
I just wanted to get that off my chest, so back to all things Wolves.
It was fantastic to finally beat Southampton for the first time in 28 years at the weekend, albeit with some nail biting moments in the 2nd half.
It looked like it was going to be a stroll in the park when we went 2-0 up after 17 minutes and there were signs that we could go someway to repaying them for that 6-0 drubbing at Molineux.
Not one of our most exhilarating performances, but I thought defensively we were immense yet again and Stephen Ward was perhaps the pick of the bunch.
I think the red card was extremely unlucky on Jason Euell and Southampton. That miscarriage of justice seemed to galvanize the Saints and made them even more determined to get back in the game, which luckily for us they failed to do.
I’m sure we all wish recalled Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards the very best on his way back to the North East. He set both of the goals up against Southampton and was beginning to look like a really decent player.
I hope Black Cats manager Roy Keane gives him a chance in the Sunderland team and doesn’t let his talent go to waste.
So, perhaps a tad lucky to come away from St Mary’s with all three points, which means we have matched our best run of the season with five wins in a row.
We are the first club in either the English or Scottish leagues to reach 40 points and have also scored the most with goals with 39, which is just 14 shy of our complete goal tally from last season.
Doncaster at the foot of the Championship have actually conceded less goals than us, but have scored just eight. I’m not sure if that stat proves anything, I just like stats!
It’s all about the Edwardses on Saturday, as we seek a sixth consecutive victory when the Tangerines come to town. As we say goodbye to Carlos Edwards, we welcome Dave Edwards back in midfield for the suspended Karl Henry.
We should also give a warm welcome to the return of Rob Edwards, Blackpool’s team captain and record signing.
Rob made 100 appearances in a 4 year career at Molineux, playing in a mixture of right back and centre back positions. Knee injuries were the reason he didn’t play more games for the club and I always rated him as a solid reliable pro. Obviously I hope he has an absolute nightmare on Saturday.
Amazing to think that Birmingham-born Lee Hendrie once donned an England shirt - only once mind - but I’m guessing that’s one more than all of us put together, unless Bully is getting his blog fix! I’m guessing that on-loan Lee might not be afforded the same warm welcome as Rob.
So who will fill the left hand side of the Wolves midfield? I can’t see anyone else but Andy Keogh popping up on that side, or could Mick spring another surprise on us?
Obviously playing on the left hand side of midfield isn’t Andy’s natural position and the risk is that unless he plays like Rivelino, then some of the idiots in the crowd might get on his back yet again.
Let us also hope that Chris Iwelumo’s hamstring was just tight against the Argies, because we are much more effective when he is there to hold the ball up and rough up the opposition.
A big congrats to Richard Stearman on his U21 debut and great to see Kites get another full game in an England shirt.
We seem to have got through the international week relatively unscathed, so hopefully we will be near full strength, for what I believe will be arctic type weather in Wolverhampton on Saturday.
Finally I just wanted to mention the introduction of a Wolves Hall of Fame. I love the idea that the first choice of six players has been segmented into specific eras.
It means that players from a period of time that some Wolves fans will know little about will get the credit they deserve. Unlike myself, I’m sure some of you will have seen the players from pre-1980 in the flesh, so are therefore in a much better position than I am to pick out some of the Hall of Famers.
For what its worth, my selection would be:-
(1) 1877 to 1915 - Billy Annis
(2) 1919 to 1945 - Dennis Westcott
(3) 1946 to 1960 - Billy Wright
(4) 1946 to 1960 - Peter Broadbent
(5) 1961 to 1990 - John Richards
(6) 1991 to present day - Steve Bull
I could probably list 100 players that could be considered in the future, but I think that’s a good six to start the ball rolling. I wrote a blog last season where I picked out my ultimate Wolves XI, which might help or perhaps hinder your decision.
For your reference, go to: http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/11/02/wolves-blog-ultimate-wolves-xi/
Have a great weekend, here’s to a 3-0 win at the weekend with a Sylvan Ebanks-Blake hat-trick.
C’mon me babbies!
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37 Comments
SEB Hat Trick,,, I’ll take and the scoreline too. Left side has been a worry all season, but I think AK will be a better bet to have then I supppose Micky Gray, Unless MM decides to move Stephen Ward there and play either Hill or Friend at Left back…?
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Good blog and agree with hall of fame - but don’t forget Stan Cullis, great player for the Wolves and our best ever manager.
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no no no ! are you mad .. !*1877 to 1915 Dickie Baugh senior 1915 till 1945 Dickie Baugh junior …. see you saturday … Matt Baugh
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2-1 Home Victory.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
Alan Gow
David Edwards.
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Great blog. Its not only players in the Hall of fame. So think Major Buckly, Stan Cullis and Sir Jack will make it!
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Good blog Nathan.
I thought that England were unlucky not to score more against Germany. However I feel that at the Mol. we have at least two better goalkeepers than were on show in the second half for England.
With regard to the hall of fame thing,I think that the Great Bert’The cat’Williams and Jimmy Mullen should be towards the top of any list!
like you I could name loads more who have given me huge amounts of pleasure and envy in equal parts over the years.
Up The Wolves
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1-1, Rob Edwards with both goals!
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Play Micky Grey at home again, as per the last couple home games, hopefully we will have someone in by the next away game
COME ON WOLVES
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Nice blog Nathan
Agree with Peter Broadbent for the 60’s hall of fame, always a delight to watch him and I remember at away games he often drew appreciation from opposition fans. In that era we are spoilt for choice. I always thought David Woodfield did a sound job whenever he played. In early 60,s Chris Crowe on his day was great to watch
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Blackpool will be no push overs. We have now lost natural width on the left hand side again, plus the likes of Gow and Hendrie are always a threat. Blues lost to them at home…………. However, although i feel cautious I also feel whoever replaces Edwards, and indeed even if Iwelumo isnt fit, Vokes and Gray amidst the other players are more than enough to beat this kind of team. Cant wait for tomoz. Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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if we can’t beat Blackpool at Home then there’s a problem!
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Agree with your choices of Billy Wright and Peter Broadbent - they stand out for me. I’ll never forget Peter’s skill. I also join with those who urge for the inclusion of Stan Cullis - he cannot be left out for a multitude of reasons.
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The period 1961 - 90 produced a lot of good players but there’s one in particular that I remember who always raised a collective gasp of anticipation and excitement in the crowd whenever he got the ball. He’s at the club shop tomorrow and I’ll be at the front of the queue more awestruck than is probably acceptable for an ageing forty-something. Its the one and only Waggy.
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cashley cole
Genius
Hi Nath, hope the ankles ok, i also suffered injury on Sunday, elbow in the eye.
10 stitches and a real shiner, plus the quacks have said the feeling in my forehead will never return, oh well, ill be back next week because i love it.
Passion, stupidity, or addiction you choose, could be any one of em.
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There could be 50 players alone from the Early 60’s into the Hall of Fame. And what about the loyal servants who dragged the club from the abyss in the Eighties? Dennison, Thompson, Mutch etc…
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Jack Addenbrooke; Stan Cullis; Billy Wright; Ron Flowers; Derek Parkin; Steve Bull.
Stan Cullis, Billy Wright and Steve Bull are no-brainers. They’ve got Stands named for them. Jack Addenbrooke helped found the club and was the longest-serving Manager. Derek Parkin played more games than anyone else. Ron Flowers played about 500 games, won (all) 3 Championships and an FA Cup, was the only Wolves player in the 1966 WC squad, and nearly played in the Final.
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1 Harry Allen Goalscorer & Captain our first FA Cup Win
2 Dennis Wescott 124 goals in 144 apperances
3 Billy Wright We all know why
3 Stan Cullis We all know why
4 Derek Parkin 609 games, a club record, top player
5 Steve Bull We all know why
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The Hall of Fame is just subjective nonsense, who cares?
Pointless blog. I predict we will slip up against Blackpool tomorrow, well worth a few quid on a Wolves loss.
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how can any over 50 wolves fan ever forget the amazing skill of the legendry peter broadbent also the insprational mike bailey oh for a captain like him again
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what about graham Turner and Jack Harris for the hall of fame, and that wba manager who sold us bully,Ron Saunders i think.
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Thanks (no 13) for mentioning Waggy. I remember whenever he was on the ball there was always a buzz of anticipation. Definitely one of stars of that era.
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Some names speak for themselves, Cullis, Wright, Flowers and co
Just like to mention Steve (the tank) Kindon, exiting player for us in his time here
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I’m not keen on this hall of fame idea. There will be more unhappy people than happy ones with the choices.
Back to the real business; anyone else think that Sunderland have been using us ? Could it be that RK has indulged himself at the expense of the Mick again ?
We do not appear to have another player of Karl Henry’s type in the squad. Someone will have to try to do the job Henry does. We should have an idea of how important (or otherwise) Henry is to the team after Saturday.
You apparently like a bet, Nathan. What are the odds that Kites will have a one match ban for the Brum game ?
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So many names come to mind but in my experience since the 50’s the one person who stands out is Stan Cullis, his commitment, dedication, drive, loyalty, character made him a legend
I recall watching an FA youth cup match at Arsenal in the early 1960’s. We had a seat high in the stand above players tunnel. We noticed a man a few rows along who could be heard shouting encouragement way above everyone else. He was absolutely committed to Wolves at every level
Nice to see some perhaps less familiar names such as Chris Crowe (thanks to no. 9) I remember watching Chris scoring 2 for us at Chelsea in our 5-4 win there in 1961/62
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ted farmer 1960-1964 57 games 44 goals before broken leg arguably the best striker we ever had
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What a load of twoddle.
Do people really think that any of the likes of Broadbent or Billy Wright would be any good in today’s super fast game?
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Really enjoying your blogs this season Nathan.
Agree with your HoF nominations
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Re post 26
Those players possessed unbeleivable natural abillity in spades and would fit into any age for this game. Do not forget all the technicall developments in Kit, treatment, diet and training inovations used today. If anything they would be even better than in their day.
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Any chance of the ‘Doug’ getting a mention a Black Country Hero! COME on the wolves get the 6 point gap open again!
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Thanks MK Wolf. Its nearly 17 years since I lasted lived in Milton Keynes, probably a bit more there than the pointy cinema now!
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Great result against Blackpool, lets keep the momentem going and destroy blues, who i think are scrapping results.
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Good result. I’d take 4 points now from the next 2 games. Gonna struggle at Bramell Lane with Neill Collins in the middle.
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Hall of Fame?
Rob Hindmarch, obviously.
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33. The Trundler
I think a last minute equaliser against the old enemy and just one season at Mol, doesn’t really give the old boy much hope of a place does it? More likely to be a Derby County hall of famer than a Wolves one.
Bully, Dennison and Andy Thompson first eh?
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What a half back line we had with Galley, Cullis & Wright. What a delight to see skill without the pantomime we see so frequently now.
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Point taken, but still a legend for the very reason you pointed out.
Perhaps we need a special personal tribute room just off the main hall.
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My ex girl freind sez what about he dad being in te hall of fame colin booth.was told he was a great player. nice blog nathon hope you get well soon m8.
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