Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Moxey warns of transfer poker
Friday 29th August 2008, 11:45AM BST.
Jez Moxey warned Wolves fans this weekend’s transfer poker could go to the wire as the club try to complete two signings.
Sunderland defender Danny Higginbotham is at the top of a group of players Wolves have targeted with added urgency, following the long-term injuries suffered by defenders Jody Craddock and George Elokobi.
Wolves are thought to have already had a £1.25m bid for Higginbotham rejected by the Black Cats but manager Mick McCarthy remains “hopeful” deals can be done, before Monday’s desperate final hours of business.
Chief executive Moxey, the man in the thick of negotiations, is slightly more cautious.
He said: “At the moment, I have got nothing to report in the way of progress. We’ve got several lines of enquiry which we are actively pursuing.
“I want to be optimistic that we can sign one, if not two new players. But it’s a game of poker especially with the deadline looming.
“Like all good poker players, you have to keep a straight face, hold your cards close to your chest – and try not to show that you’re panicking like crazy inside!
“I anticipate a long weekend. Supporters should be aware that it could go to the wire.”
Higginbotham would be the perfect solution to Wolves’ problems, because of his capacity to play at full back or in the centre of defence. It is there where Moxey is thought to be concentrating his focus.
But Sunderland paid out £2.5m a year ago and will want to recoup as much of that as possible.
At 29, Higginbotham will have little resale value, which would make him the first major departure from the club’s ‘young and hungry’ transfer strategy which has underpinned the McCarthy era.
Moxey also confirmed that Wolves are hopeful of sales too, with striker Stephen Elliott and midfielder Darren Potter the most obvious candidates.
But the club’s hopes of trimming a player who has been surplus to requirements ever since Glenn Hoddle signed him, Denes Rosa, are fading with Plymouth looking less likely to offer the Hungarian a contract.
McCarthy and Moxey have also each stressed, that the only players sold or released in the next 48 hours will be those out of the first team.
The Wolves boss added: “There’s absolutely no chance of anyone getting a Kightly, Hennessey or any of the other players you’ve all been writing about this summer.”
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Forget resale value,what value did ince and irwin have,get him in to help us win promotion
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Moxey is good at poker. You have to give him credit for that. He negotiates a good deal – MOST OF THE TIME!! Anyone who could get 3m for Seyi Olifinjana in my book is a bloody miracle worker.
Still think we should have bust a gut to get Ledley though! Just hope we don’t get wing injuries to add to those we have..
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Jon thats well said, I’d like a Lb with a centre half that would just be perfect. Some how I can see Stephen Ward at left back tommorow and Anthony Gerrard signing monday.
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1 – Ince and Irwin didn’t cost anything in the first place
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if we don’t sign a couple of Defenders then we are doomed. What if Foley and Stearman got injured? Who knows what might happen?
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What the Pie Man forgot to say is how much money we have recouped through transfers. Now go and spend some!
If we miss out on promotion for the sake of spending £3 million your head and MM’s will be on the chopping block!
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2. Yeah I’m sure we can afford 5mill plus for Ledley… Cardiff rejected a 5mill bid from stoke today.
Who is this secret weapon at left back for tomorrow?
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Already the fat controller is covering his tracks in case he can’t get a rabbit out of the hat.
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3. i can see s ward at left back as well , but please NO!!!!!!!!!
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Spot on `Jon`. I think and hope we do all that is possible to bring the experienced Higginbotham to the`Mol`, But am aware that Sunderland are a bit short at present in defence and Ferdinand is currently injured. Maybe we will get someone from way out left field.
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yes ok moxley cant the press release wait until Tuesday and get on the blower and sign them!
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I’ve got a feeling the secret left back will be Karl Henry. He’s done it once or twice before quite well and we’re strong in midfield so could replace him fairly comfortably
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Thats great Jez. Just so long as you remember that all good poker players know just when to up the ante. The league is there for the winning with the right players this season. Get ‘em in!
Up the Wolves
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And like all good poker players, you’re not supposed to tell anyone you’re panicking inside…
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4-that was because they both were on massive promotion bonuses hence costing us a lot of money
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“Like all good poker players, you have to keep a straight face, hold your cards close to your chest – and try not to show that you’re panicking like crazy inside!”
Oh dear!!!! Since this has now been printed in a regional newspaper and probably else where not sure how you are going to manage this Jez me old mucka. You can come round to mine for a game anytime pal.
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1. Jon, just wanted to make the point that it wasn’t Moxey that said that comment it was the E&S’s story writing about what we all know is obvious about the sell on price.
8. wolveswolves your an idiot can’t you see, also please please will you be my friend.
Lets all wait and see who has signed for us by next week, hopefully the man in question plus 1 more would be great.
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YES JEZ ,
A.GERRARD AND D.HIGGINBOTHAM BY MONDAY AND I WILL BE HAPPY !!
UP THE WOLVES !!
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Anybody else have that gut wrenching feeling inside that Stephen Ward is that “secret weapon” for tommorow?
PLAY DANIEL JONES!
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13.Have to agree with cornish wolf. jez dont sit back and think well we started well lets see how we do until christmas, because 1 or 2 more injuries and you will be looking for a new job?
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perhaps he will play there himself………………
lol
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Considering the number of players we have signed from Sunderland in recent years, you’d think they would not exactly do us a favour but at least quote us a fair price – which we should accept. This is so crucial to what happens for the rest of the season, we should not be messing about. The player’s age shouldn’t come into it – he’s experienced, etc. and we need that. Wenger said Sylvestre at 31 was not a problem because good defenders can play until 34/35. To some extent the same can be said about good Championship players. We have to have a good spine to our team. If we lose out in this “poker game”, our season might turn into a “house of cards” for want of placing a good sound bet. Sorry …. I’m concerned.
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Jez and Mick,
Get JOE MATTOCK from Leicester for £1.5m + ANTHONY GERRARD from Walsall for £750k by Monday ..
And i will be a very happy wanderer indeed !!
GET EM IN JEZ + MICK !!
UP THE WOLVES !!
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Its Stephen Ward isnt it!!??!!
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Higginbotham and Naylor on loan and we’ll be fine.
Get well soon George.
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i agree about Naylor on loan … i know i gonna be shouted down but who in the last 10/15 years (besides George) have we had that has been a better left back???
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Not all about spending.Use the loan market.
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Dan Jones is good, but hes got no confidence and can we really test a player with no confidence, i thought he was shocking against Ac-Stanley… at least S-ward has got soem game tiem under his belt and is ready and willing to play. if he is the secret weapon i am glad its against Notts instead of someone like Sheff Utd or the Blues.
I still dont know why he isnt putting Porn Star Gray ago… he was mint at blackburn and Sunderland lacks pace but reads the game better than anyone on the pitch..
I agree with 18 Both players would be mint, but im hearing VERY VERY VERY negative comments from walsall fans and friends who are season ticket holders saying he isnt half the player without S Dann.. but hey Stearmans better… SO GO GET HIM MICK AND Hig’s Quality.
Up the Wolves… The South Bank !!!
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It’s either stephen ward or neil collins left back and MM playing at the heart of the defence!!!!
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Come on Jez–Dig deep for once- leave that accountants brain behind the prem is calling-Keep our interests high fill the ” Asda Dome”–Crazey Dave
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SW = S.WARD.
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17 im not having a pop at moxey personally i think he does a good job.
4 your right no transfer fee but bloody good salerys and bonus.What im saying is get people in to do a job for now and if we go up then we can re look at the situation.
COME ON YOU WOLVES
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Can’t believe Jez. This could be absolutely crucial for our season and he reckons he’s going on holiday? “I anticipate a long weekend.”
Unbelievable. Pie-man out.
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In other words, don’t be surprised when we dont sign anyone at all
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The clues were there in pre-season.
MM dusted off his old boots and went into training!
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Is Cilla Black taking over from George? …. no, that would be a surprise surprise left back!!!!!
:-))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
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Stephen Ward is the secret left back.
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Henry in at LB and either Edwards or Davies to accompany David Jones in the middle – hopefully!
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David Jones to left back …. ‘cus Stephen Ward to left back isnt a s’prise! we’ve all guessed it so no doubt have the managment team at Forest!
Colin Calderwoods team talk will be “send it long onto the left back to keep him under pressure in the 1st few mins and Bobs my moms brother”
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He is going to play S.Ward at left back its obvious, the man is desperate to give the lad a game. I dont know what his secret is , maybe his mom washes all the kit so they want to keep him happy but its getting daft now
It seems straight forward to me, somewhere near £750k brings in Gerrard from Walsall and somehwere near £2m brings in Higginbottom.
That would complete the team building beautifully and put us in a great position to go for promotion
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We’re not going to play a left back – just two right backs. Now that would be a surprise
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Sounds as if it’s Stephen ( Love Child) Ward at left back. I hope not ! The Taxi has got it’s engine revving if you do Muppet !
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Prepare for Ian Harte.
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This is pathetic! Just sign them up, Morgan has said in the past that if you want theplayer than the money is there. Stop all this poker nonsense as if we dont get players in then its a sign of lack of ambition!
Moxey stop this rubbish and get player in!!!!
Also its so obvious that its going to be either Stephen Ward or possibly Lee Naylor on loan. We get a cracking start to the season and somehow the board want to drag their heels on transfers!!!! BUT NOTHING DOES NOT AMAZE ME ANYMORE!
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It’s all a smoke-screen – The return of
Gary Breeen !
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38..Good call,maybe move Foley to left back and play Henry at right back where he did well last season at times.Then bring in Davies or Edwards in midfield..any views..i think that could be a good shout..much better than having Ward on the pitch!!
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Moxey is more of a pokemon player than poker!!
Why can’t he see he is gambling to win a few 100k.
As against the millions that comes with Premiership status, it is not worth the risk in my book for a player we have needed all summer.
As for th suprise left back, get the xxxl shirt out and print Moxey on the back!!!!
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NOOOO … Stephen Ward at left back is a joke. When everyone is starting to get behind MM and the team again, why start again with what could be seen as favouritism and playing players out of position? Has to be an experienced defender at left back, not a striker!!
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Hope to god Naylor dosnt come back not even on loan.
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“Like all good poker players, you have to keep a straight face, hold your cards close to your chest – and try not to show that you’re panicking like crazy inside!”
Or you could just blow all of that by telling the local press you are really panicking on the inside but pretending not to. DOH!!!!
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Surprise at left back DENES ROSA!!!
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45. Weston…damn good shout my friend !! I know Walsall have been considering him and I don’t think he’s attached – could be an ideal temporary stand in, and he knows the set up as well !! Much rather that than play Wardy in yet another position !
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51. Don’t know who you are my friend but you certainly ain’t me !!
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Morgan hasn’t the free “brass” to spend. Recession guys, hits him like everyone else.
He is praying we lose a few games or we might actually get close to the premiership. You can tell Morgan was lieing about “money for players” as prior, we knew that as we could see him lips moving.
Moxey puts up a good fgace on this, its what he is paid for and regards MM, have no idea why he is paid at all. Find a good balanced team and wins a couple, changes 6 , yes SIX players and we lose…his brain must have rolled out of his ear while he slept dreaming of Korea before the game!
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no …. i am Flitonwolf …
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Im playing at left back- watch this space – i tell th’e
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No. 49
Who would you like to us sign at left back other than Higginbotham (or poss’ Maddox who isnt available)
???
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well here we go..keep the fans keen..confuse forest has if!!!!!!!!! the left back is ????????? a left back..or knowing mick..not a left back!!!!!!!!
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55. ??????????????
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18) You and me both mate !
COME ON YOU WOLVES !
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is it wolfie???……….Tell Thommo to dust his boots down get out of the hospitality area and get his butt down to the dressing room
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Lets all have a go at Moxey again!! Its laughable! Just spend spend spend Moxey and send the club bust and everyone will be happy then! THINK before posting everyone please.
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micks weapon is stephen wardhinio
or maybe a sneaky lee naylor deal on loan
or maybe one of the youth team
or mr stearman or kev foley!!!
it wont be collins mick has said that!!
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I think that you will find a couple of seasons ago Karl Henry played at right back. He was ok until a night game at Ipswich, when he was run ragged. Who scored that day….? Tomorrow’s left back Mr S Ward.
Where is Derek Parkin?
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I’m Spartacus!!!
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Naylor 4 LB
Why do so many people hate the lad? He kept Ronaldo in place and stopped him getting forward didn’t he?
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Hav the people that slag off ward seen him play recently? Was our best season thru preseason.will the idiots who boo ward and collins please stay away 2moro.what r u hoping to gain?
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saw wolves train this morning, and the ‘surprise left back’ is stephen ward!!!!!
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Gotta be Gray-obvious!
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If this season goes pear shaped due to Jez playing the transfer market with his thumb up his backside, all because the moonhead doesn’t get the deal he wanted on his terms. Then i’m afraid that he will truly reap what he is potentially sowing with all this messing about. He will be chased out of Wolverhampton by a Simpson-esque angry mob, and i’ll be there with my pitchfork at the fore.
This is the best Wolves team for years, bar some frailties at the back. And if we miss out because of a bit of penny pinching, there will a mass exodus of our current talent, then god help him.
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really hope stephen ward is not picked for the left back role,no disreapect to him but it would be a slap in the face to others who have already played there eg gray etc.
think we will bid for gerrard and improve offer for higginbotham….would like to see a defender loaned in from somewhere also
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You are all wrong,the mystery left back is
DEREK PARKIN, the best left back at the Mol
for donkeys years and probably still better than Neil Collins.
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If it’s Steven Ward at left back then one-trick-mick needs shooting!
Please don’t start the same stupidity we had to put up with last season. Player after player in the wrong position.
I don’t trust mick to do the sensible thing, it will be idiotic, I can guarantee it!
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DANIEL JONES PLAYING LB PLEASE
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Perhaps 3-5-2? Collins Stearman Henry at the back?
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Moxey is a legend supporters who knock him clearly dont understand football….Im going to stand on the south bank today and start the chant off “Moxey Moxey give us a wave” followed by “super Mick mccarthy” then to finish off
“Steve Morgans Gold and Black army”
Come on wolves fans were in this together!!!!
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can see it now Jarvis playing left back,with Steve Ward on the left wing.Just when I was starting to believe in super Mick McCarthy once again.let’s hope I’m wrong
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How about George on crutches at left back, SEB at centre half, Karl Henry in goal and Hennersey up front. Now THAT would be a surprise……….
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Right after yesterdays result we need the following ins: matt hill higginbotham anthony gerrard and hermandi and darcheville from ranngers out: elliot potter
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