Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
McCarthy: FA got it wrong
Wednesday 24th September 2008, 11:30AM BST.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy believes the FA got it wrong over their decision to uphold Chris Iwelumo’s three-match ban – but reckons Andy Keogh could be a ‘brilliant’ replacement.
An FA hearing have rejected Wolves’ appeal over Iwelumo’s head-to-head clash with Preston defender Sean St Ledger on Saturday.
The governing body read statements from the club and Iwelumo and viewed the match video.
But they decided to uphold referee Martin Atkinson’s decision and the eight-goal striker will now miss the home games against Bristol City and Reading and the trip to Swansea.
St Ledger had appealed to Atkinson on Iwelumo’s behalf, saying there was only accidental contact.
McCarthy said: “He’s the top goalscorer and we’re losing that, although we shouldn’t be losing it because he’s done nothing wrong.
“But he’s not the first player to suffer at the hands of a bad decision. It would have been nice for Sean’s intervention to have made a difference but I was never going to pre-empt anything.”
Although Keogh didn’t replace Iwelumo at Deepdale – he came on for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – the Irishman helped create Wolves’ second and third goals.
And the boss believes the 22-year-old has the energy to help Wolves continue their unbeaten run.
“We needed fresh legs and that’s why I put Keogh on,” he said. “Keogh hasn’t been dropped and neither has Sam Vokes. My preferred choice was Chris and Sylvan.
“Keogh deserved to go on when he did because he was absolutely brilliant, creating two goals for us.
“Neither have them have been dropped because they haven’t been playing badly. It’s just a preferred choice.
“When people ask what’s your best team, I tell them where to go because I don’t have a best team. If I tell you my best team, one day it will be available and people will say ‘you never pick it’.
“I’d say ‘it’s not my best team now because so-and-so’s not playing well and it all changes’ – so it evolves.”
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
Yep, they got it wrong!
Lets look on the bright side …. at least big Chris will have a rest and get over any niggles he may have. We have strength up front and i’m sure (hope) Andy or Sam will be fine with SEB
Report abuse
Go go go wolfie go ….
These Dudes dont have a clue man … this is real stuff …. them guys at the Association of Football dont have orange blood like us.
big up the Wolverhampton Wolves!
Report abuse
Yes the FA got it wrong…. WHEN DO THEY EVER GET IT RIGHT!
Anyway,, AK has got a chance to really cement his place now. He needs to score alot more goals though!
Report abuse
Although big Chris is going to be a big loss, there are still positives to be drawn, hopefully Keogh should be playing out of his skin because he wants to retain that spot, so that can only be a good thing
Report abuse
Well said Mick, couldn’t agree with you more. Your comments on how the team evolves and a ‘Best 11′ are spot on.
Keep up the good work.
Report abuse
I am more concerned about Wayne Hennessy missing Saturday’s match…..it’s never easy for a goalkeeper to make his league debut
Report abuse
2 – It’s Old Gold mate…
Report abuse
Unless it’s a so called big club there is no chance. The referee should have had the balls to admit his mistake but it appears he upheld his decision leaving the Appeals process little option.
I have personally written to the FA complaining, if anyone else wishes to the address is
Customer Relations
The Football Association
25 Soho Square
London
W1D 4FA
Report abuse
Haha ian of the wolves .Genius mate. ggggggggooo soccerball!
Report abuse
Iwelumo was unlucky but should not have gone down as he did. Keogh is a quality player but needs to convert more of his one on ones and not shirk challenges.
We are talking 3 crucial games here, so Vokes needs to be an option also, depending on the game!
Report abuse
Keogh can do the job for us….and we always have Vokes who likes to come off the bench and bang us one or two in, so theres no cause for alarm.
Totally agree with 3 – When DO the FA ever get it right!! From england managers to punishing bay boy players to docking teams points….they seem clueless half the time!!
NEXT DEBATE:
Should the FA have a clearout and employ more ex-players in the hope of becoming a consistant and well run association?
Report abuse
Complete and utter muppetry!!!
These spineless morons have not got a clue!
Come on AK fill your boots!!
Report abuse
Do you really think they got it wrong?
I agree that there was probably no / minimal contact – in which case why did they both collapse on the ground clutching their faces as if in agony? He has paid the price of his own dishonesty trying to get the other guy sent off. What on earth was he doing standing over the guy like that?
Report abuse
not too concerned SEB scores more goals when Keogh is his partner fact! lets not get on Keogh’s back if he does not score two a game over the next three games. it was the same for Keogh at Northampton with Sharpe, one provides the other scores.
Report abuse
The FA are bullies who want it all their way. It is criminal that they should be allowed to get away with this. Silly stubborn old men who are stuck in their ways.
Unfortunately the Wolves group who got sent off on Saturday were Scottish, Irish and Welsh, maybe the FA of England would have been more understanding if the players who got sent off were English?!
Anyway, Keogh and Vokes need to step up now and prove their worth.
Up the Wolves!
Report abuse
2 – very good! Everyone should watch that clip. Brilliant.
Report abuse
Does anyone remember a certain Steve Bull being sent off at Oldham for a headbutt on Craig Flemming ? Felmming went to the FA appeal in person and said Bully didn’t touch him, yet they still upheld the ban. Bully missed the last three games of that season and we ended up coming 3rd. Luckily this didn’t happen at as crucial a stage as that time. Will the FA ever learn ? But what do we expect from the board that appointed “second choice” Steve Mclaren as England manager ???
Ian of the Wolves – hilarious mate !
Report abuse
to be honest, i think keogh has played very well this season so i’m not too concerned
however, i don’t know how the FA can continue with a respect when they only want it to work one way. how can you respect them an officials after getting things so worng in the past few weeks. (rescinding john terrys card, the reading ‘goal’ etc)
Report abuse
I’d much prefer Vokes up front to Keogh.
But seems just as it gets too much for Keogh (criticism-wise) he pops up with the goals so who knows.
Report abuse
Who cares. It’s done with. They arn’t going to change there minds. If he had of just walked away we wouldn’t need to be talking about any of this. Stupid fool.
Report abuse
2. Yes…Orange…
And here I was, thinking our colours were Gold and Black
Report abuse
What seems to have been forgotten is the preceding act of provocation by St Ledger. He seemed to be attempting to kick Chris whilst he was on the floor. Can the FA explain why after viewing the video this was not noticed too?
Report abuse
I dont think bringing in Keogh or Vokes is a problem, we have real strength up front
Report abuse
Never mind the iwelumo red card, why were we not contesting hennessys? At the time he brought down the preston striker, foley was clearly behind him meaning that he wasn’t technically the last man. Chelsea successfully overturned john terrys red card last week on the same grounds.
Report abuse
Hear hear booboo, that is exactly what I have been saying!
Did that clown Billy Jones get booked for his reckless challenge on Kightly?
Report abuse
7 & 21
i think it went ova your heads guys
Report abuse
24-Is right we should have contested WH card.
The RED CARD was deserved perhaps I see thing as they are-He should not have retaliated-He was playing a blinder-Man of the Match-But he went down like a ton of Bricks–Perhaps he realised he was in the wrong–Still he is great find–We will miss him.. Crazey Dave.
Report abuse
13. Spot on mate. Chris needs his bumps felt for his ridiculous flop to the floor. Whether there was contact or not, Chris made a move towards St. Ledger which, given the theatricals, gave the ref no choice.
Report abuse
13 Simon london wolf, i agree, no one wants to see that kind of unprofesionalism on the pitch it’s very childish and no good for the younger generation to watch,i know emotions can run high on the field of play and sometimes you can get carried away but you have to forgive and forget and move on i know chris will be all the wiser now. the fa have looked at this case and it looks like they are now starting to cut out all the play acting wich is only good for the game.
Report abuse
24 Carl you saw the same as me well said
Report abuse
Big Chris wil be big loss. Disagree with the view that he has been hard done by though. He put himself at risk by getting involved with the lad he had spun into the ground for 90 minutes – then goes down like a a roll of lino! Disappointing from arguably our man of the season so far, especially after such a sublime hat-trick!!
He will be back soon enough banging in the goals to keep us up there and in with a sniff!!
Up the Wolves!!
Report abuse
17 Yep we were there and it was a joke decision that Bully was sent off – Doesnt surprise tho – ONE rule for the BIG boys and other “rules” for the rest!
Hope Vokes gets the nod ahead of Keogh against Bristol City
Keogh has great work rate BUT Vokes is more of a target man and is far more clinical infront of goal
Report abuse
This is the latest in a long line of bad decisions by the FA just look at that “”"GOAL”"” for Reading they have ruled it will stand despite Steve Coppell saying they will replay it. The ball was FOUR yards wide!!! Clueless!!! Anyway Keogh or Vokes will do a great job in the big man’s absence.
Report abuse
I remember that Bully red card at Oldham, we lost that game 3-2, then lost 1-0 at Stoke and 2-1 at Bradford in a week, handing second place to Barnsley.
Keogh should come into the team with Vokes an option off the bench, should be enough with Jarvis and Kightly providing the service.
Failing that, we could play Ward up front rather than at full back. Or Shackell or Darren Ward as a target man. Perhaps Rosa could come into the team also.
Report abuse
Wen do them lot ever get it right!! at least it will give big Sam and Keogh the much needed kick of knowin that this is their opportunity…
Comon then boys show us wat you Got
OUTOFDARKNESSCOMETHLIGHT
Report abuse
Slow down Wolfie, I can’t keep up with you!!
Report abuse
Ian of the Wolves Ledgend !!!!!!!!!!!
Report abuse
Hate to say it but on the evidence they were right where was the sniper in the crowd did anyone find him. I can’t believe that some of you wear rose tinted blinkers. I don’t want him either to miss 3 matches he’s been fantastic but how anyone can defend him is laughable.
Report abuse
I cannot understand why we appealed one we had no chance of overturning, but did not appeal one we had every chance with. And why have the FA not taken retrospective action against St Ledger for starting it all with his two footed kick in the chest? After all, the say they viewed the video evidence.
Report abuse
its done now guys, its time to move on and get behind the boys and stay positive. Keogh is no replacment but if he plays which looks at cert from MM comments dont get on his back.
cheer for him, you never know he may score a goal or 2 for us to tide us over till big Chris is back.
we have 2 huge games coming up and we need to be united.
Report abuse
he shud of won his apeal its one rule for the prem clubs n another for championship clubs.
Report abuse
Ross Gregory had it spot on in the Sun this morning .He all but said after the FA’s ruling on Iwelumo,and the one they did overturn on John Terry, that there is one rule for the big 4 and another rule for the rest of us. Mind you the supporters of the other 88 league clubs have known that for years, so why should the decision suprise us.
Report abuse
Keogh to start – super-sub Vokes for the last 20 mins or so.
In the game at Charlton, we struggled a little first half because Kites/Jarvo weren’t able to get into the game too much. Keogh struggled a little to hold the ball up – mainly since we hoofed it a little too often due to how compact the midfield was/lack of impact from wingers. Second half was a different story though. Giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, the fact that Iwelumo was scheduled to start until a warm-up injury, we didn’t change the tactics enough for the first half. But we were able to correct it at half time – especially since we were behind. Plus Keogh won an awful lot more of the aerial balls in the second half when he was outstanding.
At least this time, we’ve got more than 30 minutes to prepare for a game without our big target man.
Report abuse
Always said this and always will…
1 rule for the “big four”
and another rule for the rest…
Report abuse
13 london got it spot on,,,I was at PRESTON, and ther was minimum contact so why did both players go down like they were shot,,still a great game,all adds to the entertainment,,the best crack was on the local radio all the Preston fans were moaning about the Ref,,we had two players and the manager sent off and they were moaning,,I think they thought he was biased…..
Report abuse
Ian of the Oranges top draw that one.
Hate to be pedantic, but ay it “Auld Gold” and not “Old Gold” for those getting all precious about it.
Your responses on a postcard to:
I’m considerably more golder than yow
Orange Palace
Wulfrunerhampton
Report abuse
Vokes to start, Keogh to play in the reserves where he may find his level.
Report abuse
London Wolf said: Sep 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm Does anyone remember a certain Steve Bull being sent off at Oldham for a headbutt on Craig Flemming ? Felmming went to the FA appeal in person and said Bully didn’t touch him, yet they still upheld the ban. Bully missed the last three games of that season and we ended up coming 3rd.
I certainly do! I was riding along the cut with my kids and turned to my daughter and said, ‘that’s it; not automatic promotion for us!’ aand nearly fell in:-)
Report abuse
45 – I was at PRESTON too and totally agree with you! Thought it was funny the Preston fans thought he was biased when we blatantly got the rough end of the stick.
Report abuse
i agree with 27, from what i saw on TV replay Chris attempted to headbutt the preston player. Not sure how much contact if any but he can have no complaints. Hennesey was very harshly treated and should have got a yellow card.
Nice to see the team full of confidence and playing for the shirt. We rode our luck more than a few times though against Preston.
Still think were lacking in quality, creativity particularly in midfield, but kightly put the frights on the full back with his drive and pace.
Report abuse
it’s a pitty his name was’nt john terry the fa soon caved in for his red card as always one law for the prima donnas and one for the real men in football,still up the wolves.
Report abuse
even west brom reject dingle don goodman said he cant defend his actions,we know now why charlton got rid aye boing boing donk sshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Report abuse
Brilliant video Ian. But Orange? Got to be a yank. Old Gold please.
Report abuse
The FA are a joke,if I had been accused of killing someone and my supposed murder victim turned up alive and well in court would I still be convicted of murder if the FA were the judge.
Because that is precisely the logic these brainless twonks are using. I agree with Rob Hindmarch goal (no 8) e-mail or write to these morons or the referees association)and let them know what you think and if we end up missing out on promotion by less than nine points then who is up for suing them?
Perhaps Big Chris should worn the chelsea shirt to the hearing after all.
Report abuse
the futures orange!
Report abuse
We gotta move on now guys, plenty of time to prepare for 3 games without big Chris and enough back-up even from the bench. So two changes then, Keogh for Iwelumo and Ikeme for Hennessey. Murray on the bench leaving another option perhaps Mark Davies if fit or another kid, perhaps Liam Hughes or Elija Ismail. Vokes should get a look in later on, he’s an impact player and has a good record from the bench
Report abuse
(2) IAN, You must try harder to convert your missus, Only when you have succeded will you become a true GOLD AND BLACK MON (That’s Man) Best of luck with it, it took me 20 years, But she now wears the shirt with the same pride as me. And the FA SUCK!!
Report abuse
he headbutted another player hes just a dirty dingle if it had bin robbo hed have got a ban aye boing boing donk
Report abuse
rite i wont be on much now till monday as im guin to boro,see proper fan i am,so we making w/e of it,dont miss me to much will ya,aye boing boing donk come on you baggiezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Report abuse
i aint gone yet,aye boing boing donk sshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Report abuse
and remember if things start guin wrong at the moll get behind ya team,no good booin and whingin is it,aye boing boing donk sshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Report abuse
16 – What clip ?
terryLOSERbaggie – good riddance, dont come back.
Report abuse
Dudzie-Got it right LETS MOVE ON here edeth the Blogg
Report abuse
The FA have been getting things wrong since their first existence!!
Report abuse