Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Window could be the difference for Mick
Saturday 10th January 2009, 12:01PM GMT.
Mick McCarthy has told Wolves fans not to panic – but admits the work he does in the transfer window could be the difference between winning promotion and staying in the Championship.
McCarthy has been forced to assess his options, after Alan Gow was despatched back to Rangers because he failed his medical. Neither the player’s camp, nor Rangers, were prepared to comment on the nature of the problem.
McCarthy has reportedly failed with a bid for QPR central defender Mikele Leigertwood, while he wants a central midfielder.
The Wolves boss said: “We’ve done some good work in the January window with the signings of Michael Kightly, Michael McIndoe, Andy Keogh, Stephen Ward, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Dave Edwards and George Elokobi.
“We’ve done good business and we’re trying to do so again. Hopefully we will – there’s plenty of days left in January.
“We’re not in any desperate need to do it, because we’ve been doing so well already. So I don’t feel any more pressure from anywhere. We’ve bolstered our squad and if we could do it again then great.”
But he warned: “The league is so close and maybe the work we all do in the window will be the difference – players signed or not signed.”
McCarthy has left the door open for Gow if he sorts out his “biomechanical” problem. But he admits the loss of the 26-year-old has forced him back to the drawing board – while praising the squad that has put Wolves four points clear.
He said: “He would have been a really good signing, who would have covered us in a number of positions. But you have to remind yourself where we are and the players who have got us there.
“We’re not bereft of options. Michael Kightly and Matt Jarvis can play on either side. I’ve also got Stephen Ward and George Friend who can play there.
“Gow would have been an added player to beef that squad up. We’ve got 20 games left and if we can make the squad bigger and stronger if there is fatigue, injuries and suspensions, then the better we’ll be.”
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.
i think we need to get in at least 3 or 4 players.we need to spend some if not transfer fees in wages as this does seem to go against us.this window could make or break our season
“come on me babbies”
Report abuse
I agree with giving the players that have got us where we are all the credit, and highly deserved too, but we could do with a couple of additions, simply on the basis that our promotion rivals will no doubt be bolstering their own squads.
Personally i’d rather see 2 top quality players, rather than 3/4 squad-type players.
Ive got confidence in MM whatever he decides, becuase like he said, hes not done too bad in recent january windows ! (although i’d rather he hadnt mentioned mcindoe who jumped ship to go to a ‘bigger’ club. That statement still makes me laugh even today! )
Report abuse
Gow, looked ok, but not someone to seriously challenge for a starting position. We need signings that question the starting positions, ie a class striker, a winger, (Davies back fit from Leicester end of Jan for Midfield) and a Defender. 3 quality not fringer players and Davies back and we have the squad to get 94pts
Report abuse
Reading have come into form this is worrying. Birmingham are getting in decent players and rumour has it will be playing a more attacking side. We cant stand still and cant afford to have a run of injuries to certain players. This weather means more injuries for certain We have no replacement for Kightly, Ebanks-Blake or Henry. Pity we didnt go for Beattie at Sheff Utd. Still time yet to get the right players.
Report abuse
Davies aint fit enough yet for the Championship,let him go to leicester for another month then take a look.Gray Gobern out on loan so we will be bringing in a wide midfield player.Still plenty of time.Northern wolf makes a lot of sense.
Report abuse
Mick .. Why don’t you just get Alan Gow on loan till the end of the season with view to a permanant deal.
Report abuse
Sign Alan Gow till the end of the season Mick. I can’t see why we can’t help his problem while at wolves. From the sound of things, it looks like Alan Gow has a bone density problem that will recover with treatment. So why not get on the phone and fix something up.. The guy has not missed matches for the problem has he? So let him prove himself on loan.. I know we have had a bad history of signing crocks in the past but surely if the player can amke a difference, it’s worth working around these problems, instead of giving up.. What’s stopping Blackpool signing him again now, or any other team…
Report abuse
Extra work is vital this month to maintain our present status. I don’t think we are the team we were a few weeks/months ago.
Report abuse
blackpool have already offerd gow a return on loan
me think Otoole would be a good signing.
Report abuse
Please Mick do some business fast
Report abuse
Message to Mick…Pick up Watson from Palace who is available….and get a striker like Cahill of Everton…..But do it fast, we are in trouble !!!!!
Report abuse
Mancienne or Berra and Andy Driver please. Watson is always worth a go but we do have Davies to come back. Maybe even Joe Mattcok if he is put up for sale.
Please no to the likes of Leigertwood. Whenever we have gone for the cheap option it has always proven to be a waste of money. When we push the boat out a bit (SEB, Stearman) they have proven to be a bargain.
Report abuse
UNLESS MORGAN BUYS LIVERPOOL IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.. AND THEN MAKES THEIR FIRST TEAM PLAY FOR US..THEN IT’S CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN NEXT SEASON I’M AFRAID.
Report abuse
MM says ive got Wardy who can play there by this does he mean LB,RB CH,CM,CF, or anywhere he can play him.Why oh why can he not see that like Collins He is not Premiership Class.Before the season even started MM stated the need for defensive cover,but rather than sign Quality he goes for 250000 players.Does Morgan and Moxey REALLY WANT IT Now we will see,As Karen Brady Says He (Bowyer) is going to cost a lot of Money but if he helps us achieve Promotion it will be money well spent.Enough Said
Report abuse
I said after the first 10/12 matches it was a flash in the pan. It appears that unfortunately I am being proved right. Iwelumo has had is moments but no longer, Ebanks Blake is like a headless chicken,Collins,Edwards,Keogh and Ward NO COMMENT.There appears to be only Foley, Jarvis, Kightly (up to a point) and Vokes that MAY have premier potential. Even the goalkeepers are somewhat suspect. Finally the manager NUFF SAID.
Report abuse