Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Wolves blog: ‘So, David…’
Friday 6th March 2009, 9:15AM GMT.
Wolves blogger Nathan Lloyd bumped into an unexpected friend when doing his grocery rounds at the supermarket this week.
Whilst popping into a supermarket the other night, I spotted Wolves midfielder David Jones doing his weekly shop.
I wanted to tell him how so many fans want him back in the team, that he is the best passer of a ball we probably possess, that I’d like to see how the middle of midfield would work if he played there with David Edwards.
But rather than come across as a crazy sycophantic Wolves fan, I just gave him a polite and knowing nod and carried on with my shopping.
I couldn’t make it to the Crystal Palace game on Tuesday night, but by all accounts it was a big improvement on the pathetic performance against Plymouth at the weekend.
It was great to see that big Chris Iwelumo was back in the side and let’s hope he shakes off his knock to play at Sheffield Wednesday.
We desperately needed those three points at Selhurst Park. Against Plymouth you could feel the apprehension of the team in the stands, because we went a goal down within a few seconds of kick-off, so the team were rushing set-pieces and making bagfuls of errors.
After that, I think the Molineux crowd had finally realised that their team need them and were brilliantly supportive throughout.
The booing was predictable at half time and at the end of the game, obviously completely necessary to help the team realise that they had played so badly. How else would they know? Yes, I am being sarcastic.
It’s only one win, so it’s too early too say that we are back on track for the title. But it should hopefully give the team renewed confidence to go into the final 10 games of the season, to grab enough points to not only gain promotion but win the division.
A haul of 82 points were enough last season for Albion so, with that in mind, half of the remaining 30 points available should see us home.
As I stated in my last blog, predicting points from the remaining fixtures maybe a fun exercise, but it’s pretty futile if this week is anything to go by. I was shot down by some last week, for saying I would have been happy with four points from the two games!
But surely trips to Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Blues, Derby and Barnsley and then home fixtures with Ipswich, Charlton, Southampton, QPR and Doncaster should comfortably give us the points we need?
There’s no doubt a couple of the Wolves old boys will be out to prove a point for Wednesday.
Michael Gray was a fantastic servant to the club and will always remain a popular character in this neck of the woods. Leon Clarke on the other hand, with the cupping of his ear to the non-believing Wolves fans, is the player who will be probably feel he has most to prove at Hillsborough.
I remember standing next to Leon, again in a shop, and just thinking he looked remarkably unlike a professional football player. He had just broken into the first team and although he showed glimpses of talent on the Molineux pitch, he always looked overweight and managed to make Jay Bothroyd look like a hard working player.
Hopefully Matt Jarvis will be back to accompany a rejuvenated Michael Kightly down the Wolves flanks and although I’m still puzzled as to why central defender Richard Stearman has lost his place in the team.
But his replacement Jody Craddock is an experienced a wise head and deserves to keep his place for the run in.
Wolves skipper Karl Henry will not face the Owls, as his two game suspension kicks in. If as suspected Mick wants to stick to his rigid 4-4-2 and still play a defensive midfielder then – as long as he doesn’t get stuck in traffic – you would have thought Nigel Quashie would be a shoe in to replace Henry.
Personally I would like to see my new supermarket buddy, David Jones back in the side, but pigs will probably fly before Mick lets that happen.
Wednesday are still in with an outside chance of the play-offs so, like all the teams we will be playing in the top 10, they still have something to play for.
Birmingham and Reading, both back to winning ways, face a couple of fixtures against resurgent teams. Reading travel to Plymouth, who should be riding high after back to back wins, while Birmingham host Southampton, who have also found some form at the right end of the season.
Wolves face Ipswich on Tuesday night at Molineux, which should also prove a tough test, as they have always been over the years and they themselves are in touching distance of the play-offs.
On the same evening, Blues face a tricky trip to Mick McCarthy’s home town of Barnsley, while Reading host relegation certainties Charlton.
I sat in a meeting this week with a Charlton fan and he was resounded to the fact that relegation is an absolute certainty. The only positive spin he could put on dropping down to League One was that he could tick off some of the grounds he has yet to visit.
He came out with that old cliche: “If someone had of told you that you would have been three points clear at the top of the division with 10 games to go at the start of the season, you would have bitten their arm off.”
I do get a bit bored of non-Wolves fans saying that, but he does have a point and hopefully the blip that we all feared has now come to an end and we can romp home.
If only it was that easy. Have a bostin’ weekend. C’mon me babbies!
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Wrong Nathan Henry is Suspended tomorrow,Right Nathan we do want/need David Jones back in the team.Can see a hard fought win at Wednesday good going forward awful at the back(NO NOT WOLVES).
Just a special mention to the Malta Wolves Supporters Club of Whom 11 members are flying over on Monday for the Ipswich/Charlton games,Enjoy the good old Wolverhampton Hospitality.
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I’ve played against Leon Clarke when he was 17yrs old, he was playing for Heath Park School. Was the same age myself. The kid couldn’t hit a cows bum with a banjo. I’m amazed he made it professional. Keith Lowe was in the same team, captain. Different class.
Sheff Wed don’t concede that many at home, i’m going for another 1-0 win
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Dave Jones must be recalled! His passing and retention of the ball is better than any other wolves midfielder. We don’t supply Kites or Jarvis with enough ammunition when DJ is out. It’s no coincidence he was in the team when we were flying high!
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nice blog again nathan, always good to read a sensible set of words on this site instead of some of the negative and depressing drivel some “fans” post, you know the ones nath !! i too am at a loss re; messrs stearman and jones, 2 very good players not in the side, are they fit?? i have remained upbeat about our chances throughout the season and still remain the same now, although the title is in readings hands (2 games in hand and 5 points behind) but give me 5 points instead of 2 games in hand any day!! they have to win them, and with their current scoring drought…well, thats not foregone is it? keep believing!!!!
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Couple of points, Nathan.
*Henry is suspended.
*Albion got 81 points, not 82
*That total wouldn’t get you anywhere near the top two in the 6 seasons prior to last.
I’d stick to Asda over Molineux, as shopping is obviously more suited to you.
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5…. muppet! leave the man alone, he does a good blog, speaks sense and incites a good debate on issues but you have to pick fault !!
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I WOULD HAVE ASKED HIM IF HE WAS FIT!!!
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Although I don’t agree with Del Wippio’s sentiment, I do agree that there is no point in suggesting that 81 or 82 points (or any other total for that matter) will be enough to see us up.
As I said in my comment on last week’s blog, it is the same division, but with different teams and players. There is no way we can predict the total that will take us up, save winning every game from now on.
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Jody Craddock is captain tomorrow
http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~1580574,00.html
This is a real captain who has the following:
Experience
Grafter
I also feel that if you have a captian in defence its a whole lot better.
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5) Who gives a toss how many points Albion had last season? Lol – Honestly, 25+ paragraphs in the blog and all you can pick out is minor faults ignoring the many accurate and interesting points. Maybe you should stick to your own soon to be championship stripey blog and leave this one to people who actually have valid points to make.
Anyway.. Doesn’t matter how many points were accumulated by the top three in the last 6 or 10 seasons, this one is considerably different, as the top 3, even the top 5 have been form dipping and raising just as much as eachother, hence how we have still kept the top spot, coupled with an amazing run earlier on in the season.
I also would love to see Dave Jones back on the pitch with us, i’m not quite sure of why Mick can’t see we would benefit from this. But saying that.. I am also very happy with the layout of the team Mick picked on Tuesday, people were actually playing where they were supposed to be playing!
I think a 2 match suspension will do Henry the world of good, there have been one or two obvious ‘weak links’ in the team of late and I have to say from what i’ve seen he has been one of them, albeit not as obvious as some. But I don’t actually think we have a ‘terrible’ player in our squad, fair enough Keogh has had some stick and made a fair few silly mistakes, but he’s also contributed A LOT to the team and he does work his backside off, the fact that that doesn’t often pay off is very unfortunate for the lad, and our results. But what you have to remember is the fact that before Berra, before Quashie, even before Mancienne Wolves had a great run of wins, and we played blindingly.. That’s still our squad, and it’s still within us.
I’m sure this time last week the majority of Wolves fans were predicting a win for plymouth a draw for palace, and look how that turned out, hence why no result predictions for the remaining games can be made, because you simply, never know.
I’ve still got 100% faith in promotion, the players, and Mick.. And i’ll even go the whole hog and say the division title too. Saturday will be tough, as i’m sure every remaining game we have will be, but i’m going 2-1 Wolves.
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Whilst I don’t agree with Del Woppio’s sentiment, I do agree that it’s pointless to try to guess how many points will see us up.
As stated in my comments on last week’s blog, although it’s the same division, there are different teams and different players all striving for survival or promotion.
The only total that would guarantee prem football would be if we won every game until the end of the season.
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David Jones isn’t brilliant by any stretch of the imagination but when he played alongside Henry, the midfield was balanced and fluid. He is the best passer of a ball at the club and offers good freekicks and corners. Henry knew his role as the midfield general and David Jones was the creative link. Why MM has dropped him? You can only assume that something behind the scenes has gone on. Surely Terry Connor and other senior members of the backroom staff would be offering their opinon on this. Its no concidence that since he has been dropped, we haven’t looked the same attacking wise. MM’s stubbornness is going to cost us i’m afraid.
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Craddock back as Captain is a huge boost, but I agree that Foley could one day be Captain. Kites was a different player the other night, those above fixtures are winnable, come on wolves!
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Is not playing Dave Jones more frequently one of Mick’s biggest sins? Mick’s his own man and under no circumstances should he listen to fans whining – especially some Wolves fans who do nothing else, but his (perceived?) stubbornness does annoy me at times. The best players should be picked – regardless.
Good blog though.
I wonder in DJ sneaked a few cans of Banks’s into his trolley?
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I think the single most important factor for success and three points is that Kightly is in form. Then the others will pick up more pace and Wolves will win comfortably.
UP THE WOLVES!!!
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maltawolves. Morning, thanks for putting me right! I was looking to see if Henry was suspended and then took a stupid guess! Anyway, look forward to seeing the Malta crew for a drink next week before the Charlton game. All the best.
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Nathan, I think Stears was dropped as he needed a break after playing virtually every game (with a variety of defensive line ups) and Berra needed support to play himself into the team. Also Jody brings the experience and guile at the back that we were missing. Right decision by MM. Jones must at least be on the bench for tomorrow! We could just nick it 1-0 or 2-1.
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Nathan – Im sure if you spoken to him he would of been polite. I spoken to him before when he claimed he wasnt injured.
I think Clarke deserves the Bothroyd song tomorrow “you’re just a fat lazy ………” (To the tune of ‘you’re just a bus stop in…’)
Right Im off to Sheffield in an hour! (yes I know its a day early, but beer and friends are calling!)
Enjoy the weekend people, COME ON ME BABBIES!
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MUCH BETTER AGAINST PALACE AND 3 MUCH NEEDED POINTS, BUT WEDNESDAY WILL PROVE A TOUGHER NUT TO CRACK. EASILY BEATABLE THO’ IF WE PLAY ANYTHING LIKE WE CAN.
THERE YOU GO A POSITIVE COMMENT.
NOW BACK TO REALITY … AS MERSON SAID ON SKY SPORTS, WOLVES WILL NEED TO BUY 20 QUALITY PLAYERS IN THE SUMMER, TO HAVE ANY CHANCE OF SURVIVAL IN THE PREMIER. ABSOLUTE RUBBISH MERSON.. WE ONLY NEED AROUND 16, I HATE PEOPLE WHO EXAGGERATE .. DON’T YOU?
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M M’S STUBBORN ATTITUDE IS WELL DOCUMENTED HOWEVER HE SUPPRISED US ALL LAST WEEK WITH HIS SELECTION AND I THINK THE WIRLEY OLD B….R WILL DO IT AGAIN TOMORROW I THINK ALL THE JONES FANS MAY GET THEIR WISH EITHER HE OR STEARMAN WILL BE IN THE LINE UP.BUT WATCH OUT FOR THE 2 OLD BOYS!
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Do you actually think that Terry Connor has a say in anything, MM is stubborn and pigheaded as always
SACK HIM NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Del Woppio
Nice to have you back. Forgot what a miserable sod you could be.
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south bank barmy .. if you ever did come in the south bank or the north back you would be greeted with the welcome we extend to all you albion fans
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Thanks Del (5), tremendous help as always.
It was Waitrose not Asda.
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You can’t predict how many points will be enough, but it’s normally safe to assume that no team is going to average more than 2 points per game (which is championship winning form),apart from in exceptional circumstances. With that in mind, if Birmingham reached 84 points, that is the target we currently need (given our goal difference) to ensure automatic promotion. But I agree, you can’t base anything on that. We still have to go to Birmingham and don’t forget Reading play Birmingham on the final day of the season, so that ultimately, could knock one or the other out of a promotion place. We shall see. Will be there at Hillsborough tomorrow. Good luck to Wolves.
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Forget him Nathan, you are a true fan who tells it from both sides of the coin just like it is…
.. We all make minor errors
Wish you would of told him if he gets a start to play out his skin for the fans who soo desperatley want to see him in the side like ME !
anyway keep up the good work mate
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Kightly the key player. He plays well we win, that simple.
We are Wolves.
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Thanks Costa, that means a lot mate!
I did obviously regret not having a chat with David Jones, but it now looks like he will get in the side. He won’t let us down.
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How fantastic is that? Most of us saying how we’d like to see him back in the side, next thing you know he’s hopefully in for us on Saturday.. Bit more promising news. All we got to do now is get the three points!
Waitrose ehh, posh get!
2-1 Wolves, come on lads!
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To shut the negative people up, after witnessing Tuesday’s performance, we have enough in our locker to go up from a very tough division.
What we do when we get there is a different matter as we will need to spend big and buy experience. Of the squad we have the bankers are Foley, Stearman, Jarvis, Kightly and Ebanks-Blake. Hopefully Berra and Elokobi can make the step up and the goalkeeping department – Hennessey and Ikeme are talented but have been at fault a number of times. Jones, Edwards and Vokes are squad players.
Anyway get your heads down. There are sure to be enough goals in the team but let’s cut out the mistakes and keep some clean sheets.
Wolves 2 Sheff Wed 1
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30 you have been told before stay away from our site and go and support your local teams
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london wolf loyal said: Mar 6th, 2009 at 12:37 pm south bank barmy .. if you ever did come in the south bank or the north back you would be greeted with the welcome we extend to all you albion fans
YES I AGREE MATE, I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WELCOME THE BOGGIES GET.. YOU SHOULD SEE THE ONE RESERVE FOR COCKNEYS TOO!!!
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31) Do you think I listen to an idiot like you. I have been everywhere with the Wolves and seen them in a European final, away friendly in Europe and lose to Chorley. Do not gob off when you are at best a part time supporter.
I will happily meet up with you in the Terrace Bar one home game to discuss further.
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32…SBBA..i admit i may have doubted your support to wolves with some of your comments…i stand corrected, and i am man enough to say it, i apologise my friend! an absolutely brilliant comment in 32 mate….i will never doubt you again!!!!!!
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totally agree with sbba positive comment then he reverts to type oh dear lol sheff 0 wwfc2
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Jones has stated in E and S article that he was injured with patella problem, thats why he hasn’t played.
Stats I posted the other day clearly show that when Jones starts Wolves pick up far more points per game than when he doesn’t.
Other thong from Palace game MM didn’t play square pegs in round holes and it allowed a much more balanced performance. Will he learn from it?
One swallow doen’t a summer make however!
Onwards and upwards!
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TELL YOU WHAT MATE .. SEEN AS THE WOLVES AINT GOT A GAME NEXT MONDAY IM OFF DOWN THE HAMMERS WITH A FEW OF MY WEST HAM MATES WHO SOMETIMES COME AND WATCH THE WOLVES WHEN THEY RE DOWN HERE.. CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU LOT GET A WALLOPING .I LL BE LAUGHING MY HEAD OFF . SEEN THE TICKETS TODAY .. SITTING RIGHT BY YOU TESCOS . THINK I LL WEAR SOME BLACK AND GOLD . KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED … THATS IF YOU EVER GO TO A GAME
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Come on WOLVES :-) i dont care what result as long as its a result in our favour and i dont care how dirty the result is :-) justr get the 3 points PLEASE
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Lets all hope Ward and Quassie..squashed up ugley yed never recovers and never plays for us again… maybe Quassie could go back to Albion and guarantee them relegation… wishful thinking ehhh!
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ok lets be lodgic here we aint good enough for the big boys
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I just pray that Blouses and Royals don’t just need a point each from their last game to go up. What an anti-climax that would be!!!
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40 chris “ok lets be lodgic here we aint good enough for the big boys” i think maybe you aint good enough for the big boys judging by your post, how old are you 10!!!
Come on me babbies!!!
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