Wolves agree deal for McCarthy

Thursday 16th July 2009, 5:30PM BST.

James McCarthy, Hamilton AcademicalWolves have agreed a fee with Hamilton Academical for midfielder James McCarthy.

See also: Wolves target James McCarthy’s career to date – in pictures

The Accies have confirmed they have accepted an offer for the highly-rated teenager from the newly-promoted Barclays Premier League side.

The Molineux club had been adamant that there has been no bid for any “Scottish-based players”, with chief executive Jez Moxey this week claiming “nothing has changed”.

The 18-year-old has been the source of constant speculation about his future, having been linked with Celtic, Burnley and Portsmouth.

Wolves will now speak to the player, with some reports claiming as much as £2million could change hands for the Republic of Ireland under-21 international.


  1. 1
    Alex

    Is the guy even any good, never heard of him before.

    Report abuse

  2. 2
    irishwolf

    will turn out oyr best signing yet if he signs…. well done to the three m`s

    Report abuse

  3. 3
    Ludlowwolf

    where in midfield does he play?, Strange how the club denied any transfer activity in Scotland. Is he ready for the premiership or is he one to be played sparingly until he develops more.?

    Report abuse

  4. 4
    holyheadwolf

    A m8 up in scotland tells me this boy is gonna be the real deal and Rafa Benitez tried to sign him a year ago but he chose to stay put. A shrewd signing 4 the future well done Jez.

    Report abuse

  5. 5
    crowfish

    errrrrrrrrr?????????? ok i dont know alot about the guy but….. WE NEED PROVEN PREMIER QUALITY! can’t anyone else see? so far Doyle is the only signing that has remotely been anywhere near the prem! im all for ones for the future but we are forgetting about THE NOW!!

    Report abuse

  6. 6
    Richwwfc

    Fantastic bit of business!!!!!
    That really is showing the intent for the future.

    Report abuse

  7. 7
    nottswolf

    apparently wigan have had a bid accepted for McCarthy too according to their website!!!

    Report abuse

  8. 8
    daytona wolf

    A younger version of Ince, ball winning, combative, goal scoring midfielder. Bargin, he’s from a young Hamilton side so should fit in at Wolves quickly. One to watch !! Just 2 loan sigings and one or two surprises to go !!!
    Come On You Wolves ( walsal v wolves soon !!!)

    Report abuse

  9. 9
    Anno Domini

    Irishwolf; i agree, he is getting rave reviews in Scotland, Liverpool and chelsea were chasing him 2 years ago.

    Wigan have had a bid accepted as well so we’ll have to wait and see. Let’s hope the irish contingent can persuade him to come.

    Report abuse

  10. 10
    Rudolf

    Great, this 18-year-old is going to keep us in the Premier League and we’ll all be happy!

    The estimated £2million could have been better spent on an established Premier League player. Its fine signing all these players for tomorrow, but we are in the Premier League today, and our current team is not strong enough. Wake up 3 M’s and smell the coffee!

    Report abuse

  11. 11
    Winslow Wolf

    I said to sign this lad months ago, well pleased. Don’t be surprised if he ends up playing an important role this season. A future star.

    Report abuse

  12. 12
    gaz

    here wigan have matched our offer

    Report abuse

  13. 13
    Wolfatgate2

    Great Signing, but I am just a little worried about the lack of solid experience in mid field and attack, a couple of injuries to key places and we may struggle !
    We need to stay in this division

    Report abuse

  14. 14
    Woodcross wolf

    Regarded as one of the most promising young players in Europe, one for the future, and again fits the young and hungry criteria, Mick should persuade the lad to come to us, agree terms, and get him to put pen paper before another team does, it seems there are quite a few admirers of this kid, we will only regret it if we don’t take the bull by the horns now.

    Report abuse

  15. 15
    SOUTHBANK LAD

    When are we going to sign some quality,this is getting a joke,i really do fear the worst for the season ahead,no defence,not even got a goalie,wake up will you,we need some quality.

    Report abuse

  16. 16
    Shawshank Redemption

    We are builing an excellent team to challenge for promotion from the championshiop in 2 years time

    Report abuse

  17. 17
    rich5wolves

    Rep of Ireland U21 lol, but not Sunderland!!

    Anyhow this kids supposed to be great but ive not seen him play so trust the scouts on this one. The future is bright buying teenagers of such high calibre, this is the way forward.

    Report abuse

  18. 18
    dave

    my mate who lives up there says he is class. Two of the big four have sniffed around and i think he turned down liverpool. Am fascinated to know what the first eleven will be? We ase also after anothe mid field player.

    Report abuse

  19. 19
    Westport Wolf

    He’s highly regarded and has been watched by the Glasgow big two and a number of the ‘big’ premiership clubs. Born and raised in Scotland, yet with Irish ancestery he decided to opt for Ireland as his national team of choice. Unfortunately this has led to some unecessary sectarian jibes from opposition fans. Most of this has come about becuase they’re plain gutted he won’t be playing full international football for Scotland. He’s that good, the Scots are not impressed. He’ll be a fantastic buy for us. Despite his young age, he won’t necessarily be ‘one for the future’ but possibly one for today. A potential Scottish Wayne Rooney.

    Report abuse

  20. 20
    sean_wwfc

    Could be a really good thing to nick a player that was been enticed by the riches of Liverpool and Chelsea a year or so ago…..young and hungry!

    Report abuse

  21. 21
    w0lv3sfc

    Spoke to my mates up in Scotland and they reckon he his an exceptional talent.

    Report abuse

  22. 22
    Golden Blood

    Lets hope he signs. Sounds promising

    Report abuse

  23. 23
    wwfc trant

    hmmmmm im not sure what to make of this one

    Report abuse

  24. 24
    WOLVES-Dan

    Wigan have also agreed fee

    Report abuse

  25. 25
    Headcase

    What was Jez Moxey expected to say?
    Of course he denied that Wolves had bid for McCarthy, for we all know Wolves confirm nothing until the ink had dried or that any possible deal was dead in the water.
    Another good deal done by the 3 M’s and a player for the future, just what we need!

    Report abuse

  26. 26
    Marseille Wolf

    It seems that we are not alone in having a bid accepted for the young prodigy.

    Wigan Athletic have also had a bid accepted according to their website.

    Hopefully his namesake will convince him to come and join the rest of our Irish superstars at the Molineux.

    Report abuse

  27. 27
    telford jag

    Seen this guy play a few times when I lived in glasgow and watched the jags. Great player and full of pace. Very light weigh though. couple of seasons and he’ll be a great signing especially if its only a couple of million. Don’t reckon we’ll see much of him next year though but maybe wrong.

    Report abuse

  28. 28
    stevebullisKING

    whats happend to mancienne

    Report abuse

  29. 29
    Telford Jag

    Seen this lad play a couple of time when I lived in Glasgow and watch The Jags. Quality young player loads of pace but very light weight. Couple of years and we’ll be saying what a bargain he was. Not sure how much we will see of him next year but maybe wrong.

    Great Signing!!

    Report abuse

  30. 30
    Telford Jag

    Quality young lad. Seen him play a couple of times against The Jags when I lived in Glasgow. Bags of pace but a little light weight. Give him a season and we’ll be saying what a bargain he was. Young and Hungry sums him up.

    Great Signing!!!!

    Report abuse

  31. 31
    wolves forever

    Whilst signing young talent is important and this guy seems to be a player for the future vital premiership experience is still needed particularly in defence which is bound to be sorely tested during the coming season. is this guy going to play a major part in premiership survival

    Report abuse

  32. 32
    wolvesforever

    whilst signing good young talent is vital we still need proven premiership experience particularly in defence which will be sorely tested in the coming season .

    Report abuse

  33. 33
    BrownhillsWolf

    Don’t know too much about this kid, but every man and his dog wanted to sign him.

    Very excited with the direction the 3Ms are taking the Wolves in atm,and I’m sure there’s a few Tescos fans looking at us with envy.

    UTW!

    Report abuse

  34. 34
    pip

    suppose to be a football genius,worth the gamble.

    Report abuse

  35. 35
    truewolves

    brilliant player

    Report abuse

  36. 36
    wolvesmod

    He’ll sign for Wigan. Wigan have had a bid accepted too.

    Report abuse

  37. 37
    Loyal-Cannock-Wolf

    One for the future!

    In Mick we trust :D

    Report abuse

  38. 38
    PremierLeague

    Man Utd and Liverpool spotted the player so he must be good

    Report abuse

  39. 39
    Ancient Wolf

    This will be an excellent coup for Wolves if this deal happens. I’ve not seen him p;lay, but he has been talked about for a couple of years as a great talent.

    Report abuse

  40. 40
    hindmarch

    More than just a signing…A new chapter to our mantra of youth, longevity, zest, talent and long term vision. Our club in safe hands. (And I haven’t said that many times in recent years!) Could be a phenomenal asset. Fingers crossed.

    Report abuse

  41. 41
    Golden Balls

    I have to say it’s hard to comment on whether a Scottish player playing in the SPL will cut it in the Premiership. I have seen MCcarthy play when I was working in Scotland for the week and he did shine in a terrible game of football but I for one still believe that there is a massive difference between Hamilton and a Prem team also the talent he will add compared to other Wolves players that have gone such as Mark Davies and Clingan? I think the £1-2M would have been better spent putting towards an experienced player at this time as it is what we are lacking before this season starts.

    Report abuse

  42. 42
    ShuDog

    13 Goals in 95 games, He is one for the future alongside vokes, but not a first team signing, we seem to have signed many players who may only be good enough to back up the first team and need time to develop, which is a good thing in the long term, but now we need to bring in at least another 3 or 4 first team quality players, with some experience, so they can have an instant impact from the get go…

    Report abuse

  43. 43
    THE REAL DUDLEY WOLF

    ALEX (1) Under21 Scottish International at eighteen, £2m, Is the guy any good? Wake up son, the season starts in 4-5 weeks.

    Report abuse

  44. 44
    bletchley wolves

    43 dudley wolf try rep ireland u21s. this guy will be just fine young and bags of talent at least we are not signing players expected to last only one season the future is defo gold and black.

    Report abuse

  45. 45
    SUPERSTARDJWOLVES

    We have not signed him yet and the likely suspects are already wetting themselves. GET A GRIP!

    Report abuse

  46. 46
    tellitlikeitis

    36 Wolvesmod – Like Doyle signed for Fulham do you mean ? Being so miserable is what obviously keeps you going !!!
    Not saying we will win out this time but we have a good chance, so why not keep the negative comments until we know for sure.

    Report abuse

  47. 47
    brummierobwolves

    I have seen that Wigan have bid £2.6 million and Celtic are sniffing around, so this is not definitely a done deal!

    Report abuse

  48. 48
    Winslow Wolf

    Wolvesmod…He’ll sign for Wigan have a word with yourself, they are odds on to go down barely any british players of note, a totally unproven manager. On the other hand we have a wealth of British and more importantly Irish internationals a manager who is loved by the Paddies, who has experience. Our training facilities and ground are much better, our gates are about a third bigger. Hmmmmmm difficult choice, if it had been everton or Spurs or Villa you might have had a point but I really don’t think you do….so back in your box.

    Report abuse

  49. 49
    brummierobwolves

    A season of failure…. not. People keep talking about not having players with Premiership experience. So what? Our team is packed full of internationals and the Premiership apart from the big 4 is very average. We have got great fixtures at the start and end. Sides that are not great are Burnley, blackburn, Wigan, Blues, Hull, Stoke, portsmouth, Bolton for starters. Players like Milijas and Zubar could prove to be excellent signings. No panic!

    Report abuse

  50. 50
    stpaulthewolf

    hope we sign him every faith in mm and scouts, on a different thread arnt villa bidding for sylvan distan from poppey for about 2m we should be in there like a shot at that price if he’d come.

    Report abuse

  51. 51
    Wednesbury Wolf

    If this signing comes off then its a masterstroke again from the 3 M’s. Fits pefectly in to the ‘New Wolves’ culture and i think if he’s good enough then play him! We don’t necessarily need seasoned premiership players to stay up…didnt we try that in 2003? If my memory serves me correctly we failed miserably! Reading managed it with a team of unknowns and only messed it up in the 2nd year because they did not consolidate and improve the side!
    Just remember this group of players gave us one the most memorable seasons in a long time and deserve the opportunity to keep us up whilst the 3 M’s add to the side quality signings that fit into OUR mould!

    Keep the faith!

    Report abuse

  52. 52
    beaconwolf

    Todays Daily Record says five Prem clubs are in for him{and re-newed intrest from Celtic)dont get your hopes up lads,you know Moxey wont get into any bidding war.

    Report abuse

  53. 53
    stpaulthewolf

    hope the lad signs, why arnt we in the hunt for sylvan distan from poppey at 2m well within our budget but would he come don’t know.

    Report abuse

  54. 54
    Cornish Wolf

    Now let me think—- Who was it who said you won’t win anything with a bunch of kids!!
    The talent being signed is top draw. Quality, if they are good enough they are old enough. You have to something once before you can do it twice.
    Young men in a group will compete amongst themselves. That way they will improve at a faster rate.
    We do not need a team of tried and rested former prem players who have lost their competitive edge. What the three m’s are doing is just the right thing, more power to the management team push on we are heading for a top half finish.
    Up The Wolves

    Report abuse

  55. 55
    wolvesmod

    Wigan may have an unproven Manager but our Manager has hardly set the world alight in the Premiership, has he?

    Wigan have a proven Premiership team, unlike Wolves.

    So get your facts right.

    Report abuse

  56. 56
    laughingwolf

    Another fantastic young talent. We really are building for the future and if (in the unlikely circumstances) that this rule is put into place regarding home-grown players, could we break into the top 4?! Food for thought.

    I agree we do need 2-3 experienced premier players but to be honest I would be happy for two of them to come on loan, below is a list (just for Andy!) of possible targets for loan and 1-2 permanent signings

    Callum Davenport
    Aaron Ramsay
    Kevin Nolan
    Ryan Taylor
    Danny Gabbidon
    Danny Shittu
    Richard Dunne
    Benjani
    Hamann
    Michael Ball
    Damian Duff
    Alan Smith
    Jack Wiltshire

    Report abuse

  57. 57
    vespawolf

    Looks like he’s joiniin’ Celtic

    On some of the other sites it says that that was the deal he wanted and had used Wolves and Wigan to force a move from Celtic earlier in the transfer window

    Whose McCathys agent ……. WILLIE MCKAY

    Report abuse

  58. 58
    Cornish Wolf

    #54
    Opp’s, Should read–have to DO something once
    Up The Wolves

    Report abuse

  59. 59
    Winslow Wolf

    Wolvesmod My facts are right and you didn’t disagree with them you muppet, and your point is redundant! A proven team what is that even supposed to mean? It’s hardly like an unproven manager going to Liverpool for instance as I would agree that the lure of the club would be a factor…but this is Wigan!!! If he does go there it will only be because they will throw stupid wages at him and in that case it’ll be a shame but what are you going to do. Wolves will not pay an 18 year old 15 grand a week. Stop embarrassing yourself, don’t like to have a pop at a fellow Wolf..Brothers in arms and all that but you don’t half talk nonsense.

    Report abuse

  60. 60
    Telford Jag

    Seen this lad play a couple of time when I lived in Glasgow and used to go and watch The Jags. Quality player full of pace but a little light wait. Give him a season or two and we’ll all be saying what a bargain he was. Let’s just hope he picks the Wolves or Wigan as this mornings reports are saying Wigan have also had a bid accepted. Don’t forget about Zele another Young and Hungry player.

    Be a quality signing!

    Report abuse

  61. 61
    tellitlikeitis

    49 – brummierobwolves
    Well said.
    It’s probably the same people who were moaning that if we didn’t get rid of MM and get into the Prem, that we would lose Hennessey, Kites, Ebanks and Foley to Prem clubs.
    Now we are there, some people seem to be discarding these players as not good enough – totally baffling.
    We had the nucleus of a very good squad and with the additions already made are not far away from being able to compete with the bottom half of the Prem.
    If we stopped recruiting now, we may struggle, but I believe others will be joining.
    I will reserve judgement on our actual chances of survival until August, when I can compare our players to what everyone else has. There are plenty of clubs in the bottom half of the Prem, who have not made many signings yet.
    We have made six so far, and more importantly, quickly enough for those players to be with the squad for the whole of the pre-season preparations – that may just give us an edge when 15th August comes along.
    Hi Ho Wolver…. Hampton

    Report abuse

  62. 62
    Loyal-Cannock-Wolf

    55. Wigan are a tin pot club moron!

    No comparison to Wolves, we’ll be in the same position as them when the season starts, fighting to stay up.

    Report abuse

  63. 63
    Grey Wolf

    56. Laughing.
    A top 4 finish anytime soon is sheer fantasy. If we’re a solid mid-table Prem side in 5 years’ time, that’s already great progress. Just survival for the next couple of years is good enough. Anything more is a bonus.
    The trouble with dreaming is what happens when the team doesn’t deliver it. No doubt in October we’ll already have various ‘fans’ calling for McCarthy’s head if we’re not in the top half – daft as that would be.
    I like your optimism, but you’re handing ammunition to the negative whingers.

    Report abuse

  64. 64
    Winslow Wolf

    Wolvesmod My facts are right and you didn’t disagree with them you muppet, and your point is redundant! A ”proven team” what is that even supposed to mean? It’s hardly like an unproven manager going to Liverpool for instance, as I would agree that the lure of the club would be a factor…but this is Wigan a non league club 25 years ago, when Whelan pops his clogs they will vanish!!! Our manager also has two CCC titles, World cup qualification.. Martinez has how many titles and has he steered an unfancied side to the World Cup?? If he does go there it will only be because they will throw stupid wages at him and in that case it’ll be a shame but what are you going to do. Wolves will not pay an 18 year old 15 grand a week. Stop embarrassing yourself, don’t like to have a pop at a fellow Wolf..Brothers in arms and all that but you don’t half talk nonsense. Here endeth the lesson.

    Report abuse

  65. 65
    Winslow Wolf

    Sorry for multiple posts work computer playing up….I think they’re on to me!!!

    Report abuse



Free e-Supplements

Business Awards

Read the full story here Read the full story here

Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.

Lifestyle

Interactive Dining Out map 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 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 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.