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Milijas ready for starring role
Monday 7th December 2009, 11:30AM GMT.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has promised Nenad Milijas a regular starting place if he can maintain his level of performance against Bolton.That was the message after the Serbian Player of the Year and national captain was man of the match in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Bolton.
Milijas made Jody Craddock’s first goal, then produced a goal of the season contender with a swerving 30-yard effort that ripped into the top corner for the second.
But it was also the way Milijas tracked back and made tackles that appealed to his manager and suggested he had got to grips with the Premier League after a testing start to English football.
“It was ‘welcome to the team’ for Nenad if he plays like that,” said McCarthy.
“It’s what Terry Connor (assistant manager) and myself saw when we wanted to bring him to the club.
“He coped on Saturday in a very physical game and he maybe didn’t when he first came. At Red Star Belgrade he was playing in a team which is one of the big cheeses and playing against teams who wouldn’t have had much chance of getting anything against them.
“He came to Wolves and it’s not like that because we’re scrapping for anything – it’s completely different. He’s a fabulous guy who’s going to the World Cup with Serbia and is one of their star players.
“That’s the level of performance we’re after – if he plays like that every week he’s inked in the team and if he doesn’t the old rubber comes out.
“We need that bit of creativity and players passing the ball because you can’t just run around for 90 minutes huffing and puffing. We need what Nenad did and his delivery from corners and free kicks was sensational.”
McCarthy admitted that two of his marquee signings – Milijas and the injured Ronald Zubar, have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League. “It was a bit like Ronald to be fair, he didn’t settle straightaway,” said the boss. “The Premier League is a harsh old playground.”
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Let’s not mess about now. milijas and Zubar have to start, they’ve proved their a different class when they’ve played this season.
Team for Sat: 4-5-1
Hahnemann
Stearman
Craddock
Zubar
Ward
Edwards
Henry
Milijas
Mancienne
Surman
Doyle
We need to protect the back four against spurs (Mancienne) and we need pace at the back – drop Berra for Zubar. I also think Surman deserves a chance as Jarvis aint doing it.
Away from home I’d now go 4-5-1, to frustrate teams and nick a draw/win – like we did at Wigan. Stick to 4-4-2 at home only. The better teams turn us over otherwise. I think with a flooded midfield and quicker defence we could nick a draw!
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Fabulous strike from Neddy, from right in front of us.
I’m only a coach in junior football, but it is standard practice that you must NEVER attempt to spend the last 15 minutes with every single player in your own penalty area with no-one staying up to hold the ball up, making the opposition keep at least 2 defenders back and relieve the pressure. My guess is that it was not part of the game plan, but we did not have an Ince type figure to take charge of the situation and throw at least one of the strikers out of our own over crowded box.
Fantastic game though – Well Done Boys!!
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Why are fans calling for Zubar when he’s injured. Do you know read the news?
And what did Jarvis do wrong on Saturday? Why should Surman play instead of him. What’s Surman done this season?
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to quote mick,thats the level of performance we’re after-if he plays like that every week he’s inked in the team and if he doesn’t the old rubber comes out?you know how to shoot yourself in the foot so if our most creative player has an off day he will be dropped then?the names seb,henry,spring to mind seb hasn’t had a good day yet but he’s still in the team week after week why,henry on the whole has had a good season so far but he’s also had a couple of bad games and guess what he’s still in the team,nenad milijas playing well is a world beater and on a off day he will still create so pls keep playing him,the hoff or keogh should start at spurs?,,,WE ARE WOLVES,,,ilk
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A much improved performance, mind you not hard after last Sun, showing we’re capable of playing some good football & competing at this level.
Welcome to the party, finally, Milijas!! I just hope that display and tremendous goal give him a platform from which to establish himself in this league. Nice to have Ward back to & he gave us balance we’ve been lacking in recent weeks, all I want now is for Seb to get that break & hit the back of the net & in turn show his worth.
Tricky game next up, Everton showed you can get at Spurs so if we play to our potential we could get a goal or fingers crossed two as I’m sure they’ll score, can’t wait…
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All I have to say about Saturday is Ward and Milijas. Players who have been slated on this site, yet were the major reason why we deserved to win on Saturday – albeit with a stroke of luck with the first but how many times has that gone against us – and the dismal Blues performance.
Now to all the Tesco and idiot Wolves fans, jog on as these two currently have to be one of the first names on the sheet!
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Who says we aint gonna get anythin against Spurs and Man U? Have you seen United’s injury list???
I am quietly confident we can manage at least 2 points from these. Hoff to start against Spurs definatley. Sure he’ll at least get one goal if Milijas sticks them crosses in all day. WWFC 4 EVA
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Amazing. Milijas is exactly what we need. Hopefully he has found hisfeet at this level. Jhn de Wolf. Why on earth would you drop Berra. He and Craddock have been the only constant all season. Drop Stearman for Craddock.
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JOHN DE WOLF GOOD CALL BUT CASTILLO FOR SURMAN IF FIT AND BRING KENO HOME IN THE WINDOW.
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this just shows what mccarthy is all about…miljas is our best creative midfielder and yet if he doesn’t perform to that level every week he’ll be dropped.What about the likes of karl henry and david edwards who are nowhere near good enough for this league.is he saying as long as they put a shift in they’ll never be dropped despite their lack of quality.
it’s all very well having 11 players who run there socks off but if they can’t create anything,pass the ball and score goals then were going down.
It’s having quality players in the team week in week out that will keep us up.Good win sat but all it’s done is paper over the cracks.
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I think it is time to give our tall striker a chance to see what he can do as well now. We might get a shock with him.
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6 – Spot on, half these idiots on here dont evan go to the games!
For spurs i would drop ebanks and play mancienne in a 5-4-1 as i think we will need pace at the back against defoe.
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If Millijas delivers free kicks and corners against Man U & Spurs then we can score against them!
That’s something we can build on, because anywhere in the final third we can be dangerous with Millijas…even against the best sides.
So against Spurs I’d love to see us play 5 in midfield, hunt the ball in packs and don’t give them a minute on the ball in the middle of the park.
And then step forward Millijas for a set piece.
It’s an outside chance sure…but you never know!
(Doyle needs a mentione for Saturday too…worked tirelessly for the team against a lot of physical treatment and held the ball up and bought free kicks when we needed them)
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how can you say mancienne should start in that formation..he came on and completely messed it the flow of the game up. :S :S
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Awesome win, well done lads. Let’s take that new self belief into the next 2 games. Don’t go in with the same defeatist attitude as we did against Arsenal & Chelsea. The fact is if we are to survive we have to nick the odd point here and there against top opposition; other teams around us have done it so we need to do the same.
Spurs have a fantastic offense but there defense is questionable; Man Utd have numerous injuries and are not the same team they once were. 2 draws and then a win on Dec 20th against Burnley will make my Christmas turkey taste so much better
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great response on sat – wondering why they didnt play like that against blu*s makes it so frustrating. id give berra and seb a rest & brink in mancienne and the hoff in for sat – also stick with 442, dont see how chopping and changing will help…UTW
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Awesome win, well done lads. Let’s take that new self belief into the next 2 games. Don’t go in with the same defeatist attitude as we did against Arsenal & Chelsea. The fact is if we are to survive we have to nick the odd point here and there against top opposition; other teams around us have done it so we need to do the same.
Spurs have a fantastic offense but there defense is questionable; Man Utd have numerous injuries (the latest being Nemanja Vidic) and are not the same team they once were. 2 draws and then a win on Dec 20th against Burnley will make my Christmas turkey taste so much better!
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I agree with No. 6
Everyone is doom & gloom bat after the results on Saturday we have a good chance to stay up & climb.
I think Burnley will do a Hull and we will see slowly slipping back down with Hull , Bolton & Pompey so we have a chance to stay up.
What is most worrying is our to Goal scorer is a reserve full back. Don’t get me wrong Jody has done brilliantly but we need a proven striker. Doyle has done well and works hard but it is goals we need.
Ward has hunger and is one of few who puts in 110% every time he wears the shirt. Elokobi is not worth of the reserves and was at fault for the equaliser at Everton. Send him to Preston with the rest of the deadwood.
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A better performance, the team dug in and the spirited play was evident.
The strikers are still not producing and that is a worry but having said that, Doyle had played a creative game and SEB if he continued working, will find the net again. As a striker that had produced the goods for the last 2 seasons, does not suddenly dried up just because it is the PL. SEB must continue to build up his confidence and belief in his ability.
There is hope for Wolves if they maintained the form and the momentum.
Up the Wolves……….
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So now we’ve got a creative midfielder! Neddy’s strike is surely a candidate for goal of the season.
Now we have to get Castillo in to replace Henry. Castillo has more muscle and is more attack-minded than Henry.
Zubar should come in for Berra when he’s fit as he’s got better pace.
SEB has been embarassing of late; fat and slow and looking very much out of his depth. There’s no room for passengers in this league. Replace him with Keough who showed earlier on that he can play with Doyle and unlike SEB surprisingly mobile and not afraid to get stuck in. He can at least keep hold of the ball and let us play in the final third.
If we are to persist with the long ball, we have to give the Hoff more game time. We’ve got six and half feet going to waste. I’m sure he’ll come good – just like Neddy Milijas – as he comes from a decent background. He just needs a chance.
Let’s keep the energy levels up and take the game to our opponents. We’ve had our blip – now for the bounce.
Up the Wolves!
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WELCOME 3 POINTS ON SATURDAY. BUT I DOUBT WE’LL PICK UP ANYTHING AT SPURS OR MAN UTD, SO BE INTERESTING SEE WHERE WE ARE WHEN BURNLEY COME TO US.
WE’RE STILL ODDS ON TO GO DOWN, BUT LET’S JUST ENJOY IT. AFTER ALL IT’S WHAT WE’VE ALL WANTED FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS. AND TO THINK WE’D BE ANYWHERE OTHER THAN THE BOTTOM 3 BY XMAS IS FOOLISH. AND TO THINK WE WON’T BE IN THE BOTTOM 3 COME MAY IS EVEN MORE FOOLISH.
WHO CARES!! STAY UP .. GO DOWN .. WE’LL ALL BE HERE AGAIN NEXT SEASON!!!
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So now we’ve got a creative midfielder! Neddy’s strike is surely a candidate for goal of the season.
Now we have to get Castillo in to replace Henry. Castillo has more muscle and is more attack-minded than Henry. Anyhow, time to give Henry a break.
Zubar should come in for Berra when he’s fit as he’s got better pace.
SEB has been embarassing of late; fat and slow and looking very much out of his depth. There’s no room for passengers in this league. Replace him with Keough who showed earlier on that he can play with Doyle and unlike SEB surprisingly mobile and not afraid to get stuck in. He can at least keep hold of the ball and let us play in the final third.
If we are to persist with the long ball, we have to give the Hoff more game time. We’ve got six and half feet going to waste. I’m sure he’ll come good – just like Neddy Milijas – as he comes from a decent background. He just needs a chance.
Let’s keep the energy levels up and take the game to our opponents. We’ve hit rock bottom – now for the bounce.
Up the Wolves!
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So now we’ve got a creative midfielder! Neddy’s strike is surely a candidate for goal of the season.
Now we have to get Castillo in to replace Henry. Castillo has more muscle and is more attack-minded than Henry.
Zubar should come in for Berra when he’s fit as he’s got better pace.
SEB has been embarassing of late; fat and slow and looking very much out of his depth. There’s no room for passengers in this league. Replace him with Keough who showed earlier on that he can play with Doyle and unlike SEB surprisingly mobile and not afraid to get stuck in. He can at least keep hold of the ball and let us play in the final third.
If we are to persist with the long ball, we have to give the Hoff more game time. We’ve got six and half feet going to waste. I’m sure he’ll come good – just like Neddy Milijas – as he comes from a decent background. He just needs a chance.
Let’s keep the energy levels up and take the game to our opponents. We’ve hit rock bottom – now for the bounce.
Up the Wolves!
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my only concern at the moment is the statistic that megson came out with on MOTD this weekend. we have scored 13 goals and 9 are from set pieces or something along those lines. This statistic alone, shows we are not nearly creative enough! Hopefully, with milijas now playing well, that problem is partially sorted, but kightly-when fit- and jarvis need to really up their game, as creativity is their job too, and as yet, they have created very little! I think in January, it is key that we sign at least one good winger, and for the time being, i would possibly be starting keogh upfront, as he has done far more this season than SEB and the Hoff!
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Excellent on saturday but I would be changing to 451 for spurs on saturday. If we try to make it a good open game I think we’ll be out played. I would bring Castilo in for SEB. Henry and Castilo bossed the midfield well in several games earlier in the season and would free Miijas up to have even more of an impact just in front of them. Also intersting to see James Beattie having a big row with Pulis at Stoke. Would £3m get him in Jan? Problem would be our reluctance to mess with the wage structure.
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We were in control at 2-0, Maierhofer for Sylvan was ok (pity he missed the sitter) but MM should have been looking to ensure the three points at 2-0 by bringing support on in defence with a properly agreed plan. MM suggests that Milijas has not adjusted to the premier league; I would suggest that, tactically, neither has he.
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james beattie in the jan transfer window anyone???
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Just read that James Beattie has had a big fallout with Pullis,we should try and sign him in Jan would make the perfect strike partner for Doyle as SEB just not making the grade.
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good 3 points, think the hoff will perform better than crouch if given the chance, just nobble defoe and we might have a chance. utw
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Congratulations lads.The commitment was there to be seen by everyone and is something you have to keep at for every game.The Hoff must start and be given a run Ebanks -Blake to me is not premiereship standard and I would like to see the Hoff in his place alongside Doyle for a spell. ick ,the word is Keane is becoming unsettled at Spurs and Beattie at Stoke,these two and Sol Campbell in at the back would be the answer.Yes ,may cost a bob or two but could mean climbing up the table.Have some guts Mr.Morgan and spend some money,don`t listen to that idiot Moxey.
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7 CJ69WWFC
Hurrah! someone who thinks we are capable of getting something out of Tottenham and Manchester United. If we can go in with confidence then cause we can get a result. If we go in and think we are not going to get anything from these teams then why bother turning up. Fans on this site are now saying we have to wait for the Burnley game. Please do not pass your lack of confidence onto the players. Come on Lads you can do this. Manchester United have been beaten by us before remember cause I do.
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Congratulations lads.Nice to see the commitment throughout the team,maintain that and we shall be well on our way up the table.I am a little concerned about Ebanks-Blake though.I just don`t think he is premiereship standard yet and would like to see The Hoff given an extended run alongside Doyle.It is time our strikers started getting goals.There is a rumour Mick that Keane is becoming unsettled at Spurs and Beattie at Stoke,these two and Sol Campbel in the side and we would soon be out of trouble.Mr.Morgan,we have to spend in January spend wisely don`t`let Mad Mick or Moxey near the money or we will be in serious trouble trying to do things on the cheap again.A xmas present for the fans, the se three players and a bonus for the fans a train ticket one way to anywhere.
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24 If Megson knew that, why didn’t they do better defending set pieces then?
They were all over the shop with Milli’s deliveries. They are low, flat and swerving…he’ll panic some of the best defences in the country with those
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Mancienne would make a great sweeper. He was unfairly blamed for some poor goals we conceded earlier in the season and we’ve missed him since. He was excellent at bringing the ball out from defense without having to just hoof it the pitch.
And I’m sorry, but Berra is a slightly better Neil Collins. He’s slow, makes clumsy tackles and his touch and distribution is poor. Just look at the stats, since he came in the team we’ve been defensively poor.
We need Zubar (who is meant to be fit for sat) in the middle alongside Craddock as we don’t currently have pace in the centre of defense and its costing us goals against the better teams.
Also, Jarvis aint doing anything. I like the guy but he’s not scored and his crossing is poor. I’d try and sign Ledley and Pennant in Jan as we need cover on the wings, ideally from players better than what we already have.
I think we can get a point at Spurs but only if we play an extra man in midfield and inject some pace into the defence.
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I think its time we give the big striker a chance SEB aint scoring so lets see what he can do. and I dont mean 5 Mins off the bench give him a full 90 mins before we judge him
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I fancy us for 1-1 against Spurs on Saturday.
Fight, fight wherever you may be.
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WONDERS WERE THE MM OUT BRIGADE ARE TODAY ?
CLOWNS HAVE GONE INTO HIDING I THINK !
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well done boys! i wonder if MM had started Milijas against birmingham would the result of been different and actually created something!! ohh well thats in the past now look forward to spurs…COME ON YOU WOLVESS!!!!
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WAS AT THE MATCH ON SATURDAY AND THOUGHT THE BOYS WHERE GREAT.THE LAST 10MINS WHERE A NIGHTMARE, BUT WHAT ENTERTAINMENT!
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WE WANT WE WANT THE HOFF
NOBODY KNOWS WHAT HE CAN DO
BECAUSE MM DOES’NT PLAY HIM
GIVE HIM 90 MINUTES HE MUST DO BETTER THAN SEB
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Like most on here I agree it was a much improved performance on Saturday but obviously against poor opposition. SEB has to be rested though…and put on a diet! Maybe the Hoff in on Sat as at least he can mark Crouch on set pieces ;-). Is Foley ready to be recalled at right back or should we stick with Stearmann? Ward is certainly our best LB at present and Castillo must come into MF to add a bit of bite…and he has the odd attempt at goal too.
Sat team:
Hannemann
Foley
Craddock
Zubar/Stearmann
Ward
Henry (just in front of the back 4, MM will never drop him!)
Milijas
Castillo
Jarvis (needs to get at their RB – or LB – like Everton did)
Doyle
Hoff
(Keogh to replace Hoff if Crouch doesn’t play!)
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would somebody mind pointing out why on earth we are being linked with players of such high pedegree as ROB HULSE????????????????? preperation for the championship next season maybe? id say a better bet would be a decent offer for james beattie would be a better bet after his bust up with pulis…
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Jarvis and Milijas our hopes rest with you, Doyle and a seemingly inspired Hahnemann.
Seb must be dropped, loaned out even, and we ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO bring in an experienced striker in the transfer.
surely a new strategy for Spurs and Manure – 4-5-1 lets try and eek out a goalless draw at one of them.
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We need to keep the majority of players in from Saturday but agree with some that SEB needs to be rested. The injury has affected his mobility and confidence. We would therefore have the choice of either the Hoff – bigger physical presence and will get stuck in – or Keogh – more skill, vision and touch. Either or could work as Spurs are not that good at the back.
The other potential changes in the next few weeks – as we must pick up points in December – are Foley, Zubar and Castillo. If Foley comes in Stearman or Zubar can challenge Berra and Castillo to challenge Edwards.
Mancienne does not look the same player as last!
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Have read that Robbie Keane has fallen out of favour with Rednapp and is looking for a loan move to Celtic,why dont we try to sign him for the remainder of the season apparantly Spurs will fund half his wages,this would make good sense with Keanes ties to Wolves and his Irish teammates and connections,imagine the season tickets that would be sold JEZ.
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Rob Hulse?! James Beattie – maybe. But if Villa really are considering selling Carew for £ 5 mill. (to Fenerbache), Wolves should join the contest. The guy still can score goals, and he really has improved in setting up teammates for goals. I think playing him and Doyle together up front could be promising. (5 mill doesn’t sound realistic, though.)
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