Wolves boss braced for clear out

Thursday 6th May 2010, 11:45AM BST.

Wolves boss braced for clear out

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has predicted the next stage of rebuilding will not be easy as the club prepare for a Molineux clear out this summer.

The manager will have to “break up” his squad rather than “shatter” and open the door to as many as a dozen players who will need to leave to regain regular first team football as part of the process.

A host of players headed by out-of-contract homegrown duo Daniel Jones and Mark Little, plus Matt Hill, Jason Shackell and George Friend along with last summer’s arrivals Greg Halford, Andrew Surman and Stefan Maierhofer are likely to be among those allowed to leave.

It also seems highly unlikely the club will extend the loans of Segundo Castillo and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia, while Kyle Bennett – one of seven academy graduates handed one-year contracts 12 months ago – has already been on trial at Leicester and Port Vale.

More departures could be on the way, depending on whether certain players are prepared to continue competing for places after failing to secure regular starts.

This group includes Chris Iwelumo, Sam Vokes and possibly even Richard Stearman, who has failed to start in his two spring-times at Molineux.

McCarthy is braced for a difficult job in implementing the inevitable turnover.

He saidL “None of it is easy because it’s a well-run club and it’s a happy place. People enjoy being here and there’s a really good team spirit.

“Breaking that up is never easy but I’ve got to do it. I haven’t got to shatter it, but the players have formed a great bond and some will go. That’s a natural process in the summer, part of life.

“But then some will want to go as well, because they won’t want to be sat here being a squad player.”

McCarthy will not be announcing any decisions until after Sunday’s final game of the season against Sunderland.

He said: “I want to get the season out of the way first – I won’t be talking about anyone’s futures or contracts at the moment.

“I don’t want to start talking about off the top of my head, because it’s not something I’ve been thinking about.”


  1. 1
    Greg Cooper

    Of our loanees, I think we need to try and keep Mancienne and Guedioura.. Castillo and Mujangi Bia can be set free. I think we should also release Iwelumo and sell Maierhofer, although Sam Vokes should be retained unless we are able to get another tall, powerful, experienced striker to replace him. Likewise Andy Surman – I think the guy has potential, so rather than sell him, we should loan him out for the season to a good Championship club. We can then see how he has developed this time next year.. I would possibly say the same for George Friend but he probably has less chance of getting in the first team than Surman so selling him may be the best option. Hill, Dan Jones, Little, Shackell, Ikeme, Halford – I wouldn’t shed any tears if any of them went. We need to keep Stearman though, he has shown that he can play at this level – he was stupid to get sent off against Wigan but that should not spell the end of his Molineux career. We would need to recruit a couple of extra players at the back – another left-back (Konchesky, Shorey) and perhaps another centre-half (Steven Taylor of Newcastle, or even a punt on Ashley Williams at Swansea, who is Wolverhampton born and bred).

    It cannot be denied that we need a good clear-out, our squad is currently looking bulky and over-stocked and needs to be trimmed down to the 25 that is the regulation from next season onwards. Get rid of the numbers above and bring in 4 or 5 Premier League quality players, spend around £20 – 22m and show the rest of the division that we mean to stay here a lot longer than 2 seasons!

    WWFC

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  2. 2
    jason

    MM is right about the squad,we have to have a clearout so we can bring in some new faces,i would load out some of the fringe players to a lower league club so they can improve as players .lets spend about £25-£30 million on some quality players so can be in the premier league for a long time.

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  3. 3
    BJWolf

    I agree that a clear out is necessary and quality over quantity is the way forward. No complaints over the majority of the names suggested to be moved on, but surely it is worth keeping hold of Stearman. The needless penalty he gave away against Wigan (I think it was)and subsequent sending off, hasn’t helped his cause in Mick’s eyes. But he is young and learning all the time. For a defender, he has a bit of pace and looks reasonably comfortable on the ball. With experience and age I am sure he will mature into a quality player.
    You could say it is a bit harsh getting shot of the likes of Surman, Vokes & big Chris. If they are prepared to be squad players keep hold and loan them out. As for the others mentioned, get rid – sooner rather than later

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  4. 4
    Copenhagen Wolf

    1 game from start, 7 games as a sub. I’d understand if The Hoff feels like he hasnt been given a chance.

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  5. 5
    dave

    Can someone explain to me the 25 squad regulation and what this will mean for Wolves? With so many experts on line someone can help out eh? ;-)

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  6. 6
    luke skywalker

    Agree with most of your comments Greg, but would not keep Guedioura. Would rather buy Sidwell from Villa to give us more attacking impetus from the middle of the park

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  7. 7
    Paulo

    Most of the names mentioned I would let go, but I agree with Greg, we should keep Surman, Vokes and Stearman. If we let them go, they are going to end up being good premiership players with someone else.

    Mick does like to have 3 cloggers in the middle of the pitch, so i fear Surman could struggle to get into the side, even though he is a real footballer and can create.

    Guedioura needs to be signed up too, give hima run in the team and let him adapt, I think he will flourish.

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  8. 8
    The Wise Wolf

    No 1 Greg Cooper talks a lot of sense and there’s not too much to add. However will the replacements be any better. As for the Hoff, who in their right mind would want to buy him.

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  9. 9
    Telford Jag

    Stearman has to stay excellent player and if we do let him go I bet he goes on to play in the top half of the premiership. Weren’t Liverpool romoured to be interested in signing him last summer?

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  10. 10
    Albrightondek

    I’m sure we all have our idea’s on who should go and who should be retained.

    I doubt that all the suggested players listed in the above article will go as we need to retain a squad, which will include players who will not be first choice. Wolves were relatively lucky this season with few injuries and suspensions. Next season maybe different.

    Of the players mentioned, I would be surprised if Stearman would be released. Still think he has potential.

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  11. 11
    tettenhall wolves

    wolves clear out should include hennessey .ikeme if not murray will be fit in summer far better keeper in my eyes ,wayne is by far too light weight ,doesnt command his area enough .the hoff will go ,but for how much >? i have spoken to alot of insiders at the training ground and they have all said he is one of the worse players they have ever worked with ,he has one special talent and that is his height ,but with that he is no good as he cannot get off the ground ,goodluck mick in the summer spending ,i for one want to see hunt here ,i also think we need to sign a good centre half as i think crad’s will struggle next season trying to play at the highest level.and a good midfielder along side henry ,and snotter someone like an old downing ,keith not stuart by the way ,or like ince .

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  12. 12
    sevlow

    Iwelumo, Halford, Castillo, The Hoff, Hill, Friend, Dan Jones, Shackell, Little would be my pick of those to leave. Surman I would keep and both Bia and Guedioura as well.
    We need a left back urgently! I watched Lee Naylor play for Celtic the other night and he looks to have matured into a decent player and would not cost the earth. I think Stearman should stay because I dont think Jody Craddock will be up to another full season at prem pace. Jamie O’hara would be someone I would like to see at Wolves. Then we need a striker to compliment Doyle but good strikers are hard to come by. Dont forget the Kights will be back and that is like signing a new player for us, I hope he can show his true potential with an injury free season.
    Looking forward to seeing who will be out and who comes in!

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  13. 13
    kiwiwolf

    Guedioura and stearman must stay…
    Millias too plsssssssssssssss…

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  14. 14
    OZWOLF

    would definitely keep stearman, surman and vokes as there all young and show great potential.

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  15. 15
    Tomwolf

    Keep Stearman,Iwelumo,loan out Surman,Vokes. get rid of the rest as MM wont play them ever again anyway, so whats the point in keeping them and ruining the careers.Stearman is a very good footballer just a bit rash in tackling at times, but he’s young and keen dont want to take it all away from him, plus he can play anywhere in the back four, or holding midfielder as he’s comfortable on the ball,and he’s English too. UTW

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  16. 16
    SIR TERRY BAGGIE

    you will soon be following them mick,dont worry bout that aye boing boing

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  17. 17
    SIR TERRY BAGGIE

    1, you mean to stay there,but now that weem back you know you,l be going down aye boing boing

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  18. 18
    Surrey yam-yam

    I agree that we need to keep our young developing players but the squad limit of 25 will mean that we just can’t keep them all. Here’s the details.

    The Premier League will introduce a new quota system from next season which will order clubs to have a 25-man squad limit and no more than 17 players can be over the age of 21 and not home-grown.

    These plans were originally drawn up in September last year but I can’t remember if it was actually voted in.

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  19. 19
    John De Wolf

    Defo keep Stearman, Surman and Vokes. Add to that, Guidoura and Milijas.

    Out can go, Maierhofer, Halford, Castillo, Munjangi, and all the other fringe players who’ve been on loan or not figured this season.

    I’d like to get Scharner in from Wigan on a free – he can play either centre back or centre midfield and scores goals. or Wheater from Boro.

    I’d go for Garrido at left back from man city too, he doesn’t get a look in there but was great under sven and is only 25, with a good left foot. Alternatively, Shorey or Belhadj.

    I’d go back for Hunt as well, and maybe Eagles. Ledley is on a free and is worth a shout. Also O’Hara on loan from spurs.

    I’d also love to see Keane come back, prob on loan first, and maybe go for Beckford on a free too.

    I think all these are realistic targets if the club are really ready to invest in 4-5 ready made premier league players.

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  20. 20
    purewolves

    I know that some of the players will have to go that is understandable and I am sure that the right decisions will be made.

    What do some of the fans think of perhaps Kevin Doyle and Sam Vokes teaming up together just a thought.

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  21. 21
    SIR TERRY BAGGIE

    meks no diffrence who stays n who goes,yam still guin down aye boing boing

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  22. 22
    john

    i will remain consistent and say again that some players in the squad already know they wont be here next season, and this is going on behind the scenes now
    Bia – has not impressed
    Castillo- not in MM plans
    Stearman – has struggled
    halfold
    Suman
    iwelumo – not good enough at this level
    Friend
    Hill
    Keogh
    SEB – yes with probably 2 new strikers in
    Edwards- yes- place will be under threat.
    All the above in my opinion are under serious threat.

    We will do well to hold on to Doyle, Hennessey, if a good bid comes in.

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  23. 23
    sad old git

    stearman should be playing,better than the rest except zubar/craddock.guedioura/milijas
    should stay,but rest plus the muppet can go.
    the big problem is the muppet only wants players that do as they are told,and with out a
    mined of there own,and put a shift in.
    but that means that they are not much good.

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  24. 24
    English Exile

    If MM gets rid of all the dead wood who is going to play with Doyle?

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  25. 25
    YAMYAMTHRU'N'THRU

    12-are you being serious when you say bring back lee naylor..as a fellow yam yam i will give you the benefit of the doubt and believe you say this in jest,either that or a drunken stupor.i agree the most important part of the team that needs to be sttrenthened would be that of left back,as elokobi and former striker turned left winger turned left back mr ward cant cut the proverbial mustard.A stong centre back is essential too,maybe 2 of them,must be quick and experienced.Though I believe our midfield to be fine when complimented with a new winger,and 2 strikers of the same mould we have now,i.e doylie.With players going out and fees being recouped people forget that 19 million pounds as quoted will not be 19 million spent,if we make 4 or 5 million for these players going out,well you do the math.well done mick and the boys.

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  26. 26
    Eastwood's Rubbish

    I think most posters have named the players that need to go. It’s the ones like Stearman, Surman and Milijas where the difficult decisions lie. The latter just hasn’t shown he’s capable of sustaining Premiership quality. Yes he’s class, but that sub performance against Blackburn was embarrassing. I’m afraid pace is something you either have or have not.

    5) Dave. The squad has to be 25 players , any nationality, but 8 have to be ‘homegrown’ which means they must have spent three years before their 21st birthday in the English/Welsh system. This can be with any club (which I misunderstood to start with). Under21 academy players can boost the squad over the named 25.
    Everybody agree ?

    Sir Terry Baggie. The wind ups are humourless and childish. Before you start shouting the odds, are you seriously contemplating playing Olsson in the Premiership ?
    Bjorn…Bjorn…Ooops

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  27. 27
    Terry Dickens [astraltrader]

    Getting rid of Stearman would be sheer folly in my opinion.

    I would hate to see him become the finished article at a club other than ours.

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  28. 28
    molly knew

    SIR TERRY AWFUL THORNS BAGGIE – You are a typical steptoe – no brains and no idea that your club has not a hope in hell of staying up as your chairman is too tight fisted to speculate on fees and wages. Still look on the bright side – you can yoyo back to the fizzy pop league where you belong with your small club mentality and miserly attitude!!
    BONG BONG DOWN DOWN!!

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  29. 29
    bill Forrest

    Ontwolf

    I would like to see Volks start on sun.Has anyone noticed he has scored in three of his last four games in the reserves.Why does Hannaman kick the ball up the field all the time when there is only Doyle up there?

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  30. 30
    Grace

    This would be my surplus to requirments list.

    Sales/released

    Matt Hill
    Dan Jones
    Mark Little
    Hennessey
    The Hoff
    Shackell
    Keogh
    Bia
    Castillo
    Halford
    Milijas

    Loaned Out
    Vokes
    Surman
    Friend
    Kightly (just for 3 mths to get match fittness)
    Ismail
    Elokobi

    Replace with,
    Hunt
    Sidwell
    Shorey
    Dindane
    Carroll
    O’Hara

    Loan
    Mannciene
    Traore
    Ben Foster

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  31. 31
    Old Gold Portion of Chips

    Personally , I was pinning my hopes on recalls for Vokes and Stearman THIS season with Surman to come through next year . The first two already have the quality to play at Premiership level .MM MUST sort out the defence prior to next season so that supporters have fingernails at the end of it. Foley at right back and Zubar at centre back plus at least a bid for Shorey. By the way ,well done to Jody Craddock.I had major doubts but he was inspirational this season and fully deserved the accolades.(Stayed) Up the Wolves.

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  32. 32
    poole from poole

    harry redknapp said 3 years ago that sam vokes will b a top premiership player! and i agree,also surman should stay may be out on loan!

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  33. 33
    scoobywolves

    Think it’s upto MM who he’s going to let go this summer, as for signings aint got the foggiest, as it’s more likely we are getting the donkeys from the relegated teams.

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  34. 34
    spanish ray

    Stearman,Vokes and Surman to stay.If they do stay it should be to become better at their game and become Premiereship players.Snag,who is going to help them improve,Mick McCarthy? don` make me laugh, he should also be on his bike.He is already offering Doyle for sale and talking about getting in some guy from Austria again.Look what he did with the Hoff,never gave him a chance.Why did he buy him?An Austrian international,European goalscorer and MM never gave him a look-in.And we have people on this site who think he is a good manager and Moxey likes him because he says yes sir no sir three bags full sir.Get a life.

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  35. 35
    JACK the HAT.

    (26)

    Olsson is better than any of your ten first team defenders.

    (30)

    Grace,
    According to you, Wolves Scouting Dep’t is rubbish.Eighteen out nine in,how many signings to make up your squad and at what cost to Mr. Morgan?.

    ~~~~BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.

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  36. 36
    TERENCE PAUL

    SIR TERRY BAGGIE …. BEFORE YOU ASSESS OUR SQUAD HAVE A GOOD LOOK AT YOUR PATHETIC SQUAD… NOW SHUT UP WATCH AND LEARN FROM US. YOU SILLY MAN

    Report abuse

  37. 37
    TERENCE PAUL

    PLAY ISMAIL SUNDAY ALSO……..LETS HAVE A LOOK AT HIM

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  38. 38
    Conkers in gravy

    12) Lee Naylor? That would be the Lee Naylor who was hounded by whingeing Wolves fans for three years before gratefully accepting a deal with Celtic? And that would be the Lee Naylor who struggled to get a start in a disintegrating Celtic side run by an idiot? If he’s going anywhere, I doubt it will be Wolverhampton.

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