A hat-trick could set Wolves up
Friday 24th September 2010, 9:15AM BST.
Wolves blogger Tim Spiers believes the team can set themselves up for the winter by going on a three-game run starting with Villa on Sunday.
Two games, 10 goals, controversy involving one moron on the field and a fair few off it, as well as the submission of stadium expansion plans which could be the catalyst to usher in a new golden age at Molineux.
It’s been a fairly busy week, one way or another.
And the excitement continues apace this Sunday, with the first of what could potentially be three key games in determining our fate for the season.
Villa and West Ham at home, with Wigan away sandwiched in between, may not look like season-defining fixtures.
Indeed, come the final reckoning we may have lost these three matches and still stayed up, or lost all three and finished comfortably in mid table.
But I’m looking a little further down the line – from October 23 onwards – from when we face the daunting quartet of Chelsea (a), Manchester City (h), Manchester United (a) and Arsenal (h).
Last season we failed to garner a single point from any of these teams and the odds will be pretty short on a repeat performance in 2010-11.
So put into context, a two or three point haul against the Villans, the Latics and the Hammers may result in us being slightly off the pace until November at least.
The flip side of that though is that we could pick up six, seven or, dare I say, nine points before we travel to Stamford Bridge next month, leaving us looking up and not down.
The signs are there that we can return to winning ways in the league as Gerard Houllier returns to the Premier League with Villa.
The Frenchman’s appointment plants the media gaze firmly in the direction of our visitors, which suits us down to the ground particularly given the recent barracking of our style of play.
Last season we were eight minutes away from beating Villa on their own turf with a top drawer performance, I remember thinking that was the day we finally started looking like a Premier League side.
Earlier in the season we also matched them at Molineux in a slow-burning 1-1 draw, when Richard Dunne’s marshalling of Kevin Doyle made it into the ‘top five penalties of 2009-10 that should have been given for Wolves but were not’ list.
While Villa’s tremendous quality as a group of individuals – Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Stephen Ireland, Stewart Downing, John Carew et al is indisputable – they have had little continuity of late.
And with Houllier pledging to bring in continental training techniques which will “take time to be accepted,”let’s hope the new manager syndrome is of the negative variety.
As for our own form, we may have lost two on the trot in the league but by no means did Fulham or Tottenham turn us over. On the contrary, we would have picked up points in both were in not for individual errors.
Some supporters may be calling for a few changes to be made to the starting line-up in light of those mistakes, but I see no need to punish the likes of Stephen Ward and Christophe Berra, who it must not be forgotten are still developing their games in the harsh glare of the Premier League spotlight.
Doyle and Steven Fletcher were salivatingly good, albeit against League One opposition, on Tuesday night and I’d like to see them in tandem against Villa.
If our manager Mick McCarthy echoes those thoughts I don’t envy him having to tell Sylvan Ebanks-Blake he’s not in the side, but Doyle and Fletcher exude just that little bit more all-round quality, both as individuals and a partnership.
One major plus of the early jousting so far this season has been our ability to score in every game.
So far we’ve averaged 1.7 goals a game, compared to 0.8 from last season and, although Sylvan has netted two himself, I think we’re likely to create more chances with Doyle and Fletcher in the side.
In midfield, Jelle van Damme has settled in nicely in old gold and, although clearly not an out-and-out winger in the Matt Jarvis mould, he’ll certainly do a job while we patiently wait for Stephen Hunt and Michael Kightly to return to fitness.
The Belgian wins more than his fair share of headers, an important quality which we don’t have in abundance throughout the side, isn’t afraid to get stuck in and also picks a good pass.
At the back I’d be surprised if Berra didn’t return in place of Richard Stearman, who was startlingly error-prone in midweek, with the ever-dependable Jody Craddock alongside him.
That’ll be 4-4-2 as well please Mick, with the following personnel – Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Foley, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Van Damme, Karl Henry, David Jones, Jarvis, Doyle, Fletcher.
Whatever the result on Sunday it will be a pleasure to officially say goodbye to one of the greatest goalkeepers ever to have pulled on a Wolves jersey, Matt Murray.
In sharp contrast to the antics this week of a certain former Albion striker, Matt has been the ultimate professional since the day he made his Wolves debut all those years ago at Selhurst Park.
His quiet but steely determination, charming persona, frighteningly good abilities between the sticks and, above all, his modesty, make it all the more difficult to accept that Matt will never play at Molineux again.
I’d urge anyone at the game on Sunday to forego a half-time pint, just this once, to show your appreciation to the man who would unquestionably have played for England many times by now were it not for his astonishing bad luck with injuries.
Fingers crossed our current goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and the lads can pay their own tributes to Matt by picking what would be three very welcome points.
UK Sport
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I’d like to see Guedioura in, he’s got pace and power, and is nicely competitive.
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I have been fortunate to meet Matt on a number of occasions and he is the antithesis of the modern footballer. He is always unassuming and approachable. Great shame to be forced into retirement but such a great bloke will surely be successful at whatever he does.
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Agreed on Matt.
I saw that debut at Selhurst park and you could see he had a presence.
Unfortunately his stature seems to have worked against his recovery, but I hope he gets to a level of fitness where he can enjoy the rest of his life.
Up the Wolves, and if there is one team I want to beat this season, its Villa. COME ON YOU WOLVES>
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Nice Blog and Matt Murray has been the perfect professional and it certainly makes me sad to think he will never play for Wolves again. He will get a very warm goodbye.
Lee Hughes and the idiots that threw bricks at the Notts County supporters bus should all be in prison and not playing in or attending football matches, simple.
Dont really agree with your starting line-up, I like Wardys effort but unfortunately he has made too many mistakes and is not quite quick enough, Guerdoira MUST start. Doyle and Fletcher must run at Dunne and Collins who are excellent in the air but slow on the floor.
Hahnemann
Zubar / Foley
Craddock
Berra (mouyokolo when fit)
Van Damme
Jarvis
Henry
Guerdoira
Jones
Fletcher
Doyle
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Ive seen some very good GK’s in my time watching Wolves, the likes of Malcolm Finlyson, Phil Parkes,Gary Peirce,Mike Stowell,Paul Jones, the guy we’ve got in now isn’t bad either. But Matt Murray stands ‘head and shoulders’ above them all, except for M.F. although i only saw the last year or two of his career, so cant comment to much about him. But Matt like so many ppl on here have said many many times, if he had stayed fit, would have played for England ( still playing ) many times ,breaking the record for a GK, and possibly any out field player too. He was that good, the only downside to that is he wouldn’t have been wearing a Wolves GK shirt. He would have without doubt been ‘SOLD’ to make our owners/Moxey a ‘big profit’ to keep the club running, as any decent player we’ve had as been ‘SOLD’ to keep the club running and paying wages for players/staff included. Im not saying Matt would have ‘EVER’ asked for a transfer as he’s always been ‘LOYAL’ to our club, but the decision would have been taken for him, by Moxey and co. I know the ‘FANS’ will give him a standing ovation for 5mins or so, because they all love Matty. ‘GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE MATT’ GOOD LUCK ON SUNDAY LADS. UTW
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Not going to disagree with your starting line up suggested, but they need to play their hearts out to ensure the correct result is gained. Can’t wait til Sunday. Up the Wolves
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Can’t wait for this one.
Im going for a 2-0 Wolves win, Craddock with the fost back poost!!
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Ive spoken with Matt , many times inside the ground, and outside too, he’s such a lovely and polite man. A man who will always give you time, unlike many so called ‘Super Star Footballers’ ( who can only think about MONEY ). I like many other supporters ‘WANT’ WWFC to give him a job in some capacity, as he deserves a bit of luck, after what he’s gone through over the years with severe injuries. I know some people will say he’s been well paid for doing nothing, but thats not what Matt ever wanted, he loved playing for WWFC and he loved the supporters too. So once again Mr Morgan ‘PLEASE PLEASE’ find him a job, hopefully as a GK coach, when he’s passed his badges,if not on the PR side of things as i believe he would be a Great Ambassador for WWFC. UTW
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good luck matt – if he hasnt already he should be given some kind of role within the club, ambasadorial or maybe giving advice to kids coming thru about coping with injury?
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An excellent article, balanced, considered and thoughtful. Hopefully this message board will manage some of the same this weekend. I would play Geudioura as we need more legs and to give them more to think about defensivley. Move van Damme to LB if he is fit.
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I prefer Guedioura to any of our central midfielders and normally I’d say he should be a definite starter for this one.
But he looked shattered towards the end of 120 minutes on Tuesday and considering David Jones was rested, I will be VERY surprised if Adlene starts on Sunday.
There’s also an argument which says Guedioura is a great player to come off the bench because he’s so tenacious – he’s more of a game-changer than someone like Mancienne. I can see this being the case on Sunday too, much as he affected the game at Everton.
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I also think we need 7 points at least from the next three fixtures – we may be in the bottom three come K.O.
I think we need extra bite and guile in midfield against Villa and I’d like to see Guedioura come in for Ward, with Van Damme moving to left back.
Also when fit, Zubar is a must over Foley and hopefully Mouyokolo will be better than Berra and Stearman.
Team for sat – 4-4-2/4-4-3
Hahnemann
Foley/Zubar if fit
Craddock
Berra/Mouyokolo if fit
Van Damme
Guedioura
Henry
Jones
Jarvis
Doyle
Fletcher
P.S. All the best Matt, I’ll be there to show my appreciation on Sunday – best keeper I’ve ever seen down at the Mol, you could and should have played for England.
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ong why cant you do that every game
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Good luck, Matt. I am old enough to have watched Bert and Malcolm et al and you deserve your place alongside the Wolves’ goalkeeping “greats”. I’ll never forget your superb game at the Millennium Stadium. Along with everyone else, I wish you every success for the future.
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Before Tuesday I was pining for Guedioura to take that right midfield slot, but he was dreadful against Notts County, played countless misplaced passes and generally ran around like a headless chicken. Really disappointing as he looked superb in that position against Sunderland at the end of last season. I rate him highly but he blew his chance.
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Repeat after me, everybody.
Guedioura.
Guedioura.
GUEDIOURA.
That is all.
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I agree with your suggested team….what a contrast between the two front pairings on Tuesday!…Bent and Blake were ordinary against League 1 opposition while Doyle and Fletcher were altogether a different class.
Some people have called for van Damme to move to left back but he hasn’t got the pace for that….he was roasted against Bilbao.
The two I would be sorry to leave out are Adlene and Mancienne, but both could contribute from the bench. What about some people’s idea that Mancienne could be tried at left back ?
Come on Wolves…back to League form and some points!!!!!
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Tim, you make a good point about Van Damme’s strength in the air and in general he has played well in the games he’s played in. However, on Sunday Villa will probably have Ashley Young and Marc Albrighton on the wings. If Jarvis is fit, then he will be needed to help defend one of the fullbacks. Which means that Van Damme will probably not start as I don’t think he is mobile enough.
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Come on TIM get real- S.WARD is not a premiership player and should not be a starter. I would put Van Damme at left back right now. Get Guediora in the team and YES with Fletch & Doyler upfront.
COME ON WOLVES
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Good well balance blog. Next three games are very important when you consider what follows. The Houllier effect will be key to Sunday. Very often a new manager inspires a team to improve, and let’s face it Villa have not had the best of starts. However the drawn out way the Frenchman has taken over from McDonald and the history he has with one or two of the side, plus a few injury doubts…well you never know. It’s about time we beat them.
Perhaps enough has already been said about Hughes, but, his pre-meditated antics and those of the fool who let off that flare, certainly started a chain reaction. The FA have said they’ll take no further action. How wrong is that !
I was lucky enough to have seen the tail end of Bert Williams career and all of Malcolm Finlayson’s, and others since, but we all knew we had a very special goalkeeper in Matt Murray. I shan’t miss half a pint on Sunday, I’ll just start a bit earlier, but, I’ll be there !
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I agree with all the positive comments about MM…..and wish him all the best for the future.
Sorry to be a pedant, Tim, but he made his debut v Wimbledon [A]…in 2002…I was there…it was when the Wimbledon fans were boycotting the Club and most of the 3000 attendance were wearing old gold !!!
We lost 2-3.
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19 Balham Wolf – Have to disagree with you there. No one tries harder than Ward and although he’s still learning I think he has all the qualities needed to make a Premier League quality left back.
21 The Cullis Dome – If you were there then you’d know it was at Selhurst Park! What exactly is the error you’re trying to point out?
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good blog tim, cant wait for zubar,adlene gaudiera, hunt, kightly to come back, with the players already in the squad we will stay up,
just heared the club have sent that 78 year old lady from notts county some flowers and chocolates in the shape of a brick to apologise for tuesdays attack. utw
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Tim
I criticised your blog last week for being too biased and backing statements up with opinions and half-truths, so it’s probably only fair I should say that I thought this blog was really well written and balanced!!
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When’s someone on the coaching staff going to straighten out Hennessey about taking responsibility? I shudder to think what’s going to happen if USA gets injured. Can’t Matt Murray have a word with the Welsh whizz about commitment and crosses?
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20 Eastwood’s Rubbish.
Don’t forget the premeditated abuse from the terraces.
4 laughing wolf.
I suppose we’ad better put those responsible for the abuse from the terrace’s in prison as well,to make it fair.
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The people clamouring for Van Damme to be left back have obviously not been to all the games. I like the look of him but he is struggling to play half a game at present. Elokobi is definitely not the answer after Tuesday’s performance.
The team picked is about right and Van Damme should be acclimatised to play left back once Hunt is available. Full strength and Wolves are a mid-table team but as we saw on Tuesday some of the back up squad are not up for it!
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Did I say you made an error, Tim ? Never been known… I was being pedantic in the interests of establishing that it was not Palace [as some might have deduced] against whom he made his debut.
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Good blog.
My best wishes and good luck go to Matt Murray. Could.nt wish for a nice guy. 8 Tom Wolf I agree that he needs to stay at the Wolves in whatever capacity his presence is an assett to the club.
25 Welshpool I agree with regards to Hennessy dont know what has happened to him but I feel since Bobby Mimms left he has not been the same. He does scare the life out of me sometimes.
Must put Fletcher and Hunt up front on Sunday.
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16. petenuts; I do hope so !!! Your previous long long long winded posts are similar to tooth ache. If you must, keep them short because no one likes a long one. ( ooooohhh matron )
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Why does not wolves play like this: (when all players are fit)
4-4-2
Hahnemann
foley
mouyokolo
berra
van damme
kightly
mancienne
david jones
jarvis
ebanks-blake
doyle
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van damme hasnt lasted a game because of niggling injuries not because of his overall fitness. I think he should replace steven ward after the way he cost us the game last week. However, i doubt MM will replace ward for at least another 2 or 3 bad peformances.
Its a shame for seb really 2 goals in 3 games and i doubt he will be starting.
Whoever plays though we just got to get behind the lads and support them, we need to get back to winning ways and its about time we won a west midlands derby. Up the wolves.
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Kev
You obviously can’t live without your beloved Albion, that’s why you’re enjoying the Spanish sun…………..
Be a good boy eh, and grow up, stop trying to defend Hughes, let me tell you a little secret, he wouldn’t return the favour.
Really, I know you lot still adore him but he has moved on!!!
Think about it!!!
Tough game for us on Sunday, however, we are generally in decent form & have deserved something from the last 2 games & really should still be unbeaten.
Id take a draw now, but I do think we can sneak a win by the odd goal, it’s time we beat them
2 – 1 Doyle & Fletch
KTF
Wolvwsforever
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33 Grace.
Not trying to defend Hughes,just giving a more balanced opinion.
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Kev
Yeah, very balanced, what about the premeditated writing on the tee shirt & sticking it on under his Notts County shirt.
No matter what happened the div was doing what he did anyway.
Like I said think about it.
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Just seen my error i meant fletcher and doyle up front silly me Hunt still injured I knew what I meant really sorry
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(33,35)
Greasy,
Listen girl, the cause of the trouble wasn’t the T-shirt. Hughes scored a beautiful header and the dingles couldn’t take it because he’s
exALBION. Also Hughes had nothing to do with flare,coins or stoning coaches containing old women and children. So come off your high horse and admit Wolves are a debase club on and off the pitch. JtH.
P.S. The catcalls started as soon as he came
out. FACT.
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