Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Wolves rocked by Elokobi injury
Saturday 16th April 2011, 11:30AM BST.
George Elokobi
Wolves were today left reeling by another injury blow with George Elokobi set to miss the rest of the season.
The Cameroon-born left-back tore his left hamstring in training yesterday and will be out for four weeks.
Manager Mick McCarthy said: “It’s another injury blow we could do without. It looks like he will be out for four weeks. It’s a shame because he’d been playing well.”
Elokobi’s absence will open the door again for Stephen Ward.
But it’s a setback Wolves could do without with Kevin Doyle possibly out for the season and Ronald Zubar already ruled out until next campaign, with Stephen Hunt and Dave Edwards also battling to be fit.
Four weeks takes Elokobi to May 14, the date of Wolves’ penultimate game of the season, away to Sunderland, leaving the powerful defender little chance to get up to speed again before the curtain falls on the campaign the following week.
Apart from his three-match ban for his sending off against Doncaster in the FA Cup, Elokobi had been an ever-present at left-back since November 13.
Ward’s likely call to arms comes at a time when he could be on fresh standby up front because of Doyle’s knee injury, as the only experienced back-up to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher.
Wolves have two other left-backs, Scott Malone and Jamie Reckord, out on loan at Burton and Northampton until the end of the season. Both have recently been handed new contracts, but it’s highly unlikely they will be risked in a Premier League survival battle.
Wolves defender Richard Stearman, meanwhile, today revealed ‘it’s good to talk’ after getting things off his chest on and off the pitch.
Last Saturday’s 3-0 collapse to Everton prompted an angry exchange between Stearman and Christophe Berra.
Stearman admitted successive heavy defeats and a soul-searching week on the training ground have brought some tough words between management and players alike.
“Sometimes you need to tell each other how you feel and express your opinion – whether it’s a quiet word or shouting at someone, it’s got to be done,” said Stearman.
“You need to tell people what you need from them and sometimes the best way to do that is by having a few words.”
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What a time for the team to fall apart when we need all our players to get us out of the mess that we are in!
Zubar, Doyle, Hunt & now Elokobi.
Whose next!
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I like George Elokobi and think he has improved considerably over the past 12-18 months. He has, however, NOT played well lately, and should really have been rested for a while now, anyway. A pity it takes an injury to cause this change. I would like to see Mancienne at LB, but we all know it will be Ward; let’s just hope that he enjoys a good run of form.
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GREAT TIMING TO GET OUR INJURIES ,ARE WE CROCKED? ,ZUBAR,DOYLE,BUT WAIT WE HAVE WARD TO SAVE US
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The real shame here is that wardy can only play one position at a time….
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ive get to watch every game live down under and from what i see george has been at fault for a lotta goals conceeded the last 2 seasons, with a decent left back we would be comfortable in mid table now, i know ward isnt much better but he is better.
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I think Elokobi has optimized wolves season. At times looked capable of taking on anyone at other times looked out of his depth. This may be a blessing in disguise. He’s been too inconsistent and at the moment is bang out of form. I would go for Mancienne, as a defender all his playing career he can’t be any worse than big George or Wardy. UTW.
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Mancienne at left back then crisis over. and milijas in front of the midfield just behind seb and fletch, hammil and jarvis on the wings with foley and kites to swop at half time. crisis what crisis. just play the best players in the correct positions. Big george has got better but he’s played best at centre back, to slow for a left back.
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Yes mick he has been playing well on the training pitch its a pity he dosent play well where it matters on a Saturday afternoon.UTW
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
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He is full of endeaver but not realy a premiership player. The sad thing is we all know that WARD will play left back but he is not good enough and MANCIENNE should play, he plays LB for England!!!!!?
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An Express & Star sports reporter can name only Ward as George’s replacement! It has GOT to be Mancienne. Mick also has to seriously consider bringing Craddock in and moving Stearmen to right back. This is an opportunity to STRENGTHEN the back four!
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I really hoped that George would become a good player after comeback from injury, but he hasn’t and if McCarthy thinks he is playing well, sums up the manager and the mess we are in.
Why not risk one of the two LB’s if they are good enough put one of them in, cannot do any worse, Ward is not the answer as we all know.
As for Berra, he would do better to look at his positional play, stop waving his arms around when a goal is scored against us and stop blaming the players around him, he was supposed to have been captain material when we signed him, I for one have seen none of that.
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Not good news at all :(
WOLVES AY WE
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It is a blow because, whether George has been at his best or not, we need all our options available to us at times like these.
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just need the rest of the defense to get crocked and I think we will be safe….
but then ward gets a mention some go and dig up Hindmarch , and get back collins – at least they did not pretend they were crap
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Everyone loves George, but he has been poor recently. I tend to agree with those who are confused that Mancienne has never got a run there but seems unlikely to happen.
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Interesting to read the WM Managers comments on the next thread.
MM, quite rightly, says it’s now about being positive.
There are a few Wolves fans on this and other threads that should take heed of that !
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Michael Mancienne must surely be a better option anyone else we have but we all know who Mick will select.
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Fantastic news! Let’s get mancienne in there now! We might have a chance afterall! :D
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Non league player at best ! Could help to save our season as long as Ward doesn’t replace him !!!
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I have just got in from the pub and a fat bloke at the bar told me that Wayne has just broke a finger, but don’t worry we have Wardy!
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Sad news for George but he’s been awful recently. It might make McCarthy pick a proper defender there…Mancienne, but he probably won’t. McCarthy couldn’t pick his nose.
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yesssssssssssssssssssssssssss! best news ever
:D :D :D
Has 2 be Mance at LB NOT Ward!!!!!!!!!!!!
ELOKOBI HAS NOT BEEN PLAYING WELL WHAT THE HELL IS MICK ON ABOUT
HAPPY CLAPPERS BORE OFF YOU WILL GO TO YOUR GRAVE CLAPPING WHICH WILL BE PRETTY SOON BY THE SOUNDS OF THINGS YOUR ALL OLD AND WELL OUT OF YOUR DEPTH
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I don’t know what’s the matter with some of you lot on here. We have the greatest utility player in the Prem who is so highly sought after as a striker, left winger and left back to name but a few positions and you’re all calling for some loanee from Chelsea to fill the gap left by the massively, well massive, at least, George Elokobi. This Mancienne character has only been known to play left back for England!! Really, some people.
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So the door opens again for ward GOD HEP US
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Just when I thought we were doomed……………
This happens!!!!
There is still hope, even with today’s results.
KTF
Wolversforever
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The only sensible replacement for LB is Mancieanne left footed and has played for England under 21s in same position
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Best piece of news i’ve heard for ages, he’s a complete donkey!
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I’m all for mancienne at LB but you do realise if Stubborn mick is reading this then he will do the total opposite to what we think.
Wonder how JV Damme would of played this season instead of the two left backs we have had this season.
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Best injury news we have had in a long time!
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We do have several options that may work in our favour. George is not our best full back and is certainly not Premiership quality.
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Its another blow for us ,just when you need every player at your disposal. I know Stephen Ward will now play LB till the end of the season. I would like to see Mancienne given a chance at LB ,he’s a more natural defender plus he’s played there for England U21′s he’s fresh/fit, he knows how/when to close a player down better the Ward does, in all he’s a better all round defender. At least all the results went our way,id sooner Wigan go 2pts above us than Blackpool 4pts in front so yes im happy with the results today,West Ham,Blackburn,Blackpool,all losing, and Sunderland seem to be in freefall too. So its up to us to get it sorted on the pitch, we are still in there,but must get back to winning ways and fast,i still think 3 wins out of 6, is asking a awful lot, when we’ve only won 9 in 32 games? But its not over till its OVER. UTW:
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Surely this is good news for you lot?
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Best news or bad news. McCarthy will play Love child so it will be business as usual down the Stoke right wing. Can’t see this being a draw even, unless the MM character has a brainstorm and decides to do the sensible thing and play a natural left back at left back. (Unusual things do happen in this world) But this is Wolves so don’t hold your breath.
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It has to be Mancienne,but i agree with the rest of you and it will be Ward, after Van Damme went Mad Mick did nothing to find a left back both Ward and Elokobi are just not premiership standard.
Hennesey
foley
Stearman
Berra
Mancienne
Hamill
Henry
Adlene
o’hara
Jarvis
Fletcher
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in all the forty odd years i,ve watched wolves elokobi is the worst player i,ve seen in the famous old gold shirt and then muppet mick says he,s been playing well lately which just about sums up this clown of a manager come on mick george would be better off in a boxing ring please pick mancienne at left back for the rest of the season also bring craddock back and i think we will have a chance
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Another injury we could do without, despite some of the negative comments on here about Goerge, I’d rather have him at LB than Wardy. So it has got to be Mancienne at LB for me, or Craddock in the middle and either Stearman, Berra or Foley moves over to LB.
Results today went largely for us, but we still dropped to the bottom without playing….sigh.
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George hasn’t played well recently despite having a good run of form a couple of months ago, but one thing we will miss is his aerial presence. With Zubar also out this makes our back 4 a lot smaller physically all of a sudden; a problem when we have the likes of Stoke and Blackburn to play.
Not sure about Mancienne; he’s never really impressed me in a Wolves shirt since when he initially came on loan in the Championship. He doesn’t seem strong enough to hack it in the Premiership and isn’t the best passer of the ball. And he’s certainly not left footed as some people have said previously. And he’s played there once for the England Under 21′s.
Ward has better distribution than Elokobi but isn’t the strongest defensively.
Perhaps Foley can move over to left back, Stearman to right back, which gives us the chance to bring Craddock back in.
And what’s happened to Mouyokolo?
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Firstly, results today have been pretty good for us. And Sunderland dropping still!! Well, I have been saying this. Just got to make the most of it of course.
Back to the article – really bad news on Elokobi, however, irrespective of how good George is/is not or how well he has been playing – some of the comments on here about the ‘best injury news’ etc etc are a total disgrace.
Yes, I get very frustrated when things go wrong with the team AND most Saturday’s afternoons this season have been pretty rubbish, but to say that about one of OUR player’s, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Go and support another team……
WE (not you!) ARE WOLVES!!!!!
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He has been playing well lately!! Have I seriously read Mick just saying that? I know as a manager you have to stay positive and motivate your players BUT I’m really worry that the manager of the club I LOVE believes that?? PLEASE somebody. A happy clapper, just anyone tell me Mick really doesn’t mean that??.. Mancieene clueless in midfield,too lightweight for centre back, BUT can tackle and has a bit of pace on him, perfect position even if george was fit LEFT BACK. The fans can see it Mick let’s just hope you can!
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Has to be Mancienne, put WOLFIE on over Ward. It’s been the same story the whole season if Muppet plays the best palyers, in postion –we have a good chance, but alas Muppet and his chapionship babes will spoil the show!!
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I don’t think he’s played well in the last 2 games but how can some be glad he’s injured, it beggars belief..
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It’sabout time Mick and some of our supporters opened their eyes. Elokobi is clumsy, muscle-stacked and way, way out of grade to be in the Prem. I can only imagine what waffle Mick will fob us off with in the next 4-6 weeks.
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Forget about bagging George, a player with a big heart and limited skill, go for our no talented
donkey we have as a Manager, responsible for bringing Wolves to the brink of disaster
Lets all celebrate when he gets the flick, which one hopes will be in the next few weeks
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It has to be Michael Mancienne, he has the pace to counter quick wingers and is better on the ball than Ward.
How long will Edwards and Hunt be out for? Cannot believe our injury problems this season and to add to it Doyle, Zubar and Elokobi out for season!
Team V Fulham:
Hahnemann
Foley
Craddock
Stearman
Mancienne
Kightly
Milijas
Guerdioura
O’Hara
Jarvo
Fletcher
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I would like to see Mancienne play but he is not a left back. He plays for England at right back. Craddock and Mancienne should replace Stearman and Berra. We have kept a few clean sheets and then get our 3 or 4 hammerings!
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It’s not as if Elokobi is our best left back by a mile, maybe not even our best left back. It’s not as big a deal as losing Doyle. None of our left backs will be playing in the premier league next season if we get relegated!
I would say that we’ll retain possession better with either Ward or Mancienne in at left back.
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See that is what happens when you cannot see the wood from the trees Mick and you get rid of talent and keep, loan or buy tripe.
I think the statement is Hoist by your own petard
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i don’t think this is good news yes i know elokobi isn’t the best player but 9 times out of 10 he’s a great charecter who drives the team on to success exactly the same as zubar at least the two of them had something which got the fans off their feet and cheering them on, so ppl are going to tell me that they think stephen ward will fly into 50:50s like elokobi nope. Bad news but i will never give up hope.
UTW
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This is not good news but that said i dont think George deserves to keep his place after his recent performances but he would be useful comin on from the bench.
Ward is not the obvious choice as defensively he is flawed too and inconsistent. Mick must seriously consider mancienne, mayouko and stearman because I fully expect Craddock to replace him to partner Berra against Fulham.
I also think USA should also be considered to replace Hennesey.Henn has done ok but USA has more experience and organises the defence better imv.
Mick like most managers stands by the players he trusts, but some of these players like elokobi, stearman have let him down recently and so has ward. Does MM realise this and more importantly what will he do about it?
Lets hope that not playing this week means SEB is fit, and lets pray that Doyle can play in a couple weeks as his injury has been a major blow.
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best news we have had all season, i hear that as a wolves fan i shouldnt knock wolves players!!!!! thats blind beyond belief george has cost us so many goals by just standing watching players run past him, 1st goal last week perfect example n the 1st goal killed us last week if we had got it we would of won im sure, heres a name noone else has mentioned scott malone!!!!! oh yeah he came thru the youth ranks cant be havin england under19 captain an left back playin can we!!!!
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Elokobi is simply NOT up to Premier League standard. Surely 99% of us agree on that? Pure, unadulterated enthusiasm -no matter how welcome- is no substitute for class.
However, nobody in their right mind should be applauding his injury, no matter how disappointed you are in his overall performances. He’s a Wolves player, after all.
Don’t blame George for his glaring limitations at this level -instead blame McCarthy for over-rating George and sticking with him, come what may -just as he’s done with several other players during his Molineux reign. If Mick couldn’t be bothered to address our defensive woes after JVD’s disappearance, then Mick obviously felt we had ample cover and quality. Just as obviously, Mick’s got it wrong.
Personally, I think it’s time for our battle-hardened Trojan Jody Craddock to make an appearance alongside Berra, with Mancienne covering at fullback. However, like most on here, I expect Stephen Ward to be McCarthy’s natural choice. Mind you, no matter who we choose -even from a fully fit squad- there’s no really outstanding combination that springs to mind. Still, the club simply have to get on with it.
Let’s just back the entire team for these final, few games. The inquest -or celebrations- can start once our fate has been determined.
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No36:-
“in all the forty odd years i,ve watched wolves elokobi is the worst player i,ve seen in the famous old gold shirt”
You seem to have forgotten that waste of space we signed from BCFC, Joe Gallagher.Then there was Akinbiyi who spent more time in the treatment room then the nurse.I could also list the money grabbing Henri Camara & who could forget Steve Corica & Tomasz Frankowski!!!
Over the years Wolves and various managers have made some shocking signings.
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Ye Old South Bank-ok you’ve proved me wrong you’re not always a pessimist good on ya!
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54 – Thanks for that endorsement (I think, lol!)
I don’t see myself as a pessimist, sb -just a fan of 40+ years’ support who’s not particularly happy with certain aspects of Wolves’ end product this season. By he same token, I’m only too happy to give plaudits when I feel they’re merited.
So, I’m only ever saying what I truly feel, just as all fans should. I enjoy reading alternative views to my own, for sure. After all, differing opinions are to be welcomed -not derided- because no two fans will ever agree 100% on anything Wolves-related.
Football has only ever been a matter of opinion and isn’t an exact science -contrary to what some fans may think on here. Having freedom to state your view without being pilloried is the hallmark of maturity, I’d say.
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36 & 53 – I remember going to the Mol (when I was at a loose end) with a mate who was a keen wolfie and a certain fullback by the name of Bob Mcnab was playing. He was absolutely dire-anyone else remember him?
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56 – I remember him (just about!). Played for Arsenal before coming to Wolves for a short time.
mind you, if we’re talking truly CRAP players, anyone recall the likes of Peter Zelem or Micky Holmes?
And I thought we’d got it bad now! SHEESH!!!!
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OMG, I just remembered Wolves’ WORST-EVER SIGNING (as related to his fee)….
Yes, Robert ‘The Donkey’ Taylor, signed from Man City for what, £1.5m or thereabouts?
In terms of value-for-money (try NOT to laugh!), this guy was the biggest sack of horse dung I’ve EVER witnessed. Honestly, that deal made us look proper MUGS. No wonder city were laughing all the way to the bank. I’m still in shock, lol!
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48)WBA etc
It’s “Can’t see the wood for the trees”
and “Hoist with his own petard”
Stick to what you know
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57. The same mickey holmes who scored in 8 successive games. Who was class at that level ……. mmmmmmm think you have wrong bloke mate.
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