Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Consistency is now the key for Wolves
Friday 19th August 2011, 9:10AM BST.
Wolves blogger Tim Spiers is warning “one swallow doesn’t make a summer’” as Mick McCarthy’s men look to build on their win at Blackburn at home to Fulham.
An impressive opening-day 2-1 victory, during which Stephen Fletcher scored, the football was of a good standard and a new defensive signing made a promising debut.
I can’t be the only Wolves fan to have experienced a case of deja vu last Saturday.
Twelve months ago, Stoke were the victims as Wolves set an early standard for 2010-11 with a rare first-day win.
Optimism engulfed Molineux as supporters dreamed of a successful season and perhaps a mid-table finish, with Fletcher as the spearhead.
In reality, we were to taste victory in the league on just three more occasions before Christmas, by which time we were deep in the mire of a relegation nightmare.
So it is with trepidation that this year’s opening-day win, against Blackburn, should be assessed.
What was striking about the victory was the maturity with which the players went about their job, particularly in the final 30 minutes when Blackburn were relatively comfortably kept at bay.
For example, in stoppage time Stephen Ward and George Elokobi, instead of crossing to a desperately keen Stefan Maierhofer in the middle, kept the ball in the corner and won a series of throw-ins.
Last season, holding on to a lead proved as difficult as nailing custard to the ceiling, with panic regularly spreading throughout the team.
There was none of that on Saturday, though, with Roger Johnson and Jamie O’Hara – calm, composed presences at the heart of proceedings – encouraging their team-mates and doing nothing stupid or risky.
You can argue about the feeble nature of the opposition, but we played some absolute dross last year and contrived to lose to most of them.
Most of our wins in 2010-11 were fraught with danger and you always felt there was a calamity, usually in the form of a last-minute equaliser, around the corner.
If the players have finally picked up a bit of Premier League nous and learned how to close out matches, whether it be for a point or three, then that bodes well for the new campaign.
We face Fulham on Sunday in what is another good test of our 2011-12 credentials.
Many people used the Blackburn game as a benchmark for how the two clubs had progressed over the summer.
But you can’t compare that match with the sheer madness that ensued at Molineux in May when, in the midst of a crisis, our team did a collective impression of Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army.
The Fulham game represents a far better barometer, particularly as they outplayed us in April when we were lucky to escape with a point.
Fulham are one of those clubs who are very difficult to dislike and in a sense also one we could aspire to be – they play excellent football and have been in the top flight for 10 consecutive years.
After the Fulham game, there’s just one more fixture until the transfer window closes but, despite a glaring need for a signing or two, all remains quiet on the transfer front.
I’ll keep saying it until I’m blue in the face, but I really think that a new left-back and a defensive midfielder are an absolute must.
As well as Stephen Ward played against Blackburn, one swallow doesn’t make a summer, and against better opponents he has never consistently proved to be good enough in that position.
Likewise George Elokobi, while in midfield we really need competition for Karl Henry.
Perhaps manager Mick McCarthy has earmarked Adlene Guedioura for that role, but he’s not disciplined enough to play there in a 4-4-2.
The hope is that we’re chasing a young loan signing or two from a couple of the big four clubs, who will be reluctant to let their players go until late on in the window.
With no new signings, it’s unlikely McCarthy will make any changes to his team on Sunday, although I would like to see Kevin Foley come in at right-back.
The only negative on Saturday was the below-par performance of Richard Stearman, whose levels of composure under pressure make Frank Spencer look like Shaft.
Foley’s assured presence in the second-half was a timely reminder that, on his day, the Irishman is the best right back at the club.
Talking of composed defenders, I was very sad to hear of Frank Munro’s death this week.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Frank or seeing him play but, by all accounts, he was an exceptional player and a true gentleman.
Some of the tributes paid to him this week from supporters and former team-mates have brought a lump to my throat, none more so than John Lalley’s magnificent article on this very website.
I can’t top anything that’s already been said, so I’ll merely pass on my heartfelt condolences to Frank’s friends and family.
Three points on Sunday would be a fitting tribute from everyone associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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I know that we should not get carried away with a first day win and it is always humble to be cautious, but I do have to laugh at some comments about false dawns etc from some fans.
Honestly what would some fans prefer, that we lost the first game, would have that made us all happier, enjoy our win and don’t be pesamistic, we are a better side than last year, and there are definatley some worse sides in our division this year.
Lets have some confidence and lets show that to the players, even if we do go behind.
C’mon
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crikey – do we really have a Tim Spiers blogg without some swipe at the albion or a prediction on how far above us you will finish ??
Didn’t enjoy that humble pie then ????
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“glaring need for a signing or two”
I’m sure we would all welcome a couple of quality additions particularly in the left-back and defensive-midfield positions as you suggest, but I don’t think the need for new signings is glaring, infact the priority is arguably to hold onto Jarvis and Doyle until 1st September.
Now QPR, Wigan and Blackburn are examples of sides with a glaring need for a signing or two.
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Whilst I agree that we should not be thinking ahead of ourselves after the Blackburn victory, I need to point out that this is a bit different to the Stoke result, as it was not a local derby at home but an away win against a team that is our bogey team. Our away record was dire last season, so it is great to chalk an away win immediately. Fulham and Villa will be tough but they are games that we are capable of winning.
I agree that we need two players in the positions stated but unless we sell someone, there is only one place in the squad up for grabs. Foley is a better choice at right back than Stearman but Zubar is equally as good. Stearman though will probably play against Fulham due to their undoubted aerial threat.
RIP Frank Munro – Wolves Legend!
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Sensible blog. Agree with most of the analysis regarding team selection and players, especially playing Kevin Foley at right back. Although our defenders had a reasonably good match against Blackburn, it remains to be seen how they can cope against even tougher pressure and smarter forwards. If there’s no new CB coming in, maybe playing Zubar alongside Johnson could be an option, even though I think Berra will improve under the influence of RJ. The left back issue is still very open, IMV, as is CM – the next two or three games will show what this team is made of.
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Bold prediction here: I honestly think we’ll be played 3, won 3 come next week.
As an aside, I got an email from a reader of the magazine I work for yesterday, a Manchester lad who has ‘GEORGE ELOKOBI” tattooed on his forearm in huge black letters. Incredible.
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The reason we were composed in the second half was because Foley came on for Stearman, mopped up everything and gave us a forward outlet. If MM wants to have a tall defence I would go for Zubar at right back.
The team looks more solid than last year but we still need to add a couple of players to the squad.
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We are a year more experienced, as players have that extra level of understanding. Further, we start the season with at least four NEW players not there in the first fifteen fixtures of 2010-11, in messrs Hunt, Johnson, Kightly and O’Hara. They WILL make a huge difference, if all stay relatively healthy. Change and a solid degree of solid experience is about in this year’s BPL edition. We will be better and we will be wiser! No relegation scrap, I pray! UTMW!
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agree this Sunday will be the real test of us this season. Blackburn would have been a test if they had their central defenders fit to play. We were lucky on Saturday because of that. I’m still not sure we have the quality in depth in the 25 to avoid a all season fight to avoid the drop. Super Mick knows we need another quality center back and a stopper in midfield to get more points than last year. As for the left back position it will cost us points this season but I guess Mick thinks its a price worth paying to keep George and Super Wardy in the side.
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Not addressing the left back position is like an army patrol discovering unexploded roadside bombs and walking straight past them.
Fulham will be much better than what I believe was a very poor Blackburn Team.
Good luck to the lads and RIP Frank Munro.
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Really fed up that Odemwingie has decided to stay at Albion. He`s a tremendous player, I Think they`ll be ok with him, Long, Tchoyi and Cox up front. Would have laughed myself to sleep if he`d ditched them and gone elsewhere.
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There is always the need to improve.That 70′s side was a couple of players short of being a possible title winning team.Maybe an FA Cup as well.Top quality keeper and right sided midfielder to play with Mike Bailey and Kenny.Today’s team could equally be improved with a couple of good additions.Financially the incentives to do well are even greater these days.But they are trying to maximise profits this season by keeping transfer activity down,so as to fund phase two of the ground redevelopment. It is not rocket science is it,Sir Billy?
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For a defensive midfielder how about a forgotten man good solid player Shaun davis from Bolton or I was watching spurs last night n Jake livermore looked a good strong young player cheekey loan bid maybe n left I haven’t got a clue there’s no one that really stands out who’s available
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Lets spend the bad times depressed and the good times worrying that the bad times will come back!
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There always seems to be an excuse by some people if Wolves win. I suppose if we we beat Fulham on Sunday it will be because they were tired from playing in their Europa cup match.
Assuming that all the players from last Saturday are fit and available I predict that we will win the points on Sunday.
The critisism regarding our two full from last weeks match is overstated. Stearman was rightly booked for diving, but played a fairly reasonable game defensively, and it should be remembered that it was his accurate pass to Jarvis that lead to our first goal. I did not see Ward do anything wrong at all.
Usually there is a lot of frantic wheeling and dealing in the last few days before the transfer window closes as some clubs are desperate to sell, while others are desperate to strengthen their squad. I don’t see Wolves in either catogary this time round.
However, knowing Moxey’s eye for a bargain it is probable that there will be new signings before the end of the August.
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2. You’re on the wrong board (again)…
Shame about odemoneseasonwonder signing his new contract, I was enjoying watching the unwashed turn on him, mind you fair play to the lad, he obviously knows he is a one season wonder and is trying to milk the bennies.
Odemwingie linked with mighty wigan, Doyle linked with Arsenal, says it all really…
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Mick stand aside & let Tim take over from you – I think not! On what do you base your knowledge that Adlene could not play 4-4-2 Tim because since he has been with us he has played mostly in 4-5-1 when fit. Your blog is a bit boring & predictable TBH, even the Baggies are disapppinted with it!! You have only stated what Wolves fans have been saying & no more than what Mick knows.
11 Laughingwolf – I wouldn’t be too worried about PO signing extended contract with the darkside. Like Doyle or Jarvis if the big 4-6 came in with a serious offer he would be gone.
6 Pete Nuts – 3 from 3 sounds bloody awesome to me, hope your crystal ball is seeing clearly. What a start that would be.
Finally lets do it for the late great Frank Munro on Sunday.
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Talk about stating the obvious! has for the tesco lot, I don’t care were they finish because they will “NEVER” be in our league, the “new” ground will shove them even further behind us.
And before the crappies start chirping- remember – it took you 80+ years to win the league and it took us less than 9 months to take it off you.
We are Wolves………….
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An away win on the first game of the season is an absolute positive, regardless of the opposition. This Sunday should be very interesting. 6 points after two games would be a great start and will breed confidence throughout your squad. Could very well be the difference between a relegation battle or not…
We have a horrendous start fixtures wise (as usual), though in all honesty we should have got something from Saturday. Not sure we’ll get any change from Chelsea away and we all know what happens when we play Stoke at home (89 mins of time wasting and a disputable penalty or two). Looks like we could be playing catch up on the old Gold and Black!
Still, I’m very optimistic about our season ahead. We have the best manager and squad at the Albion in 30 years. The defence is still somewhat shaky, though our defensive shape as a team is an improvement on last season.
Looking forward to the first BCD. Hopefully we’ll be battling at the right end of the table this season…
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And I do wish some of you dimwits would get over Odemwingie being linked with Wigan. They put in an offer. We laughed. End of.
If Arsenal or Spurs come in with an offer in excess of 8m, then he may be off. Otherwise, he’ll form the best part of a very encouraging Albion attack.
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Mr.Spiers I am behind you on most of your points made.
Kevin Foley deserves to be in the side as he is the 7/10 player week in and week out.
My sentiments on Mr.Ward are well documented,however what I will say if he is playing I will give him my backing.
I do believe in “MM”‘s beleif we will do better and finish higher up the table.I beleivied this last season gone and we under performed for various reasons.
The team “IS” good enough to stay up!!!!
The team is not good enough to fight for a top ten position.
It is well known the two areas we require near instant improvement yet it’s not forthcoming.It could be very possible the club are willing to fight out of relegation for another season or two.
What happenend last year the lessons need to be learned from and improved upon,then forget the season.We stayed up and that what counts.
We will beat fulham then you will see the confidence in the team the players.We have to beat “FULHAM” have too!It could have a hugh plus on our season it is a key “GAME” so lets give it to them.”ATTACK”.
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Sunday’s game against Fulham will be an excellent test. Their early start in the Europa League has provided them with an advantage in terms of a pre-season, and they are likely to be in sharp form. In 2011-2012, it will be interesting to see how they fare away from home under Jol, compared with last season. Not that I am bothered about them, mind – I think we can do it on Sunday, though I suspect it will be very close.
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-TB Albion do not have a “Very encouragin attack” they have OW, who had 1 good “Great” season, but that is it this season will prove if he is the player he is made out to be and then the offers from big clubs will come.
ANYWAY wolves need to beet fulham but after last year id be happy with the point, wolves do have an incredible squad regardless, maybe not top 4-6 but defor 15-8. Our midfield is unreal hammil,hunt,kightly,jarvo running the wings with ohara and Gwaddiora as holding centres, karl henry isnt bad he just needs to learn t attack rather then turn and be safe, havng fletcher upfront with another player feeding him is perfect, and hennesey is turning into a good keeper, as far as defence goes pfffffttt, if zubar is on point then foley (rb) zubar roger and ward is a balanced defence, but playing berra (unless he improves-saturday was dreadful, blackburn goal was his fault) craddock, stearman is a liability its that simple, wolves are a good team they now just need to show it
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I’ve got a lot of time for Richard Stearman and think he’s got bags of potential if he continues his development. That said, your Frank Spencer/Shaft comment had me doubled up with laughter!
If you can come up with a better, funnier line over the course of the season, I will personally buy you a drink. Look for my username on Twitter if you feel up to the challenge!
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What are the Tesco’s doing piping up on our blog for? A good bit of business that you kept hold of Peter Odemwingie but the downside is that you have quadrupled his wages on a 3 year contract. Firstly at 33, he will be an old man for a centre forward. Secondly, unless you get loads of penalties, he will not score 15 again this season and thirdly, you will finish much further down the table this season, as your defence is still dire!
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Wearewolves – No point in even discussing football with someone who thinks Wolves’ midfield is ‘unreal’.
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laughingwolf – and your post has exactly what to do with this blog??
Why do we have to have a go at West Brom when the post is nothing to do with them. Their doing well and so are we, leave it til the derbies Kermit or are you Fozzy Bear??
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Wolfrun2010
Did you not see Adlene play against Everton and Fulham last season at home?
His discipline playing on the RM in a 4-4-2 formation was awful, he kept coming inside and leaving our right side completetly vacant – very unprofessional and blog completely correct.
In a 4-5-1 yep he is great, but what has been seen in a 4-4-2, a lot to learn
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Again Tim Spiers shows that he has not a clue when it comes to football please go support the Albion
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Tim Spiers
Thanks for dragging up the Stephen Ward debate – go and sit with the Numpties.
Stephen Ward Premiership and International Left Back – end of debate until we can sign someone with the class of Asley Cole not Liam Ridgewell.
UTW
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2 and 20…..Wrong board fellas ;-)
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A promising, confident, solid start……will reserve judgement on the Fulham match until….after the game. :-)
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28 – what has Adlene being cover for KH (incorrect as he is an alternative to O’Hara) got to do with your (correct) observation that he comes inside too much when asked to play wide right? We do need cover at DM but I suspect if nobody is signed we sill use KF there.
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Osaze Osaze, he stays he stays.
To score to score, our goals our goals.
To whup to whup, The wolves the wolves.
Osaze Osaze, we praise we praise.
BOING BOING, BAGGIES BAGGIES.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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31. Hear hear. Amazed that the sage of WBA has not commented.I am not holding my breath though.
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Osaze scores ‘em, ALBION floor ‘em. Seeee yooou.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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18.John wolf. You sound intelligent. No wonder we get mocked by the baggies when we’ve got supporters like you.
We’ll be ok this year, getting stronger each season.
Congrats to Albion on securing odemwingie, quality and as laughingwolf has said, they now have a formidable strikeforce.
Here’s to another good battle in the league with our old enemy and hope they don’t beat us by a country mile as they did last year.
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27 WolfyTor74
Laughing Wolf is Fozzy Bear ? Not on your life. The real Fozzy Bear wouldn’t encourage dimwits like Jack the Hat and Happy Baggie to post their tripe on our board.
Agree with you about Guediora. No defensive discipline at all. Was guilty of not closing down Stephen Carr on his debut at St Andrews and poor old Wardy copped it bigtime when they scored the winner. Guediora’s games since show he doesn’t appear to have changed. He’s loves attacking and shooting and coming off the bench to change things is his best role, when he’s fit again.
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I wait in eager anticipation of the Fulham match, after Blackburn our tails are up and confidence is high. Fulham, I believe will be a far more truer test of how much we have progressed since last season. After this match MM will know whether or not he is really satisfied with his squad, and if not has just over a week to improve it. Interesting times ahead methinks.
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