Money doesn’t always buy happiness.

Just ask Mark Hughes.

On a day that his club’s open cheque book was supposed to see their stock rising, it was Wolves who cashed in to get out of the red.

In fact, the victory owed much to the implosion of their marquee investment, Djibril Cisse taking Johnson by the neck before hopping into an early bath.

It was a definite sending off – no arguments please.

As Karl Henry will testify, raising hands (or studs) off the ball simply isn’t tolerated.

Just don’t do it.

A man up but a goal down, the pressure was thrust onto Wolves and Mick McCarthy to grab hold of the lifejacket that was so charitably slung overboard.

Sink or swim.

Thankfully, they just about made it to the shore.

Kevin Doyle turned the tide, feeding Matt Jarvis for the equaliser before slotting home the winner in composed style.

He needed that.

Mick too should bank credit for swift action on a day his head threatened to roll. Removing Stearman and slotting Foley into the back four was certainly a wise move to make.

That said I wasn’t overly enamoured with his initial team selection. We were setup to defend from the off and with no Kightly or Hammill in the squad, I feared the consequences of conceding an early goal.

So when Zamora slotted home a well worked opener that saw the wall come crumbling down, things seemed decidedly bleak.

There’s no doubting players and manager needed the break that Cisse’s handbags provided. Without that moment of madness, I don’t believe for a second we would have won.

Not that we should care.

Self-destruction has been Wolves’ forte this season so if the stupidity of the opposition is the stroke of luck we need to get our heads above water, so be it.

Speaking of new signings, Sebastian Bassong was correctly given his debut and although Zamora outmuscled him to toe poke them into the lead, I thought the on-loan Spurs man acquitted himself well.

I’m a bigger fan of Berra than most but the pace off the ball and composure on it that Bassong brought to the back four were notable.

Still, his selection couldn’t prevent a late onslaught as Adel Taarabt threatened to cruelly snatch the game away from us.

Credit Wayne Hennessey for a wonderful fingertip save to keep the Moroccan at bay. If he might have done better for the goal, that more than made amends.

It was a result that made amends.

It also proved however bankrupt our prospects may seem, it would be premature to foreclose on this season just yet.

You might just pay the price.

It’s mighty difficult to conclude which of our recent back-to-back home defeats was the more disheartening.

Villa, because Wolves promised so much but ultimately delivered nothing?

Or Liverpool, because the second half capitulation bore the unmistakable trademark of a team heading for the drop?

Either way, the combination of the two – coupled with the fact we haven’t won a league match since the start of December – means we head to Loftus Road desperate for 3 points.

Given the contrasting atmosphere surrounding the clubs of late, it’s perhaps difficult to comprehend that a Wolves victory would actually draw them level with QPR.

But it would.

And while there’s no doubting that their change of manager and January spending has given them a timely boost, it would certainly be foolish to discount them from the relegation dust-up just yet.

We need only look back to West Ham this time last year to learn that splashing the cash at the bottom doesn’t necessarily guarantee an escape. For Cisse read Ba, for Zamora read Keane, for Onouha read Bridge.

As I say, no guarantees.

The Team

Wolves have their own new signing to boast tomorrow and I sincerely hope Sebastian Bassong is thrown straight in. Our chronic lack of pace and athleticism at the back was once again ruthlessly exposed by Bellamy on Tuesday night. We just can’t keep a clean sheet and something has to change.

I maintain that 451 remains the way forward and this is the team I would send out.

Berra is the defender to miss out, simply because his consistency has slipped in recent weeks whereas Johnson has improved of late (prior to Tuesday of course). Also, Bassong is left-sided so you get the correct balance.

I believe O’Hara is somewhere close to fit so he must start. With Henry suspended, Jonnson not good enough and Milijas too hit and miss, I think Mick has to throw Jamie straight back in. If he has to come off after an hour, so be it. I’d rather that, than throwing him on for the last 20 minutes when we’re losing.

Hammill must be on the bench at the very least. If Mick thinks swapping Kightly for an under-performing Hunt is a good idea when we’re chasing a game, then I’m sorry but we’re already doomed. We need impact players who can make something happen.

In that respect, I’m completely despondent that we sent Guedioura to Forrest, particularly when Mick only submitted a 24-man squad to the Premier League. Figure that one out!

Prediction League

17 people correctly predicted we’d get stuffed by Liverpool.

Only 2 of those went Hollywood and got the 3-0 scoreline too though, so well done to Jed and Ash K.

I don’t really know what to predict this weekend.

However, I do know that revenge would be sweet after the misery they inflicted on us at Molineux back in the sunny days of September.

Perhaps foolishly, I think we’ll get a response from Tuesday and a result.

2-2.

If you’re heading to London for this one, have a great day and I sincerely hope the lads turn it on for you.

Up The Wolves.

A power cut in Wolverhampton threatened to see this game postponed just two hours before kick-off.

Sadly for us, whilst electricity returned to Molineux, someone forgot to flip the ‘ON’ switch to Mick McCarthy’s brain.

That is the only possible explanation I can muster for this limp, snivelling, absurd excuse for a performance; the blame for which lies squarely at the feet of our manager.

Whilst individual performances can certainly be condemned (I’ll get to them in a minute), we’d lost this game before a ball was even kicked.

Now, I knew that QPR were going to play 5 in midfield. Every supporter in the uncovered North Bank knew it. So surely Mick knew it?

Evidently not.

Why else would he fail to do a single thing to combat the extra man that the visitors used to such devastating effect in the middle of the park?

Even before Neil Warnock’s side deservedly moved into an eight minute the lead, the warning signs had been there. We were dominated from the very first kick.

Yet there our manager stood on the touchline, stubbornly refusing to make the changes we so desperately needed, knowing he’d have to accept he’d made a terrible mistake with his initial team selection.

After five minutes, Milijas or Guedioura should have been on for Elokobi and the team reconfigured to go like-for-like with QPR’s shape.

Would this have won us the game? Maybe, maybe not.

Would it have made us more competitive? Unquestionably.

Even after the second goal went in, this still would have been the change anyone with a shred of common sense would have made.

But instead, we persisted with a rigid 442, shelling long balls up to our forwards in the hope of benefiting from a fortuitous knockdown.

How embarrassing.

QPR were excellent and the quality they’ve invested in will serve them well in the Premiership, but they’re far from the purring Rolls Royce we made them look for long spells in this one.

You can critcise the players all day long, but they’re simply not good enough to play with the handicap of one less player in midfield. We’ve seen it time and time again so why do we not learn the lesson?

I’m repeating myself now, but I just simply cannot understand the logic behind Mick’s team selection.

And it’s not just the shape either, it’s the personnel.

A good manager doesn’t make two changes when only one is necessary, but that’s exactly what ours did.

With Fletcher out, instead of just slotting in a proven extra midfielder or having faith in Vokes from the start, he disrupted a settled back four to accommodate a hapless Elokobi in the team.

I know I’m speaking with the gift of hindsight, but that was always going to be the wrong decision. Always.

George was terrible in his 45 minute cameo, simply unable to cope with the pace and movement of Wright-Phillips. In possession, he was equally woeful, slicing the ball out of play in trademark style to sum up a miserable first start.

He was ably supported by an overwhelmed central midfield and two wide players that failed to impact the game in the slightest.

Kightly continues to shirk creative responsibility, always looking for the simple pass and refusing to take on his man in the fearless manner that was once his greatest asset. It’s a sad sight.

Jarvis was constantly surrounded, but on the one occasion he wriggled free thanks to Luke Young slipping over, he somehow contrived to slice the ball out of play, squandering the best attacking position we’d occupied all game. Unforgivable.

Doyle, Ward and Vokes all failed to register a single meaningful effort on goal, starved of service and unable to conjure anything by themselves.

Certainly, without the presence and invention of Fletcher, we lacked a focal point and looked achingly pedestrian, reinforcing the widely held belief that we emerged from the transfer window at least one player short.

Stearman, Berra and Johnson all huffed and puffed but largely disappointed. Still, I find it somewhat difficult to berate them too much simply because they weren’t given adequate protection from the wave of onrushing midfielders.

One thing Mick did get spot on was his after match analysis, naming Wayne Hennessey as the only player to emerge with any sort of credit.

The Welshman did little wrong and a spectacular early save from a Shaun Derry header should have provided the wake-up call to his manager that changes were urgently needed.

Instead, that let-off was merely a taster of the misery that was to follow.

Misery, that in my opinion, could have been avoided.

The last time QPR visited Molineux, a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Sylvan Ebanks-Blake goal was enough to see Wolves promoted to the Premier League.

Since that historic occasion, both sides have enjoyed a relatively successful couple of years and can certainly feel pleased with their progress.

But whilst Wolves have employed a steady approach to establishing themselves in the top flight, Neil Warnock’s side have immediately gone full steam ahead.

High profile arrivals late in the day such as Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Philips and Arsenal’s Armand Traore have shown genuine ambition and given the London club an excellent chance of maintaining their position amongst the elite.

The question is, can this clutch of proven Premier League players turn QPR into a successful Premier League team?

Early evidence – such as Monday’s impressive performance against Newcastle, albeit in a nil nil draw – suggests yes.

They were bright and inventive in that match, only falling short of a home win due to some lacklustre finishing from Jay Bothroyd.

They’ve got match winners throughout their team now, which makes them a dangerous proposition.

The Team

Well, that’s QPR. What about Wolves?

After losing to Spurs last weekend, the last thing we needed were injuries to key players. Sadly, that’s exactly what we’ve got.

As I write this, it seems likely that Steven Fletcher won’t be fit enough to play, which is a major blow and exposes the one area of the pitch where I feel we’re desperately short of cover.

So if Fletch is ruled out, what does Mick do?

This is the team I reckon we’ll see:

So that’s Jarvis in for Fletcher, with Kightly reverting to a more central role, just in behind Doyle. Mick has mentioned this specific tactic, which is why I reckon he’ll go for it.

But there are alternatives.

Ward could be pushed up front and Elokobi brought back in at left-back. This is my least favourite option, mainly because I’ve been pleased with the performances of the back four and don’t want to see that consistency compromised.

Milijas could also be given a game, reverting to the more traditional 4-5-1 we’ve become accustom to over the last two years. That’s not a bad shout.

Prediction League

13 people correctly predicted defeat against Spurs, with 5 of those pundits getting the score spot on too.

Well done to Ash K, Kowloon Wolf, Stourbridge Wolf, amber wolf and Clemens for taking the maximum 3 points on offer. The rest get a single point.

I’m going for a draw in this one as I find myself torn.

On one hand, we’ve generally played well in all of the games to date so QPR at home should represent an excellent chance to get another win on the board.

But if Fletch isn’t fit and Mick is forced into moving things around, I can foresee the worst happening, particularly as Neil Warnock’s men are arriving with their tales up.

So I’m somewhere in the middle.

2-2.

If you’re going to Molineux tomorrow enjoy the match and get right behind the lads. I’m particularly interested to hear what the North Bankers make of the new stand. Definitely leave some feedback in the match report.

Up The Wolves.

This week, we welcome Mike, author of QPR Report to the Wolves Blog Guest House for a friendly chat ahead of Saturday’s match at Molineux.

Thomas: Mike, come in my friend. What can I get you to drink?

Mike: A nice cup of tea.

Thomas: A man after my own heart. I’ll stick the kettle on. I suppose the first thing I should say is ‘welcome back to the Premier League’. How have you found it so far? Results have been pretty mixed so are you happy with the start you’ve made?

Mike: There have really been two QPR starts to the season: The Briatore/Ecclestone “Starve the manager” start…And then, after the Fernandes-Bhatia takeover, a whole new atmosphere and several quality players brought in. Obviously we’d like to have 12 points from 4 games…But if you saw the Newcastle game, we truly did dominate.

Thomas: You were certainly very impressive. There always seems to be a lot going on behind the scenes at QPR. Does that worry you as a supporter?

Mike: If we had done this interview a few weeks ago, I would very much have said yes. And there is no question that the QPR Report blog and Messageboard were in the forefront of criticism and scepticism about the previous “Administration” – especially regarding the role of former Chairman Gianni Paladini (a man who’s familiar with former Wolves player and now agent, Mel Eves!). I would say that NOW, finally, “The Sky is Blue.” ( aphrase used by our former Chairman as he came out of the FA Investigation hearing into QPR’s signing of Faurlin!

Thomas: Neil Warnock was able to bring in some quality players before the window shut. Which arrival excited you most and why?

Mike: Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips: Just bringing some Premiership class to the squad. But to be honest, we’ve signed several players, who in totem say: Premiership survival is now very much of a possibility.

Thomas: I’d agree with that. One player you already had was Adel Taarabt. He seems like an interesting character with bags of skill. Do you think he can become a consistent force in the Premier League?

Mike: I certainly hope so. He spent the summer trying to get away from us. Warnock just replaced him as Captain with Barton. He had a great game on Monday against Newcastle. It will be an interesting challenge: How he copes with not being the only attacking star on the team. Hopefully he’ll thrive and be helped by having other players around him, so he won’t be man marked.

Thomas: Good point. What are you hoping for this season? I suppose survival is the ultimate aim but do you feel you can you realistically hope for better?

Mike: Obviously survival is the ultimate goal for us (and all of us!). Hopefully a (lower) mid-table position.

Thomas: Nothing wrong with aiming high. What’s your opinion on Neil Warnock?

Mike: G-d! Did a brilliant job saving us from relegation in his first season, taking us to Promotion last season, withstanding the Briatore-Ecclestone era. Whether he’s going to be good enough to take us into Europe, time will tell, but he’s exactly what we’ve needed for a long time.

Thomas: And what’s your opinion on our gafffer?

Mike: I remember him as a Millwall and Manchester City Defender. He seems a good guy. The kind of guy you wish well.

Thomas: What thoughts immediately spring to mind when you think about Wolves as a club?

Mike: Floodlights. Championship. 1950s. Stan Cullis.

And personally for QPR: A 1969/1970 League Cup game under the Loftus Road Floodlights. QPR had just been relegated. Wolves were in the old First Division, with Derek Dougan and managed by Bill McGarry.

Also in the mid-1990s, Gerry Francis interviewing to become Wolves’ new manager.

And back to the 1970s, when both clubs had goalies called Phil Parkes – which was strange. I don’t think it’s any bias to say the QPR Phil Parkes was the better of the two.

(FYI – Some past QPR-Wolves encounters – http://qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=26247)

Thomas: Ha, some lovely memories. Which of our players do you rate?

Mike: I’m not too familiar with your Premiership players. I do know Wolves had a couple of players who really should have been QPR players, but we missed out and they joined Wolves. Knightly, Ebanks-Blake, Henry, Jarvis, O’Hara. Ikeme, of course we had on loan.

Thomas: How do you think we’ll fare this season?

Mike: I think you’ll stay up again.

Thomas: I’d be happy enough with that. Finally, what’s your prediction for Saturday?

Mike: I really think we’re going to pull off a shock on Saturday. But because I don’t want to jinx us, I’m going for a 3-1 Wolves win!

Thomas: Spoken like a true football fan. Thanks for taking the time Mike and good luck for the season…after Saturday.

Mike: Thank you very much for inviting me to answer your questions. The one thing I found doing my own Q&A with fans of other clubs is how, beyond obviously rivalries, how much fans of all clubs, actually have in common. Very best of luck to you (after Saturday).