Well, we made it.
Seasonus horribilis will live long in the memory for all the wrong reasons and yet, it could have been so much worse.
There’s no question the team needs rebuilding, but the main thing is we’ll be rebuilding in the Premier League.
I think we’ve got the right manager and owners that still want to achieve something – a foundation.
Recruitment has to improve right down the spine. They’ve done it twice before with the Boly/Neves/Jota summer followed by Patricio/Moutinho/Jimenez a year later.
Players of that quality for the here and now.
Man Utd
It’s been a decent season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team who are guaranteed a second place finish, which I suppose points to progress.
But they’ll know the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea will come stronger and harder next season, so they themselves will have to enter the market for some key additions.
They’ve been fortunate in the respect that Bruno Fernandes has stayed fit and they’ve been able to field a reasonably consistent team.
Even though the likes of Rashford, Cavani and Greenwood have fired at different times, it’s still Bruno that ignites many of their best performances and their squad isn’t anywhere near as good as City’s.
Everything is on the Europa League final against Villareal on Wednesday, so you’d have thought we’d be looking at a shadow side for this game.
That said, if they avoid defeat at Molineux they’ll have gone the whole season undefeated away from Old Trafford, so that’s something to play for I suppose?
Wolves
How do we score a goal? For a start, we’ve got to have at least 3 decent headers of the ball who can give us a chance from set pieces, so I’d start Boly, Dendoncker and Willian Jose.
I thought we knocked the ball around well in the first half at Goodison Park but it was only when Traore got at them we really looked like causing them pain.
But even when he got free of his double markers, we didn’t get bodies in the box and it always felt unlikely Fabio was going to get the better of Keane and Mina.
I’d try to get both Dendoncker and Jose into the area as often as possible as it at least asks a question of the opposing center halves. Fabio to come on later when the spaces open up a bit.
It’s a shame we won’t see Raul but it’s a dead rubber so better to have him fully firing and up to speed in August than a symbolic cameo on Sunday.
Last time out
We did well at Old Trafford in December and were unlucky to lose with the last kick of the game. Packing the midfield worked a treat and Utd created very little before Marcus Rashford scuffed home the winner via a Romain Saiss deflection.
It was a 1-1 draw at Molineux at the start of last season, which seems an eternity ago now. Ruben Neves scored that sumptuous equaliser and Rui Patricio saved Paul Pogba’s penalty to earn us a point.
Predictions
Well done to Gold Wolf Sven, Brompton Wolf, PeteRobbo, Ash K and MILDENHALL WOLF who all correctly predicted the 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.
Brompton Wolf and Mildenhall Wolf are tied at the top with one game to go, but Mosman Wolf and Prawny could both still win it too. Best of luck lads.
As always if you’d like to join in, simply leave your prediction for this game in the comment section below, which is where you’ll find my best guess.
Up The Wolves!
Well I must be Wolves’s no 1 fan. This season we have played some boring football, but every week I can’t wait to watch our next game! This Sunday will be no different.
Man U will play a weakened team so we have a bit of a chance, and knowing dozens of their fans, it would give me great pleasure to stuff them!
Only 35 goals is abysmal! One of Nuno’s biggest flaws is not allowing players to burst a gut to get into the box, and playing with too much defensive caution. So often one of the wingers or wing backs burst down the wing and there is only one person in the box. So the ball goes backwards and sideways.
Anyway, any team will do for me, and hopefully the fans will remind the players how passionate us Wolves fans truly are! Let us finish on a high, close off this season, and hope for a successful summer of transfers!
They’ll conjure a goal from somewhere regardless of the team they put out.
We’ll largely be relying on Traore again I suspect, but I’m feeling saucy with it being the last game and all, so I’ll back us to score.
One thing I failed to include in the Everton report was the penalty we somehow weren’t given when Doucoure handled. For a team that doesn’t score many, we can’t afford such shoddy decisions. I look back to that Kilman handball at Leicester earlier in the season and compare that with some of those we haven’t been given and you can scarcely believe it.
For all our failings, we’ve had some horrendous luck with injuries and decisions going against us this season.
I’m afraid that VAR is turning into ‘Hawk eye’ in cricket. And it never seems to go our way.
‘Umpire’s decision’.
If the referee had given the penalty, there is NO way that VAR would have overruled it.
But, to save face for the man in black, it wasn’t ‘A clear and obvious error’.
Unless it had been for Manchester United of course.
It evens out. We’re not good enough – stop blaming VAR
After 6 months of not going in a boozer im going to wolvo to sit in the pubs that we used to go to and finish up in the great western to watch the game and get rat arsed .
End of season bash …..join us and get a bit of fun out this season.
A nothing to play for game, but one where heads can be held high, so play with pride boys. Think we will win this one.
Interesting article about a new clothing and merchandising company with their founder /CEO making the following quote.
‘We were very clear when we made the decision to enter the football market that we would only partner with clubs who had ambitions to compete at European level – it was clear from the very beginning that everyone at Wolves, from the ownership down, are wholly committed to that goal, which is perfectly aligned with Castore’s own ambitions of challenging the existing sportswear market incumbents.’
A big statement if Fosun have gone cold, maybe, just maybe they are committed.
Be an interesting summer.
Keep the faith. See you all next season. Hopefully I can meet for a beer. I usually frequent the Combermere pre game.
Be good to meet up in the Combe’ next season, all being well.
I too thought the statement about Castore was very promising, though the subsequent news about Nuno has put a bit of a dampener on that.
Indeed Wolfie. Either way look forward to meeting for a pint next season.
Nothing to play for against a weakened Man U side.
Adama apart we have no attack force. Has got 0-0 or 1-0 to the Mancs written all over it
Oh for next season
I may have missed something (I normally do) but I still don’t understand why we will have a measly 4,500 fans inside The Golden Palace when Southampton had 8,000.
Are they less infectious on the south coast or does the sea breeze blow all the nasty germs away?
No matter, I expect there’ll be more noise at Molineux than at St Mary’s…
…If we give them something to shout about!
Come on lads. The first and last chance to give a performance in front of the fans for what seems like an eternity.
Surely we’ve got to go for it.
Call me deluded or pathetic (Oh I forgot, somebody already has), but I predict a win.
Doog, Wolverhampton Council sanction the 25% of fans permitted. Nanny Council comes to mind. Hope you and yours have a great summer.
Hopefully see everybody in August, bring it on.
Same to you Witley mate.
Enjoy the sun. If we ever get to see any.
You’re right about the penalty at Everton, Thomas. I assume the referee was unsighted as the player had his back to him. But, that’s what VAR is for. A clear and obvious error!
We’ve had desperately bad luck this season but we looked the equal of Everton, a supposedly top four contender. But, it’s simply not acceptable that only Burnley and the relegated teams have scored fewer goals than us this season! It’s not as though we plundered goals in previous seasons either. This is a serious, serious failing.
In spite of my reservations I think we might finish with a win on Sunday. I imagine that Manure will have eyes on the EL final. This is our big chance to finish on a high.
Traore is in the mood to redeem his disappointing season. Lets put corners into the box and hope that our bigger lads Coady, Donk, Boly and Kilman will connect.
At least it will be attractive football for the last game ?
Roll on next season
Glad for Raul and his family
As if we haven’t had enough to contend with this past year, it now seems likely that Chalkie The Cheat will top the prediction league.
And, to add insult to injury, the little bugger has got a ticket in the upper Steve Bull for Sunday.
Bastid.
And then, next season, instead of wearing official Wolves gear, like all true fans, he will have his custom made t shirt, with something like Chalkie 2 Rest 0 emblazoned on the front.
Double bastid.
Still, I am jealous coz despite all the bollocks of this past 18 months, I wish I was there with y’all.
Have fun, them of you whom going, raise the roof and cheer us on to victory.
And give them glazers full force fury over their special league garbage.
FOwb……………………….oh, they already did!!
NUNO’S LEAVING!!!!
IT’S OFFICIAL.
I’m gutted!
I just hope that all the people who have been banging on about wanting this to happening are happy!
I’m not.
Same, its Unreal. Played this season with half a squad, and youngsters and is leaving. This is the season he will be remembered for, He should of stuck it out for 1 more, normal season.
O’well.
Stevie Gerrard Anyone?
NO THANKS !
They better find the right man for the job fast. A lot of work needs to be done. Give Corbeanu the chance on the right instead of Gibbs White.
Correction: left
Sick to the stomach, but not surprised. Nuno is a very caring and compassionate man and the impact of Covid on him and his family will never be known. Hope he takes 12 months off. Big Sam anyone?!
Before some people take umbrage at your suggestion, Woodend, one thing is certain. He’d sort out our defensive woes. Hard to see though.
you must be joking ?
Yes, I agree. People must understand the player material he’s been working with isn’t good enough for a top position i Premier League.
I’m happy ?
Are you asking me or telling me?
Happy ,happy happy
Bruno Lage odds on to replace him, is this a Mendes placement? Ex Sheffield Wednesday assistant manager! I would hope Mr Shi and Fosun have done the full due dilligence here, this is so important.
I’m voting for Fonseca
Well … there you go … those that wanted managerial change have got it… Nuno leaves after the Man Utd game…..
Me personally… I’m gutted and if it doesn’t work with the new incumbent… I’ll be on the warpath…!
Ooohhh, look out Jeff!!
I didn’t have him in mind at the time but thanks … that’s a good idea …
Nuno was the only manager to have connected with the fans….
McCarthy thought we were all morons…
I know who I’d have chosen out of the two..
Nuno leaving at the end of the season! Has he jumped or been pushed?! Either way I hope all those who have called for his departure are satisfied. I think we will come to regret his going.
Thank you Nuno for all you have brought to the club. My best years following wolves for more than 60 years.
Have you all seen the news about Nuno – devestated.
Well, Tim and fuckin Paul, hope you are satisfied, you finally got your wish.
The greatest Wolves manager in living memory, almost, has been shown the door, and its pricks like you who have wanted and probably engineered it.
I hope we never meet, you bastards.
Grow up you idiot…….. you really are a Neanderthal…….better look that up probably don’t know what it means.
By the way Clive next time you are in Wolves if you want to look me up I work for one of the emergency services that put people in cells when they have been naughty come and see me……!
I was going to make some typical witty, sarcastic remark, but,
a.
it would go straight over your head,
b.
You ain’t worth it.
Wit……..more like twit…..you backward retard……and if I ant worth it why do you keep replying…….dum ass..!
Ant?
Dum?
Instead of playing pretend cop with your furry handcuffs why don’t you go back to skool an lern to spel an a bit of grammer?
I am still alive and started in the Stan Cullis era so draw you neck in
A scandal
Sad news about Nuno, but not surprising. He has seemed a bit disconnected of late and I imagine missing his family back in Portugal.
I hope he will be heading back to Spain or Portugal, and will be absolutely gutted if he turns up at another Premier League club like Spurs.
What a fantastic manager he has been for us, and also a decent bloke.
An important summer just got even more important, those are big shoes to fill but he leaves the club in a much, much better position than when he arrived.
I’m guessing a few bloggers on here will be applying for the job, after all they seem to think a top four position is easy to achieve!
Hallelujah
Gilipollas!
So gutted . Can’t believe it
Real shame. They say be careful what you wish for. Can see an exodus if players now too.
Obviously the negative comments on social media will have had nothing to do with Nuno leaving, there will be bigger issues involved.
But I for one will always be grateful for playing such a massive part in retrieving some dignity and pride for this club.
Time will tell how many of the fantastic backroom staff and players will ultimately make their way elsewhere as the dismantling continues.
I believe that his critics will find themselves on the wrong side of history and maybe question why they found it so difficult to maintain loyalty during such a minor blip for the man who gave us so much.
I certainly wished Kenny Jacket well in his next appointment as he initiated our resurrection but Nuno took us to the next level and, I for one, think he would be an excellent subject for the next statue in WV1.
My other half has actually had a conversation with Nuno and found him to be a lovely, charming man. Wishing him all the best for the future.
It will certainly be interesting to see who Fosun go for and whether or not he is a Mendez client.
Thank you Nuno for the good times, but let’s face it 3 years in Wolverhampton
when you come from lovely Portugal is enough for anyone. It’s for the best ,move on !
God Clive you really are a piece of work !
Thank you.
I believe, according to some, I am entitled to my opinions, and I am too old to really give a shit if I offend anyone.
My opinion of those two bloggers is well known, as is their hatred of Nuno.
Unlike more polite members of this blog, I will express my feelings openly.
If anyone doesn’t like it, they are free to not read, or go elsewhere.
Hate Nuno….. When Have I ever said I hate Nuno…..NEVER you need to calm down son because actions have consequences.
Now I tried to be tolerant with you but you are just to pig headed Nuno didn’t leave because of me……as if I’ve got that influence he has left of his own accord for his own reasons.
Do I think he has taken us as far as he can…YES and it appears so does he so wind you neck in…..!
Has he taken us as far as he can? With the team we have now, yes… I’d even say we’ve overachieved :=))). The team we have now isn’t good enough – that’s the problem – not Nuno. He may of course has, to some degree, been responsible for how thing’s have turned out: the choice going with a small squad, player purchases (Silva, Jose), and perhaps he even want a move to a bigger club where he get more funding.
Sao Tome is an island in the Atlantic, and there’s not a lot to do there! Wolverhampton is actually a lovely place which you might find out if you ever go.
All the best for the future, Nuno, and may your dreams come true.
I am devastated to hear that Nuno is leaving. He brought pride, hope and excitement to the town Wolverhampton and all the supporters. Yes the season hasn’t been up to the previous standards, but I was confident that Nuno would turn things around over the summer. All the best to him and a huge thank you for getting us back to the Premier league. Sadly missed.
So gutted . Can’t believe it
I feel like someone has died
Very sad to see him go, been fantastic four years. Thank you for the memories.
Forsun will probably unveil our new management team middle of next week, players won’t be going any where until the new coach takes a good look at them in the close season. Probably a really good time to change things.
Wonder who they have lined up, defo be a top manager. Lets hope its not somebody from Sand well. Miss you all.??? Xxxx
Barry WTF. The Witley Wanderer.
Someone from Sandwell might actually be better for us than you think and at least he’s a Wolves fan. It won’t happen though so we’ll never know what sort of job he’d do.
Bully was from Sandwell
Absolutely devastated!
A fabulous manager and a great man – he will be missed by most of us.
The next few weeks will have a massive impact on the next few years at our club so let’s hope that sensible heads prevail. Not the time for “ young and hungry “ In my opinion.
One word Gutted !
Thank you Dr Nuno from the bottom of my heart ??
Avid reader of this great blog, and first time commenting.
Sorry that’s its under the cloud of Nuno leaving..
I’d hope for us to find out that it’s because Nuno yearned to be home with family after such a difficult year, but worry there’s more to it than that…
I don’t believe it’s down to pressure from a small minority who wanted him out, as like the rest of us, they’re not even in the stands to demonstrate to say so, so really don’t believe that’d be the case.
The whole truth may or may not unfold, but one thing for certain is the summer could be utterly reflective of where Fosun truly want us to be?
It’ll be interesting to see if someone is already lined, surely there must be?
A very nervy few weeks to come I feel?!
Thank you Nuno for the greatest four years as a passionate Wolves fan (50+)
Fantastic journey back to the top flight and a wonderful European adventure
Only time will tell whether this is a great move for Nuno and for Wolves.
Perhaps we will become renowned for scoring from corners!
Ah well, the Championship isn’t that bad I suppose. Here’s to the next 10 years of bouncing round it
Thinking about it, it’s sad but unless you are at one of the European giants every other club is just a stepping stone in a career, although obviously it’s not the same for us fans.
Nuno was already the 4th longest serving PL manager and while I would have loved him to stay for a few more years, I’ll wager that his next job will be a “step up the ladder” – if such a thing is possible!
For those who wanted him gone, it will be interesting to see in two or three years time which out of Nuno or Wolves is doing the best. Leicester have shown that good appointments can keep success going, hopefully Fosun will make an astute appointment.
I’m glad I read this before I posted a prediction because frankly I couldn’t care less about the score now,
We’ve been lucky enough to have Nuno and his team for the last four years. Not only is he a great coach but a real gentleman too.
He’s not irreplaceable but it’s going to need a very big pair of boots to follow on from him.
Just remember where we were when we all asked “Nuno who?”
If I ever run into him around the streets of Portugal I will be buying him a very large glass of his favourite Portuguese wine.
Farewell Nuno and thank you.
Well said Prawny. Well said.
I haven’t been on the blog for sometime now, however with todays annoucement, i cannot let it pass without making a comment…
Never felt like this before! Absofuckinlootly gutted ? special moments like European games, reversing Spurs 2:3, beating Cithe (cheating bastards!) home/away, the team, L’pool, Utd, the goals & THE GOALS, seeing Wolves play like never before in 40 + years of watching them. My unconditional love for our club and the changes in the last 4 seasons I hope will stay with me for years to come. Just hoping another “wonder manager” can be found but Nuno will walk away with my absolute thanks for gracing The Mol with his presence and the team, backroom and everything else that he has given to everyone asscociated with The Mighty Wolves – simply put – Nuno – Sentiremos tanto sua falta e desejaremos paz e paixão por você e sua família para sempre. Obrigado ?
One last big raucous rendition on Sunday please lads
Nuno had a dream
Utw
Disappointed, yes. Surprised, no.
He’s been a brilliant manager for the Wolves….A legend
Thanks Nuno and all the very best to you.
Gutted. Woke up to the worse news.
OK, so bye-bye half the team who will surely be walking with him.
So much for the fans!
Not even going to predict a score. I’m off. Just too plain upset. Just nobody left with a spine to get a job done when the going gets tough. Bunch of hypocrites, the lot of them.
This season is going to look like a holiday on the beach compared to next year. I’d better go. Too upset. Expected so much better …
Just putting current odds out there for you:
Bruno Lage (hardly excelled at Benfica): 4/7
Rafa Benitez 9/2
Sergio Conceicaio 7
Paulo Fonseca 8
Frank Lampard 12
Ruben Amorim 12
Eddie Howe 14
Clive from Houston 1,000
Tim 1,000,000
Paul aged 54 1,000,000
How about Clive as manager and Tim/Paul as assistants? Now that would really be worth the cameras focussing on touchline antics?
I’m up for that, as long as I get travel expenses, first class of course, from Houston to Wolvo on a weekly basis.
Kind of like what Zenga did.
Remember him?
Now Dim and Ad assistants?
Could be fun.
Dim is into Triumphs, and Ad is into handcuffs, or so it seems.
Who would need a footie match?
Ha ha
I’m gutted , thanks for the memories be careful what u wish for king nuno , wolves aie we.
Let’s do it for Nuno. One last time. Thanks for the memories.
To announce this like this before the last game, which was meant to be special for the fans returning to Molineux for the first time in over a year, is like parents telling their kid they’re getting divorced two days before Xmas.
Can’t believe their timing. So hopping mad.
Or maybe so the fans can give Nuno the send off he deserves.
I’m not sure what he deserves at the moment. He’s leaving isn’t he? All the “oh it’s all about the fans” bullshit, and “I have a contract” … sounds like another hypocrite to me after all.
The going got tough, and he scarpered.
Like I said, I should go. Too upset to think straight.
Where ever George mendes is its about one thing
MONEY ,That man will ruin this football club .
Maybe only 4,500 IN the Molynew but how many will there be outside singing their heads off? Police leave cancelled and a raucous send off for Nuno assures on Sunday.
Nu no!!!
This is one of those days that no true Wolves fan will ever forget.
Adios nuno..and thankyou for some stonking memories
No point in playing Jose William he’s had plenty of time to impress he’s to static doesn’t make runs into the box. I’d leave out Dendonker out in fact he’d never get near the first team again if it was up to me he is just a passenger lightweight.
Neves saying that they should play for pride in local rag bit late know. Cannot see us scoring never mind winning , if Utd put out a weakened team it’s still better than our lot.
Ah Paul you’re such a bundle of Joy. We – and Wolves are so lucky to have you.
Paul it’s you and idiots like you who have got their wish. Nuno gone and we will all have to live with the consequences. I am surprised that you have the nerve to appear here with your ludicrous opinions. Clive said it: you and Tim should clear off back to that dark place from which you sprang. You claim to love Wolves and maybe you do but not as much as you love the sound of your own voice. Negativity and misery are your companions and you deserve each other.
What a shocker, Nuno leaving us.
I’ve been a wolves supporter for Sixty years and for me he’s been the best Coach we have had since the Great Stan Cullis.
It goes without saying he put the pride back into Wolverhampton football with his style of football all very pleasing on the eye.
What more can we say but to wish him well where ever he goes, we will All miss him but pleased to have had him as our coach.
My son and I are going to the final match of this terrible season and if we can beat ManU it will be a bitter sweet experience.
Gutted isn’t enough to express the way I feel just like 99% of wolves FANS.
This is one of those sort of rare happenings, as a Wolves supporter, that you will remember where you were when you heard Nuno is leaving. The beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning? For Fosun, I think the latter.
A great shock but not a surprise. A true gentleman, probably one of the most decent men that ever managed in football. Didn’t he donate £250,000 to a local charity? I hope he gets lots of time with his family in Portugal. Maybe he will manage the Portugal national team.
I hear that Frank Lampard is not taking the Crystal Palace job? A coincidence?
Thank you Nuno Esperito Santo for all you have done for Wolves. The finest manager since Stan Cullis.
Just heard the news never looked at any Blogs before I posted. Sad but so not surprised.
I’m sad that it ended like this and for the record I do appreciate what Nunos done I just feel he needs a new challenge and a recharge I blogged over a month ago he looked drained and lost.
He was not helped I believe by the Boards ( Jeff’s) transfer policy I firmly believe he would not of signed Silva if it had been his choice Jeff has a lot to answer on that score I believe.
I wish him all the best and will never forget what he has done for Wolves he breathed new life into a faded club know is someone else’s turn to pick up the torch and take Wolves to even greater heights.
All the Best Nuno…!
well this is truly some Darkness
Thank you Nuno and friends and good luck to you all in whatever comes next
I don’t do prayers….
…but I’m praying for some Light
Expect I’ll shed a tear when I hear our fans singing on Sunday….give him a great send off please
https://youtu.be/5Jh4JbvgZ-E
Correct decision by club .just something wasn’t right .
Did anybody else se Jeff shi following the Burnley defeat ?
Good luck nuno in whatever you do .
And feel free to come back and sign
Semado,gibbs whyte, neves,coady,Dendonker, patricio, traore, Jose,.
X
It will be the righr decision if we start to see 90 minutes of football, not the customary one good half.
Thought 1st half v Everton was sign of things to come, and soon stop every commentator mentioning our abysmal 1st half scoring record.
Reports of players losing faith back in October. If you cant score goals then set up to not let them in. Not meddling with the tried and trusted 5 at the back af samd time as losing Raul.
Big Nuno fan, but hoping for another unknown Portuguese to take us next level.
Gutted great four years under an excellent man and Manager. Felt he’d become a part of Wolves, so a big wrench seeing him go.
Hope Fosun get the right man as replacement. From media reports it looks like they’re already talking to options.
Gutted at the end of an era at wolves. Nuno was a fantastic manager for us, fostering a team spirit that has carried us through the last 4 years. It’s a mark of his achievement that finishing comfortably clear of the relegation places is considered an under achievement this season.
I’d hoped he would end his stint with a trophy in the bag and how close we came.
But good luck in the future Nuno, you will always be welcome in wolves.
I think we were all aware that all was not quite right at the club so perhaps the news isn’t entirely surprising. Taking into account most of the recent performances, it makes you wonder if Nuno told the players some time ago.
However, a huge, huge thanks to Nuno for everything he’s done for us – an honest and loyal man with immense integrity – almost unheard of in the fickle world of football.
Some of you know Jill, Dorset Wolf (Rob) partner, well as a nurse and someone who is aware of mental illness etc.. She wrote to Nuno to wish him well and to keep strong. She was very surprised to get a letter back from the great man thanking her for her wishes and thoughts. To me, that is what I feel we will lose. A caring, focused gentleman. Yes, football is about winning, yes it is about playing at the top level, but we have had the honour of a manager who never lost his cool or respect when being interviewed, showed the utmost professionalism at all times. A person who cares and in the middle of his issues and matches not going our way, he took the time to write back to Jill.
I started my Wolves journey in 1967 watching Ronnie Allenand seen a few managers since then, not old enough to recall Stan Cullis. But for me we should be proud we had a manager of integrity who has taken me to a new level watching my team. Champions to 7th,7th & 12th in the richest and toughest league and on top of that the strangest season ever.
Thank you Nuno. I wish you every success. Go and enjoy a well earned rest with your family.
Keep the faith.
A lovely story and not at all surprising.
He is a VERY special man, and I doubt that we, or football, will see his like again.
A lovely story Marnhull but I half wish I hadn’t read it. Doogie is so absolutely right regarding the exceptional uniqueness of the man.
So many admirable characteristics including honesty kindness humility dignity and natural leadership.
He really championed a unique playing style that perplexed most of Europe and would I am sure have evolved a further successful approach with the right support and luck.
But in truth even if he hadn’t evolved I would never have turned on him. His choosing to leave at this stage with his status still so high is, I am convinced as much to do with family responsibilities as ego drive for the next job.
I may be proved wrong, but it won’t change my view of the man.
Very well put JackoMac- Nuno is a giant among men for all the reasons you espouse and more. We will not see his like again and we should be happy and grateful that he gave so much to ‘Wolverampton’ In his relatively short time with us.
Nice one Steve
Great read and oh so right on the money.
BOG
I agree with Marnhull, Nuno is an honourable and decent man and something must have happened in the club to prevent him from seeing out the 10 year champions league project.
Maybe he is being lined up for the Portugual manager role?
Whatever the reason I can see many of the portuguese players looking elsewhere, so goodbye to Rui, Ruben, Pedro and Jao who will probably retire.
I don’t know what I will say to little Nuno, especially when she gets to her teenage years?
The predication is irrelevant.
I wonder if I can change the first N on little Nuno’s underwear to a BR?
Well today’s news really caps the transitional season
I assume owners have got someone in the wing. Roy formerly of South East London? Surely not?!
Woy, formerly of South East London? Surely not, we would be welegated.
I would like to shake Nuno’s hand and thank him for all the wonderful times he has given us fans and for all he has done for the club and the local community. He is a man who truly cares about other people and ultimately that is more important than football or anything else in life. I don’t expect to see another Wolves manager with his qualities in my lifetime.
It’s only natural to want to know what might have gone on behind closed doors and have a clear explanation of the reasons for his departure. That is not for now. All I will say is that if there are lessons to be learned I hope they are met with openness and good sense not obstinacy.
I’ve only just picked up the news. Nuno has been fantastic for wolves and a thoroughly decent man, we owe him a debt of gratitude. However, the news is not that surprising – I speculated this might happen a few months ago, nevertheless it is sad. It will be interesting to understand what has prompted this now. It is being described as being “ by mutual agreement” which makes for an interesting dynamic as it implies both parties were ok for this to happen. I said very recently that whilst Nuno is a very good manager I don’t think he is quite good enough to fulfil Fosun’s stated ambition but even that ambition is under a bit of a cloud of ambiguity. It would be absolutely fascinating to understand the deal of what has happened here- we might never know. If Nuno has been “sacked” by fosun in pursuit of better things in a curious way that becomes more comforting in that it shows their desire to improve, even if it does become the wrong decision in the fullness of time. What would be far more worrying for me is if Nuno has decided that there are better opportunities because he sense that Fosun’s ambition is on the wane and the initial project has been compromised. Anyway we are in for an absolutely fascinating few weeks. Thanks again Nuno and best wishes for some time back in the heart of your family.
I think you’ve got it SC wolf. The big question is WHY is Nuno going?
If Nuno has, in effect, been sacked, as much as I’d hate it, it would appear to be progress. The ten year project is still there.
If Nuno is leaving for better opportunities, then that is seriously bad news for Wolves.
I would speculate Fosun have decided it is time for a change. It was only 8 months ago Nuno signed a new contract and a few weeks ago amid Spurs speculation Nuno said he has a contract and will work to it. We have to hope Fosun have already got a plan in place and swiftly move on with things. That is my best guess for what it is worth.
And a very reasonable guess I would say. Having heard Nuno’s statement and the club’s too, I think that the agreed official line is pretty much on the money.
As for this final match? It would be great for our team to send Nuno out on a high, but I fear that reality doesn’t always comply with the dream scenario.
Fully aree Sutton, an interesting point to add on ambition is the statement from the new shirt supplier
3 hours later I’m still in shock. I can only hope this is for family reasons & he’s heading back to Portugal to be with them. He goes with my warmest wishes & thanks.
He’s given me some amazing memories, the 5-1 win over Bolton, getting promoted, taking my nephew for his 1st match to see Wolves beat Crusaders, seeing Neto score on his debut v Pyunik & win 4-0 & my final match before covid seeing us beat Espanyol 4-0. He made the atmosphere in the Mol the best I’ve felt in decades. It’s been a pleasure to be part of his pack.
Thank you Nuno & the very best of luck for the future.
I want to make my self clear here and now any Blogger who threatens me or any other Blogger with violence I will act up that it is my Duty be it from someone living in this country or abroad.
will not tolerate abuscive threatening behaviour towards me or anyone else because of mine or there opinion.
That’s the first time I’ve agreed with one of your posts Paul .
Well, Paul, you’ve done it again, totally misunderstanding a post.
I have never threatened you or anyone else.
My post said I hope we never meet, not because of any threat, but because you and Tim are basically morons.
Clive to be clear I’m not aware you have said a thing you shouldn’t have.
Paranoia comes to mind, Clive- him not you!
Let me know next time you pop over……..I would really look forward to meeting you.
With you all the way on that Paul
The comments thus far have bought a tear to my eye. I have thought for a while that Nuno’s demeanour illustrated a man with a lot on his mind. Now we now know why. He restored my faith in Wolves and has given me – and my husband – many happy memories especially our recent trips to Europe.
Thank you Nuno, my Dad would have loved your style had he been here to see it ?
.
I’m very saddened with Nuno’s impending departure.
Thank you Nuno for everything you’ve done for WWFC… you will never be forgotten.
There’s nothing left to say, but hope the boys can finish with a three pointer.
All the best Nuno.
Well, l for one am gutted. Whilst we will never know the ‘real’ reason behind NUS’s departure, what he has done for us the past 4 years is magnificent.
Bon voyage Nuno, good luck in wherever your destiny takes you (if it is another club in the Premiership then best of luck can be withdrawn on a couple of occasions.)
As for Sunday let’s see what the boys can rustle up.
No idea why l have this feeling, but could we be in for a lovely surprise of having RJ on the bench for maybe a 1 or 2 minute cameo before end of season?
After 60 up and down years of supporting the Wolves, I’ve experienced 3 years of pure joy, led by a man of huge integrity, supported by a great team of back room staff , an unusual combination in elite football. This last year has been grim, but for all sorts of reasons, and I’ve felt great sympathy for Nuno in the circumstances we all know about. So I’m shocked and saddened (and Mrs Peakwolf is devastated!) but not entirely surprised. Maybe we’ll end up with the hard-nosed winner that some on here clearly crave, but the comparison with our great man of 4yrs will test our views of what football is all about. I’ll go for the spirit that Nuno has brought to the club and city every time. Thanks a million, Nuno.
Wolves fan since the early Seventies and enthusiastic reader of the best football blog around. Peakwolf, you capture my sentiment completely. In my humble opinion, Nuno is the best football manager this club has had in my lifetime. A man of integrity, compassion, emotional intelligence and excellent managerial skills, who helped create an identity and a deep team bond within our club that I was hugely proud of. Given the terrible injuries, the limited size of replacement resources and the challenge of the Covid-19 circumstances, I don’t believe any manager would have been able to do any better. It seemed obvious to me, that the less expansive style of football of late was designed to help guarantee that our decimated squad survived in the top-flight to start afresh another season – a fantastic goal achieved given all that Nuno faced this year. I fear that if this is not Nuno’s doing, a terrible decision has been made that will haunt our club. Nuno had a dream. Mine is that one day, he might return to the Wolves. UTW
King nuno social media Muppets got what they wanted thank u from the bottom of my heart remember him for the joy he gave all wolves fans, wolves aie we.
I’m too gutted to say much tonight. Other than I really started following Wolves in the dark days of the late 80’s but what a journey that was out of the 4th division. There then followed decades of under achievement but you keep going dont you. I honestly never thought I would ever see a Wolves side that could not only hold their own but beat the big boys in the elite league. But I did and it was Nuno who led us there. This man truly embraced the fans and the fans loved him. Most still do and will be sad to see him go. It will be a very emotional day on Sunday both for him and us. But whatever happens Nuno will be forever welcome back at this club , always a member of the pack. Our greatest manager in over 40 years. Out of darkness cometh light.
At least he will be remembered fondly.
A true legend cheesey
Hit the spot there Cheese.
Ever seen a 68 year old man weep?
I am one of them.
No Dalrymple no Thelwell and now – no Nuno. It’s no coincidence.
A very sad day.
Many thanks NES. Many thanks
BOG
Our greatest manager in over 40 years Cheese , just overtaking John Barnwell because he beat the s**t at Wembley in 1980. Hope you are keeping well mate.
|hope we can give Nuno the send off he deserves. Good that fans are there. The end of a horrible season.
Same here cheeseburger, I’m like u good and bad times, memories , wolves aie we.
A couple of seasons back I was walking through the main entrance of The Novotel as Nuno was walking out, I just said to him “thank you so much for what you have done for our football club”, he just smiled and probably thought who was that prat with the strange accent. I am so glad that I got the chance to say it to him. He is the best manager that I have seen at The Wolves, I know some such as Twix and Bedders have been going since the 1940’s but I first went in 1978 so I have not seen as many. During his tenure me and Sue have had some amazing days and nights. I never thought I would see my beloved Wolves play in Europe but I was at Crusaders and Espanyol, the FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United was an amazing night and Wembley, even though we lost, was a great weekend. Wherever he ends up I will always look out for their results and hopefully he will bring a team back to The Molineux one day and get the reception he deserves. I haven’t got a ticket for Sunday but am seriously considering traveling the 86 miles from Newark to say goodbye. If I don’t then Nuno – thanks for the memories.
I liked your comment Ian but would correct you by adding .. it was Bedders who’s been around since the 40’s … I was ‘Wanderers’ baptised in the late 50’s….
Four years of joy , excitement and happy memories. Above all thank you Nuno for the respect you showed to the fans ,for the respect that the team earned across the world and the respect for the city in troubled times.
I hope the reason you are leaving is your own, you’re knackered and you need to go home. You have been our hero and we are very sorry to see you go.
I’m crying in my beer, supported wolves 50 years, any one at sherpa van final, I just want to know the truth, was he pushed, or went on own accord, once again thank u nuno , wolves aie we.
Certainly not the way most of us expected Nuno’s dream to end.
Exactly my thoughts. I believe above all else he is an honest man. He was under the impression he was staying. It’s said no other vacancy is linked. If it was for personal reasons they would have said and everyone would have had sympathy. Therefore there is only one other conclusion I can reach. Fosun have elected to find a new coaching team. Very brave, let’s hope not naive.
3-0 wolves and fuck off to the Nuno betrayers.
Andres Villas Boas anyone? Fits our bill currently out of work after another success at Marseille. Got a good track record of taking teams from top 10 to champions league. Would show real ambition as a signing.
Now we will find out fosuns true intentions .
Not how i wanted to find out but there you go.
Is it adios to the ten year project and adios to fosun or is the ten year project moving on to new levels???
Some weeks ago i said i feared nuno was going purely because of his demeanour and what seemed a lack of interest and a going through the motions attitude …. i was called a twat by some idiot …not such a twat now am i ..whoever said it.
I am not clairvoyant but signs are there for all to see and i now fear we may be seeing the end of chinese investment.. please feel free to call a twat if you want.
Just in case Nuno reads the posts on here…..”sir..you will always be loved and respected for the incredible Job you performed over the last 4 years at Wolves..
You will always be welcome and respected at the Mol’
Thankyou for the memories
and auroviour
A sadly memorable way to end a forgettable season… thanks Nuno for the memories. Hopefully we can remember you as the one who set Wolves on the path towards greatness. What a gentleman. What a loss…
I don’t comment on here any more.
But
While Nuno has been great and I hope you all enjoyed the ride,
He has not achieved as much as Bill Mcgarry did and this team is not as good as his. Team finished higher and reached european final in the 70’s.
So please he might be the best manager since then but he is not the best since cullis.
And the nasty arguments still raging betwen clive and others was exactly why I stopped caring. sad but true.
Roma for me next season – the mourinho ride is great.
Roma? Mourinho? Bye, enjoy your time with an out of touch has been
Had forgotten about you!
The original dickhead!
And you must still love us, or you wouldn’t know about the handbags at dawn lovers tiffs going on!
You cheeky monkey!
Seems as though its nothing to do within Nuno, looks like Fosun gave him the shove a few weeks back. Saying they want to go in a different direction… fuckng back to the championship by the look of it
This is one of the stupidest decisions since we turned Sir Alex away and he went to Man utd instead .
Wel, done Foson … so we are looking at Bruno Lage . Won the league first year and got sacked the second year for breaking all records of how shit they were . Looking at Nuno and his portuguese influence, his ethics and his brand …reminds me of Wenger and the French revolution at Arsenal only they recognised a winner . Jesus christ .. what a fucking massive disaster
As much as we would all like to know the real reason behind Nuno’s departure, I think we will have a pretty good idea by the start of next season. This upcoming transfer window and the hunt for a new manager will tell us a lot and not just about Nuno but Fosun, Mendes and the fabled 10 year plan. All of the protagonists in the drama unfolding before our eyes are smart people-judge them all by their actions not their words
Spot on Sutton. My guess is that Fosun are unwilling to meet Nuno’s desires for squad strengthening without sales first (and who could we sell for really decent money apart from our only fit dangerman,Traore?). This along with his family situation probably made him reassess the situation.
Time will tell but I hope I’m wrong.
Not sure yet if my sadness outweighs my anger or the other way round.
Some comments in the MSM about the need for some candidates to obtain a work-permit (post-Brexit). Could limit the field of prospective candidates.
Stunned with the announcement all I can say is thank you Nuno. A big summer just got even bigger
This mornings announcements may throw more light on the background to Nuno’s departure. I get the feeling that Jeff has run out of excuses for the teams failure to progress in line with the owners plan and has had to fall back on his last resort- blame and sack the manager. 4 sackings now in 5 years- if Jeff doesn’t get this new appointment right, he will be gone. It’s only a matter of time and luck- Nuno’s ran out when he was unable to replace Raul, Jonny, Pedro and Diogo with equally effective performers. Big stakes and big risks, enjoy it while you can.
Not sure I can agree with you Woody. From the Fosun Perspective and in the current climate they’ll see that Jeff is running a very steady ship,
Asset values are up and premier league status in no risk. There biggest concern might well be the difficulty in finding a co investor.
I hope ur right mate, perhaps I am being dragged down by all the doom and gloom around.
The problem now is that due to a lack of experience and knowledge at the highest levels of the club, we will once again be guided by Mr Mendes in the search for a new manager. Sadly this would mean that those coaches with a non-Mendes connection, like for instance Eddie Howe will not be considered.
It also means that whoever is appointed will take some time to find out what we already know i.e that a number of our current squad simply don’t cut the mustard and need to be moved on.Over the next few weeks a lot of Premier League clubs will be going after the talent who have performed well at relegated clubs e.g Maitland-Niles, Pereira, Andersen, Lookman to name but a few but we won’t be among them. The danger is that again we will end up going for overhyped and underperforming European players towards the end of the transfer window who will cost a great deal more and who won’t be any better than those we may have to sell.
I just hope the we can now move forwards and upwards as soon as possible.
Ernie
I’ve been an admirer of Eddie Howe for a long time and consider him a good fit.
But…. I think that this was sorted Weeks ago.
Nuno looked like he was going ages ago . Body language said it all.
Well, I think most of us are long enough in the tooth to realise that “mutual agreement” is always more mutually agreeable to one party than it is to the other. Yesterday I would have put money on this being done more by the Nuno than by the club, but it seems from today’s reports from Tims Spiers & Nash, as well as the newspapers that it was instigated by Fosun.
Wow, big decision and now the pressure really has ramped up to find a replacement who will take us to this mythical “next level”.
If the new guy doesn’t get off to a flying start, I imagine that the atmosphere on this blog and others will implode!
I suspect it will be on of the various Portuguese names being mentioned, but I’d go for Rafa Benitez.
Where’s Tim with his infinite wisdom when we need him…..
Will be a while before the dust settles and Nuno’s replacement is known. One thing for sure is that any current ‘bookies favourites’ might be wide of the mark. Punters will back who they fancy for the job and this will reflect in silly odds. Logic tells me the new guy will be Portuguese.
Heard an interesting rumour at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday that Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire, was interested in buying Wolves outright, but Fosun were only offering a 20% stake. If true, it does show commitment by Fosun. Ratcliffe is a life-long Chelsea supporter but Roman Abramovich wasn’t interested in selling Chelsea.
A Spurs mate is sure that Nuno is going to Spurs. No way! In fact I think Spurs are in an even worse state than us with Harry Kane leaving and others maybe to follow him. Like us, Spurs have to get the next manager absolutely right or suffer the consequences of mid-table mediocrity. My Spurs mate reckoned they were lucky to win against Wolves, as we created a number of chances that a decent striker would have put away. I suspect that the Fabio Silva transfer has done much to blight our season. It makes no sense that you only have a rookie as back-up to a top striker like Jimenez.
Talking about Harry Kane, I didn’t know that he was on Arsenal’s books as an eight-year old. Arsenal let him go. His position then was goalkeeper. No wonder he’s so good at diving!
Would be great to hear from Stu about Nuno. If you’re reading this blog Stu, I respect your reasons for withdrawing but your insight would be very valuable in these extraordinary circumstances.
The more I think about it the more obvious, to me, is that Nuno has been sacked.
Clubs like to sweeten it up but “Mutual Consent” = sacked
Whatever happens we will always be so grateful to Nuno and his staff for taking us on
a journey we never expected – How great was that?
Onwards & Upwards
Tim is off sulking after reading all of the mean things said about him.
And that’s only what the blog police allow to be published.
Gutted. Saddened. Not angry, and kind of relieved for Nuno himself, but bordering on heartbroken as to how it could have gone compared to how it is. Nuno Espíritu Santo is a very, very good manager, and a great man. We were lucky to have him here and we will continue to be lucky moving forwards for the benefits of any of his impact and influence, as long as they remain.
He was not perfect, but he never said he was. What he was, was a classy, honest and very thoughtful man, gifted with the ability to put a bloody good team together. His first 3 years here were amazing, the best I’ve seen since I first went to Molineux in 1990. This last year, I think most of us could have forgiven the drop off in quality and results, given the situation with Raúl and Covid… And the massive emotional and personal difficulties that they would have placed on the broad shoulders of Nuno. I certainly won’t hold this year against him when we look back, and I wish him nothing but love and good fortune wherever he goes.
Nuno is one of us, and for whatever reason (family?) he needs space and time. He put £250,000 of his own money into Wolverhampton, he leaves with our hearts and can hold his head high if or when he returns.
We have now got to trust Jeff and Fosun… And Jorge. They, for their sake, need to get this next move right, otherwise I can see an implosion coming.
Wolves Ay We.
In Nuno I still trust
Judging by widespread comments and my own feelings, losing Nuno is almost like a shock bereavement. Fans are almost grieving. Thankfully the man is alive and well. Managers have been known to return to clubs after leaving. Mourinho back to Chelsea for example. I hope one day to see Nuno back in the home dug-out at the Mol.
Nicely put tim
Sad news indeed. Hope NES gets the sendoff he earned and deserves. I wish him success wherever he goes.
Let’s Go Wolves!
Apparently, Dean Saunders has been spotted at the local Asda.
Yes, stacking shelves is better suited to his skill set than football management…..and no offence intended to people who do stack shelves for a living!
Not really a shock to people who fully understand sports.
The Athletic
Nuno’s Wolves exit: Almost sacked in January, players questioning approach but ’emotions will overflow’ when he goes
Tim Spiers
On the day itself the news came as a huge shock. Not even an hour after Nuno Espirito Santo had conducted his final press conference of the season — during which he breezily chatted about Sunday’s game with Manchester United and how the players will be spending their summer in preparation for 2021-22 — Wolves announced his departure.
In between he had called a meeting with the players at 1pm to deliver the news he was leaving. He was emotional, they were shocked — but not entirely. Behind the scenes this parting of ways has been brewing for several months…..
“people who understand sport” Tim I suppose will include you. The implication of course is that the rest of us are too stupid to understand or don’t know anything about sport despite watching it all our lives, in my case over 70 years. Truly your arrogance is monumental you patronising prat.
You can interpret it any way you want but I made it clear months ago that it was coming. The only real question was whether or not Jeff would do it and risk upsetting Mendes.
Maybe you’re just not reading all of the inside gossip that I am.
Thanks Tim, I’m glad you’ve posted to copy and paste your knowledge to us mere muppets, and I’m glad to see your self editing skills are still strong.
Of course I knew that you knew all along what was going to happen months ago.
Between the two of us can you tell me who the next manager is, just so I can have a few quid on?
Don’t expect a reply Newt…
Wow! Who knew just being contrary to the status quo and it eventually coming true meant you understand sports more!
Now this isnt looking very classy
Press reporting that he was fired and my guess it wasn’t Nuno who told them that so Fosun needed to clarify?
Absolutely no need for that…yep some guessed he was fired … but why oh why have Fosun tossed away the Mutual agreement’ guff?
Just lacks class
Their letter after the collapse of the Super League showed class
The need to
Confirm Nuno
Was fired just doesn’t
Disappointed doesn’t begin to capture the feeling
It’s quite likely the press have invented it and no one has told them anything !
Would love to win this game for Nuno but given current form can’t see it.
A disappointing end to a difficult season.
Well sadly the dust seems to have settled slightly.
IMO Nuno was an icon, to me he was … for what he’s done and achieved at this football club…
From boring Championship crap to an establishment PL TEAM…. I just don’t think he’d quit us for another PL club, so Jeff Shi sacking him does not sit well with me… heavens above Jeff’s made a few signing howlers… still whatever the backlash nothing will change.
The coming close season will need to be well managed, otherwise we’re going to be looking down the relegation barrel quicker than a gunshot.
I’m hoping that the boys can turn it on tomorrow for Nuno but I think they’ll all be on a downer after this….
Well, Tim has come up trumps again with his foresight on Nuno getting the push.
But I think I can beat him because I CERTAINLY ‘fully understand sports’.
I predict that whoever is taken on as Nuno’s replacement will end up getting the sack.
You just wait. I can see it coming a mile off.
And when it happens I will happily say “I told you so”.
Because I fully understand sports.
Lol
I have just seen Tony Pulis coming out of the ASDA behind the North Bank. Is this a significant development?
Yes. He’s just finished his shift.
He was carrying a Chinese phrase book? Interesting.
Was he swigging from a bottle of Port?
Yes. I think he had been swigging a bit too much and was slurring stuff like ” I’m Tony F**kin Pulis from Newport. What do I know about Shanghai. And you can stick your 3-4-3 up your arse. You need a big massive bloke up front like Steffan Mairhoffer and that is the way to Europe. Give me the job now ! And dont forget I relegated Sandwell Town”
Wolves v Manchester United
A final look back in time before the close season. (Thank feck I hear you all say, probably for a variety of motives).
Over the years we have had some right royal battles with Manchester United in both the FA cup and league fixtures. The 1950’s saw the emergence of two managers who became household names across the land as their respective teams dominated the game. In the gold corner – Stan Cullis and in the red corner – Matt Busby.
Along with another legend of the game Joe Mercer, all three formed a friendship from the adversity of WW2. Indeed, Cullis and Mercer had attended the same school in Ellesmere Port and in 1938 Stan Cullis was the only player to refuse to do the “Hitler salute” prior to a Germany v England game in Berlin. Good on yer Stan!
In April 1949, two weeks before the FA cup final Wolves v Leicester City, Matt Busby was guest of honour at a dinner at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton given in tribute to Stand Cullis (retiring Wolves and England captain) and Billy Wright (up and coming Wolves and England captain). I was fortunate to have the menu for the evening given to me in 1977 signed by all the Wolves players plus Matt Busby and Stan Cullis. This fairly priceless artefact is now in the hands of the Wolves museum as I thought that is the right place for it to be, safely housed and displayed.
Stan was cruelly and curtly sacked by letter in September 1964 whilst Manchester United stuck by Busby.
Fast forward to March 1966 and 12 months after Wolves had lost 5-3 to United in the FA cup quarter finals at Molineux after going 2 up courtesy of Hughie Mcllmoyle, and here we were again this time in a 5th round tie again at Molineux. Having secured a ticket by queuing from 4 o’clock on a Sunday morning 2 weeks beforehand, I was in the North Bank in the “kids pen” underneath the half time scoreboard where the North Bank terrace and Molineux Street stand met.
Another full house approaching 54,000 witnessed a moment of real de je vu as Wolves again took the initiative by going 2 up when Terry “Piggy” Wharton scored 2 from the spot in the first 9 minutes. Madness! We all went crackers.
However, inspired by the mercurial George Best, Manchester United scored 4 without reply and Wolves exited the competition. It was a wonderful game of football but the dreams of the twin towers were dashed by the red half of Manchester yet again.
Well, between now and August I guess we will all be thinking what or who next? Apart from the managerial position and the contract reviews of a fair number of players, we simply cannot afford another transfer window/policy similar to last year.
Somehow it just won’t be the same for me, certainly not for many a day. The fist clenching, 3 punches in the air salute to the South Bank will go down in Molineux folklore followed by the exciting chatter of supporters exiting the stadium and on the train home to Bedford as Nuno’s team chalked up another victory.
I will miss you Nuno Espirito Santo and grateful thanks from me for elevating Wolves to the forefront of English football where even the locals here in Bedford (not exactly a hotbed of football – more rugby union) instantly recognise the badge on my tracksuit top or shorts. Some school kids actually stopped me for a chat outside the local newsagent about “Nuno and Wolves” – not “Wolves and Nuno”.
Says it all really.
Wishing you and your families a nice summer break.
Bedfordshire Old Gold
BOG
Please see the photograph of that 1949 civic Hall menu with various autographs.
Brilliant BOG. You know as well as me that everything Wolves is usually on the verge of going tits up. This is a very brave (foolish?) move by Fosun. Once again we stand on the sidelines . Which way will we go now? We have no choice but to place our trust in Fosun. They own the club in terms of finances and signatures on a piece of paper. We own the club in terms of emotion, loyalty, spending our money, a raucous atmosphere at the Golden Temple which can guarantee a few more home points each season. I am going to put my trust in Fosun . Everything I have read points to them wanting a refresh and a change of direction. Ignore the mood hoovers on social media. Just like a lot of us on this blog remained staunchly loyal to Nuno I think we also need to give Fosun a chance. It may all end in tears. At the moment we have no choice.
Hello Cheese
Thank you for your reply. Yes you are right! Thinking about it over the past 50 or so years when we think we are on the verge of sustained success it does go tits up! I suppose we should be used to it but this time round as Nuno had developed and nurtured a relationship with the supporters like no other manager I can recall, it was like a hobnail boot in the solar plexus when I heard the news. (I was actually round Bedders home and he showed me the news on his phone).
As you correctly intimate, this summer is surely one of the most important in the recent history of WWFC.
I have no idea what Fosun -Jeff Shi- will implement in terms of players investment, managerial appointments and so on. I was hoping Nuno would be granted another season with the opportunity to build a bigger, stronger squad (which he recognised was imperative) plus the added bonus of players returning from injury, to steer the club into calmer waters. Well that ain’t going to happen so let’s see what develops.
Have a great summer Cheese and let’s resume the blog again in August – although I won’t be able to attend as many fixtures 21/22 as our table tennis coach has introduced weekend table tennis! So it’s a tug of war between watching or playing a sport!
All the best
BOG
Let’s hope a few matches down Worcester are on the cards in the cricket. I noticed on another forum a bit of a debate about Wolves and Worcester in the cricket. Well to me it always used to be Dudley, Worcestershire. This historic allegiance means many Black Country cricket fans support Worcestershire rather than Birmingham based Villa/Blues Warwickshire. You often see a great number of Albion and Wolves fans at New Road. Worcester a great venue. And magnificent pubs in the city centre!
1964 Cheese.
I was 11 years old.
Summer hols spent at Grandparents house in Dudley.
Grandpa was a true cricket nut. We would set off for New Road by train early doors with Marmite and jam sandwiches plus Smiths crisps (complete with the tiny blue packet containing salt) and a bottle of Tizer. This was our lunch.
As you correctly recall out the first week of the holiday Worcestershire CC played at The Sports Centre, Dudley.
Worcestershire won the county championship for the first time in 1964. And then again in 1965.
Horton and Kenyon opening the batting, (I have no doubt you will remember these players) – Ron Headley then Tom Graveney at number 4 (Tom was to cricket what Peter Broadbent was to football), all rounder Basil D’Olivera, Roy Booth (wicketkeeper), Slade and Gifford spinners then the battery of quickies including Flavell, Coldwell and West Ham goalkeeper Jim Standen.
Wonderful days with my grandpa Cheese.
We must meet up and recreate them – substituting beer for Tizer!!!
All the best
BOG
Outstanding Mike, as ever.
Hello Steve
Cheers – let’s hope we give Nuno a good send off by defeating United this afternoon.
Very unhappy with Nuno going but we can only hope whoever comes in will be up to the mark.
All the best – have a lovely summer
Mike
With you all the way on that Paul
Best blog if the day BIG drought back some great memories and Nuno will certainly take his place in the history of our club
Cheers Kiwi
I totally agree – Nuno will be at the top table in Wolves history.
He transformed the club after the barren years under previous managers.
Add on his amazing generosity and unparalleled rapport with supporters and he was just perfect for the club.
I must admit I do feel pretty well choked up today Kiwi – even though I am hurtling towards 70.
Football – doesn’t it get yer eh!
All the best
BOG
Thanks for bringing back memories of those two legendary cup games 66 and 67 BOG. I was at university in Glasgow in those long ago days. In order to get to the games I hitch hiked down to Wolverhampton (not a lot of motorway then so a long trek). The FA cup had huge importance then, but regardless not sure I would do it again. Probably fly, not an alternative in 66/67.
Hoping for a win and Wolves fans showing their love for Nuno.
Fosun will struggle to find a coach who commands as much respect and genuine affection and whose stats in terms of percentage wins are better even than the legendary Stan Cullis.
Happy memories Happy!
That’s what I would call keen – hitchhiking around 300 miles to support Wolves.
Yes you are right in those days the FA cup meant so much to us all.
Nuno will certainly be a tough act to follow.
I will miss him immensely.
Sad day for the club and it’s supporters.
All the best
BOG
I have noticed the last few weeks that someone on this blog persistently dislikes a blog entry I have entered. Fair enough. If you have a problem with me just say. Just don’t be a f**king coward and hide behind your computer screen. Come on. Own up you twat.
Still hiding ………..
Stilton, if I got upset every time some jerkoff red flagged me, I would be as miserable as Tim and Paul!!!
Take it as a badge of honour.
And do what you told me the other day, tell ‘em to fuck off!!
I count you, and quite a few others from this blog, as very good friends.
The miserable fuckers don’t count!
And I bet one or more of the aforementioned miserable fuckers will castigate me for using the words miserable fuckers.
Miserable fuckers!!
As you can problee tell, I’ve done a Cheesy, and had a few.
And with regard to Nuno.
After the tears have dried, we have to accept his going, as we have with all managers in history.
Yes, we love and adore him, but next season we will get behind whatever players are on the pitch, and whoever is in charge.
Yes there will inevitably be comparisons, and rightly so, but if the next manager or two gets us a few trophies, on the back of Nuno’s great work, then we’ll all be well chuffed.
He is a Wolves Legend, and will always be welcome in Wolverhampton, in whatever capacity.
Just imagine being a shit fan.
No team
No manager
No hope!!
Clive. I have no problem with anyone disagreeing with me but just hiding away behind a computer is just wank. I was brought up in the heart of the Black Country. It is a harsh upbringing. You call a prick a fuckin prick. As you know . If the keyboard warrior had any guts he/she will come along and engage with us. But I doubt it.
W A N K E R. ….
I think the writing was on the wall for Nuno to be dismissed when asked about our abysmal first half performances,this season, he could offer no explanation.
His stubbornness with formation and tactical nouse lack of off,probably contributed as well.
Agree that he brought a style of football never seen previously by us long suffering fans,maintaining our stability as a premier league club.
I also feel however that he is not a winner like in the Mourinho mould is,and that semi final defeat with minutes to go highlights this point.
Finally much as l dislike him the other Mourinho the ginger one might not be a bad shout as a replacement when you see what he has achieved with little investment he would know how to make our team more aggressive as well.
Aaasaasgh Fuck off you cunts !!!
Cheeese Clive Twix brom and co not you boys .. I think I’m done
40 fucking Yeats home and away
A previous 5 woth mt dad rip
I’m done
Fosun fuck off . We’ve never been so close and you’ve fucked it up
Any one of you pricks that think they’ve made the right decision… well you bell ends deserve each other
FUCK YOU AND FUCK OFFF
And bedders and bog and Witley and marnhil doog and Stu wolf stoker marnhill and Marin . Thomas Ben and co … I can’t think who I’ve missed but top guy s and proper wolves . I love you boys and girls but I’m so heartbroken I don’t think that I can carry on
,all the best chaps
Let the dust settle a little Matt. We need guys like you here, and in the Combemere.
Hear, hear. I owe you a beer Matt, so you need to rock up.
I second that Wolfstroker…..
There are Wolves diehards but without any doubt whatsoever Matt is one of them….
A bloke that comes up from London.. and many others travel from afar are , are the foundation of Wolves.
I say to Matt, give it time , don’t let the bastards grind you down and rise to the challenge…. history will eventually show whether this event (Nuno’s departure) will be the right call….
That pint is on the bar Matt….
and before anyone else gets any ideas … the answer is NO ..!
Like most Wolves fans, I too am saddened to see Nuno parting ways with the club. There seem to be different reasons given. He has been a godsend to us and has done remarkably well during his time with Wolves.
But this is professional football. We have seen other managers who have done well at their clubs, yet somehow end up leaving. So whilst we are sad to see Nuno leave, let us hope the next manager will be able to generate the same love from the fans. To do this he will need to be good at his job, but more importantly have the help and support of the Wolves management. This mainly entails providing the right funds to get the right players that suit whatever plans the new manager has for the team.
The new manager is going to contend with a currently small squad (which is likely to get even smaller if some rumours are correct). Hopefully the idea of bringing in players “for the future” will play a smaller role than it did for the last 3 years. We need players who will have an immediate effect on the team and prime contenders to play each week.
So good luck to Nuno in his next adventure. He will leave with his head held high after a successful stay at Wolves. Let’s look forward to the next season and see what changes are in store.
As for a prediction – well can it get harder? The emotions of the day, United still have games in Europe (I think), meaning they will play a few youngsters. So I will predict yet another draw (which never seem to happen).
Backbeat the word is on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I’m sure you’ve heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
Hope we get two good halves of attacking football with us scoring at least one goal each half.
UTW!
The last one this season and as usual how can you predict a win without scoring goals? and that is one of the causes of upheaval over the past 24hrs. Just for old times sake
Wolves 2
Manure 0
Well like most of you I am well and truly pissed off.
Mutual Consent my ARSE Nuno has effectively been sacked by Jeff , for what reason god alone knows. Yes we have had a crap season (by recent standards) but that in my opinion was caused by shit personnel decisions (Doherty & Jota) at the beginning and continuous injuries throughout the season. No manager not even the arch angel Gabriel could have coped with that lot.
Nuno is/was the best manager since the sainted Stan Cullis ( and as BOG pointed out was sacked as well) and I have seen all of them. That was the start of the slide which went on for many years and only really ended with Nuno’s arrival 4 years ago.
Where do we go from here? I wish I knew but if Fosun and Jeff get this summer wrong we might be looking up at the Shit and the Vile for many years. I don’t want my dotage ruined by that thought.
WE can only hope that the players who came to the club because of Nuno want to remain, if the likes of Neves and Patricio want out god help us. Rant over (for now).
Onto this afternoon, unfortunately do not have a ticket, as I would have liked to join in any tribute to Nuno, so will not be watching. Don’t think we had much of a chance before Friday’s news and with the lads possibliy pissed off and deflated none at all now. We don’t look like scoring, even from inside the bloody goal net at the moment , and the thought of Cavani causing havoc amongst our defence makes me shudder.
I know my prediction is wrong but can’t predict a defeat, just Nuno can work one last cat of magic.
PS. Just like Cheese as a hardened son of the black country I reserve the right to call any one who disagrees a WANKER but would always accept a disagreement if you put your name to it.
Adding my voice to those saddened by the departure of Nuno. The end of a golden period for Wolves – here’s hoping it’s onwards and upwards from here (or at the least, status quo).
As it was before, so it is now. Some are giving Nuno a cheery wave bye bye, and some, probably more, are crying into their beer. I am definitely in the beer crying group, but we are where we are and where we go from here will tell us a lot about what the long term future holds.
Who instigated this parting of the ways, and why?
Was it Nuno? Was he tired and homesick and simply needed a break? Or did he require assurances on transfers that Fosun weren’t prepared to give so decided to walk?
Was it Fosun? Were they unhappy with the performances despite the extraordinary circumstances which have overwhelmed the season? Or did they want Nuno to move in directions he didn’t want to go?
These questions will be answered in the coming weeks. If Nuno heads back to Portugal and the bosom of his family, then who of us can begrudge him, and them, that comfort. However, if he jumps straight into a job somewhere else, especially in England, then I worry about the short and medium future.
Next up is his replacement. No worthwhile manager of reputation will come to the club without concrete reassurances on investment in the team. The stature of this appointment will tell us a lot. All the insider talk recently has shown no loss of commitment from Fosun and the kit deal with Castore emphasizes this. Who they appoint as the new manager though will be the acid test.
I personally remain confident they will do right by us.
Nuno has been a shining light. Not just at our club. But in our sport and wider society as a whole. Rarely will we see such dignity, intelligence and generosity of spirit in the cutthroat world of professional sport. He has made me proud to be a Wolves supporter and I will never ever forget him, his way and what he has achieved for us.
Thank you Doctor Nuno.
Well said, I tend to find that your posts tend to mirror my own thoughts on most topics.
Lots of rumours swirling round as to who instigated this mutual agreement, and I suspect that there will be non-disclosure agreements in place which mean we will never know what really happened.
Whoever the new guy is he won’t have too much to spend, as you may recall that last year we got clobbered by UEFA for breaking FFP, and agreed to a penalty of “breaking even” over the three year period of seasons 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22, so there will have to be some creativity in the transfer market.
Indeed Newt. Our spending, and thus Fosun’s ability to fulfill all our dreams, depends heavily on commercial income especially from the far east. Recent events may well have put a dampener on that.
No crying into your beer, Steve, it will only ruin the flavour.
Totally agree with your thoughts, mate. In fact, I usually do. There is what looks like an interesting article by Tim Spiers in The Athletic , which refers to Nuno almost being sacked in January and discord in the dressing room. I only got so far and in then was asked to subscribe.
Speaking of beer, I haven’t yet made it to The Combermere but it is on my to do list. When I do, I’ll have one for you.
It’s been a difficult season all round Dougie, and I can recall many faces on players, and Nuno himself, at times which told the story of their mindset much more clearly than mere words.
It’s interesting that Tim, who understands sport so deeply, knew from the inside that Nuno was on his way, but a real insider, Bully, was as surprised and shocked as everyone else. Perhaps Tim is a Fosun mole on the Blog! Perhaps it’s just that I, being a standard numpty, know and understand nuffin.
Maybe Fosun should just appoint Tim as the next Wolves manager? He understands sport deeply, has insider “I told you so” knowledge & obviously would have us winning the Premier League & the Champions League by next season!!
Just a thought! Like you Peakwolf I clearly know nuffin!
Just too gutted to comment. Am at Dougie”s and chatting about it.
No words – yet. I’ll read the comments later.
Gutted about Nuno…but as they say onwards and upwards . I hope he gets a decent send off this afternoon . I am sure there will be a tear in my eye and many other devoted Wolves fans . He took us to heaven and back and the incoming manager will have big shoes to fill.
Over to you Jeff….COYW
The end of an era.
The future can wait; today is all about Nuno. With that in mind I’m going for a win and a positive end to his tenure. Someone once said “Dreaming is for free”.
END OF AN ERA…GOOD LUCK NUNO.
Hopefully finish on a win to mark Nuno’s final game in charge. Seem to have put out the best XI available. United playing the reserves but still could go either way.
Back home now. Loved being back in Molineux though.
Thanks Dougie for your hospitality And a bigger thanks to Barbie girl for the amazing pakoras and samosas.
Also good to catch up with Stu and Jen.
See all you guys next season hopefully and, Matt, keep your head up mate, we all love you fella.