A bit like my cocker spaniel Jake, it’s hard not to love these Wolves.
Everything they do is with the best intentions, but you never feel you can relax when you’re watching for fear that they’ll do something unfathomably stupid.
This was a spectacle that induced plenty of smiles, mingled with a similar amount of head shaking as we threatened to curl out a turd on our own doorstep.
Like the dog, we’re eager to please and show boundless levels of enthusiasm, but it’s all a bit madcap at times and unnecessarily naive.
A win is a win though, and this was a thoroughly enjoyable one for prolonged passages of play. Being transfixed on the action from start-to-finish certainly makes a welcome change from the dying embers of Nuno’s reign, which rivalled the gundog class at Crufts in terms of sporting spectacle.
It was Hwang who was the most obedient of all, scoring two fine goals via Raul, who is looking much more like his old self. The South Korean was our coolest operator on the day, typified by his sumptuous finishes on both left and right feet.
After his opener – and our first home league goal of the season – we looked fluid, able and deft, refusing to sit back like the days of old and sticking it to the Magpies in the hope of scoring again. We deserved a second when Trincao missed a glorious chance from Hwang’s cross, smacking the ball against the bar when it looked easier to score.
Within a few minutes, Trincao lost the ball needlessly (from memory) and we go all cocker spaniel again and insist on being stupid. Sa made a block, the ball was half cleared to Neves and Moutinho, but instead of clearing our lines, they bone-headedly gave it back to Newcastle and Hendrick hammered home from distance. Sa’s perplexing game of playing dead in goal – only to jump back across to try and save before then feigning injury once conceding – was a moment to sum up the game. It’s hard to know what goes on in their heads sometimes.
Thankfully, Hwang was brilliantly behaved again to score a splendid second to consign the obligatory 1-1 to the dustbin, from some sensational Jimenez interplay. Hwang’s sharp movement, direct approach and turn of pace evoked memories of Jota, which will continue to fade with more of this.
It should really have been plain sailing from there, owing to the fact that Newcastle looked so toothless and we’re a team full of international players who should be better equipped to deal with such scenarios.
But it was a dog’s dinner.
Compounded by a genuinely terrible refereeing performance, we kept reverting to spaniel.
Both full backs typified this observation with lots of good intentions, but much madness in between. Joao Moutinho was arguably a bigger culprit, hacking down a Newcastle player on the edge of the box the one minute, and passing the ball backwards 50yds the next, when we’re trying to get up the pitch. For a player of his ability and experience, his decision making is regularly poor. Trincao was another, selling players short with basic passes and inviting pressure through craziness.
By the end, it was one of the doziest attempts to close out a game of football that I have ever seen.
But see it out we did and as we clapped them off the pitch, it was impossible not to smile, shake your head and give them a proverbial pat on the back.
Woof woof!
Sa wasn’t feigning injury.
Another win is the dogs bollocks !
Just what we needed. And after no reward despite really good performances in our first few games, well deserved !
Doesn’t everything just feel so much better when Wolves are winning ?!
Even better to see Raul getting back to his best with two excellent assists, and the icing on the cake, Hwang Hee-chan. He has an eye for goal, make no mistake.
What an partnership that could prove to be !
UTW !
So Watford Brentford Saints Newcastle. Would have taken 7 points , got 9. You can’t turn your nose up at that. Back to back wins and the sniping moaning and groaning may be put to bed. For a bit. Up next Villa. I really really can’t stand those arrogant plastic Brummies. Hopefully confidence is coming back and we stuff them. By a Clive.
I would of taken 10… but i’m greedy..
At last we beat NC after so many draws we now sit tenth in the league. Jiminez is getting better with every game and now we have some one else who can score in whang. All looking up bar one thing we are trying to get Traore to sign a new deal he splits opinion I know but to sit him on the bench for 2 matches is that the best way to get him to sign just a thought.
Tarore sitting on the bench is just getting him used to what he will be doing if he goes to Liverpool or Spurs!!!
What a difference in having another player who knows where the net is.
We conceded a sloppy goal in my view,because we should’ve been 2 up at that point it Trincao had converted the best chance all afternoon.
I did think we should’ve bought on Traore mid way thro they second half but we held out even though we had some dodgy decisions by another inept ref.
Overall we definitely deserved the 3 points and played the better football no complaints from me on that score.UTW.
Trincao was awful……..the lad needs to wake up and realise he is playing or supposed to be playing in the Premier League not La Liga. He’s got tricks and flicks but that doesn’t cut much ice when you give the ball away and cannot make a five yard pass to your own player why Bruno kept him on so long I will never know.
He was a fault for missing a open goal and then pissed about with the ball, lost it in a crucial area which lead to Newcastles eqeulizer. What’s frustrating is we have lots of possession get to the opersition penalty area and run out of ideas and then pass it backwards Bruno has to sort this out because like Brenford we lose the ball and put ourselves under unessasary pressure better teams than Newcastle will punish us. The game was crying out got Adam or Pondance espeacily as Trincao was still thinking he was in La Liga and had all the time in the world to make a passes not before a trick or two. Trincao was a liaibility today…..we got away with it …just thanks to Raul and Hwang.
Bruno needs to play Raul and Hwang as a front two, Hwang is a real find the guy just hussles presses and generally harasses defenders he is strong and has real desire to score goals and his two finishes today were emasculate. Macal was hit and miss mostly miss cannot understand why Boly and Adam didn’t start again against better teams than Newcastle and the result would have been different.
As the game came to a close we panic the ball just would not stick, Kilman, Neves, Coady all panic when the ball came to them.
A wins a win I’m not moaning just pointing out what I saw sitting in the North Bank first hand.
Hwang immaculate or castrated?
hahaha, our new eunuch is a revelation Pauluswolf.
Glasses only ever quarter full in your life Paul. And where’s the credit for Hwang signing?
You thought that glass was a quarter full? With that comment – there’s wasn’t a drop in the glass. A lot of whine though.
And another one……were you at the game……? Another sheep…..Barrrrrrrrr!
I think you should get some glasses……..get yourself down to Specsavers…did I not Blog ” what a find ” . I told it how I saw it I was at the game were you…?
You just want to have a go for having a go sake…….trying to impress show your peers ” look at me having a go at Paul AD67……what ever pal..!
Got that spot on Paul…
It will come right at some stage across the whole team.
A lot more fight and two great goals.
What a front two partnership
Well done Hwang or do we call him Hee Chan? He took his chances clinically without panic and is reminiscent of Jota in his pomp also his compatriot Son at Spurs.
While I have advocated an immediate return for Boly , today Kilman and Saiss played like they wanted to keep the shirt so fair play to them. Jimenez is looking better each week , he is such an important cog in the machine, he has to stay fit.
But the machine isn’t firing yet is it?
Trincao sold himself short and gave hospital passes to Semedo and Marcal that could have caused injury, his reluctance to take Richie on and get to the byline and his continual drifting infield prevents penetration and allows defences to organise themselves. Hwang got his first goal by breaking the defensive line , both Trincao and Semedo had opportunities to run forward into the space behind but stopped short and passed square or back. Momentum lost.
The ideal substitution of Traore for Trincao should have happened at 60 minutes. Criticism of Neves and Moutinho is harsh if there is no escape ball forward or over the top. Richie is no left back and Newcastle pushed their right back into midfield because he had nothing to do. Bonkers to leave Traore on the bench, he was the man to give Toon something to worry about and get us up the pitch. The last 10 minutes was silly, how many times did we win the ball and give it straight back?
So happy to pick up points but Saints and Toon are bottom 6 material . Still work to do Bruno.
In our first 3 games, we had 57 goal attempts in Bruno’s new high pressing style. Result? 0 points.
After the Brentford debacle, Bruno ditches his pressing game and in our last two games we’ve amassed all of 12 shots. Result? 6 points.
Bruno the stylist has become Nuno the pragmatist and we were hanging on at the end on a very thin thread. Thankfully we didn’t give them an injury time equaliser this time but it was very close.
Nice to see Raul has a partner on the same wavelength but not sure why Trincao was not removed from the action much earlier as his contribution was minimal.
Geetings Winners,
Great effort all round. The Mexico – S Korean axis is tuning in. Shows what we’ve been missing up front and, as already mentioned, since Diogo Who? left.
There’ll be wailing in the Toon tonight. Brucey looked condemned and ashen.
What a difference 3 points and back to back wins makes. We can take on the Villans with a bit of swagger.
Cred to Coady for early doors on St Maximan, also Bruno for a yellow following the Sa / goal incident.
Got to be room for improvement, better accuracy and decision making in general and I don’t like seeing Traore benched and not seeing Silvaballs at all. Thats all for another day on the straining ground though.
Three in a row? Si senor.
1 lv & COYW.
Who made the sun come out????
Delighted of course with the win but as others have said some terrible decision making .
For me the worst one was making no changes until late on when Dendonker came on with the team obviously to me crying out for fresh legs much earlier and then bringing on Traore for about 2 minutes .I was watching him leave the field and he was understandably seriously pissed off .If the club don’t want him sell him .If they do treat him with more respect .In my view we lost Mir because he was so shabbily treated .Trincao was hopeless and should have been replaced by Traore much much earlier .
I hope someone makes this clear to Lage who must be to blame for it .
Nick
Maybe the club is equally pissed off with Traore, though I would agree that replacing Trianco with him in the second half would have been a very sound move.
Traore is very divisive. But surely the reality is that although always presenting a huge apparent threat, he endlessly flatters to deceive. Never any worthwhile end product. This eason zero goals: zero assists
Compare that to Hwang. Nowhere near as fast as Adama but surely fast enough. But the real issue is his end product. His runs are well directed and timed. His finishing is calm and controlled, and he looks up before delivering a telling pass.
Maybe its time to accept Traores shortcomings. All the coaching in the world will not change him. He is what he is. So lets forget trying to make him the highest paid player on the staff, and sell him for what we can get. Then use the cash to bolster obvious major weaknesses in the side– a central defender and a box to box quality midfielder.
Controversial I know. But surely worthy of consideration, particularly since Neto will soon be back
You must know a lot more than most of us with your last sentence Mike. Hopefully, you are right but I doubt it.
Sea Pigeon
Not really. But a bit of wishful thinking on a good day,must surely be allowed !! We can live in hope.
Totally agree Mike. Sell Traore. He is inconsistent. We cannot afford to carry a luxury player that fails to deliver more often than not. Surely we should also be considering buying Hee Chan Hwang if he continues to play like this.
That’s why we’ve got a purchase price agreed within the loan agreement, Brompton.
Mike
On exactly the same page as you with Traore.
Flatters to deceive which I wouldn’t mind so much if he hadn’t made it abundantly clear with his attitude, body language and very selective shows of effort for nearly 2 years that he does not think our football club is good enough for his over inflated ego.
A couple of points.
English referees used to be the best in the world Today they are inept . This guy was plainly awful, last home match Brentford were time wasting all of the 2nd half and went unpunished.
Secondly Lage appears as stubborn as Nuno. Apart from Podence same team as before. Yet Boly is clearly better than Saiss, Marcal is a disaster waiting to happen, yet Ait Nourri was recovered from concussion. It was crying out for Traore to replace Trincao all of the 2nd half yet he did nothing, inviting Newcastle to come onto us.
Still a win is a win, Raul and Hwang were excellent.
Thank god we’ve found someone apart from Jiminez who knows where the goal is. I really like Hwang’ he’s big and strong though think 442 would be ideal for him and Raul if we had the players to make it work.work. Trianco AND Traore definitely doesn’t work, so maybe Podence should pull his socks up.
And whilst our defensive record is quite good I’m baffled why our best CB is sitting on the bench if fit.
Anyway, given the quality of the opposition it was closer than it should have been but I enjoyed the match. And it’s been a satisfactory 3 weeks overall, but I don’t care what the Olympian motto says it’s not the taking part it’s the winning that matters.
I felt Hwang was unfairly criticised last week. He looks a top player, two smart finishes today and some nice touches elsewhere. Raul did all his work outside the box today, a fantastic selfless display. Great to see the pair of them combining so well.
It was frustrating to watch at times. We made difficult work of defeating a toothless Newcastle. As others have said Trincao was disappointing. Should have buried the first half chance and just generally looked lightweight and off the pace. Why he wasn’t hooked earlier I’ll never know. I can’t for the life of me understand why Traore wasn’t brought on earlier. Surely introducing him to stretch a side chasing the game is a no brainer? Apparently not.
Great to see us bag the win at home. One plea Wolves, please bin the goal music immediately. We create one of the best atmospheres in the league, we don’t need silly gimmicks which make us look amateurish. Would you see that at Anfield, Old Trafford or any other serious football ground? I don’t think so.
Clearly, I must listen better because I enjoyed the goals so much that I didn’t even hear any music. Maybe I’m deaf!
Me too!
Pardon, can you speak up?
Two wins from two, so I’m only dealing in positivity.
Hwang, yes please. A striker that understands basic geometry, guiding the ball into the corners with minimal fuss and maximum accuracy. He also put that glorious chance on a plate for Trincao.
Raul must be pleased to have another finisher to share the burden and two excellent assists show he himself is not just a guy who gets on the end of things. An elite all round player.
I’d also credit that back three who defended well. I think it’s helped playing a Southampton and Newcastle side with zero bite and no recognised number 9 but they contained admirably for the second game running and kept Saint Maximim largely quiet. They’ll have a big test at Villa who have a couple of proper strikers, so we’ll see.
And well done Bruno. There were plenty of people saying he couldn’t setup a team to win but he’s shown that’s not the case. As others have commented I’d have made changes much sooner but he got the job done. Back to back wins in the Premier League is massive.
We’re now positioned nicely to have a real go at Villa Park and in the meantime I’ll enjoy the international break with 9 points on the board. Lovely jubbly.
As this post by Ben is about dogs, am I allowed to publish the names, and give you the lurid details of some I’ve dated in the past?
Probably not a good idea.
On to matters football related.
Trincao and Semedo are a pair of powder puff pussies, one fart and they are blown off the ball, no penetration, no forward thinking, weak passes and no bottle for a tackle.
We are gonna get right sided creamed unless those two are benched immediately.
If I can see it from a million miles away, on a dodgy Hesgoal feed, I’m sure Bruno, and every other Prem manager can.
However, once again, the result justifies the means, and our opposition, for the second week running, look like relegation material.
No win in seven, I’m glad we played them before Brucie gets the chop, as they will perk up under a new manager, instead of that dinosaur.
For me, Man of The Match is an even split between Raul and Hwang.
Both were brilliant today, in inclement weather, never giving up and defending when needed as well.
Much better position in the table than two weeks ago, and lovely to see manure and little Ronny dropping points, at home, again.
p.s.
In reply to Rich above, I don’t consider old trafford a serious football ground!
FOwb
Sexism from the land of Trump doesn’t go down well here, especially at the moment.
Whaddya mean, sexism??
I fail to see what in my post has pissed you off.
And don’t start me on politics, this is a Wolves fan blog, not a soap box for politician bashing.
Cloive for president lol.
I’d say gone right Bromto,
Just a general point and I could be wrong but I’m not sure that we blame referees for much really. Obviously, if they are a bit inept on occasions then that works both ways, surely in every match ? I can’t believe that they are just inept in favour of one side.
It’s a bit like blaming the media for the fuel crisis. They also report that “ministers state that there is plenty of fuel available” but we only hear “…….lengthy queues at petrol stations” and off we go. Just hearing what we want to hear…
Not that I am in anyway a fan of this current administration, far from it, in fact.
I half loved it and half hated watching it. The good points starting from the back:
Sa looks like he’s lining up to be an upgrade. Only he will know the truth about shouldergate. However we won so lets not dwell on it.
The back three are like a masterchef meal with ingredients that shouldn’t work together but oddly do. And there’s no space for your favourite ingredient (Boly) in the recipe.
The midfield as we all know are a bit light and I can’t believe we won’t recruit there soon but in the meantime that’s some talent we have in the engine room.
Up front.
Raul and Hwang look like the new Bull/Mutch – Dougan/Richards partnership. They looked today like they’ve been playing together for years. There’ll be stiffer tests but the signs are very very good.
A special mention for Raul who’s overall play was as good as I’ve ever seen from him and was also millimetres away from his own goal from Hwang’s reciprocal through ball..
The not so good.:
Both full backs left us exposed at times. We need to remember Marcal is only keeping the left side warm for Jonny’s return. That said he’s not at all a bad stand in. And Semedo is much better than a year ago so I think we can expect more to come from him.
It’s still early days for Trincao . He’s making some silly mistakes but when he gets used to having little or no time on the ball he’s going to be great. Remember Raul didn’t set the world on fire from day one either!
That still leaves us with Adama and eventually Neto to fit back in which gives us some mouth watering options.
I agree maybe Adama should have replaced Trincao earlier but Bruno’s decisions won the game so there’s no arguing with him really.
We’ll have tougher challenges over the weeks and months but I think the future remains very very bright.
We won today because of the brilliant link up play between Raul and Hwang. But surely the implication of this goes way farther than the mere three points earned against a woeful Newcastle side.
For the early games of this season, Raul, although struggling to get back after his horrendous injury, was left to plow a lone furrow up front, with virtually zero support. But now, for the first time since Shi sold — or rather gave away- Jota, Raul has a worthy partner to work with him.
Hwang gave evidence today of being a worthy striker in his own right. His runs were perfectly timed and directed, and Raul appeared inuitively to know just where he would be, before delivering perfectly weighted passes ahead of his run. Then Hwang showed real class in his finishes. No wild blasts, but well directed strikes calmly taken. Contrast this with the huge miss by the hapless Trincao which, if converted, would have settled the game there and then. Chalk and cheese !!
My take is that Hwang`s skills are not something that can be coached. His, like that of Raul, is a natural talent. But better yet, his work ethic in support of these skills is mindblowing. He never stopped running and working on behalf of the team, leaving the field well and truly knackered.
We may as yet have major problems to solve throughout the team, but with Raul and Hwang playing together, we do at last have decent fire power up front, which must give all of us hope for a better future
I’ve had a few drinks, am quite ‘tired and emotional’, so I’ll keep this short.
Hwang and Raul are the Yam Yam version of Son and Kane – without the Tom Daly impersonations.
Saiss, Coady and Kilman are turning in to a pretty decent back three.
Trincao is still too lightweight and should have been replaced by Adama half an hour sooner than when Bruno brought him on.
We have to learn how to see a game out better. Nails chewed down to the quick in the last ten minutes.
A meal out at Jeff Shi’s local with a few bloggers makes for a very enjoyable evening.
Good night everybody…….z..zz….zzzzzz….zzzzzzzz………zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“And its a goodnight from me folks…..
But don’t forget…
If you see any of the Black Countrys most wanted…
Call Crimewatch on 16507 546 1877”
Oh! Jealous or what! See you all after the break hopefully.
Three Wolf points and a lovely day with friends. Perfect.
An altogether ticketty-boo evening.
We manage to score a goal in the first half (at last). Tick
We get our first home win. Tick
We seem to have found a decent replacement for Jota. Tick
I get 3 points for a correct Prediction. Tick
So, why was I not absolutely elated at the end of the game? Maybe it was my overly active brain trying to send telepathic messages to Bruno, to get him to replace Trincao with Adama. Geez, blind Freddy could see that if there was a game where we needed the speed and forward incursions of Adama, this was it!! Are we really trying hard to negotiate with him to stay, then bring him on in the 92nd minute!
I was also worried that the Bruno plan of attack seem to transform into the Nuno plan of working our way back from the opposing penalty area, back to midfield, back to defence – just for the sake of retaining the ball for a few more seconds.
I would have been more than happy to replace my 3 points with 2 points, for another couple of goals. Maybe our new mantra should “Go for the jugular”.
I don’t suppose you could call that a perfect display but it was hugely gratifying to see a win, at last, at home. Plus as everyone recognises Raul/Hwang looks like a formidable striking partnership. A match winning combination there’s no doubt.
The Traore conundrum is his mercurial talent sets the ground alight at times and panics the opposition but Lage is big on team contribution. He wants players to play for the team. Traore can be a liability in tracking back, and general off the ball play, he can leave us open. Saying that I do think he’s some player, but I think Lage has realised it’s tough to fit him in the current line up. Especially when we really needed points after the poor showing v Brentford.
I was pleased to see we left players up the pitch at defensive corners, it didn’t produce a goal but it meant Newcastle had to mark them. I think a good tactic.
It could have been so much easier if Trincao had managed to put us 2-0 up. But it’s onwards and upwards for me, the back three look strong, and the Raul/Hwang combo looks very tasty indeed.
Both of them are strong, they have the critical qualities that our generational talent needs to acquire to give us another quality striking option.
Well done Bruno and the team. These games are the ones to win if you want to keep away from relegation trouble. Lots of flaws still to work on but some big positives today. I thought kilman and Saiss were excellent. Kilman in particular is becoming a very solid pl defender and at his age will only get better. Jimenez is starting to look like his old self which is a massive plus and HHC delivered two superb finishes. I was critical of Fosuns summer transfer activity and I stand by that but equally they deserved to be praised for securing his services as the guy can actually finish!
Here’s a thought.
Perhaps leaving Adama out of the team and only bringing him on for the last 2 minutes shows him we are not totally dependent on him, especially when it comes to signing a new contract?
Jimenez/Hwang partnership is hugely encouraging. Particularly as it is clear that Raul is confident that Hwang can read his intentions and will therefore happily slot him into goalscoring positions – contrast with last minutes against Southampton and the chance to pass to Traore ignored ! We have lacked the calmness to finish off chances all season until now.! Hwang’s approach should inspire others in the team in the art of finishing and it is easier to play with 9 points in the bag and knowledge you finally have ‘finishers’ up front
Great comment in today’s Observer report on the match
“Wolves might have to consider bringing their fanzine A Load of Bull out of cold storage at this rate. There was a standing ovation for Hwang Hee-chan, the South Korean stricker nicknamed the Bull , as he was withdrawn in stoppage time…The energetic striker on loan from RB Leipzig needs only another 303 goals to catch up with Steve Bull, Wolves record goalscorer after whom the venerable publication was named.”
I think we have found a new cult hero in Hwang . The way he took his two goals was pure class. Composure and a level head. Sometimes you just need to look up and find a deft finish. He did both.
Newcastle were absolutely awful so it was vital we got the win with difficult games against Villa, Leeds and Everton up next.
In our first season back in the league, Nuno dropped Traore for Dendoncker and went with a 352 instead of his preferred 343 playing Raul up top with Jota. Perhaps we should try this again but with Hwang? It certainly looks like a partnership that could work and an extra body in midfield might make it more difficult for teams to play through us, because a better team than Newcastle today would have hurt us.
Either way nine points from seven games is a decent start for a new manager trying to change the style of play.
And another thing!
Is it written into the Premier League Rule Book that Wolverhampton Wanderers, when playing at Molineux, shall have a rotten referee who looks like the only thing he has blown successfully in his life is his own trumpet?
Also, I am in total agreement with Rich.
Bin the music when we score. Dumbing down gone mad.
Chatting to the PMDG’er over breakfast this morning, she said that eventually there will be music played whenever a decent pass is made, or a foul given.
I said that the only spurious noise we should have is a loud raspberry every time the referee makes a bad decision.
If that had been the case yesterday, Molineux would have sounded like a 90 minute fart.
Brilliant DG.?
Dunno where the question mark came from. Should have been a smiley face.
Oh I forgot to mention in my previous post, great piece of writing Ben.
Pleased with the result but the performance was a little disjointed.
As already noted, the burgeoning Raúl-Hwang partnership was a main plus point but our defence did a decent job in containing Saint-Maximin. Trincão is work in progress.
A good day was made even better by some great company, in the form of various bloggers. Still plenty of bloggers left to catch up with, including Bedford Wolf, London Loyal and Witley to name but a few. Maybe a Christmas bloggers bash? Just putting it out there…..
Sounds like a plan Parkian. Had a couple of beers with London Wolf in the Lych Gate yesterday. we both agreed it would be great to have a get together like in the good old days before the Pandemic. So your idea of a Christmas Bash is what we decided was needed to bring back into the fold old bloggers , they know who they are. We miss them and I am certain they miss us too.
The futures bright, the futures Gold, but the future is not to long for us old timers so lets enjoy while we can.
Please take notice, Stu Wolf, Bedders, B O G, ( just love your blogs, blast from the past), Bromto, The Doog, WolfStroker, Clive from Texas (where ever that is, never been invited for a free holiday, sorry vacatiooooon). Mike Oldfield to name but a few and all the wives that love the Gold and black, my wife dose not, because she has never met you lot. Defo would love you lot, if you didn’t talk footy.
Sorry if I missed anybody out, all are welcome to a Bloggers Bash , as I found out some years ago, I walked into the room and a giant of a man, look at me and said “what are you drinking”. Never looked back thank you BOG.
Cheers Baz.
There are two home December fixtures: Liverpool (4th) and Chelsea (18th). One or both could be moved for TV.
I’ll make some enquiries but it’s all provisional subject to interest and match timings. I’m thinking Italian, unless others disagree.
Italian sounds great. I’m sure we can drum up some Christmas spirit for a get together. I’m sure all suggestions from bloggers would be well received.
Come on you Wolves let’s party.
I’m a bit biased as I have tix for Liverpool game.on Dec 4th (.whenever that is that we)
but that would be my pick for a bloggers bash/reunion weekend as I’m over on a 10 day trip to see new grandson in London early December
Sorry, Marin, just picking this.
It will be interesting to see if one or both of these games are picked up for TV – and if the match dates are moved. I have absolutely no problem with the 4th, if that works for us. It will be good to see you.
More than happy to talk about Global warming, or maybe the effect of American dominance in the race for space technology, or even the effects of Cheeseburgers effort in running for parliamentary control of Upper Gornal..,
Bring the missus Barry … she’ll just love the banter…
Missing you already…
Apropos nothing, Sanches just came on for the last five minutes of Lille v Marseille and is looking sharp already.
We live in hope…
Much has already been said about Hee-Chan and I can only concur. Two terrific strikes and a fine all round performance.
Eleven months ago, as Raul lay prostrate on the turf, I feared not just for our season, or even for his career. It was clear in those dreadful moments that a man’s life was hanging by a thread. If his family were watching, one can only imagine their fears.
As the months passed and we saw him slowly progress, hopes rose that he would return to playing, but could he ever be the same?
As recently as a couple of games ago, some were expressing concerns that he wouldn’t find his old self.
But his goal last week was like a watershed. His expression as he leapt before the ranks of fans of gold meant that he knew, and they knew, that the maestro was reborn. A black cloud lifted and there, bathed in brilliant South Coast sunshine was Raul Mk1. Original and best.
Yesterday I saw one of his best performances yet in Old Gold. Incredible control and vision, he is back to his imperious best. Every Wolves fan should be happy, for our club, for sure, but mostly for Raul Jiminez the man.
A star in every sense of the word.
Great to meet up with some fellow bloggers for some scran after the game. All in all, twas a triffic day.
Great evening mate.
Did you get involved in the fracas on your way back to the van?
We waved at you from the taxi but you were too busy avoiding the fuzz.
I understand that due to popular request, the Queens Cantonese will, in future, feature Grey Pays on the menu.
No DG. Those days are long gone. T’was an enjoyable stroll home actually. Far more lively than my little village.
At the end of Round 7 of the PL we are sitting in 12th position.
Given the baptism of fire he has been faced with in terms of the lack of backing in the transfer window and other distractions like the Traore saga plus ongoing key injuries I say Bruno Lage warrants a big round of applause from all of us.
It’s early days but at this point well done mate.
Sky Sports report that fans have been arrested at Anfield for possessing flares. The Billy Wright Stand faithful need to take note and revisit their wardrobes or the cells could be full at the next home game. That aside it’s good to see us taking points from the strugglers; maybe Bruno has lost some patience with Adama and until he signs a contract extension and shows his loyalty then he will remain a fringe player. Let’s hope the injury curse is behind us too or it could be a difficult winter until Neto and Jonny return.
Apologies to anyone named Tom for this little joke, to brighten your day.
Tom finally decided to tie the knot with his longtime girlfriend. One evening, after the honeymoon, he was cleaning one of his hot rods for an upcoming show.
His wife was standing there at the bench watching him. After a long period of silence she finally speaks. “Honey, I’ve just been thinking, now that we are married maybe it’s time you quit spending all your time out here in the garage and you probably should just consider selling all your cars.
Tom gets this horrified look on his face. She says, “Darling, what’s wrong?”
“There for a minute you were starting to sound like my ex-wife.”
“Ex-wife!”, she screams, “YOU NEVER TOLD ME YOU WERE MARRIED BEFORE!!!!!!!”
Tom’s reply: “I wasn’t”.
Another Tom was on the ninth hole of his favourite golf club playing a round with his best mate.
Suddenly he stopped his practice swing at the 17th tee to bow his head and pay a moment’s respect to the local funeral directors as they passed en route to the cemetery.
Bill, his mate said “in all the time I’ve known you Tom, I didn’t realise you were such a sentimental old bugger”.
Credit where it’s due bill, for 38 years she was a bloody good wife to me .
Gutted. Can’t get a ticket v Villa as all sold out. I have 1000 points and my purchase window is 11 Oct grrrrrrrr. Bet I don’t manage to get a Leeds ticket either
A woman pregnant with triplets was walking down the street when a masked robber ran out of a bank and shot her three times in the stomach. Luckily the babies were OK. The surgeon decided to leave the bullets in because it was too risky to operate. She gave
birth to two healthy daughters and a healthy son.
All was fine for 16 years, and then one daughter walked into the room in tears. ‘What’s wrong?’ asked the mother. ‘I was taking a wee and this bullet came out,’ replied the daughter. The mother told her it was okay and explained what happened 16
years ago.
About a week later the second daughter walked into the room in tears. ‘Mum, I was taking a wee and this bullet came out.’ Again the mother told her not to worry and explained what happened 16 years ago.
A week later her son walked into the room in tears. ‘It’s okay’ said the Mum, ‘I know what happened. You were taking a wee and a bullet came out.’ ‘No,’ said the boy, ‘I was playing with myself and I shot the dog.’
My drive up from Dorset to Brierley Hill for last night’s legends dinner was worth the trip. At dinner sat next to my all time hero King John.
Great night supported by loafs of ex footballers across the Midlands divide, Jan Molby was hilarious.
Good night and will be smiling for days.
Great photo and sounds like a brilliant night. Love the typo, mind you JR had many a First Division defender on toast, back in the day.
Lol. Indeed he did WW. Am enjoying the reruns of star soccer, from the 70’s on TV at the moment, watching him banging in the goals.
There will be another Legends Dinner early next year if any bloggers are up for it.
Loads doh!!
Gonna be interesting to see if Financial Fair Play rules will apply to Newcastle!
message to steve bruce :- if you get an invite to the Saudi embassy !!! run the other way ..
The myth of the 60000 Geordies who turn up through thick and thin forever (in fact just since Keegan). I went up there in 1991 when Time Steel got our winner in a 2-1 victory. I am pretty sure the crowd was only 17000 (or it may have been 21000) with 2000 wolves. I just get fed up of all this ‘fanatical’ ‘deserving’ fans nonesense. They are no different from any others – they moan and groan if they are rubbish and they all turn out to hero worship if they are good. Simple.
Of course ‘Tim Steel’ not ‘Time Steel’.
I preferred your typo, Time Steel, as in………………..time stood steel….when the ball rocketed into the net!
Dog, I hate these boring Int. breaks.
Lovely piece on Facebook about how Yellowstone National Park rejuvenated after 14 Wolves were re introduced in 1995.
We get everywhere!
Most of the ones out celebrating were youngsters
I’d wait and see personally.
Fosun are a very stable owner . Not swayed by the moaners
Just as well we played Newcastle when we did.
Before the blood stained millions pour in from a country desperately trying to ingratiate itself with the World of sport and divert attention from their criminal record of human rights abuse and the state ordered murder and dismemberment of a journalist three years ago.
It seems that football and The Premier League have now plumbed the very depths of depravity and greed.
Never mind ‘Financial fair play’, what about ‘Human rights’ fair play?
Other foreign takeovers could be seen as a bit questionable. Ours included.
The ‘Toon’ fans are happy and say “Anybody but Mike Ashley”.
But…
Saudi Arabia is one of the most brutal regimes in the World.
And their purchase of a Premier League Club is a thinly veiled attempt to wheedle their way in to the sporting fraternity and whitewash their reputation.
But, I’m a Wolves supporter.
I would say that, wouldn’t I.
Have you checked out China’s record on human rights lately?
I mentioned that our takeover could be seen as questionable.
The difference being, Fosun is a financial consortium based in China, not the rulers of the country.
You can’t judge a group of businessman for having the fortune/misfortune of being born in a country.
You CAN judge the man who wields total power over those who are fortunate/unfortunate enough to be born in his country.
Doog. I heard Steve Bruce was summoned to the Saudi Embassy yesterday and hasn’t been seen since.
Yeah, I heard that Brucie was in bits when he heard the news. He’s probably in bits all over the place by now.
As long as he is not thrown to the Wolves.
Brucie has had to manage with his hands tied behind his back.
The next manager will have them cut off if he fails.
The sad thing is we will all probably still sit down and watch the World Cup next year from that hot bed of football Qatar where over 6000 low skilled workers have died over the last 10 years building new stadiums.
Well done blatter and his cronies
Utw
Well Newcastle fans have something to shout about fair play they’ve suffered under Ashley but now they will have owners who will to get the best manager and players money can buy……..I’m happy for them but also envious if only FOSUN were of the same ambition and intent as the new owners of Newcastle.
No 5, 10, or 20 year plan for them they intend to make Newcastle a force as soon as money will allow .
I’ll imagine that the fans are so pleased that Mike Ashley has gone although success in football isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.
Only time will tell just how successful they can become.
Lots of things to get right all at once to achieve success and an awful lot more to staying there.
Just glad we played them last week
Agree Bruno……but having the financial backing and owners willing to invest goes a long way to helping them achieve success they won’t be shopping in the bargain basement anymore they will be shopping at Harrods and Selfridges from now on……..jammy bar stewards.
At the end of the day money talks……ask City and Chelsea fans.
Pretty sure Paul Amanda Staveley stated they have a ‘5 to 10 year plan’. Fosun originally stated a 10 year plan which has been modified by Jeff recently to something more long term. But we are currently in transition after the two 7th place finishes and in mid table. Fourth consecutive season in top flight for decades. I’d be happy to finish 12th this season but I reckon Fosun still have unfinished business. So watch this space. Oh and by the way as a fellow punk fan the Cockney Rejects are playing Robin 2 Bilston 4th December !
Bloody hell Cheese ” Cockney Rejects” there’s a blast from the past are tickets on sale now……….will go to that…….brilliant I have a look on line…….last gig I seen there was from The Jam…..great night that was.
Cheers !
Would have thought this is pay on the day but you can get a ticket on the Robin 2 site if you wanna. Seen the Rejects a few times. West Ham fans I believe. Used to get in other with the zulus and all that at Brum gigs !
“No 5, 10, or 20 year plan for them they intend to make Newcastle a force as soon as money will allow.”
Easier said than done. Money alone is not enough. Otherwise more would have done it.
Hi Paul
Yeah kind of agree , although pumping money in doesn’t guarantee success.
There are so many issues that have to all work at the same time and it’s a huge gamble.
Only time will tell with Newcastle United but I think we should know if they are successful very shortly.
How success is measured varies from club to club .
I really enjoyed the years in the lower leagues personally…I can hear the moaning .. but seriously ,it was an enjoyable ride.
The premier League experience is another story ..a different one but not more enjoyable as everyone has slipped into moan mode .
I just wanted to be entertained…that’s the crux of it tbh
UTW
Well, Paul, the Newcastle story has given you a wonderful oppertewnitty to go into your attic and dust off your faveoright hobby horse, get on it, and start spouting your usual stuff.
And you have not diss er pointed.
Fair play, you at least win the prize for thickest skin out there, coz all the negs about your posts are like water off a hippo’s back to you!
Have a bostin weekend, Pablo, which is French for Spanish Paul!
Can’t y’all tell I’m bored with no proper footie, and perhaps 2.30 in the morning is not really the best of times to be blogging!
Fowb
Cheers Clive.
What the Newcastle taker does is highlight every other owner of all the other Premier League clubs.
Yes I know I walk a well trodden path on our owners but the Newcastle taker over brings up the issue again regarding all owners .
Most of if not all of the Premier League are shitting there selves and now trying to scupper the deal but it’s to late.
I didn’t notice them trying to stop City or Chelsea or the man who started it all Jack Walker.
God luck to Newcastle it the Premier League was more fair and equal there would be no need for them to moan.
All I’m saying is I wish our owners were like Newcastle’s.
I wonder how many would jump ship should the sky money disappear.
That’s all that separates the premier League from the other leagues in Europe and beyond.
I simply cannot understand why anyone would want to purchase a football club..
Other than ego..the rest of it is debt and stress.
The premier League could be just another championship without the lure of the Dosh.
Tbh I’d love the bundesliga model.
Fans able to afford a ticket and a decent standard of football.
Agree Bruno zee Germans have zee right idea…….das is good yarrr.
Vhat is your name……don’t tell him Pike….!
Sorry uncle sergeant….
Can I have the machine gun now captain mainwaring?
The German model is certainly the one to follow.
I reckon the England squad would benefit plus we’d probably have more home grown managers too.
For the benefits of what the Premierleague has given us ,I think there are far more negatives.
Bruno agree with you completly but the Premier League haven’t the balls or the will to change to scared of the so called big clubs.
There was talk a few years ago of a draft like in the NFL and a wage cap but……like I’ve said Premier League haven’t the balls to even suggest change and the big clubs would neve go for it threatens there monopoly.
A wage cap is against everything that the Premierleague was created for…
The big 6 have the rest of us by the balls.
The fact that Saudi Arabia have been shoehorned in says it all really.
Rotten to the core.
The fans standing against the European league was a breath of fresh air tbh
‘All I’m saying is I wish our owners were like Newcastle’s.’
They’ve barely got through the door yet, haven’t actually done anything but already you have decided that they are better owners than Fosun ! There’s loyalty for you.
Loyalty where’s the loyalty from FOSUN broken promises, they have gone back on every one, the ground the so called ” Project ” the buy to sell policy we have gone backwards in reall terms on and off the pitch in the last 18 months.
You can bet your house on one thing though FOSUN won’t have to worry about the new owners of Newcastle starting up a record label they are more interested in building a football club and a team to compete with the big six not Virgin records or EMI.
Maybe the Newcastle take over will wake Fosun from the slumber they have been in.
Who knows
It’s funny how any one thinks that the money Newcaslte owners have will influence the club at all in the next season. They are still odds on relegated and boy do I hope it happens. You cannot simply influx your team with your own money. Or there wouldn’t be a big six. We have the 5th Richest owners in the prem, hardly helping us. And No I don’t think thats Jeff’s decision. A few hundred million would mean nothing to them for big buys, but you simply cannot just spend your money like that,.
Just a note of great cheer….. Ref for Villa : MICHAEL F**KING OLIVER. 4th official : MIKE F**KING DEAN. We are well and truly screwed already.
Interesting how they both have the same first two names!!!
Despite the fact that Mike Ashley was despised by the fans, the club was a vehicle for Sports Direct and run as part of the business, as such the FFP rules of loss and profit making mean that the new regime can legitimately burn through £150million in the next two .windows.
The priority will be to avoid relegation then take on the other club run by a nation state. I’m not a fan of Simon Jordan but he’s spot on with his comments.
We know that the big six are richer even if the current teams are average, so now there is a seventh. What are Fosun going to do about it?
Ditto West Ham, Everton, Leicester, Villa etc.
On another thought, I can recommend a YouTube video where Wolves players discover their FIFA 22 ratings, good fun.
Fosun can do whatever Fosun want, it’s their club and their money.
I am going to support my team, regardless of who is playing, as I have done passionately for the past 60 years.
I couldn’t give a monkey’s uncle about any other club, what they will or won’t or might do, pure speculation and a complete waste of time.
Put them in front of us on the pitch, and there is only eleven against eleven,
(or twelve if Dean is ref ) and we will have, especially with our supporters, an even chance of beating anyone.
And spare a thought for the poor sheik who wanted a new Castle, but got a shitty football club instead.
He can thank his lucky stars he didn’t ask for a Villa!!
FOwb
and according to Cheesy the same middle name.
I hate Greaseball for petulance and for always diving but he was the best English player on the pitch and the only one that looked like creating a scoring chance.
So why was he substituted?
Was there some pre-agreement with Citeh?
I can imagine Greasy was speaking fluent Hungarian in retaliation to his latest clogging last night…..
Wondered what you meant for a moment, as clogging looked like dogging (with the c and l almost merging). I must have been thinking of another ex-Villa player!
Gutted. No ticket for Villa and now no ticket for Leeds.
Guess my next game is the Everton match. Hope to see a few of you then.
Might have to apply for an AST next season.
You might have to rent out a room in your tent!!
What tent?
The one on the side of the M62
AST’s are like rocking horse shit. Join the waiting list Bromto, its only about three years long. When you finally get to the front of the list, you’ll need a bank loan or a mortgage on your tent.
Great, Lawro’s put us down to lose to the Vin…nila 2.1..!