The players and Fosun should hang their heads in shame.
I’ve spared Bruno. Yes, the three in midfield was too cautious and no fan would have selected a front line of Hwang and Silva, but I don’t think it would have mattered what system or personnel he selected.
It’s inexcusable how we played as 11 individuals that simply gave up from minute one in a game that still had so much riding on it for our European hopes. It felt more like a testimonial.
The squad should have been ripped up last summer to cater for Bruno’s attacking vision. The need to do so is even more urgent this off season but we all know Fosun won’t dare to dip too deep in their pockets.
Instead we’ll continue to bumble along with the same old faces with Bruno unable to implement his philosophy.
We made yet another team look like peak-Barcelona that knocked the ball around and through us at will, while we were content with sitting back and not being bothered to press.
And when it was our turn to have possession, the passing and movement was so chronically slow that we either knocked it aimlessly long or Brighton pressed us off the ball with ease.
The pioneers of the passing game like Cruyff and Guardiola would have laughed at our attempts at the style today – we resembled more of a kick and rush Sunday League team.
No wonder we don’t look like creating any chances let alone scoring when we can’t perform any of the basics.
What upsets me the most though is that it looked like none of the players cared and they were quite happy to capitulate and lose 3-0 to Brighton. Didn’t they realise that there were still realistic hopes of European football, something Bruno and the fans are all desperate for?
Every single player let themselves down today and I hope that we’ve seen the last of Saiss, Boly and Donk in old gold and black. Great servants but no longer to the required standard.
Hwang and Silva shouldn’t be anywhere near the side either but both rather sum up our woeful recruitment.
I really hope the lads take a long, hard look at themselves because no one did the shirt justice today.
Us fans who turn up week in, week out deserve a hell of a lot better.
Dreadful… dreadful… dreadful…
In my 70 years supporting Wolves this was the worst performance I’ve sadly witnessed.
What a load of shite
Chorley? Aldershot? Get a grip, we are eigth in the best league in the world!
hang on ! the players we had then compared to now ! and you dont think this was the worst performance youve seen ! it is from this lot !
That was beyond abysmal from a team of players who we know can produce superb football so
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON !
You were obviously not bothered about supporting us then in those dark days of the mid 80’s. Extremely disappointing and frustrating, yes, but some context please.
You obviously missed the best part of the 80s then!
Not been to that many games then?
It was bad but in my 59 years of supporting Wolves I have watched dozens and dozens of worst performances. We have had a double dip and a triple dip relegation in our history. Lost six to Rotherham in the cup.I have seen Barnsley beat us five nil at the Molineux. I have seen Ilkeston Town beat us .Then the small matter of Chorley.
It was bad but sadly we have suffered far worse over the years/
I’m so angry mrs says I’m sleeping in the shed,50 years watching wolves, worst performance ever, what the hell does Bruno do in training, seen better football on a kids park , no effort, not working or closing down is basics, give roman a new contract omg, u can’t become bad footballers overnight, fosun invest or sell up , its not a business, its passion, play some kids, off to the shed I go,wolves are we.
Extremely strange what has happened to the Wolves just lately.
No excuses
Just dreadful
Where do we go from here?
Something isn’t right…..but what is causing it?
Trouble brewing i fear
Don’t believe these people who say they’ve been watching us for 50 years or whatever. Do they not remember us in the old 4th division? Bad day at the office, Brighton looked decent, what do you expect – champs league?!
Worst thing about it all for me today was the lack of fight and commitment. Wolves fans will forgive almost anything if they see players giving 100%. Sadly that was not the case today. I can accept defeat but I will not accept going down with a lacklustre lack of respect for the famous old gold and black shirt. Get your act together. Show some fight.
No point watching that dross any more this season .
Football watching is supposed to be fun but none to be had these days .
The only positive I can muster is that Shi must realise that the future for next season looks bleak without some serious shaking down .They will not want their investment ruined by a relegation so they may take some serious steps now this summer which they were not going to do do .
I also worry that Bruno may not be the man to take us forward .Quite a lot of his selections and formations quite apart from his poor substitution timing look way off .Also he seems unable to get the players roused these days for important games .
Spot on Nick, my thoughts exactly.
Nick I think you`re absolutely right about Bruno. I`ve been a consistent fan of his through the season, but latterly he`s been making weird decisions both regarding team selection and tactics. Then, after each game, he rants at his players, seeming to accept no criticism of his own involvement in the chaos on the field that we have to continually witness.
In the last ten years of my business life I was involved in high level deals with Chinese supply Companies. Several distinct characteristics were evident. but the most notable was that failure to perform at any level is not accepted. With the result that mid and upper level management changes result with considerable frequency.
Given this culture, I would not be at all surprised if Bruno`s contract is terminated at the end of this season. He was brought in to change our style of play; to make us play more attacking football, not least I suspect to make this Chinese owned team more attractive to fans back in China.
But there has been no progress. We remain dull and boring. Game after game without a goal. Or even the prospect of a goal. No real action to excite and stimulate. And worse yet, we are going downhill rapidly. Today`s fiasco was by no means a one off event.
That Bruno has not been supported in the transfer windows is unlikely to influence Fosun`s decision as to his permanence. Fosun , as all Chinese Companies, will be as ruthless as is deemed necessary.
Perhaps Bruno`s best avenue now is go all out for the attacking football which was the basis of his appointment. What is there to lose? Realistically European dreams are over. Given the make up of our squad, whatever system Bruno applies major walloping’s at the hands of far better teams than Brighton are imminent. So let`s go for it.!
Either way, Bruno will be well advised to keep looking over his shoulder. His prospects are not bright.
Absolutely spot on Mike. I’m certainly no oracle but in Xmas 2020, I called that there was not something quite right about Nuno’s demeanour, the trajectory of Wolves and I felt that fosun were at the crossroads with him. It seems strange that I’ve felt exactly the same about Bruno these last few games. Some fans on here have called yesterday’s performance a bad day at the office. It wasn’t, it was far more than that. Bruno himself said there have been too many of these performances this season. This is a side that is crying out for fresh investment and badly needs reenergising. My prediction is that Bruno will not be here to oversee summer rebuilding and I expect an announcement in the immediate aftermath of the season’s close .
Totally agree Nick, no excitement at all and then on top of that they send Traore out on loan…?
Traorw played in his first five La Liga games for Barca and made a real impact in the opening couple of games, contributing to an assist in games against Atletico Madrid and Espanyol. However, Traore has not started a League game since February 27 and has only managed 48 minutes since the middle of March.
He thinks he is better than he is. I don’t want him back.
Traore
Really interesting to see this comment. I sent one of my mates a message saying this after the game and I said “controversial opinion.” His response was “not controversial at all, we’ve had the same conversation.”
The one redeeming factor is what Paddy said – Bruno hasn’t had the backing to implement his philosophy…but then again, is he ever going to that investment?
We left after the second goal went in, could not believe what I had just witnessed, how on earth have we gotten so bad. 7 losses out of the last 10 games, another weekend ruined. When I got back to my car I was amazed to see my car sat all alone, hundreds must have left before me. Season over now, we should be able to hang onto 10th place if we are lucky. Not one player today should make a start in the next game, play the U23s and get some passion out there.
Its cold in the shed, anyway bloggers is nuno coming back? Wolves are we
A couple off whiskeys in the shed, reminds me off school days, camping in garden, is Bruno the man, are fousun just a investment company, this summer we will find out, I’ve counted 8 first teamers who could go. , oh what a carry on, God bless u bloggers, wolves aie we.
Maybe they just don’t want to play in Europe.
I watch all the fancy footwork this season and wonder if they are just trying to impress each other.
In the training videos they practice against metal figures (dustbins). Maybe they need to use real people.
Actually each of them has played well at some point this season. But at the moment they have lost it.
Unlikely as it seems I tend to agree – they know the squad isn’t big enough to play twice a week and Fosun aren’t prepared (hopefully only for the moment) to come up with additional financial support.
Just to add, if we qualify for the wooden spoon Euro Conference I don’t want to be in it either. It’s akin to the old Inter City Fairs Cup (whatever that meant) which even Birmingham City have played in.
The question is though Jim..
Do we have enough players to use real people?
A team that although not perfect at times has battled and got stuck in seems to have almost given up completely.
We’ll be unable to know what’s happening behind the scenes but I reckon this smacks of player unrest.
What do I know though.?
I thought we’d have done a ‘cloive’ yesterday.
Sorry Paddy but you should be removed from this site. Ben, Thomas you need to sack him now. Even with this woeful performance we are eigth in the best league in the world. Let’s slag Fosun, shall we get the Bhatti brothers back. I was there at Chorley, 2 stands closed, 3000 fans maximum. We are not the eighth best team in the league and we have over achieved. I look forward to reading your resignation!
I smell Sandwell Town
Wolves fan 40 plus years! Not on here to take the piss, just be real. First game when I was 4 was Andy Grays debut for the reserves. Was there when we beat Liverpool 4-1 , when Emlyn Hughes scored and my first game as ball not was the 1-1 draw at home to Chorley. So don’t dismiss my views with shite!!
Chorley….
Happy Days will
All this is just part of the journey isn’t it.
Must be the “journey to the PL elite” and regular patriation in The Champions League touted by Jeff Shi and co. 5 years ago.
They gave it a shot, but never really got anywhere near in truth.
But then in those 5 years they have only invested around £200 million net on players including some very questionable recruitment over the last couple of years.
I disagree. The guy is only speaking the truth. This one MORE game of going downhill fast. There is no excitement in our football. Just boring , boring rubbish. The chance of loyal supporters actually seeing a goal virtually is virtually non existent.
Today we were outplayed from start to finish, We were outcoached since it appears that Bruno seems to have lost the plot. But worst of all we were outfought. No pride in the shirt. A disgrace to all involved.
Thank you Paddy. Very well said
I think you need to calm down. Everyone is entitled to a view and Paddy, like Ben and Thomas have made many thought provoking contributions. We don’t all have to agree and calling for someone to be removed because they offer a different view is Putinesque.
I’d have to agree I think as lead writer, Paddy, I’m afraid is far too dismissive and negative. Not resign though, it’s good to hear views that don’t accord with your own. Just challenge them, I’d like more balance though from the article at the top of the blog.
You have to put it in perspective, our injuries have really messed us up, no Podence no points, no goals. It was garbage from us yesterday, but it’s no time to throw all our toys out the pram.
Inject a bit of young blood in the team next outing, given the poor showing of Boly and Saiss, Toti needs another go. Chinquihino should be given a start.
But surely all of this doomsday scenario of Bruno out, a big clear out etc is over reaction? I haven’t got stat’s on it but teams that change their Managers too often often live to regret it.
Stability and a consistent goal and vision the key to success, evolution, not revolution.
Hopefully Bruno and his coaches will show us what they’re made of in the remainder of the season. To end on a positive note, Neto hit the post with a good shot, although he still looks way off his pomp can he recover his pre injury form?
Allen, a well reasoned piece . The only thing I question is that you`ve taken no account of Chinese culture. For sure, good teams usually prosper because owners show patience towards their coach / manager, and support him with suitable investment to allow him the potential to reach whatever objectives they have set.
But the Chinese are not like this. Fosun`s likely stance will be that they employed Bruno to change the style of play so that our team becomes sufficiently attractive to draw and then sustain major support in China. But he hasn`t done that.
The fact that Bruno wasn`t given any real investment will, almost certainly be irrelevant to Fosun. They will argue that he already had sufficient quality within the Club to effect the necessary changes, so why didn`t he do it? Why are we continuing to play in the same old boring manner that necessitated Nuno`s removal ?
The fact that thousands of fans left early yesterday, and the team was loudly booed will likely set off major additional warning bells for Fosun. They are not football men. For them, football is part of the entertainment business, and loss of support will be regarded as a hugely dangerous trend which must be ended very rapidly.
Thus, in the eyes of Fosun , failure to achieve objectives will be entirely down to Bruno`s inability to perform. They will be as ruthless as they deem necessary
This is both harsh and very unfair. But it`s also realistic. Unfortunately it may well be that Bruno is on borrowed time.
I don’t know much about Chinese culture but I can see exactly what you’re getting at.
Sticking generally works the best. But our lack of goals is worrying, and repeats of the last 3 scoreless and winless games will not bode well for next season, and staying in the Prem or to be more optimistic making a mark in the Prem.
Wev’e just get to get a goal scorer from somewhere. It was dire to watch yesterday I admit, but you’d hope we can turn it around.
That was poo
So was the journey home. Just got in and may never ever leave again …….. until the Norwich game.
I don’t mind the pain. It’s the hope that kills me.
A few weeks ago Wolves had just beaten Everton 1-0 away. It was March 13th. Our 13th game of the year, and we’d won 8 of them. Even before Christmas we’d beaten Brighton away and drawn with Chelsea. Bruno was named Manager of the Month for January. We were on an upward trajectory.
Europe was being mentioned in hushed tones, the Champions League barely whispered, but the Europa and Conference competitions spoken of with more conviction.
The previous coach was becoming more of a memory and the general consensus, even amongst our more sceptical supporters, was positive – Bruno’s appointment had been a shrewd choice.
Then we suffered the collapse against Leeds, but despite that, we won our next game, against Villa. 7 games left. 4 very winnable, and 3 toughies. The teams around us were giving us a helping hand. All we needed to do was beat Newcastle, Burnley and Brighton. It was all in our hands. 60+ points beckoning.
But Neves had picked up an injury, Raul a 2 match suspension, Podence and Kilman also injured. Our best defender, midfielder and attackers, sidelined at the most critical point of our season.
Fast forward to today. Yet another disappointing result BUT it is the performance that is perhaps the most frustrating thing. We had a shot of making what has been a good season great. And we’ve let it slip through our fingers.
Remaining games against Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Norwich are unlikely to yield many points, even if we are at our best. And currently we are far from that.
Bruno has not become a bad coach overnight. A few supporters calling for his head and even a change of ownership need to ask themselves this – how many top 6 teams gain continued season upon season progress and success by constantly changing their managers ? With the possible exception of Chelsea, none.
A recent report showed that out of the 20 highest net transfer spenders in Europe’s top leagues, 14 of them were in the Premier League. All 7 teams above us have spent more on players than us. No surprise there. But what was a good indication of how well the Wolves model is working was that we are higher placed than 5 other teams who have spent more. But we need more investment in the squad now. And yes, we were in the top 20 biggest spenders in Europe.
The race to build all aspects of a football club into one that can challenge the very best at the top of the worlds best league is not a sprint. It can’t be. It’s a marathon. It’s a long painstaking process. It requires vision. It requires patience and perseverance. It must be built on solid foundations.
The performance and result against Brighton was dreadful. Burnley and Newcastle also a huge disappointment. However, shouts for Bruno and Fosun out, after a poor run of a handful of games with injuries playing a significant part, are laughable. Look at the league table. Where is Everton ? Villa ? Leicester ? Leeds ? Newcastle ? Arguably, all clubs of a similar stature to Wolves. All below us. This isn’t “happy clapping”. Just perspective based on reality.
Wolves have 4 games left to play. Then the owners face the most critical transfer window of their tenure. A window where they need to show ambition and sharp business acumen in equal measure. Bruno needs backing. Apparently he has communicated his requirements in terms of positions to be filled and player characteristics and individuals have been identified. With a number of outgoing players and well as incoming, it won’t go entirely to plan, but we need players who are upgrades ( think Sa ) and we need quantity as well as quality. It won’t be cheap but we have keep driving forwards. The competition will be.
So dreams of European football seemed to be over. Then Neves is announced in the starting line up, totally out of the blue. Surely with our talismans back, we can get a much needed 3 points.
I don’t mind the pain. It’s the hope that kills me.
UTW
Super piece of writing. Nearly made me feel better about yesterday. Thank you Muttleigh
You’re very kind Bilbrookwolf.
Thank you.
Great to read a balanced view Mutt1eigh.. I only had to read a few words of the lead article to check back and – sure enough – it was another rant from the rottweiler !
It’s obvious that injuries have played a major part in the disappointing performances by the teams Bruno has put out.
However I do think that there may be unrest in the dressing room, and of course lack of success develops lack of confidence. And, above all, I don’t see any goals coming from ‘strikers’ who receive no service, ideally from the traditional Wolves style wingers. Oh to have had the Traore option in recent matches.
Sometimes it seems as though Bruno is trying to demonstrate to his bosses that his options are too limited, but he’s just not making sensible team selections, or insisting on attacking, or making obvious substitutions when required.
I’d love to be anticipating performances against the top two like we’ve seen not too long ago, but I won’t be putting any money on it.
Superb as ever Muttleigh
Thank you MW.
It matters not if we fail to get anything from the top three teams and I would not be surprised if the relegated Norwich also leave with all 3 points. It matters not because the only thing that does matter is the commitment that Fosun shows when this season closes. I must admit that since Fosun took over I have witnessed some of the best football I have ever seen since supporting Wolves. I now hope that that continues, because at the moment I am doubting that
Methinks Paddy is rather too kind to Bruno.
Try to be positive but I’m afraid I’m getting fed up with hearing Lage blaming the players and seemingly not accepting that perhaps he has ultimate responsibility for the team selection, style of play, substitutions and overall motivation of the team – all of these today were dire. Heading to the game on the train from London I saw the team selection and messaged my bro’ ‘Oh dear! Can’t see us scoring’. After 15 minutes it was clear the selection was crap and was failing. The starting line up must have scored less than 10 goals between them all season. I don’t accept that the players don’t care..some of them were distraught at the end – but I do wonder if they’re losing faith in the Manager. I don’t see any progress from Nuno I’m afraid and whoever decided to sell Doherty and Jota and then spend more on Semedo and Silva must have had an ulterior motive because it makes no footballing sense to me. Probably would’ve taken 8th at the start of the season and may as well cheer up and accept it now because that is where we’re going to finish.
The sale of Doherty was unwise and the timing and valuation of Jota a scandal
And in return we have shelled out well over £100 million on Cuitrone, Silva, Hoever, Semedo and Hwang. Since the departure of Laurie Dalrymple I would argue that WWFC has lost it’s way.
And where are the “ones for the future” Jeff?
We’re only 9 points ahead of 15th place, and many of those below us have games in hand. What does that tell you, it tells you there’s not actually a lot between those outside the elite and the dross at the bottom, that a couple of wins here or there actually dictate where you end up.
We’ve been brilliant at times this season but I think some of us have started to believe we’re better than we are. We don’t score goals and eventually that’s going to catch up with you. There’s only so many times the defence and heroics of the goalkeeper can dig you out. It’s an unsustainable model.
So while we’ve been looking upwards, agonisingly, since Christmas, actually the table at the end of the season will probably reflect the reality. We may well stay 8th but we’ll be closer to the chasing pack below than those above. And that’s probably where we deserve to be. We’re capable of excellence, but as the last three games have shown we’re also capable of producing a lot of dross. I’ve watched us at times this season and wondered how we have occupied such a lofty position. Now we’ve run out of steam, on the beach, whatever you want to call it. We’re just a bang average Premier League side and on days like today even that statement flatters us.
The importance of investment in the summer, it’s all been said above so I won’t repeat but we all want to see some sort of plan to move us forward after five years of progress.
Wow – I thought I was about to get stuck in till I read Paddy’s editorial. Think it’s not fair to pick on anyone in particular with the exception of Sa, who is virtually keeping the ship afloat single handedly – all the rest are equally culpable.
This isn’t just a blip we can neither beg a point nor buy a goal at the moment.
It’s hard to escape the thought that several have one eye on their next move in which case two very critical questions apply.
Are Fosun prepared to invest in a proper rebuild?
And do we have the management team to do it? I don’t just mean Bruno, who I think is ok ?
Time will tell but unfortunately my optimism is waning.
We may be sailing into troubled waters again.
Hope not.
Jiminez and Jonny not starting?
Why, methinks.
Possible bust up in training with Bruno?
Has Bruno lost the dressing room?
Is that why no one showed up today, other than to make a point?
Well, my point is this:
There are certain players who are past their sell by date.
Our beloved captain, bless his heart, has in all honesty been vastly over achieving for the past two seasons.
Saiss, Boly, Dendoncker, need to go, as well as Trincao, Hwang, and Silva.
The best midfielder we’ve ever had, Moutinho, is surely not going to keep going after the end of this season.
The bigger problem, I feel , is that Fosun don’t think like us. They have not been football, and Wolves fans all their life, it’s not in their DNA, therefore business decisions are totally different from heartfelt ones.
They see players “valued” at whatever silly price, and think they must be good coz they are expensive, but not whether they will gel with the team, the manager and the fans.
However, Fosun, to fulfill their dreams and promises MUST stay in the Prem, as relegation is not an option.
So, hopefully, they will sell, put up for sale, and buy wisely in the summer, and help build a team around Neves, Sa and Neto.
And, do we need a new manager?
We should at least keep him until the end of the season, see where we finish.
But, Abramovic was ruthless at Chelsea with managers, and they won a prize or two.
If a merry go round of managers brings a plethora of silverware, would we all not be happy little bunnies?
Anyway, two very winnable games coming up………………..if our opposition fail to turn up!
Problem is Clive, despite their failings and idiosyncrasies (which are many) where are we going to find better owners? We’re a bit between a rock and a hard place.
Oops, sorry.
Didn’t mean to suggest they sell the club, I meant players.
With Fosun’s apparent lack of ambition currently (yes ok let’s see what the summer brings) why would Neto, Sa and Neves see a long term future at Molineux.
Some people thought that Brighton might be on the beach.
Mid table, nothing to aim for. Another season in the Premier League.
Job done.
How wrong were they?
It was Wolves who were on the beach.
Or rather, we had left the beach after a good doze in the sun, gone back to our hotel room for a shower, down to the restaurant for a bite and a beer, and ended up nobbing the blonde who had served us the Caviar, Foie gras and Saffron on toast.
That was THE worst performance from a Wolves team I have seen since Dean Saunders was at the helm.
It was almost comic in its ineptitude.
I have said on a number of occasions that we are not good enough to even think about a place in Europe this season, and today just proved the point.
How on Earth are we still in eighth position?
Molineux was the quietest I have ever heard. (Or not heard).
It was virtually half empty before the final whistle.
Where to now Fosun?
I knew a blonde called Saffron.
I’ve been thinking that Bruno is doing a good Dean Saunders impression too ….
Performances in the last 3 weeks that get managers the sack.
Another bad weekend: Wolves lose 3-0 and Bath get trounced, by the buggers up the road, 64-0 . . . . . .
. . . . . . thank God Emily Scarratt is in the world!
Bath have taking too many trouncings this season.
I was unfortunate enough to watch the one by Sarries earlier in the season.
I was sitting next to Stuart Barnes and John Hall.
They were NOT happy bunnies.
Well done Glawster ! 64-0 to my hometown team. Sorry Doog.
Truth be told, I would rather Bath had won 64-0 and Wolves got a scrappy 1-0 win.
Hey Ho.
UTW
Me personally thinks Bruno has lost the dressing room he doesn’t know how to change a game tick tock tick tock
I read that as Stuart Hall and John Barnes! Which would be a very different scenario
What’s the betting we’ll play out of our skins against Chelsea, City and Liverpool and get turned over by Norwich? We seem to bring out our A-game against the big boys…
To do a job properly you need the right tools. If you don’t have the right tools then you end up bodging it to try and get by, but that usually means the work is flawed and things never work as they should.
Then you end up trashing your work, getting the right tools and doing a proper job.
Let’s hope we get the right tools…..
I saw a lot of tools yesterday.
I will take that bet with my house
unlikely………..that was in the past, a completely different team.
I might be frustrating and end up on my arse a lot but at least I am positive, have a go and, ah yes, would have given you some entertainment. When did you last have any of that?
Conner Coady’s got the drill. Everyone Fit as a Black Cuntry Truffle Hound for the Citeh game, Day off v Liverpool.
An Albion team channelling the Departed Mick Mcarthy. They missed a pen ffs. So our worst home performance of the season to date. They looked a bit quick, which means we looked a bit slow. Minus a T.
Its a hill and gully ride, you better hold on.
1 lv & COYW
Rumours of a training ground bust up with the manager. I watched Jonny yesterday when he came on. He couldn’t be bothered. And he left the pitch straight away at the end down the tunnel. Something isn’t right.
I noticed that too Cheesey. Not like him at all.
Just atrocious. What worries me is that there appears to be no explanation for the string of dreadful performances at such a critical point in the season. I’m sick and tired of seeing the same PR written lines from the players, ‘we go again’ or ‘the pack will come back stronger’ etc.. FFS – can someone in the team have the honesty to tell us why the team seems to have recently collectively imploded and just given up?!!
I know it probably won’t be a popular view, but I do find myself having increasing doubts as to whether Lage is the right man for the job. Odd formation choices; dodgy handling of some players; and seeming inability to motivate the team and get any kind of reaction are worrying signs. He seems to have no explanation at all for the awful performances. I really want him to be successful, but particularly if Fosun don’t feel inclined to invest significantly this Summer, is he going to be able to drive results at challenging times next season with the same core of players? I’m absolutely not a believer in chopping and changing mangers, but really want to see a big reaction (in terms of desire and effort at least) from the team in these last few games to have some level of confidence in the manager- player situation. UTW
That Wes the worst performance I’ve witnessed since Burnley last season. Possibly worse!
We were losing every second ball and the forwards gave up possession far too easily.
Both midfielders and wingers know there’s no point putting the ball into the box as there won’t be anyone there to attack it. We had high hopes for the return of Raul but sadly he’s not come back as the same player.
I find it hard to subscribe to the revolution some are screaming for. Certainly evolution is needed but us Wolves fans are a fickle lot and 3 pints off Norwich and the odd point off the big three and the narrative will swing back to us being world beaters.
Ah yes Raul – the elephant in the room. You have highlighted the unacceptable. Raul Jiminez 2022 is absolutely 100% NOT the world class Raul Jiminez pre the life threatening assault by David Luiz and is also now getting on for 2 years older.
It’s very sad and he’s still a decent footballer but there seems to be a reluctance in most sections of the club to admit that this situation exists and it leaves a huge vacuum.
Also unfortunately, there seems no sign that we have anyone on the books who looks remotely capable of filling the void.
Where are all “the ones for the future? eg. Why hasn’t Leo Campana even been tried. And I’ll wager that Leo Bonatini would have done as good a job as Hwang, Willian or Silva to date. Rafa Mir made us a £10 million profit but was barely ever seen at Molineux. Was Toti Gomez a mirage? Will we ever actually see other loanees who ply their trade round the world, particularly in Zurich. Finally what is to become of Morgan Gibbms-White? etc., etc
One of our biggest problems is the lack of depth in our squad yet we have numerous players who have had little or no chance or playing time at PL level out on loan.
Either the policy is flawed or the “ones for the future” strategy is not working as it should and presumably costing a lot to administer and subsidise in cases where we are sharing wages. The last home grown player who really made it was Robbie Keane a quarter of a century ago.
The under twenty whatevers looks to be a mighty expensive production line of mediocrity on recent evidence.
Academy?
Youth policy?
Lescott 2000-2006
Yes agreed, I forgot Joleon.
My mind is obviously focussed elsewhere. Points not Pints !
The team selection wasn’t right, the attitude wasn’t right, Coady getting booked early after a rare mix up wasn’t right, Saiss was all over the place, Ait Nourri playing in Dunlop Green flash pumps. = The sort of performance that gets managers sacked, a manager that seemingly can’t rouse his players from three consecutive defeats and players not apparently worried by the consequences of their performance in a home game against a mid table team.
Training ground bust up ? Yes I’ve heard that too and it makes sense. But then every club has training ground bust ups that are never acknowledged but Mr Shi will know and he will have watched yesterday like all of us and seen an unrecognisable outfit who have on occasions made us so proud and yet yesterday made us cringe. A half empty stadium at full time and lots of disappointed young supporters in the Steve Bull Lower Stand who might not want to come back. What will he do about it? Back him or sack him.
The real worry I believe is that end of season form, good or bad, carries into the next season.
If this proves to be the case with Wolves we’ll be in deep shit from early on 22-24.
Don’t want to talk or think about that game; dreadful dross from another poorly selected line up. I’ve seen far worse Wolves performances, but never one so disappointing on so many levels.
So, changing the subject, apparently the Villa-Brumagem Derby is the only one worth mentioning from the West Midlands? MOTD, really!!! And how many Liverpool, Manchester “derbies” were considered? Interesting choices made from teams outside of our “Super six”. I was already spitting nails regarding our teams’ non-appearance. The language was truly offensive and there was no one in my late Mum’s house to hear it after my long distanced expensive journey across from Suffolk.
*#&£!!? :*#@!!!
Couldn’t face Match of the Day for obvious reasons. Did I miss something?
Ok here we go having been born within the sound of the South Bank in what was then the Womens Hospital AKA West Park Hospital some 53 years ago these are without doubt the best days with my beloved Wolves in my life time. Having been in and around the club as a junior/ youth player in the late 70s and 80s we are now unrecognisable nowadays compared to those days. Sir Jack Hayward along with Billy Wright MBE (legend) saved this club and built a solid foundation for the current owners to expand on as they promised. When Fosun took the reigns they had a five year plan! Well guess what we have now arrived at our destination. Without the massively impressive Jose Sa and the back line we would be fighting relegation FACT. It really isn’t a coincidence that since the sale of Jota and Doherty that our GOALS have dried up massively. We bought the next big thing in Portuguese football SILVA who is now marginally better than last season however is still goalless this season with just five games to go. We have NO ONE in double figures at all and this CANNOT be allowed to carry on and on and on WE NEED GOALS nothing else will do for Bruno and his style of entertaining football were all promised and defiantly want to see RIGHT?
The only people who cant put this right is the FOSUN GROUP and the people behind the scenes who supposedly have the clubs best interests at heart as regards recruitment sadly however I have NO faith in any of them and the proof is out there for everyone to see week in week out running around the hallowed turf of Molinuex.
The fans have done their part in making every game a sell out or as close as it gets now it is time for FOSUN to keep their side of the bargain and dig deep and buy quality NOT promises for the future we need goals now not when we are back in the championship!!! OR worse.
Chinese culture is built on honour and has been for hundreds of years time to honour your promise or find us someone who will be prepared to stand by their promises and move this club forward NOT backwards.
The caveat to all of this is we have all been through a global pandemic and FOSUNS portfolio contains a lot of tourism and leisure company’s and this sector has as we are all aware been the hardest hit of all.
In summary I am happy with our league position and thank god we have a mostly solid defence although our penalty count would suggest otherwise. However I am not happy with the missed opportunity’s in recruitment terms as each transfer window goes by with us NOT buying in anyone really worth talking about and if the club has the ambition it says it has this MUST CHANGE AND FAST.
FOSUN TALK IS CHEAP TIME TO PUT UP OR MOVE ON.
Hi Andy welcome to the club of doom mongers. You say ,belatedly, that you are happy with Wolves league position. But I was always led to believe a prose style full of capitals was the equivalent of shouting and finger pointing. Would you indulge in this face to face with those with whom you disagree?
A very sceptical and cynical view of our Lords and Masters Andy.
However-
5 years on and the great Fosun plan, whilst not exactly in tatters, has firmly stalled and is on the verge of crumbling,
Sadly I think you have hit a lot of nails firmly on the head.
Just wondering where we move on to Andy?
In other words to move on is for FOSUN to sell us!!!
And, who is to replace them?
I understand there may be someone who could be interested. I think they are the grandchildren of the children of the children’s children of previous people involved with Wolves. I think they were named the Bhattis or something!!!
Apologies, sorry, Thomas, but it needed saying. I shall now peruse others’ thoughts tomorrow when I’ve calmed down…
Is it simply coincidence that the complete implosion of our season, 7 losses in the last 10 games, has taken place since Traore left on loan? Yes, I know, he wanted to go, but it still looks a bad decision now.
What his departure has revealed is that there’s no one else who can take on and beat a player. Yes, he was wildly inconsistent, but he did put the fear of God into defenders and created space for teammates – something that hasn’t been happening lately.
I’m sure this isn’t the only factor behind the present problems, injuries, team selection, constant juggling of players are others, but it does seem particularly bad business, looking at it now.
Your space for team mates point is extremely salient and many of us pointed that out during my time at Molineux when many were venting forth. You know who you are. I might not be pulling up trees at the Nou Camp but they have also got Aubameyang, Depay, Torres and Dembele all of whom would currently walk into Wolves forward line.
Well Adama your short stay in Catalonia seems to be approaching an unspectacular conclusion.
Maybe you have an unrealistic view of your own talents.
Whatever your problem is it appears you have been found wanting again. Your career path seems to be in reverse so good luck in whatever backwater you wash up.
And you don’t think I’d be an improvement on the forward line we’ve witnessed over the last few weeks, PJB? Maybe you’ve an unrealistic view of their talents
I don’t. I don’t miss you at all.
First game of the season since my accident.
No fight, no spirit, defence looked all over the place, should have been 5-0.
Wolves already on the beach, drunk the beer and now sleeping it off.
Only positives were Sa and Neves return BUT instead of playing him as an attacking forward he was played in front of the defence!!
I will be there for Norwich please improve.
The last few results have been abysmal, just like last term at this stage. We have marginally improved from then but not we have not invested enough in the right areas to make any impact on us to move forward imo, Our defenders are really past their best even though they were the mainstay in the early part of this campaign.
The goals for has hampered our progress again big time, that has been same old story for a couple of seasons now and that must be addressed pronto if we want to progress and stay in this league… Yesterday’s no show again is culpable firstly by them players, coach, and FOSUN.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
Fosun don’t way Europe because that raises expectations and calls for more investment
I’d bet my house that Bruno’s been told to do his best not to qualify for Europe how else can you explain the players he is picking and where and how they are being asked to play.
It’s time Fosun come clean and tell the fans what there intentions are.
Me I believe they no longer have any real ambition if they ever really did the wanted to dream but when they realised the cost. they quickly woke up to the financial reality.
My hope is they come clean and do the decent thing and sell up to someone who can fund the dream.
Is your house in Famagusta then?
I think you will find Fosun do not want us in the Championship. We will see.
Could be in Paphos.
Possibly but those in Famagusta are worth zilch. That was my point.
I’d say that anyone who says they’d bet their house is childish, or mad. In fact, the argument being put forward seems rather childish to me.
Again no real argument just childish comments.
Come back when you’re grown up may be then we can have a adult conversation.
Just plain stupid. Need to take your tin foil hat off
The wolves Womem are doing great atm , maybe we can slip a few of them into the team on a “ don’t you dare assume my gender” basis !
Odds are, we beat Chelsea next up.
Utw
Odds are we don’t lol
Betting your house on Bruno being told not to qualify for Europe is a sure way of losing your house.
The idea of any owner instructing their manager to lose games is pretty comical.
Getting into Europe brings in more money and Fosun could argue that if we DO qualify without extra investment we don’t need to spend on new players.
Whether they are prepared to invest enough in order to fulfil their original ambition is another argument entirely.
And one that we will hopefully see settled one way or the other this summer.
I agree it sounds outrageous, but look at the bigger picture.
If we qualified Bruno would expect money to spend not just because of qualification but because he could argue that the squad needs to be bigger to compete which it does anyway Europe or no Europe but that would strengthen his case.
Another reason why have we not heard anything from Jeff or Scott you think they would be out there banging the drum for support and encouragement no…..nothing.
They aren’t encouraging it because they don’t want it.
So how much are we going to make from Europe compared to what we would have to spend to strengthen the squad I say we need to spend a lot more than we would make.
We made 4 to 5 million from the Europe League and we got to the quarter final that peanuts in today’s market it’s not to say it not welcome but you have to put it into context.
Not just make money doogster,even if a lot less than it should be but it puts ‘ brand Wolves ‘ out there in Europe.
Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t winning the Europa league automatically put you in the Champions league also…an even bigger stage?
You are correct sir.
And that’s where WE want to be, never mind the owners.
Pride in our club, sweeping all before us, being the first team to win 10 successive European Cups. ( it’s still the European Cup, never mind fancy champions league, most competitors ain’t champions)
So yes, pride, face, kudos. Whatever it’s called, we and Fosun want it.
We all know that we all want it whatever our differences of opinion.
I think Fosun need to show a lot more evidence that they REALLY want it,
Time will tell but this summer will be a very good indicator.
Not sure how paddy gets a write up here. load of rubbish
To be fair WoFIL, Paddy had to step in and field the shot after a bad result. Following a couple of other bad results. He stepped up and got a backlash. But he stepped up. Just the pain speaking. But he got us working through the pain. And we done that. Off to Chelski, lets stay calm. Love the process. 1 lv.
OK Folks,
A quick bit of reasoning to follow a disappointing last few games. Hard, hard games to take at the end of the season. Fighting for survival, lucky not us, but those poor Toffees, squeaky Leeds, the Carrots again. But we’re creeking. Injuries, comebacks, new additions. Bruno trying a few manouvers.
We’re already above last seasons points tally, +5, with Norwich at home to play. And we started the season badly points wise. The Prem bonus for 8th is better than 13th by a few million. We’re not the only strugglers at the moment. Wham and Midges, with whom we’ve been tussling for 2 months, have failed to make much impact upward. That we’re in that conversation is credit to the club. Really. Double the crowd capacity at their stadia.
Brighton beat both Arsenal and Spuds away.
We have a good team leader in Conner Coady, he knows its not as planned but won’t let heads drop. Bruno’s finding his feet. You can’t buy a team or a football culture, it has to be made with the players, management and fans. Let’s do our bit and get behind them for these few games. They are going to need us. Finish well, have a summer and start well when we go again.
1 lv & COYW.
Well said Rasta. I suppose you take a step back after a few days and have a look at what is what. If you asked any Wolves fan at the start of the season most would have said top 10 would have been a good outcome. Yes the last 3 games have been frustrating and come at the wrong time. Not so long back Brighton couldn’t do a thing. Now they have dug out some seriously impressive results. Their away record is very good. Wolves are what you would describe as unpredictable. Win a few lose a few. Don’t draw much. How many of have dreamed of having a solid premier league team capable of getting to 50 points ? Not just sneaking 38 and staying up. I suppose when you have results like we have just endured, with barely a shot on target it does suddenly look like the wheels are coming off. As daft as it seems we could still get 7th. Unlikely but possible. Were that to happen our 4 seasons back in the top flight would have been 7th 7th 13th 7th. Never any serious threat of relegation. I must admit some of the games I have sat through have been a hard watch. We don’t score goals. We often sit there and 35/40 mins gone no shots on goal. So it is remarkable where we are. Consistency is the key along with players able to affect a game positively. This season we go a goal down and that is that. Game over. So change is required. Players. Mentality. Manager ? I think Bruno deserves more time. And of course we are all waiting to see what Fosun do in the summer.
Yes CoD, we counting chickens, but we have chickens to count.
That Yo yo stuff went on for years and then the string broke.
Again.
Lets give thanks, a solid Prem team can build. A view of the Abyss does wonders for the application and concentration eh Frank? 1 lv.
I didn’t see this one coming. Mind you, I too have read about a training ground dust up on Thursday. I remember a similar report years ago under Mad Mick when Carl Ikeme punched the tactical board and did it serious damage. (Many people expressed surprise that we even had a tactical board). The long and the short of it was that it led to Mick’s sacking, followed by a double relegation. To misquote Shakespeare, Beware the Ides of May… or if you prefer, there’s no smoke without fire.
I’m due at Stamford Bridge on Saturday for Chelsea v Wolves. Last week I was looking forward to this. Now I’m petrified that Bruno Ball is punctured. Luton Town just conceded 7 goals in Fulham. And Stamford Bridge is in Fulham. The omens are ominous. If rumours about a training ground dust up are true, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bruno’s job is on the line.
Last time I was at Stamford Bridge for a Wolves match was March 2019. The pandemic intervened the season after. The Wolves starting line up that March day was:
Patricio
Doc
Neves
Raul
Boly
Coady
Jota
Jonny
Saiss
Moutinho
Donk.
On the bench:
Ruddy
Cavaleira
Helder Costa
MGW
Vinagre
Traore
Not too shabby a squad, eh? Result was Hazard equalised in injury time after Raul scored on 54 minutes. As I said, I’m not looking forward to Saturday.
Ruddy should have his own ‘Golden Bench’ by now. Your right though, a few miles North of a Sunday League outfit. 1 lv.
I’m a guy who likes to take the positives from any situation, so this is my take on my weekend.
It’s a long trip for me to Wolvo but the breakfast in the Chapel Ash caff was superb. Great to meet up with several good friends who I wouldn’t know if it weren’t for this excellent blog. Special thanks to Dougie and Barbara who’s hospitality is legendary.
The beer in the Combemere was successful in lifting my mood and there were no traffic jams on the M5.
Everything else was pretty crap really.
And the traore saga rolls on .
back to the mol by the looks of it and trincoa back to barca two blokes who really need a reality check and get their arses in gear before their careers take a complete nosedive into oblivion.
Whoever sanctioned this utter disaster needs a rocket up their arse !!!!
Can only agree with you , however, I would like to see Adama on the bench against Man City with a point to prove….He may not have scored v Villa away but he turned the game in our favour at 2 nil down.
At last something to celebrate for the Jubilee.
Sex Pistols are re-releasing “God save the queen”.
Even after all these years they are still not played on the radio. I’m in the middle of Rotton, No Irish, No Dogs and No Blacks his autobiography great read gives you the real story of the Sex Pistols.
Also read Loney Boy by Steve Jones his story another fascinating read.
We are the flowers in your dustbin. No future for you. No future for me ! ……….. Stiff Little Fingers at KK Steel Mill Wolvo Thursday 14 July!
Still prefer Little Arrows, by Leapy Lee!!!
Or Dapple Rose
Some fans on social media calling for Bruno to be sacked…..which is ridiculous.
Yes he’s made mistake but you have to take into account his first season in Premier League he hasn’t been backed by Jeff in the transfer market these aren’t his players yet he has got us to 8th in his first season.
The guy is working with both hands tied behind his back by Jeff and Sellears. The thing is if Bruno goes would the new guy whoever that may be have to work under the same constraints where he doesn’t have the final say on who we buy there are not many managers if any would work under those conditions and get the team up to 8th in there first season in the most competitive league in the world.
I think fans need to look higher up the chain when it comes to getting rid.
Fosun, take a leaf out of the bidders for my local club, Chelsea. They are fighting to pay from £2.5 to £4bil. And, this is a club that Wolves have managed to beat convincingly, more than once, in the Fosun era. There is a complete disconnect between the
wide disparity of investment in each club, compared to the far closer connection in the PL table. Wolves, as an investment, should be worth our weight in gold to Fosun.
Certainly goes to show how well we’ve done with Fosun and Bruno.