It’s been a summer of unceremonious exits at Molineux.
John Ruddy’s Wolves career received its eulogy long after his departure became public knowledge, so too Romain Saiss’.
But the blink and you just might miss it nature of Conor Coady’s exit is easily the toughest to stomach.
For so long, Coady embodied everything that was good about the current regime in WV1.
Amidst all the glitz and glamour associated with the influx of Gestifute recruits, our Scouse skipper kept things refreshingly real.
No player arguably embraced the Fosun revolution more than he did, so drastic was his conversion from average Championship midfielder to the sweeper at the heart of Nuno’s five-man defence.
Indeed, I distinctly recall a grisly Championship away day at Reading when my voice went hoarse barracking Coady for a rather inept midfield performance.
To say I was surprised to witness such a seamless transition to specialist centre-half was an understatement.
But now we know what we do, it’s not shocking at all.
Coady is the consummate professional and, in that sense, Everton’s gain is certainly our loss.
It will be more than difficult to replace his leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch.
And it will be equally taxing to ensure that his departure does not lead to a disconnect between the fans and players.
Building those bridges was arguably one of the greatest triumphs of the Nuno era, and it’d be desperately disappointing if such a rift was to re-emerge.
That shouldn’t be the case, given that the likes of Neves and Moutinho remain in our ranks.
But Coady’s absence will be felt, especially in the early throes of the daring new era Bruno Lage appears to be ushering in.
This is definitely the biggest call Lage has made as head coach since he assumed the position, and it’s one that could go one of two ways for him.
If the transition to a back four pays off, then he’ll be lauded for his bravado and foresight.
Should that not prove to be the case, it’s hard to envisage a long-term future for the Portuguese in the Molineux dugout.
These are uncertain times in WV1 and it’s difficult to predict how things will play out. So for the time being, let’s just raise a glass to one of our best ever skippers.
Here’s to you Conor, thanks for the memories.
Excellent bloke, charismatic skipper, great leader on and off the pitch.
But.
Southgate’s sumation after the Euro’s was that Coady was his most valuable player for his leadership qualities.
All very well if you actually play in anger.
But.
When you don’t play, how can your place be justified in the squad?
When we stormed the second division with Nuno, nothing could stand in our way.
But.
Premier managers sussed out Nuno’s tactics, Connor’s weaknesses, too slow and too short for a back 5 position, and he was being found wanting more and more regularly.
But .
His desire to win, his passion for the club and enthusiasm for anything Wolves overcame anything and he even scored a few!
But, age creeps up on us all, especially top athletes, and last season his edge was dull, that last half yard of pace gone, and so too was his place in Bruno’s plans.
But
He moves on to pastures blue, and although I am sad to see him go, I’m glad he’s left before Old Father Time has reduced him to the level of a lot of old pro’s, scratching a living in the league’s nether regions.
Go with our blessings, Coady, you are a Wolves legend.
More Butter than Johnny Rotten at a Country Life convention.
Can’t argue with much of what you say, Clive, but **** if players are almost over the hill at 29 where does that leave the rest of us??
What a load of utter tosh.
Your tactical analysis is your opinion, nothing more.
Don’t care what Southgate’s view of Coady is but he was needed at Wolves whatever the formation; we have around 13 senior players available for selection tomorrow. Meanwhile Coady will be playing for Everton as a (possibly) temporary fill in for one of our closest rivals to avert their own crisis.
The terms are so bad the only further negative would have been that he could play against us. No recall clause, an OPTION to buy for a DERISORY £12 million and a full season loan. Madness.
He’s too old at 29 – get real.
He could also be utilised in alternative on field roles. Far as I can see not even considered. Has anyone told you it’s now a squad game?
My objections aren’t based on sentimental factors (though it’s a shame to treat him this way), they are based on the negative impact on WWFC in the short and medium term.
Hope you can justify this decision Bruno, Scottie Sellars and Jeff and I hope that Collins proves to be the man you think he is, but not a pedigree to set the pulse racing is it – ex Stoke and Burnley with 6 full ROI caps, WOW. And your transfer record since the departure of Dalrymple and Thelwell wouldn’t really win many prizes. Probably a good squad member but we don’t really have a squad as yet.
And talking of Old Father time CC is still 3 years younger than Joao Moutinho was when he joined us.
Never mind still 2 weeks to go and only 2 matches gone before any more incomings. And Bruno has HINTED at 3 or 4 more signings, Now that would convince me.
Please reaffirm what’s so good about this deal Clive.
Your last sentence is good though – he is a Wolves legend.
ps. You do very well with your upvotes, I doubt whether there are many more than 26 readers, as you have already seen off most of your detractors.
There are nothing but good things to say about Conor and how he’s represented the club throughout his time with us, particularly the Fosun years. He was the heartbeat of that fantastic Nuno team and will always be held in high regard for his role in establishing us as a bonafide Premier League club. Good luck to him at Everton and making that World Cup squad.
The move seemed driven more by his desire to play regular football than the club forcing him out. Personally, I would have made him stay and told him his leadership was integral to the squad. He’s prepared to be a bench warmer/cheerleader and occasional player for England, I’m sure he could and would have fulfilled that role for us. He wouldn’t have liked it if it jeopardised his international prospects but he would have done it and it would have put the club’s immediate interests above his individual aspirations.
It does have the whiff of a sliding doors moment like McCarthy stripping Henry of the captaincy in his final season but hopefully, we won’t suffer to the same extent.
There was life after Nuno and there can be life after Coady too and I hope Bruno Lage is given all the tools necessary to ease the transition.
Taking away the emotional aspect of this business, offloading a defender who might struggle in a back four and bringing in another attacker balances the squad. Another body in midfield and a proper centre-forward would give us the necessary options, particularly if we can retain everyone else. Giving Ruben the armband, telling him he’s the future of the club and paying him whatever he wants to sign a new contract would be the icing on the cake.
There’s no doubt that Conor will go down in the Wolves history books as one of our most influential servants. His loyalty and his commitment to the cause unquestionable. It’s sad in a way to say farewell, but the team is evolving and I fear Conor’s main party trick has no place in the new show.
Many have called for the back 4 and it is a little hypocritical to then complain about Conor’s demise. He was always going to be the first victim.
Conor’s loyalty to the club has been handsomely rewarded by the club giving him such an easy exit. Much credit to them for that in my eyes and, who knows, prospective players and their agents may watch and take kindly to this display of humanity in such a cutthroat world.
Good luck Conor. May you enjoy success in the rest of your career and help us lift the World Cup once more.
Conor Coady was simply the best all round captain I have seen at Wolves since becoming a STH in 1974. He embodied everything you would want from a leader of men. In an age when talkers on the pitch are a rarity, he seemed a throwback to a bygone era. His penalty at Bolton away to secure the title and his unbridled, ecstatic delight at his first goal in that season will live with me forever. To you Conor and your family, you deserve every success that comes your way. As the saying goes, “ it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.”
Three days since news broke of Coady’s departure. Feels like a lot longer.
From bemusement of some pundits and reporters to anger from a large portion of Wolves fans, one thing most of us felt in common when the transfer was eventually confirmed was shock. Me included.
Inevitably we then ask the question – why ? Have Fosun lost their mind ? He was Mr Wolves ! For goodness sake he’s an England international. Our player of the tournament according to Gareth Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland, when the men’s team came so close to achieving what the Lionesses actually managed to do. Even though he never kicked a ball. Such was his positive influence on the squad.
The next question is what will happen now to our beloved club ? It’s the beginning of the end. The coach will be sacked, The Chinese owners will be forced to sell up to some unscrupulous bathroom manufacturer and our club mascot will suffer the indignity of having to dress up as a bidet as our once proud club plumbs new depths.
No. And no. No Fosun haven’t lost their mind. Fosun won’t have had anything to do with the decision. This wasn’t a decision cooked up in Shanghai. That’s why we have a chairman. And he WILL have been a part of the decision making process along with Bruno.
It’s simply this. Our 4th season. The first two an unequivocal success. Based on counter attacking football. Ceding possession, soaking up pressure. Hit ‘em on the break. It worked. We had the personnel to implement it and remarkably few injuries. But we were rumbled. And we lost Jota and Doherty. And then Traore’s partner in crime, Jimenez. Then the wheels fell off. NES knew that none of the teams above us played on the break. For a reason. They dominated possession, controlled the tempo, dictated the games, passed the opposition into submission. We had to evolve.
Only it didn’t happen. We didn’t have the personnel or the plan in place. 13th place. Goodbye and thank you NES. Perhaps then the same kind of shock we feel now.
In comes Bruno. The squad he inherited lacking the balance and individuals to implement his vision. So he had to make do. Did a very good job until our form fell off a cliff on the home straight of last season.
In order to improve we had to change – a back 4, strengthen midfield, more fluid in attack, more possession. More goals. This formation does not suit Conor. As awesome a guy as he is, he’s not the quickest. Painfully exposed v Norwich by Pukki and dropped the next game. You simply cannot have your club Captain sat on the bench.
If nothing else, Jeff Shi appears to possess a strong sense of “doing the decent thing”. Yes he’s a businessman, but business and decency are not mutually exclusive. Conor Coady does not want to be a cheerleading bench warmer. The Director of Morale, watching the game from the periphery. It simply isn’t viable. Standing on the touch line shouting encouragement to the lads, being wheeled out as an 89th minute sub and for cup games.
He wants to play in Qatar. It’ll be his last chance to represent his country at a World Cup. Don’t stand in his way. Facilitate a move ( we know he was born on Merseyside ), don’t price him out (£12m) and make it an initial loan. Total respect for a servant who has given impeccable service for seven years.
Even his agent came out and applauded Wolves behavior in that regard. And it sends a clear message to current players, their agents and prospective players. Wolves are a professionally run club that will deal with you fairly.
Not mess you around and squeeze every penny they can from every situation.
And no. Despite the uncertainty around Chinese business interests around the world, Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan and the ensuing fury, China needs foreign investment and ownership as much as we need them. For now. Fosun are committed to Wolves, and whilst we have been told clearly we have to be self sufficient, they will continue to be our custodians.
But what of our players ? How are they going to react to losing such a leader ? Such a positive role model ?
No one has died. These are professional footballers who have all played elsewhere in other teams. Change is part of the game. It’s inevitable that Conor Coady’s influence as captain over the years will have done two things. It will have embedded a culture in the team. A positive one without doubt. But also it will have become less impactful as the years passed. Familiarity does this to leaders. There’s a shelf life. When one leader moves on another emerges. Drum roll, enter stage left Ruben Neves. The jewel in our crown. The player we can build a team around. The youngest player to captain a Champions League team. Ever. He has leadership qualities. Remarkably mature for his age. And a player we desperately want to keep. So we’re in good hands. The Portuguese contingent will carry on and the leverage we have with Gestifute will continue to help us land starlets like Guedes.
It all makes perfect sense when you think about it. Why didn’t we do this sooner ?!
That we need a striker and a midfielder is obvious. 2 strikers, well Christmas is a long way off.
But, above all else, the show must go on.
UTW
Along with Mr Dickens post above (Wolfstroker), what you say is absolutely spot on in my opinion. Yes, we were/are upset at him leaving, but when you look at the big picture it certainly does make sense, and I applaud the decision.
Will still miss him though.
Top class Muttleigh, Ben and Thomas.
As a Conner Coady fan I hope the Smurfs don’t give him a hard time as he tries to make the Toffees a better side moving forward. Good luck with that, Conner. We still love you.
1 lv & COYW
In this cut throat world of business, Fosun have shown some employers can be fair. On the face of things it would be best for Wolves for Cody to sit on the bench until we need the occasional 5 at the back start, or multiple injuries to our center backs. They could have argued that players are supposed to be professional, under contract, and must accept the decisions of the club.
But they did the right thing! Cody was there at the start of the project, leading the players and team from the Championship mediocrity to deep into European football. He was Mr. Wolves! He represented what we all want, improvement and success, and we all know where we were a few years ago.
Goodbye Connor Coady, we wish you all the best, for your new venture, and for your England future!
His comments are off the cuff. He got dropped for a new system pre-season, and then one prem game this season…. “Something didn’t feel right” “its not the same as it was” no shit. No one blowing smoke up your arse or playing a certain system to accommodate you.
Manager wants to bring his own stamp on the team and I am all for that. But to now be making back hand comments on the team that made you a prem footballer – and got you your call ups for England does not sit well for me…
I guess he is going to be happy sitting on the bench at the WC – But not for Wolves. Funny that.
He’s being honest and just setting out what was clear to many. And why shouldn’t he when the club he gave so much too has a manager who doesn’t look likely to use his considerable strengths?
being honest with cryptic messages. No.
A club who he gave so much too – in return for the opportunities the club gave him…
We do not owe him anything… He had one bump in the road – and rather then try to improve and fight for his position – he walked away at the first hurdle because he knows he walks into that shite Everton team.
His considerable strengths where moulded at this club – We signed him as a midfielder remember…
@Liverpool: Agree, it smacks of throwing your toys out the pram. Premier football is squad game. The ‘consumate’ professional being unprofessional.
Yeah exactly. He isn’t bigger then this club….
It’s all been said already but I just want to thank Conor for going beyond what he’s done for our beloved Wolverhampton, he will never be forgotten.
I wish him a lorra lorra luck in his new role at Everton and may his international career with England continue.
Thanks Conor mate!
I don’t do social media but on the remote chance Coady reads blogs like this, can I just say thank you for being such a fantastic player and captain and being such an important part of our recent journey.
The same for the other two players Ben mentioned – Saiss and Ruddy. All are Wolves legends are far as I’m concerned.
Only five players from our Championship winning squad remain but that is the way it goes in this sport. The times they have to change.
Absolutely and utterly spot on, Ben. As I’ve posted in the last couple of blogs, this is a big mistake and Lage’s position is on the line. Conor had been a top professional, an inspiration, a fine ambassador for the Wolves and one of our greatest captains. Mrs Peakwolf isn’t much into football but is always there when Conor is interviewed, lapping up his bubbling enthusiasm and general good nature. She’s now outraged! We do move on, as so many bloggers point out, but only with great sadness and with a little trepidation.
Lots of comments in a similar vein . It was encouraging that there is a less hysterical tone to them than some I have read elsewhere
Firstly- a massive thanks to Connor – a brilliant captain who helped the transition to us becoming a multi national team. Not easy.
I am not too worried about it being a loan. It seems to me we have lost a number of players and they have freed up the wage bill for us to bring in at least one loanee possibly in the striker position until we welcome back Silva – the prodigal son – transformed into the striker we hoped he would become. Here’s hoping.
And thanks I’ve again Connor – best captain I can recall
I echo all the best wishes for Conor that have been posted above mine but can anyone explain why he wasn’t retained for a return into the midfield ?
Surely a better player there now than he was when he joined us with only Ruben able to spray a pass better.
Always in the knowledge that we could then revert to a back 3 as well at any point in the game.
Unless of course his desire to leave was greater than it was to stay, of course.
Whatever…..he is still a modern day Wolves legend in my eyes and I shall be forever grateful to Nuno & him for making the last few years worth waiting the previous 50+
I mentioned the midfield issue previously but I guess his World Cup chances would have disappeared just as much as by being on the bench.
I have no problem with him going, whether he asked for it or not. I do have a problem with us loaning him out. He’s an international and we could get 20m for him and buy another player. Loaning him out gets us nothing, selling bullets to the enemy is one thing but giving is another. I don’t buy into all the plaudits about how Wolves have done the decent thing by him, they shouldn’t have stood in his way but he he should have been put up for sale at a fair price.
Ask Adobe how ‘decent’ Wolves are. It’s a shit deal, as was Traore to Barca, as was 35m for Silva and loaning him out before bringing in a replacement, as was buying Hwang before the end of the season, as was allowing MGW to go back to Shef U in Jan, as was selling Jota for 42m and Docherty for 15m. The list keeps getting bigger.
Afobe
I think that you will find that other things were going on in relation to Afobe and attitude isn’t even close.
Like what Pedant? Apart from a fan perceived attitude problem that has no basis in fact. We brought in Jiminez so Afobe was offloaded in brutal fashion.
I agree with all the positive sentiment shown towards coady and I have contributed it to myself above. However, as I previously stated on the previous blog it is a shit deal for wolves. Shi/ sellers are custodians of the club and therefore first and foremost their duty is to the owners of the club to protect their financial interest. This deal does not do that on any level and I’d challenge anyone to justify how it is a good deal- an unnecessarily long loan term, no recall, no commitment to buy and an assessment of price well below market value. I think the view that this is some sort of noble gesture to facilitate the player’s move are naive. The structure of this deal is borne out of incompetent negotiation where all our leverage has been cast aside. As others have pointed out neither is it the first such instance. I have no qualm about Coady being a beneficiary of the deal but Everton have benefitted massively and we have gained very little if anything.
Jota. On the Nuno bench. People said ‘he falls over on the edge of the box’. Couldn’t get on the first team. He wanted away anyway. And he fucked off.So what ? Conor. Absolute legend. But he said he needs to play every minute of every game. Bruno couldn’t guarantee . So off he goes. Time for progression.
In my opinion Conor Coady is the biggest loss to Wolves since Sir Jack hung up his wallet.
For his ability on the field, his influence on and off the pitch and his enthusiasm and love for all things Wolves.
A bit ironic that the best football we played all last season was in the first few games.
Five at the back.
Playing attacking football, creating loads of chances.
Not putting them away.
Who’s fault was that? – not the defence’s.
And as far as Conor’s ‘lack of pace’ is concerned.
Another sweeper comes to mind.
Bobby Moore.
In a flat sprint between Moore in his prime and Coady, one of the greatest players ever to don an England shirt would be left yards behind.
I’ll leave you to guess who I mean.
A little bit of my love for Wolves was lost when Jota was ‘stolen’ by Liverpool. (I know, get over it!).
A much bigger bit has gone now Conor has been virtually given away to another Merseyside club.
That’s the way I feel. I can’t help it.
I hope I get over it.
There’ll be nothing better to dull the pain than your favourite tipple …
A large REMY…..
à votre santé …..
Where’s Dougie when you need him..?
I’m here, Mike, and so is the Remy. A prosecco for your good self?
Probably not a good idea given the current heatwave. Nor, alas, a half-time chocolate bar
Whether or not Max Kilman can be given a crash course in organisation I don’t know but Ait-Nouri was pulled all over the place on Saturday and exposed his defensive frailties. Conor Coady I’m sure would have barked his orders and insisted we kept our defensive shape. Nathan Collins obviously has his defensive attributes and may well more easily fit into Lage’s preferred back four. It’s Conor’s organisational qualities that we may miss and could cost us dearly!
But not in a back four and therein lies the problem and conundrum.
But he cant play in a back 4
He is a mid fielder.
– The transition from the Nuno era to the Bruno era is complete. Gomis and Mosquera are two other bright prospects. Time will tell if Collins is the one to fill Coady’s shoes. Captain wise Neves is more than a capable replacement. With Guedes and a couple of more signings I’m pretty sure we’re capable of qualifying for Europe again.
Sorry not to put this more politely, but on the ‘Europe soon’ point….?
Not sure how a laughing emoji became a question mark, but it conveys the same in the polite way that eluded me.
Yes, I guess I was a bit carried away. With the Newcastle renaissance the competition is stronger. I’m a strong believer in continuance though, and I believe we perhaps have an advantage in that sense. Guedes has played with many of the players before. The same goes for Nunes if he decides to join the revolution. The Guedes transfer may increase the chance that he does!! If so we’ll have a tip top team, at least if we could get in a striker and a defender more. We’re linked with a Chelsea defender, so Fosun looks like they are going all in this season.
There is very little chance of getting to Europe with this tiny squad .Thank goodness we did not make it last season as the squad could never have coped with those extra games on top .
– The squad needs to be enlarged, no doubt about that. Based on the activity on the transfer market, this has top priority.
According to Yorkshire Post there’s a supercomputer which has calculated following prediction: “Supercomputer predicts where Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Everton, Southampton, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Wolves will finish in Premier League relegation battle”.
I personally don’t think so. The defense and midfield is top notch (Perhaps a small question mark on Collins). Just take a look at the midfield with Neto (Podence), Morgan Gibbs White, Neves, Traore. How is that any weaker than any other team’s. And the defense was one of the best in premier last season. Sa is also top notch. If Jimenez finds the way back to old days, and him and Guedes clicks (Neto is also a good choice up front), I think this supercomputer will be replaced by a quantum computer rather sooner than later. What role will Moutinho, Dendoncker, Ronan and the other players will play is also an interesting question.
It is a massive change. Conor is associated with the Nuno revolution. Bruno has made a bold decision. Conor doesn’t fit in. All that said Conor was captain during arguably our best few years since the mid 70’s. So Conor deserves legendary status for being at the heart of those brilliant times. Like Nuno. A legend of the time. But things move on . You can’t have 3.5.2 forever ( or 3.4.3) New gaffer. New way of thinking. Jeff needs to come up withat least 2. Maybe 3 new players. Who in Jeff’s words are better than what we have. 3 weeks to go.
Fully agree, it’s time to move on.
But you are liberal with the concept of revolution. There is also a lot to be said for the alternative of evolution.
And sacking (let’s tell it as it really is) Conor Coady is definitely not evolution.
Maybe Shi, Sellars and Lage are not as switched on as they think they.are.
Waiting to assess the 3/4 incomers promised as the next step in our evolution. Roll on Sept 1st by which time we should know the real level of intent.
It is to be hoped that someone in Connor’s circle will lift and print all the good words written about him here. Thoroughly deserved and totally respected. When I saw the words “Connor Coady, captain, Wolverhampton Wanderers and England” that made me proud and puts him up there with Billy Wright, Emlyn Hughes and latterly Steve Bull. It’s not often that centre back and captain sells a lot of shirts but there will be a lot of youngsters who will want to keep 16 Coady on their backs.
A proper role model, a setter of examples and a leader of men.
Bruno, you are taking one hell of a risk.
Great lad and a pretty good footballer for Wolves playing a big part in our success. Definitely right to see him go though, too big a personality to be unhappy on the sidelines. Cheap at 12m though, v cheap indeed. Hope we are not totally obligated to sell.
A great player and even better captain who gave 110% for the club. Conor, you will be missed.
I did wonder if he was going to be utilised this season just in front of the defence. But then again, that is not his England position.
I don’t begrudge him wanting to make the England World Cup squad. What doesn’t sit so well with me is him being loaned out to a rival – and the £12m fee should they decide to take up the option to buy.
That said, all the very best to you and your family.
Can’t give 110%. Just saying lol
I know, but an acceptable hyperbole don’t you think? [insert smiley]
Sorry you can’t make tomorrow, mate. Catch you soon.
Smiley back at you mate. I know what you mean. Could not fault him in every aspect. Gave his all.
Will not make the Preston game either, but hope to catch up with you on the 28th.
Hugs to Barb.
He was excellent for us. A true leader on and off the field.
Teams evolve, players come and go, it’s the cycle of life as a footballer.
I wish him all the best and thank him for his wonderful service to the Wolves
A lot of the above “it was right to let Coady go” seems to ignore several points.
1. We have under sold him, if indeed the option is taken up.
2. He has gone to one of our closest rivals to overcome a crisis of their own.
3, Coady has developed into a very decent footballer over the last few years and other positional options don’t really seem to have have been explored when a back 4 is in use. At 29 he is far from over the hill.
4.There will be times when a back 3/5 is needed, specially if last Saturday’s underwhelming defensive display is anything to go by.
5. Who knows how long Bruno Lage with his preferred back 4 will actually be at the club, but no recall clause.
6.Most important of all we have only 13 experienced players fit for selection again tomorrow and if all were fit it would only be 17; additionally the futures of MGW and Traore are far from certain. So we have a paper thin squad but readily let our talisman leave.
Of course we all wish Conor the very best. But given the above is this really a good deal for Wolves? It is for Conor Coady and reading between the lines I believe it is for Bruno Lage as undercurrents suggest Lage is more comfortable with CC out of Molineux, Whether it proves to be good for WWFC and it’s supporters only time will tell. But it looks to be a very high risk decision with arguably cons outweighing pros by a distance.
Notwithstanding all that very best for his future hopefully including a meaningful role in England’s World Cup bid.
Yes, the King is dead, but to my mind his death smacks of neglect for OUR cause.
Love the man.
I wish him all the best.
I’n time he will become a legend.
But was it time to move on?
Probably.