A new player announced, a new kit revealed and a new Government sweeping into power, all in the days since Bakary Sako whipped his shirt off to bid a teary farewell to Molineux.
Time has certainly flown in the three weeks since our gloriously futile final fixture, before presumably standing still for the foreseeable as we scour the gossip columns for news of a replacement for the Malian.
On past experience, the days from around now to the start of August will feel like a lifetime, as panic spreads to systematic pant-wetting when it becomes depressingly clear that we won’t be buying anyone decent over the summer.
So in an attempt to rouse the powers-that-be to part with those purse-strings, the following wishlist of wide-men has been assembled, which should not be idly viewed as unattainable, but seen as an integral document if we are serious about mounting a promotion challenge next season.
Please see below for some Sako stand-in suggestions, who could make all the difference come May 2016.
1. Ben Marshall – Blackburn Rovers
As a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy PR man back in the day, I was alerted to this young schemer by my friends at Carlisle United. Then a Stoke loanee, he dazzled in the Cumbrian blue (alongside Man City pup Max Clayton) and spearheaded a push to Wembley.
Recovered from a broken leg to play for Leicester City before arriving at Blackburn Rovers, where he looked in fine form in a 4-3-3. A more narrow performer and while his goal stats aren’t dazzling, a more consistent ‘7/10’ performer might lie in wait. A feasible choice.
2. Michail Antonio – Nottingham Forest
Again, in my Johnstone’s Paint Trophy days in 2010 (I should have been a scout!) this power-packed winger dazzled while on loan from Reading at Southampton. With Lallana, Labert and co put firmly in the shade, this beast of a wideman went to town on MK Dons in an area final game, at which point I thought: ‘Why can’t we have a player like him!’
The most obvious like-for-like replacement for Sako in terms of stature, speed, and propensity to frustrate. Forest aren’t flush either, so an attempt must be made, seeing as he is a proven Championship performer.
3. Max Gradel – Saint Etienne
I still cringe when I close my eyes and think of the time this player ripped Jelle van Damme a new arsehole in a pre-season friendly against Leeds. So emasculating and embarrassing was the sight that Mick McCarthy refused to play the Belgian left back in his correct position at the start of the season. At one point, as I sat in amongst the home fans, I actually saw Gradel grinning like Mo Camara as he prepared to skin van Damme for the 45th time in the match. How the Leeds supporters chortled.
His skills were as dazzling as his pearly teeth and for a direct, in your face element of excitement, we should have a look. (Interesting fact: We bought Sako from St Etienne too)
4. Matt Jarvis – West Ham United
Yes, yes, laugh all you like but I refer you to my fourth par. You’re not allowed to idly dismiss any of these suggestions. To dismiss negates aspiration and we all want to aspire. To dream the impossible dream and all that…
We know what we’d get from Jarvo. A bust-a-gut attitude, a pair of jet heels and a ‘thumbs up’ every time he sprints 50 yards and just fails to reach an overhit pass.
Wages are probably an issue but with Doyle, Johnson, O’Hara and now Sako off the bill, they shouldn’t be. Also, what price a cult hero? Fans love him.
5. Anthony Knockaert – Leicester City
Apparently he’s off to Standard Liege. Shame, as he was integral when Leicester pissed the Championship and he was out of contract. Get on the phone Jez.
6. Tom Ince – Hull City
Why not? Seems that his visions of grandeur were taking him to the San Siro, when reality delivered him down the M1 to Pride Park.
One of few bright spots for Derby over their tortuous closing months of the season and a clever player whose Dad is revered around Molineux.
A ‘statement of intent’ signing who should be courted. If Derby could lure him, then I’m certain we should at least be trying.
7. Alex Pritchard – Tottenham Hotspur
A wonderful young player who will go back to Spurs with a fresh appetite to succeed following a season on loan at Brentford (after a cracking time at Swindon before that). Registered double figures from midfield and like Sako, hits a mean free kick.
Wants to make a go of things at White Hart Lane and if Ryan Mason and Harry Kane’s elevations into the first team are anything to go by, he’s got half a chance.
But they’re awash with wingers down there and I think we should be pursuing him.
8. Albert Adomah – Middlesbrough
Didn’t do a lot at Bristol City but more than paid the £1 million fee back to Boro this season with some top wingplay. Boro’s dangerman and now they haven’t got promoted, we need to be sniffing around for his services, as he might just want to play in a civilised part of the world. A real statement of intent as we’d be weakening a direct rival and showing the league we mean business. Not a familiar concept to Morgan and Moxey this though, sadly.
9. Razak Boukari
Quite possibly a more hilarious suggestion than Jarvis or Pritchard, but equally likely to be the most plausible of suggestions, if he comes through pre-season. He was bought as a more explosive finished article than Sako but injuries have reduced him to a laughing stock.
What’s the betting he comes through pre-season and some clever-dick proclaims his re-emergence as being ‘just like a new signing’?
Great post mate.
Two possible additions to your list.
1. Jed Wallace – Wouldn’t surprise me to see him playing out wide (on the right or left) and making the midfield narrower (in the same sort of way you suggested of Ben Marshall). I can see Kenny going down this avenue as it makes us tighter defensively, helps us control possession better and frees up someone like RvLP to push forward alongside the front two.
2. Jordan Graham – I doubt this kid signed on from Villa to rot in the U21s. I think he’ll be given a chance. Has shown moments of brilliance for what is effectively the reserves, so looking forward to seeing what he might do for the first team.
From your list, I can’t see any – with the possible exceptions of Razak and Gradel (good shout by the way) – coming to fruition. As you rightly say, we should have the aspiration to pursue players of this caliber, whether they be from Premiership clubs or Championship rivals, but just know none of them will happen.
Pritchard and Ince would both excite me, although you’d expect the former will deservedly be given some sort of chance at Spurs and the latter will be much more in demand at Hull. Sigh.
One addition from me: MARVIN EMNES. Has proved before that he can be one of the best in the championship, and would possibly leave Swansea for first team football
And one addition from me: Mats Moeller Daeli’s, the former Cardiff player, german club was relegated this season. A creative young player for the future.
An interesting package of goodies Ben.
And I bet I’m not the first to say that to you!
They all have talents that would show well at the Molineux – but one stands out for me.
Tom Ince.
Could history repeat itself?
Could we find another hero to power us forward to Premier League glory?
If we don’t try, we’ll never know.
His father Paul was an icon…
… and Tom could be the daddy.
I like the list…
Michail Antonio would be my #1 and could be on the cards as a shout but as a late purchase, just before the window closes. I see him as initially wanting to help Forest to the PL, to then realise it will not happen and jump ship.
Ince… With Derby losing their umbrella revenue from the club shop, Ince will not be returning. Hull could well be in the market to offload.
Boukari… could be the player to replace Sako and may be over his run of bad luck. However I’d not be relying on his availability and would have him as a player to force his way into the team.
All the rest would be good too and I would not rule any of them out if Jez and Morgs (finally) do as they keep promising.
Good shouts regards Graham and Wallace too there Thomas. I do expect at least 2 more kids to break through this coming season as that’s what KJ’s ethos is based on. Expect to see them in France! and while in France… Why not bring back some duty free (or smuggle) Gradel.
Just read about Andy King… Just 58 yrs… RIP
Jaysus but that Tom Ince doesn’t half look the spit of his father.
Great scouting, guys, I reckon I’d be happy with any of those eleven.
As Thomas remarks it would look very likely that Jed Wallace is to be regarded as the Sako replacement and I’d doubt that there is to be any further acquisitions in the ‘wing’ area.
I think that Jackett has again shown shrewd transfer policy, but it will be interesting to see who else comes on board between now and August – you can be sure that they are looking.
Despite missing out on the play-offs for me it was a successful season, but we were very lucky in not collecting a pile of injuries, and the team will need bolstering further to ensure strength in depth.
I remain optimistic for a successful promotion push next season.
Having broken the bank on Jed Wallace who by all accounts is a bit tasty (rewind twelve Months to Tommy Rowe), we have yet to see what he can do, IMO I can’t see them spendinf £6 Million on Gayle from Crystal Palace as all the papers say we will. So I don’t want to hold my breath on signing good players, they seem to cost money.
So that leaves me in Academy land at the Molly.
U19’s cup and U15’s cup secured and by all accounts pretty easily, we have names thrown up in there for the future. Obviously we are not going to see any emerging starlets from the U15s quite yet, but the U19’s have thrown us a pleasant curve ball.
Name mentioned Jordan Graham, scored in Germany and provided the assists for all the other goals, and as a Brucie Bonus he takes the penalties and scores them. Man of the tournament voted by all the other coaches, and if you read the write up by Rob Edwards on Official Wolves site he’s something of a hot potato.
My contribution, Conor Ronan, made the step up from the younger squad, shone like a beacon in the tournament, scored 3 goals and voted 2nd best player of the Tournament.
Chuck in Conor Hunte and I think Kenny will have a pleasant headache next year trying to keep these players still.
I feel realistically that we definitely won’t see any big name signings, if that were the case we would pay Sako a higher wage to stay, I for one don’t think he’s worth more and it would upset “a happy dressing room” to Quote Afobe.
🙂
Optimistically your’s
StuWolf
All eyes on the FIFA election on Friday, if Sepp Blatter doesn’t make the grade perhaps we could persuade him to replace Sako. He might not be the most skillful winger we’ve ever had at the Wolves, but his record in getting the result he wants is unparalleled. I have no doubt that opposing full-backs would turn up in wellington boots or flippers, and would dive out of Sepp’s way as he attacked the opposition box. I am also convinced that any match fixing allegations would be instantly quashed, as even if butter would melt in the mouth of Mr Blatter, no mud seems to stick to him whatsoever.
As Mourinho says, it doesn’t matter about the quality of the football, it’s getting the right result that counts, and Sepp Blatter is a results man.
Of course this whole point is entirely academic as the slimy bugger is nailed on to win the election on Friday. Results man, see? It’s a funny old game.
Welcome back Sleachy.
Long time no hear from!
*You’re so right about Septic Blatter.
What does an evil, bent, two faced, twisting, corrupt, slimy, evil – Oh I’ve already said evil – palm greasing, bribe taking low life have to do to get arrested nowadays?
*Allegedly.
Don’t know about nowadays, but I found it quite easy to get arrested in my youth.
Thanks DOOGooder. I’ve been incredibly busy recently, pulling regular 7 day weeks with barely a moment to check the Wolves score! Hopefully things will take off for me soon and I can drop the weekend job and spend more time with my first true love, The Wolves.
Enjoyed your write up and video of the last get together though, will hopefully have enough money to attend the next one.
Simple! – Grass up all your mates and get the FBI to arrest them the day before you are elected…..
Jez Moxey for FIFA President anyone?
Can’t see too many buys this summer, but like the suggestions…..
It’s fairly obvious to me that M&M are trying to stick to a formula ..and that is to develop younger players through..if it wasn’t for this crap Sako situation we’d be doing fine but no doubt
It’s all seen as a bit of a quandary…
I personally feel that duo M&M
really are affected by fan opinion.. this blog being one of the leading (most powerful lol) pressure groups.
Do we buy big (ish) to directly replace or do we stick on Jed Wallace change the format more to a 433 and move him forward left side..we could be singing Magic with Wallace Afobe and Dicko..
Then there is Conor Ronon and Jordan Graham..where do they fit in?
It’s all a bit confusing ..would be easier to pay Sako more dosh and a lump as I’ve said before but it’s obviously too complicated for the club to deal with..or we refuse to…
My biggest concern is that whatever happens up front we still need serious insurance at the back..
If Allardyce was in the hot seat to get us up he would buy a centre half to make sure we dont concede that’s the clever way to make sure…
We have goal scorers and midfielders lining up and my money is on Afobe to be top division scorer..
Dicko Afobe jarvo … It’s magic you know !
What about that Jordan doodah that’s just won us the slice ya fingers off cup ??
Dicko Afobe jarvo it’s magic you know !
I like the Antonio & Jarvis options to replace Sako and would love Ince to play for us. As a cheap defensive midfield option I think Emyr Huws from Wigan would be a great signing, highly rated at Man City, had a great spell at Blues but had a quiet season last year in an awful side.
I would also like an experienced centre half (but not drawn up a wish list yet)
I like that Whitestone Wolf. I’m also reassured that the ‘its magic’ song won’t live or die by Sako’s departure. Phonetically, two players with two syllable surnames ending in ‘o’ is more than enough. We were in dreamland with three. A more pragmatic ‘Wallace and Dicko Sako’ ditty could still work!
Dicko, Afobe, Brompto
Now that sounds even better.
Not with your now revealed criminal record. You came out of the closet tooooo soon, Mr Blatter.
🙂
I’m surprised greasel isn’t involved somehow with the FIFA bollocks, but then again, that smarmy twat is too slimy for anything to stick to him.
As for Jarvis, fuck him.
He was off like a scalded cat when we were relegated, Wolves were not good enough for him.
Now he’s not good enough for a mediocre Prem side, why should he be good enough for Wolves?
Nah, never go back, fuck him.
I cannot comment on the others mentioned above, but new blood is needed, for places competition and in case of injuries.
I finally got around to watching match of the day from Sunday, and I ay stopped loffin’ yet!
Lescott, bumbling around with Olsen in the shit, shit defence. They gonna struggle next season, if poolis keeps them.
Henry, relegated again.
Richard Dunne, must be 500 years old by now.
Barton, what a wanker.
Fletcher, first goal in 25 games. Some fearsome striker he is.
Yow gorra loff, ay ya?
You will all be pleased to know that Mrs CFH and I have completed our ark, and will be safe from any future flooding in Houston.
FOwb
Nice to hear you are safe and sound. Was a tad concerned when I heard about the tornado.
I agree with you on Jarvis – Never go back. He may have been great for us, but he soon fecked off without a glance back. There are better players than him around too.
How about, none of the above and a change in formation?
Though Wallace can play wide, his outstanding season just gone has been in the ‘number ten’ role. In order to keep Afobe and Dicko as a front two, might it be that we switch to a diamond, therefore not needing wingers?
It would also give is greater control on the midfield, giving McDonald more chances to get on the ball? We have two quick strong full backs in Iorfa and Golbourne too.
It worked well against Fulham in the cup, coming from behind to rescue the game
(Which we cruelly lost). Might KJ try it again!?
Hope not. I like wingers.
The game is shifting away from wingers. Out and out wingers anyway.
The focus is now more on playing through central areas and the prominence of zone 14 (the central area just outside the penalty box) that is how you create chances best.
I often feel a problem for us has always been that as a club we traditionally enjoy have good wingers, nothing wrong with that but we have now become reliant on them whether it be Jarvis, Kightly or Sako.
Not to say I don’t enjoy watching a winger skin his full back and whip a cross in but in terms of effectiveness it just isn’t as productive for the team. Until Afobe signed we scored very few goals from passes to the back of the defence.
I’m not sure what you mean, but I’m sure you’re right. Either way, I still like wingers.
What do you mean you don’t know what he means. He was talking about focusing on playing through the central areas, with a main emphasis on the central area just outside the box, you know, Zone 14. The chances of scoring are raised significantly.
Yeah, it was the zone 14 that got me. It all used to be so simple. 🙂
Hi Louie. I kind of agree with you. I certainly don’t think we need two out and out widemen, and when looking at Sako, he has often played a lot narrower in games. (He didn’t always have chalk on his boots)
We definitely have the mobility in our full backs to play a diamond and it’s refreshing to think that Jackett would look at different formations, rather than the 4-4-f**king-2 formation Mick would religiously stick to.
I just think we shouldn’t be relying on Wallace to drop straight into the first team and perform. He’ll be raw and has a lot to learn yet. We shouldn’t expect a lot. You’ve only got to look at Rowe and Saville to see how tough the progression is, while always keping your fingers crossed he might be a Kightly Mark II who can swagger into the fold like he was born to be there!
lol. I dont have a clue either really. Yeah – it was all so simple in the good old days. Must say, the style and pace of the game now is such a joy to watch. manager’s have to have the tactical nous to succeed.
Not likely to be a suggestion that will earn anything like universal support but howabout the recently released (by QPR not from prison) Joey Barton. His chequered past could be interpreted as born of the frustration that comes from not succeeding and playing with team mates who lack his passion.
His ability to win balls is reminiscent if not in the same class as the blessed Paul Ince. His role at QPR latterly has been that of the defensive midfielder providing cover for defense. Those who followed Wolves last season know how much this is needed. Like Ince he can spur on those around him and add experience and direction to what is otherwise a squad lacking in those qualities.
Above all he has a will to win and was alone at QPR in doing all in his power to save them from relegation. Would he come to Wolves? – doubtful. Would he be welcome at the Molly? – probably not, but I believe he could prove to be the catalyst that pushes us to automatic promotion. Paul Ince was. UTW
That thug should be in jail, and never darken the corridors of football again
Well, I confess in the last blog I referred to Boukari as a potential new signing. So thanks for the clever-dick handle, Ben!
Funny Peakwolf! Even funnier if ‘The Breezer’ (My awful nickname based on a Bacardi Breezer play on words) actually came through pre-season and was genuinely fit!
It’s certain that we’ll need to replace Bakery and any of those mentioned would enhance any aspiring championship team. But I feel that we probably have enough quality already within the club to take care of this situation. I only saw a very brief glimpse of Razak Boukari before his injury nightmare began, but remember thinking the boy looked brilliant. IF, and it’s a big IF, he stays fit, he’s the answer for me. Also young Jordan seems ready willing and able to step up and should now be given his chance.
If there’s money to be spent, there’s other parts of the team that need strengthening before out wide. Wallace looks a good acquisition and could well provide cover out wide, but I think he will be more effective centrally, an area I feel we need to add cover. And the centre of defence and midfield surely needs bolstering in case of injury or loss of form.
Either way, Kenny knows best and I’m confident the moths will be turfed out of the 2M’s chequebook.
I do have a hunch that Wallace is lined up as a longer term replacement to Edwards, in that kind of position, as Kenny doesn’t rate Jacobs for whatever reason. Also, Edwards is less mobile than he’d probably like him to be now.
I think your’e onto something here Ben, replacement for Edwards required sooner rather than later, his legs are letting him down into the season, sad but just a fact of life, and he’s had a great career.
He can play supporting roles and come on and nick us a goal now and then.
Absolutely shocking news coming out, really surprised and finding it hard to take in.
News Flash…..
Hull Tigers have released Yannick Sagbo.
Wow, who would have thought it.
Please don’t give Moxey ideas mate …
Without doubt IMO he’s a replacement for Edwards. Been described as a non stop, never say die trier, fits Edwards DNA to a tee. Yep he’s no replacement for Sako. Who is tho is a big question. Any of your list above currently playing championship football (Adomah, Antonio) can be discounted as can others because of wage demands etc (lnce probably) …. with Derby cocking up I wouldn’t be surprised to be linked with Lingaard.
The one certainty about who it is …. 1) They’ll not be a big money job … 2) They’ll probably be a “one for the future” …. 3) there’ll be plenty of spin coming from the Molineux corridors to dress it all up IF it happens at all.
Don’t hold your breath folks …..
When I think of players to come in, I think of players who gave us a hard time and ran us ragged.
One name that reared it’s head this morning in the Wolvesnews now was the White haired guy from Derby Will Hughes.
When we played at Molineux, yes we won but that lad blew my mind, how tney did’nt score from his work rate is beyond me. He ripped us a new rectal passage and stood out amongst the Derby dross that they brought due to all their injuries.
He’s certainly one I could see replacing Sako no bother, on the ball he was solid, took a lot of shifting off it, was skillful and put some sweet crosses in to piss poor performing forwards. Play him left side just behind Afobe and Dicko and he will supply and score goals in any Wolves team.
He really impressed me and I think we could convince him to come when McLaren theBrolly jumps ship.
Calling Kenny, Earth calling Kenny, take a butchers at the lad. He’s useful.
🙂
We’re certainly short in midfield and YES Will Hughes caught my … problem being Derby won’t let him go to a promotion contender is my guess.
My head has been turned a bit with MULUMBU .. ok he’s from Sandwell Town but I believe Pulis dropping a clanger here with him ….. and here’s the best bit …. he’s free..
The world ,his wife and their two dogs know about Will Hughes. It’s almost certain he will sign for a Premiership club this summer, probably Liverpool. We have zero chance. I’d love us to go for Grant Leadbitter from Middlesborough.
Spot on Twixfix Have a good summer!
Thanks robin … you too
What’s all this Zone 14 business?
If Zone 14 is the bit just outside the penalty box, where’s Heaven 17?
Clean answers only.
“I am not a number, I am a free man!”
Who said that, and in which TV programme?
No googling or it’s back to Square 1.
Zone 14 is from the Glenn Hoddle coaching manual which, frankly no one could follow or even understand … Tomas Frankowski played there …but still never scored for us …. must be a good zone though .
Patrick Bamford “The Prisoner”
Heaven 17, Playing the Aberdeen Tivoli for 3 nights only.
My missus left me last week but decided she was better off withme as I’m a Square 1
Mel Gibson in Braveheart!!
Doogooder only those who saw Wolves win the FA cup will remember The Prisoner. Classic – but who was the actor who played The Prisoner and what programme did it spin off.
I’m guessing Patrick McGooghan …
Patrick McGoohan and Danger Man.
Two great TV series – The Prisoner was better watched after a couple of spliffs I found.
Festival No6, which I’ve banged on about in previous blogs, is held at Portmeirion where the Prisoner series was filmed. Magic place. I’ll be there again this year.
My VW bus is suitably attired.
Say hello to Robin, Doog…
The grandson of Clough who built the place.
On second thoughts, no, as I ran off with his wife…
Days of wine and roses.
Whilst your there visit Chnicht, the nearby mountain…
It begins in the village of Croesor…
Robin, what are you like?
Are you and the ex Mrs Llewelyn still an item?
No but we are still ‘good’ friends!
What’s the deal with Zeli? Is he still on our books? Is he nowhere near as good as we’d hoped? Or just still too young?
My guess is that Zele will be hovering around the first team next season. Either that or he’ll be pushing for a move.
The academy gave us two very good fullbacks last season – so lets hope we get two or more first team players from the youth set up for next season, rather than raid Morgan`s rarely opened piggy bank.
Having read through the comments made re a replacement for Sako, didn`t we sign the flying Dutchman last close season. I also was thinking what about Zele Ismail, does KJ think he`s either good enough or ready to play first X1, poor lads had some shocking injuries which must have set him back.
I agree with others though, some more pace in midfield and maybe height at centre back should be possibly considered, then again its all about management and systems. This new lad on Utube looked pretty tasty I must say. Maybe KJ has a few more like him lined up to whet our appetite for next season.
Back in the day, when Adam was a lad, we used to have a left back, a right back, a centre half, a left half, a right half, a left winger, an inside left, a centre forward, an inside right and a right winger.
Back in the day, we did pretty good with that set up.
Maybe going back to that system would confuse a lot of teams, and maybe we could storm the league, like we did on several occasions, back in the day.
Don’t forget the goalkeeper!
Why?
Do you know something about being a keeper??!!
Anyroad, back then, our team was so good we didn’t need one!!
Personally I think we need 4 further additions. A striker (I’d like two really) as back up and as an alternative for Dicko and Adobe in case of injury and/or loss of form. Sam Gallagher on loan from Southampton maybe? A wide left midfielder – this is if Boukari doesn’t stay fit which I hope he does because I think he is a better, more all round player than Sako. A defensive central midfielder, preferably big, powerful and as scary as hell. Mile Jedinak from Palace would fit the bill and could be our new Paul Once, plus he takes penalties and with Sako gone we need a new penalty taker. Finally a centre back with real pace. Stears was great last season but the combination of him and Batth is too slow. That’s it, perfick! Have already placed a small wager on us winning the title next season at 12-1.
I do admire optimism.
Good Evening. Sepp Blatter here. I would just like to say that I have never heard of Zone 14. Or Glenn Hoddle. Or Tomaz Frankowski.Or anyone at all really. Honest. It’s got f**k all to do with me. I mean I get blamed for eveything. Planes goin missing. Nepal. ISIS. The lot.It’s not fair and i’m going to tell my mom. And you can stick the next world cup up your arse. Bollocks to it. I’m off. And why is Michael Jackson wearing a terrible green jumper on Top of The Pops 1980 on BBC4 ?
I don’t think that we need a marquee signing, acqusitions like Wallace have served us well. We do need a striker or 2: Wallace shouldn’t play on the wing, but at 10 as has been said. Boukari should have his chance if he is fit. Personally, I don’t think that any player should come back, even Jarvo. If we do get a new winger, the chances are that we’ll be saying “who’s he?”. Sako hasn’t gone yet, I am curious as to why not. Even he would know that his wage demands are high.