I can’t speak for everyone (and I suspect I don’t) but Karl Henry signing a new four-year contract is music to my ears.
He said himself that a few Premier League clubs were sniffing around and that certainly doesn’t surprise me. In the right setup, he’d be a tremendous asset for most teams.
I don’t want to get bogged down again in the ‘sideways passes’ debate, but at a time of transition, I just wanted to document that I’m thrilled he’s staying.
For all our problems and selection headaches, a spine consisting of proven Championship performers like Johnson, Henry and Ebanks-Blake shouldn’t steer us too far wrong, particularly if we can fill in the gaps around them.
In the latest round of ‘who’s in, who’s out?’ it appears Edwards is in and Milijas is out.
Ned doesn’t cut the mustard with the new gaffer evidently. Perhaps given that McCarthy, Connor and now Solbakken don’t rate him, I should accept he’s not as good as I thought he was.
Of course I can only judge him on match play and I suspect there’s more going on away from the pitch that we don’t know about (terrace rumours aside).
As for Dave Edwards, I’ve got absolutely no problem with the bloke. In fact, I’d like to see him playing on Saturday down the right. He’s performed that roll admirably a few times and I think his engine and eye for a goal could come in handy.
The Welshman gets the rough end of the stick from fans I’ve always thought (me included at times).
His best position is undeniably an advanced midfield role, where he can break forward and get into the box. Playing centrally in a flat 442 where he’s asked to get up and down, I think the game can often pass him by, but again, it’s about using players in the roles they’ll thrive in.
In the Championship his energy and physical presence are all the more important, hence why I’m hoping he gets picked ahead of David Davis.
Disappointing to hear that new winger Peszko has been ruled out for Saturday. I was looking forward to seeing him named amongst the substitutes at the very least.
Solbakken had few attacking options from the bench against Aldershot, so I hope we’re bolstered in this respect at Elland Road. Sigurdarson, Edwards and maybe even Jarvis could help in this respect.
I see it’s onto Northampton for the next round of the League Cup. That has banana-skin city written all over it. Would be nice to advance through the opening rounds in that competition for a change, so hopefully I’m wrong.
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He’s definetly going to be one of our most important players this season.
After everything that’s going on with Kites, Fletch, Jarvis etc etc actually having a player pledging his future here is very refreshing indeed!
LLike you say not everyone rates him but his ability level is great for the Championship I feel – definitely!
Wolves to the core, couldnt agree more, in my opinion the only true captain in the club, glad to see him staying.
Interesting points of view, which I respect. I guess for me its where we are pitching our sights. I had hoped we would be rebuilding for the Prem. By this I mean replacing players who didnt cut it there.
I guess if we are lowering our goals, and it seems we have no say in this matter, then I guess Henry can do a job for us. But i still argue that he had a hand in way too many conceded goals
My concern is, lets hope and pray we get back up, then we have the same old problem. But lets wait for that day to arrive.
i am one that doesn’t rate him, and its a sad time thinkin we got him for another 4 years!!! and edwards is totaly crap, yes he may score the odd goal, but other than that i would get rid……fast!
now back to henry, he only signed a new contracy because no-one in the prem realy wanted him,yes a few had a sniff, but didnt like the smell of shit!! and thats all he is total shit, he couldnt hit a good pass if his life depended on it. nuff said!!!!
As much as I like to see a different point of view on the blog. I prefer a well thought out and measured argument backed up by facts and observations rather than expletives.
I disagree entirely. Henry, whilst not possessing raw talent, is a competent footballer and a hard worker. He’s not one of our best player by any distance however he is one of our most consistant and determined.
On the issue of Edwards, I don’t know what season you were watching last year but in a season where everything seemed to go wrong, Edwards stepped up towards the end and put in some good performances. With the skill drop to the championship, I can see him being a useful attacking player. As thomas stated, his engine runs the whole game and he’s shown he knows where the back of the net is.
Two good, hard working players more than adept for the championship. Very happy to keep em on.
Agree – both can be very effective players.
Edwards does lack goalscoring ability though – fix that up and I’d be more than happy with him!
Well… I remember a couple of instances where he should have scored but didn’t last season just to clarify my viewpoint o n that…
Your rude and ignorant comments add nothing to the discussion surrounding KH, in fact they are a distraction to the sensible debate being attempted by our fellow bloggers. Surely you can put your comments onto paper without resorting to expletives. I expect to hear that sort of language down the rugby club with my mates but not see it written here please.
As ever UTW !!!!
Thanks for your measured and restrained reply. More tea vicar?
Fantastic to see a bit of loyalty from Karl. Should definitely be applauded. This for me raises the issue of the captaincy.
I for one would hand the armband back to Mr Henry straight away. Be interesting to hear some oppinions on that. Anyone tell me who had the armband for the opening matches?
He’ll be the captain, I have few doubts about that.
He’s a top man when fit and in control of his emotions on the pitch. Losing the captaincy last season is what started the rot. Just for the record, why did he get demoted ???
He must be the man this season.
Karl is a solid championship player, happy he is staying.
It’s not his side ways passing I have a problem with, it is his lack of physical presence and tackles during a season, considering he is seen as a tough tackling midfielder. I am sure there were stats to support this, Henry has a great engine and covers a lot of ground but he struggles to really break up the play and offer any kind of protection for the defence. Maybe he will be better in a new system but the guy has been seriously ordinary so forgive me for not getting too excited about this.
Well, you’d hope the presence of Doumbia alongside him would help in the tackling/physical presence stakes Danny.
I think Henry’s tracking is vastly overlooked. There are no stats for tracking runners from midfield and forwards getting behind the back four, but I’d wager if there were, he’d be up there at the top.
And what I do know, is that when he wasn’t playing last season, there were even less tackles being put in.
But also 2/5 wins last season came when he wasn’t playing.
I’m glad he’s signed, he has proven he can do the job in the championship. I’d give him the armband too, wolves through and through.
Do you actually watch the games you go to ????
Henry doesn’t tackle??? Bizarre statement!!!
The problem was that we were simply over run trying to play an outdated system with 2 wingers, most weeks Henry & whoever was next to him was usually playing against an extra midfielder.
In previous seasons we have played 3 in midfield & have looked so much better, solid.
Why we didn’t base our game around this formation is anyone’s guess???
Easy mate. Not a fan of the “do you watch the game?” line.
Thomas
My comment wasn’t aimed at you, it was the fella above you??
I know mate, I’m just clamping down hard on the comments.
You could take that first line out of your comment and it would be a textbook response.
The ‘do you watch the game’ is the kind of passing shot that starts slanging matches. Just putting out fires before they start.
Just to lighten this a bit before the season propper starts, When I watch a match on TV who ever is playing I don’t see the same game as the commentators or the pundits it’s all about perception. That’s all I’m not having a pop or siding with anyone, that’s my 2 pennuth.
Bit of a bone of contention here Thomas. You pick up on the “do you watch the games you go to..” comment but ignore the “thats all he is total shit, he couldnt hit a good pass if his life depended on it.”
The first comment has validity because most people on the blog watch the games and if they have formed such diametrically opposed opinions you can understand why they get up-in-the-air about different views. The second comment is just foul-mouthed rubbish.
Hi Grace,
Yeah, Karl Henry doesn’t tackle that much at all
http://ghostgoal.co.uk/2011/12/20/karl-henry-wolves-not-so-tough-tackler/
It’s very simple mate.
The ‘he’s shit’ comment however inarticulate is still about football and makes a point.
Asking if someone watches the game is just a dig at that individual and therefore breaks my one rule.
Keep it about football and not each other.
Some good news at last. For me Henry is vastly under rated, he was one of the few players after promotion who had the physicality, mobility and enough pace to move up and play in the prem. In MM`s ill fated 2 man midfield, with 2 isolated wide men, and a pedestrain partner for much of his Wolves playing career, (ala Jones, Mijas, O`Hara), Henry was the glue that kept the side together.
Probably MM`s best signing, there weren`t many and at the price paid a unbelievable bargain. He never will be a Hoddle type ball distributor, but his work rate, covering (particularly our missing left back) ability, and his fierce pride in his club and his roots means everyone should be pleased he will have given 10 years to the team he supports. Thankyou Karl for your commitment to the cause.
‘the glue that kept the side together’. Excellent, that’s excactly what he is. I don’t believe in testimonials for players on the wages they get these days but i hope Karl’s here in another 4 years to get one.
i am happy both players are staying with us in the championship we need them both ,i wold like too see a few more players coming in /out also i think we need a stronger leader in the steve gerald mould thats drives us on and gets goals also but if not i would keep mr henry as he is a good player but i just wish he would shot more and be a bit more angry with some off the shirkers in the team we need aleast 3 more players maybe 4 too gt out this league
Never a fan of Henry in the PL but he did “get on with it” and actually put in some good performances. His key issue is being too slow on the ball and getting it nicked off him or passing too short and losing possession. In the PL he was shown up badly at times but in the Championship he may just get away with it if he plays at the upper end of his game.-Consistency is required.
The best I saw of him is when he had central midfield possession and ran forward, with all the opposition expecting it to be passed wide they were sometimnes caught out when he actually stayed centre and had a go-rubbish finishing obviously but it may provide a clue to his use this season ie direct play rather than the ineffective pass around stuff we saw against Aldershot.
Give credit to the guy for showing loyalty despite shamefully being stripped of the Captains armband for no good reason and also coming in for some vocal stick which was counter productive and also shameful. Looking at potentially what’s around him currently teamwise he looks pretty good which has to be THE major worry surely?
Glad he’s staying, one of the few to look committed in a poor season. I really hope he gets given the captaincy to go with the new contract. Both him and Edwards will be crucial this season as at this level their engines will more than make up for their lack of skill. We need to get back to the prem before we can start worrying about what players will fit there.
As for Ned, he never lived up to the billing unfortunately. Some flashes of brilliance but no consistency and no work rate. He was unfortunate that his one recent run of form ended with a wrongful sending off at Arsenal last season. I would have liked to see what he could do at this level (everyone deserves a chance) but as he’s failed to impress three gaffers in a row in training, then there probably is a serious problem. It’s a shame as I was hoping he could be our Leon Britton in the new passing system Solbakken is bringing in.
karl is agood championship player and at the moment we need abit of stability in the team credit for staying also edwards did come on a bit at the end of the season as for transfers in and out we need agood centreback and a left back fletch and jarvis will go never keep players who do not want to play we will survive with out them lets just get behind sol and team and keep the faith come on wolves we love you whatever.
Despite my reservations, the guy does seem to carry the dressing room and i am surpirised he was not announced Captain at the same time. Although it seems SS may well be waititng to see if he gets his Brazillian capt in.
Can not question he is Wolves thru and thru, but even his most ardent fan must admit he does struggle with his distribution after he has made the tackle. May be with some better support he can lay the ball of to quickly things will be better.
Fact.
Our whole playing staff from last year were responsible for us getting relegated.
Should they be held accountable?
One arguement is yes, they got us in this mess, they should all be made to abide by their contracts and forced to play. But would they play to their ability, to keep in the shop window, or would they sulk, play crap in the hopes of getting sold cheaply?
Another arguement is yes, but given a new manager, some new ideas and some new team mates, give them all a second chance and see what improvements occur.
Yet another arguement is yes, let’s sell off the under acheivers and want-aways, as we can get some good money for them, and they don’t want to play for us and will be dressing room disreuptions.
Finally, and this is my personal fave, let’s sell those who want away, keep those who don’t and give them all a second chance. We all have our opinion of Henry, but let’s face it one or two good/bad games can alter everyone’s opinion either way, so let’s just say thank you, sign here and see how the season pans out.
On the topic of Ned and 3 managers not rating him.
McDickwadhead was clueless, TC the worst manager statistically in our history, and SS hasn’t seen him in a game, so what’s he done wrong?
And sorry chaps, I keep forgetting…..FOWB
Welcome back, just for the record. During your hiatus I realised I miss you when you’re not here…you could say you’re the Karl Henry of wolvesblog.com
SS would have seen him in trainig and it seems that he either doesn’t rate him or doesn’t seee him in part of his plans..
Reports circulating that Sunderland are on the verge of signing Louis Saha on a free…the end of their pursuit of Fletcher or just a side issue?
Karl Henry is massively underrated. I think a lot of fans ignore the role he plays for us. I’m not saying he’s perfect, and he does make the occasional error, be he’s crucial to us now more than ever. Looks like he could form a formidable partnership with Doumbia too. Welcome news.
After being relieved of his lead role in the team at the start of the season, he got on with it with his usual brand of guts and gung ho tackling and yes, he is one of those who could have jumped ship, but he chose not to. He should be applauded for his loyalty not derided for his so called one-dimensional style of play.
As ever UTW !!!!
I am a Henry fan full stop.I know he frustrates the fans who like to see the ball banged forward.
I am not a Milijas fan. There was some hype with his arrival and the first few games but i could see straight away that he has very limited mobility – thats why his left foot is good it has to compensate for everything else.
Great news! Our midfield always looks far more solid with King Karl in it. Great to see someone finally showing some desire to play for the club.
Should never have had the captaincy take off him. Let’s hope he leads us to promotion.
Look what I’ve found out how to do….å…..so now he can have the respect he deserves…no longer SS or Stale but…Ståle. As ever UTW !!!!
Good news about KH, but am getting very peeved with all the stage management at Molineaux.Now we’ve
got MM coming out saying what a great chap Moxey is.
Get on with sorting out the shambles you are responsible for with Bob The BUilder.
Get rid of dross. This is becoming tiresome and very worrying.
Latest news on assigning is Fulham reserve keeper…..WOW.
If we keep Fletcher and he doesnt bang in 20+ Moxey may have some explaining to do.
Are you taking the micky? 20+ Maybe in cookoo land.
I’ve read somewhere that Milijas smokes 40 ciggies a day. Doesn’t do a lot for the old midfield engine . Re McCarthys’ comments about Moxey. They can safely be ignored. After all he only worked with him for six and a halh years.
With all the rats leavin a seem to be sinking ship, it is good news about Karl Henry. He did nothing wrong to lose the captaincy to knobhead. Hopefully stale will learn frim mccarthy mistake of makin another newboy captain. Henry looked very good when playing alongside another defensive midfielder last year -frimpong, as it tajes some of the defensive responsibility off him. Every team needs a grafter, the one player that does all the dirty shitty jobs. Players love playing with that type of player, and KH is ours. Good on yer Karl for showing some loyalty esp after hav the captaincy taken off you last year. Now lets get rid of the rats that dont want to play for wolves asap
Agreed, about the captaincy, that led to our total downfall last year IMHO. I got real nervous when I heard SS say he was holding of on the choice until all new arrivals were on board.
Let them earn a place in the team first then think about it.
As i have made obvious i am not toally sold on KH, but he did nothing to lose the captaincy and although he does bugs me sometimes we are generally a better team with him than without, whatever that means.
Cor If Sunderland and W.Ham walk away some one is going to look a real pratt. I did not want to lose either but know its gone too far, bridges are burned “On yer bikes and now need to wave”
People can say what they like about Henry – He’s a ‘spoiler’ – every team needs one, solid & dependable at this level too. Can see him & Doumbia being the main partnership in midfield this season.
Last time we were in the championship Henry fitted into the jigsaw. We had Kightly and Jarvis flying down the wings. Edwards is not going to be flying down the wings. Hunts form has been poor. Hamills on his way out. Kightly has already gone, who i think will play brilliantly for stoke, injuries permitting. If Jarvis stays with the right attitude and our new Polish winger does the business, it will be a start. Where is the back up of flair players, Thats my worry. The way its going they will be a bit thin on the ground.
I like Karl and I am glad he is staying.
Local lad with passion and pride.
my only one small concern is silly things he does like against Villa last year when he got himself sent off, and helped contribute to us losing the game.
We don’t need that side of him, Just the passion and the pride. 3 Years in the premier league has done him no harm.
Great new Banner on the blog by the way, whoever thought of it… Bully is Back..
Well done Karl for showing some loyalty and let’s hope you have a great season.
I’m a big fan of Henry despite the untold amounts of stick he gets from sections of our great stadium on a matchday. However, i am really concerned about the balance of our midfield. I was led to believe Doumbia was a ‘box to box’ midfielder that might base himself just in front of Henry and make strong bursts from midfield. It was mentioned that he could even play off a lone frontman if we changed formation in some games. However, in our game the other day he played most of the game even deeper than Henry! On a positive note, he did show an ability to run with the ball and get past players but it was all very deep, and that was against a much inferior opposition. I hope that this is while he builds his match fitness up and when he does, he’ll be able to get forward and do it in much more advanced positions. Combined with this was the lack of creativity that came with playing a central midfielder on one side of midfield and an inexperienced player on the other. A lot rests on the shoulders of our new Polish signing! Playing the new patient ‘keep ball’ style that SS is favouring, you need several players in midfield that can unlock the door otherwise you become very flat and predictable. At the moment I’m struggling to see who these players are.
Just read MM’s comments for the E&S he admires the way Jez Moxey runs the club but he feels sorry for Solbakken because he really needs to get his own players and staff in.