Kenny Jackett’s half time team talk must have been like true love’s first kiss to the frog that was the first forty five.
Outmuscled and outmanoeuvred, Wolves played the pantomime fool in the opening exchanges.
The main villain of the piece was Tommy Rowe, who spent most of the match being skinned up and down the pitch by Leeds impressive number 19. I have to agree with Ben’s assessment after the Middlesbrough game and can only assume that Sam Ricketts’ leg has fallen off if Rowe is considered the more viable option.
In being caught out of position and dawdling, he allowed Morison an easy cross to give Leeds their goal, despite the hint of offside. He can also thank wasteful finishing that similar errors weren’t punished.
But whilst Rowe was giving Leeds free reign of the flank, the absence of the Championship’s best in Sako meant that Wolves were having equally little success at the other end, reduced to speculative long-rangers.
Without our talismanic Malian and the curiously absent Van La Parra to stretch the flanks (Jacobs best efforts notwithstanding), our midfield was comprised of too many centre-midfielders and seemed to amalgamate into a big, faceless blob of ineffectiveness. The crisp and accurate passing we expect was still there, but struggled to influence the game sufficiently.
However, Old Kenny waved the wand and Wolves came out swinging in the second half.
Hooking Dave Edwards for Clarke was met by groans from the crowd but provided a surprisingly effective outlet, and suddenly the midfield began to assert themselves.
Jacobs gut-busting runs down the left flank suddenly had pace and purpose, whilst the long awaited introduction of La Parra made all the difference on the opposite flank, stretching the Leeds defenders across the width of the pitch.
Well timed crosses, through balls and the short pass and move game began to open up opportunities. Two well worked goals for Clarke and Henry, both off whom kept cool heads under pressure, were the eventual difference in the match.
I find out as writing this that the Leeds manager has been sacked. Harsh I feel, as they were the better side for much of the game. Wolves were lucky to escape with all three points and Leeds will be feeling hard done by.
At this stage of the season, Jackett still looks a little lost with his first team selection and having a few names back from injury will go a long way to making later victories more comfortable.
Thanks for the report Stuart. It’s always nice to get a fresh perspective on proceedings. Good job mate.
I managed to watch parts of the second half through an increasingly unreliable stream and we looked well in control by that stage.
We were probing and asking lots of questions of their defence, so merited the bit of fortune that opened the door for Henry.
The winner was very well worked. The timing of the pass from van La Parra and the smart run and then control for Doherty were both first class.
Pleased for Leon naturally. It’s been hard for him trying to make an impact on limited appearances off the bench. He does need a run of starts to be fairly judged, which will always be difficult with Dicko so consistently strong.
Rowe remains a worry. Looked like he was targeted yesterday as everything came down that flank for them, including the goal. I suppose Kenny might argue we’re undefeated in the three games he’s played there, but I still don’t see what he does.
Winning without Sako is also pleasing. It shows that we have a system and method of playing that doesn’t rely on one player. Obviously, we’re better with him though. Hopefully he’s back next week for Blues.
That one has banana skin written all over it for me.
Definitely a huge potential BS after their drubbing by Bournemouth
I’d like to know why Golbourne isn’t playing. He’s on the bench, so he can’t be injured. Has he had a behind-the-scenes falling out with the gaffer? Is it because 90’s hair is banned from the first team?
He seemed to be getting great reviews until suddenly he was dropped…
Time to consign Rowe to the back row and get Golbourne back into old gold.
Kenny seems to have a big blind spot and it could have been costly here.
Otherwise, great to be joint top, with a home match against the blues next in line.
Molineux here I come!
With the present Mrs DGooder, of course.
Are you partaking of the foaming ale at the Park View before the game, Brompton and I are meeting up for a snifter.
🙂
What time will they be open for such an early kick off. Are you match day “regulars” influencial enough to have arranged a closed door beverage and British Breakfast?
Yes your’e probably right, it does sound a bit Naff. How about a Brunch,
Brunch, Brekkie, its all the same thing. What time will the bar be open?
I guess being a Hotel it can be any time they like for residents…..Anyone staying?
Brekkie, Brunch, Beer? Who cares? I will turn up around 11 a.m and go with the flow. See you there Mark and Stu. Will decide whether to travel down on Friday or early Saturday, but whatever I choose I will be there – becoming a pre-match ritual now. I took another mate for a quick one before the Boro game – he thought the place was brilliant.
It’s a 12:15 kick off … you’ll def need more time than that !!
1100 hrs – Arrive Hotel
1102 hrs – Order beer
1130 hrs – Leave for match
1145 hrs – Arrive at Molineux
1150 hrs – Grab a burger
1212 hrs – He Ho Wolverhampton
1215 hrs – Kick off
Not a problem. I did say a “quick one” .
Not a bad call Brompton but i would probably have another beer at the hotel and drop the burger.
You are right, but seeing as I am driving back to North Yorkshire after the game, it has to be just the one prior to the match mate.
As we said your’e more than welcome to stay at Chez Stu on the Friday night.
StuWolf
🙂
Stu, thank you for the invite, but as I said to you at Leeds, if I do travel down on Fri my Bro lives in Low Hill so I have a place to stop.
I appreciate the invite though.
It’ll be a bit soon after a Park View Special brekker.
But having said that, I could probably be persuaded to force something alcoholic between my lips if it’s a quick one.
…As the actress said to the naked dipsomaniac bishop who was waving his willy about.
Brompton and I are meeting about 10-45 – 11 ish, so a swift half would go down a treat, chance to chat anyway and catch up on this naked diplomatic vicar with a protruding appendage.
Us Wolf,
Tell us your seat number, I’m a STH in the Upper teir of the “Cow Shed” I will come and say hello if your’e not able to pop round if ypu have ypur boys with ypu. but we will buy them a pop or something if you do, they are more than welcome.
🙂
We will be in W49-51, but I am going to try and make the Park View beforehand if someone can asure me it will indeed be open.
Us wolf.
The doogooder and his wife will be staying there the night before and we shall all join him. It’s a hotel and so it’s definitely open.
Due to Twixfix’s advisory observations, my wife and I will be there about 10-30 am as KO is 12-15 and we need time to get across there, if not I shall look you up in the CowShed.
🙂
If I leave here at 7 a.m I can get there by 10.30 too. Might consider travelling down on Friday now though!!!
See you all on Saturday guys.
Well done Stuart a good piece.
Whilst I don’t subscribe to all youv’e written I’m in agreeance with the majority of your assessment of yesterdays great escape. I was there watching and as you correctly pointed out the first half was a shambles, the absolute pantomine that you alluded to. But, I’m a Kenny’s man, he has me in his pocket after last season. He is tinkering, but even after 14 games he knows we can play below par and still skin teams in this league, he’s gone on record and stated, “top two slots are what we’re after”. I for one attend every game home or away, agree 100% with that thought, we are not playing to our full potential and harvesting points like a farmer in a long dry summer, only lady luck has stopped us being in a far more commanding position in the league already. We play the worst team in the league at the moment next Saturday, and even with Thomas’s worry over discarded banana skins, the opportunity is there to wipe out our goals for deficit and sit soundly at the top of this league next Saturday with the early kick off.
My second point is going to kick start some debate I’m sure, but it has to be said. What is happening with Danny Bhatt, the Leeds goal has to sit squarely on his shoulders as he was well and truly mugged, the video replay on the Leeds screen showed it was even worse than it appeared in real time. He was turned and then the ball was fired through his open legs as sweet as a nut, at this level that was a bad goal to concede, because up until then we were playing poorly but the goal was against the run of play and we certainly didn’t at that point deserve to be trailing. In previous weeks Danny has given two schoolboy penalties away followed the next week by a goal that he didn’t try for because his confidence was gone and was terrified to make a tackle in the box because of the previous two encounters. Then last week at Millwall and again yesterday far side of the pitch from the Wolves fans, he was caught out running back to defend a lob up his side of the field, but it seems he can’t run and watch the ball at the same time, hence it’s dropping behind him to the attacking player and he’s getting turned. Don’t get me wrong here and don’t shoot the messenger, I think the guy as someone pointed out last week, is the face of ” New Wolves”
My concerning point here is, the guy is tired, he’s shell shocked and he is struggling with the burden of the Hero worship heaped on him (quite rightly too) and the responsibility of being captain of a side that has suddenly started leaking goals. The Lad needs a rest, Kenny is singing like a canary about our stregnth in Midfield and Defence, well give the Lad a week on the bench, look what we did to Bully, we worked his ass off and buggered his knees, by working him to death. We are better than that now, we have a Team and can fit others in to save people from burn out. Yes he should be the first name on the sheet every week, but at this point in time and in My humble opinion, he looks jaded and not the Danny of a few weeks ago.
I put my head on the block and my bottom in the sling here, but this is my opinion and mine only. We have Ricketts who can fill the dual role and Golbourne who in my view is head and shoulders above most of the current back four or ladies in waiting, so no excuse not to give the lad a beach holiday in Magaluf to recharge the batteries. Dicko & Sako get it by virtue of injuries sustained, they come back like demons and set defences on fire.
Save our Danny
Bring back Golbourne & Ricketts.
🙂
Onwards & Upwards
🙂
Hiya Stu … can’t totally agree about Danny Batth .. although no doubt fatigue might be getting to him a little.
How many goals are scored through defenders legs .. loads
I actually think DB would be better without the responsibility of being captain .. can’t offer an alternative although Ikeme comes closest.(Of those currently in the starting XI)
In fairness to yourself though you see more of him than I do so I do respect your opinion mate …
If DB needs a break, he should have one, Stears has been dropped because he made a couple of mistakes. KJ has dropped/rested players, e.g Sako. However, I din’t think we know what’s going on with Ricketts or Golbourne, Rowe is certainly not better at LB. Like you, I am with Kenny, but I am not as enlightened as he is.
Always nice to beat leeds last time i went to elland road it was the cup quarter final when Don Goodman scored the winner – what a day that was (took over an hour to get the coaches out !)
Following on the radio sounded like the classic game of 2 halves with Wolves well on top in the second. Like others not sure what is going on at the back but not being there and being level top its carry on Kenny !
Excellent report Stuart. I’ve only had the benefit of listening to the game and seeing the highlights. I would have agreed with the set up change at half time (Obviously being a bit cautious about Clarke coming on) but without Sako our 4-5-1 system offers less thrust up front, (not doubting Jacobs contribution) .. so having a bigger unit up with Dicko 4-4-1-1 then it occupies the Leeds back four more.
You make your own luck in football and whilst Henry’s goal looked fortuitous .. the move which saw us take the lead was pure genius including plenty of skill fro VLP and Doherty .. Clarkes’ bit was easier … but he was still in the right place !!
We’re now beginning to get on the radar and it will be a different challenge on Saturday which will require plenty of respect for B’ham but a game which we should see as a good opportunity to take 3 more points.
Lets not get too carried away with the ‘improving our goals difference tally’ theory … a steady 1- 0 will do fine…
Great write up Stuart, thanks for the insight on a game I could not follow other than through mobile phone “live commentary”.
I was in the local Sports & Social Club for a kids Haloween Party, but thankfully, most of the dads had their smart phones logged onto various sporting websites following the action.
Much as you have reported came through relatively accurately. Good start from Leeds, poor from Wolves. “They are all over us” was the general concensus. But heads diddn’t seem to drop too much after conceeding the opener.
After all we are Wolves, and for once, seem to expect a comeback, even on the road.
When we eaualized, the smart phone concensus was that we were then all over them, and it seemed as we were all just waiting and expecting the winer to come, which it duly did, and from a surprising yet satisfying source.
Clarke fan or not, most of my Old Gold company agreed that snatching the winner could have done nothing but good for Leon’s confidence, after having had few opportunities for quite some time.
Still baffled, like most, by the continued absence of Goldbourne, and to a degree Rickets, but Kenny’s points return still leaves little to be criticised, despite what on the face of it have been some questionable starting eleven choices.
Looking forward to the Blues game next Saturday. Wow did they get hammered at home yesterday. Told my boys we could be in for seeing a good few goals next week, but it seldom works out like that.
Tring another new seating location this time since me being able to return to the Mol. Upper tier of the Cow Shed, the terraces of which I first sttod on as a kid with the necessity of my beer crate elevation. A cow shed it no longer is, but with winter looming, the lower seats my son’s and I have occupied for close up goal action, seemed a little open to the impending arrival of less favourable climatic elements.
So onwards and upwards for the Men in Old Gold, just like my ascending vantage point from which to view the climb.
I wouldn’t say we were lucky overall, perhaps lucky to be only one down at the break but our controlled and dominant second half showing made us deserving victors for me. Am I the only one not allowing myself to predict what we may be capable of achieving this season? Probably because it will ultimately result in us missing out and finishing outside the top 6, which bearing in mind where we’ve come from should be no disappointment. Maybe promotion would also be a year too soon. But we’re joint top, show no signs we’re punching above our weight so maybe, just maybe…
Glad I could contribute. I feel Rowe was the week link in our defence and that Dohoerty and Batth kept us in the game personally. Ebanks-Landell was ok but showed his lack of experience.
What worried me the most was that the first thing I thought was we bossed the game and were the first to every ball. Within 15 mins we weren’t doing that and we looked much weaker than Leeds. More physical presence is needed I feel…
Ebanks-Landell is developing himself into a great asset for wolves, if he continues to play like he did against Leeds. It was Batth which was involved in Leeds goal, although it can’t be said to be his fault, just a fabolous goal.
Good result. I also watched it on a dodgy stream (which managed to ‘stop’ immediately before both our goals), but agree with the overall assessment – basically that we only played for the last 30/35 minutes. The pleasing thing for me is that we were able to switch from 4-2-3-1 to (effectively) 4-4-2 seamlessly after the introduction of the much-maligned Leon. (I think I now understand the reason for Leon). I’ll join the call to reinstate Golbourne – we don’t look the same without him. If, as reported, he was dropped because teams were targetting the left side of our defence then that hasn’t changed one iota – they still do.
Blues next week and after shipping 8 they will no doubt come and ‘park the bus’, but are still eminently beatable.
Great result today.. Always brilliant beating Leeds..
Must be mighty careful against Birmingham next week…wounded animal and all that !!
Pop.
Agree with most of what’s written….strange what happened with Golbourne as the defence seemed much more settled then with Rowe. …. Managed to watch the game….streamed to perfection by the way….it was a game of two halves. Wolves were nowhere to be seen in the first half but played with real class in the second and I think they deserved their win for the simple reason that they kept on hammering away and playing good football. Sako was definitely missed. He has that something inventive with his powerful shooting and dazzling runs….Still…………three points are three points and Up the Wolves.
Stu..I said DB is the face of new Wolves and with his attitude and commitment he will grow I feel into a homegrown England player too..
He might be play knackered perhaps..I feel that Rickets was good for him last season offering a Wiser head at the back and currently Ebanks-Landell with a few kamikaze tackles and shoves doesn’t do him any favours ..Golbourne is missed for his covering left flank too…
A lot rests on his shoulders the way we are playing at the back and he needs nurturing I agree…
I was amazed how we played so differently in the second half and took the pressure away from the back and it’s for all to see that KJ can assess things and change our play..
A classy result really, all from a change of tactics and driven from the touch line..fantastic..
Forget the 8-0 re Brum nxt Sat..I’ll settle for 1-0 and 3 points then Ipshit here we (I) come..
COYW
U S wolf I quite agree , I’m as bigger fan of Danny Baath etc. … as the next man, but real credit to Leon Clarke who s confidence must be on the floor , to come on at a difficult place like Leeds and not only score the winner but to defend an almost certain equaliser
Everyone s been quick to slate him but slow to praise . Well done Leon . . Hope that’s the boost you needed and I hope you get a start against blue s to banish your jitters at the mol !!! U T W &FOWB
Seemed more of a game of two halves than it was a case of Wolves being lucky there but that is a great write-up I have to say 🙂 have to agree with Rowe as well, though I think he will be in that left-back role for quite awhile yet…I still rate Golbourne higher than him and still think him being dropped was very harsh on him!
The half time sub was surprisingly effective and I am really pleased to see Clarke get his first goal of the season – and the winning one at that! Would probably be consigned to sub appearances (Sagbo has just been disappointing!) but if he continues to play the way that he did he will be an excellent option!
Crete Wolves.
2075 Wolves fans brought the house down when Leon scored, the fan base has been truly amazing towards him, we have had individual digs at him on the Blog but to a man the fans yesterday blew the roof off the stand. He was cheered and spurred on for not only the goal but his work in holding the game at 1-1 before he scored.
If ever he needed a confidence booster or encouragement then he certainly got it yesterday at Leeds.
🙂
Just reading this made me think of around this time last year, Kenny was seemingly struggling with his preferred 11 although picking up points. Dicko was soon brought in, Price settled down and KMac began to emerge as the talisman in midfield.
So as much as KJ May still be refining the chemistry of this team, so it was last year too and we no what happily happened thereafter…
Thanks for a great report Stuart.
Great second half performance. Funny how people can watch the same game and form different opinions but that’s football! I’m not convinced by Rowe as a full back , but as much as i like golbourne, I would still leave him in against blues as we have won two and drawn one with him in. Ebanks-landell is progressing very nicely in his proper position and so wouldn’t rush stearman back. Jacobs was a bit of a non entity for me and so easy decision for him to make way for sako if he is fit for blues. Well done Leon Clarke, definitely linked play better than edwards and so might be tempted to start him to boost his confidence further against blues.
As i said after millwall. Obviously fed up throwing away a 3-0 lead. This team is going places with some passages of clever football. KJ continues to evolve our team in to a progressive unit. As demonstrated second half. I can only see us getting better as we go on.There will be issues to be addressed along the way but that second goal was pure quality and gives me great hope going forward.
A win is a win. Always good! Never bad, no matter how it’s earned. All good! It’s the only stat that matters in the end. 3 points! If you’re not convinced, try asking a B’ham fan … boy, it must suck to be them right now! Sorry … 🙂
What happens long term is still a mystery to me … the rift between EPL and championship is bigger than ever if you look at we are joint top right now, and none of the championship teams really of premiership quality … yet. So hopefully strengthening will happen in January window, and later in summer after promo, but one step at a time … or rather, one win at a time … keep them 3 points coming and adding to the total for now, while the execs at the Mol figure out what Wolves want to be when they grow up … 🙂
Go Wolves!
When I think back to our last Championship season, going one nil down in the first twenty minutes would have seen an almost instant capitulation. What a difference KJ has made. So for all the comments on here about maybe strange team selections (and I too will applaud loudly when Golbourne is re-established) I’m not for one instant about to doubt his method and reasoning. It’s wonderful to see the team actually fighting against adversity and more often than not, overcoming it. Long may that fighting spirit continue.
I saw the dodgy stream too and was impressed by Leon Clarke.
His link up play and the way he held the ball up was good and he got a vital goal.
Not so sure about Rowe but in KJ we trust.
Success breeds success….
I saw the dodgy stream and missed the first Wolves goal!!
However got the full video of the second goal and what a fantastic passing move.
Great for Leon and the visiting fans.
Onwards and Upwards and bring on the brummies
Why do commentators refer to Sako as a striker? Is it just because of the amount of goals he has scored?
(Watch the Football League Show if you need confirmation).
On another note… Forests recent bad run has been put down to the loss of key players in recent games. So anyone that thinks our strength indepth is poor, just think we could be Forest and have the FFP breathing down our necks just like they have.
Onto the Birminham game… I do agree that Batth may need a test, but I di think this is the game to do it, he’ll be pumped up and would not want to miss this one. I can just imagine the headlines now… BATtH SINKs bLOO’s with a TAP in and PLUGs the leaky defence. That’s the bathroom finished then!
Batth needs a test? You all know what I mrant!
Spoke with KJ at the open training session and he has agreed to gove Danny a Test.
🙂
Always happy and grateful for 3 points how ever we get them or how bad we play, especially
against Dirty Leeds.
but saying that, i think we still need more quality throughout if we want to go up or at least stay in with a shout of the play offs.
By all reports Rowe still isn’t doing it at LB,I thought like all wolves fans Golbourne was the answer in that position, he must have done something bad to be left out the way he has.
Hope he gets back into his good books soon.UTW
Yow gorra laff, ay ya?
I just sat through 90 excruciating minutes watching QPR and Villa.
Yes, I know, I need to get out more.
If that is Premiership football, then we aint got nothing to worry about.
Only one player from both sides impressed, and that was Sanchez of Villa.
The rest were low level journeymen at best.
And then there was Crab Henry.
What a joke he has become.
He only touched the ball about 20 times, and was mentioned less, and spent most of the game marking a space.
Thank dog we aint got him any more.
You will all be pleased to know I spent a very pleasant Clivemas in St Louis, Missouri, and was wandering around Target Superstore at about 10.50 in the morning, looked at my iphone, and upon seeing the result from ER, let out a loud “Come On You Wolves”, and scared a bunch of innocent bystanders with my pumping fist and shit eating grin!!
I’ve said it many times before, as have others, that the record books will show a 2 – 1 victory, for all time, and the whys and wherefores of how it was achieved are a elephant, a win is a win is a win.
The other highlight of my weekend was watching mother in law’s next door neighbor’s back garden get slowly destroyed by two groundhogs.
Lovely little furry creatures about the size and shape of beavers without tails.
Yes, beavers and tail has other meanings, but this is a family show so put your minds back in the gutters.
And, interesting but useless fact # 23, Boddingtons is distributed in the US by some company in St Louis, Missouri.
Regarding Birmingham.
I think next weekend’s game will be one of the toughest of the season and we will do well to get all three points, it will not be a pushover.
Anyway, top equal on points at this stage of the season.
I will take that all day long, thank y’all very much.
I just hope our left back position conundrum does not become the hot potato of old.
Say No More!!
FO….wb
Glad you had a good time my friend. Just to confirm, Stu gave me a clip round the ear from you at Elland Road – thanks!
Looking forward to you coming over for the party in the beer garden on Sat 2 May v Millwall.
UTW/FOWB
Belated happy Clivemas old chap!
Sorry to have missed the day but I expect one day just runs into another when you get to your age.
The Present Mrs DG’er has told me to let you know that she has opened your packet and planted your seed.
She also told me to be careful how I phrased that.
It could have sounded a bit smutty but I think I got away with it.
Nope, failed miserably
🙂
And another thing Mr Clive. If you believe in your quote:
“I think next weekend’s game will be one of the toughest of the season and we will do well to get all three points, it will not be a pushover.”
I will be interested to see your usual 5-1 prediction.
Why do I put myself through reading the Express & Shite “stories”?
1 report reads 1st goal in 21 games for Leon and the other reads 1st Championship goal for Wolves since 2006. Feck me he’s been scoring for fun for a few years with other clubs (albeit in the lower echelons) and not actually with Wolves, then there’s the 21 games of which (most) he came on as sub and not getting the match fitness and into a rhythm.
Okay so Leon scored, I’m neither his biggest fan and neither do I hate him. I still think he has been missing a good run to prove himself to the fans but I just get so wound up with the “imaginative” (and I use that word loosely) tripe that the newspaper puts out.
Rant over… Might go to bed now for a good nights (t)est.
Can someone explain to me how Rowe made it onto whoscored.com’s Championship team of the week? Are we all just blind to his skill because of what Golbourne did last season? Or was there just no competition for the left back spot this week?
I expect many on here will have enjoyed last night’s result at Bournemouth where my old town team Bournemouth knocked the unmentionables out of the league cup.
It pleased me and annoyed me at the same time as the winning goal was scored by their prolific striker, Callum Wilson. One more to add to his 10 league goals already.
The same Callum Wilson who we decided was too expensive for our great club at £3m. Too expensive for a 22 year old with pace and skill and a proven goal scoring record at Coventry.
Not too expensive for little old Bournemouth and their 11,000 seater stadium.
And what price now for the same 22 year old with a prolific record in the Championship? £5m, £10m?
For all the amazing achievements under King Kenny, the failure of M&M to sanction the signing of this (and other) goal scoring targets, has been a huge, penny-pinching mistake.
Too expensive for the mighty Wolves but not for Bournemouth, a little club but with real ambition.
Hi Martin.
You don’t contribute so much now you’re in Cyprus but what you DO say makes a lot of sense.
(It must be the air over there).
Callum Wilson would have been the perfect fit for our team and, at £3m, a real bargain.
Hear hear. But it is no use crying over spilt milk. I am however still concerned that our hierarchy are not helping Kenny to build the team for the Premiership. Okay, we have bought a few players who have turned out to be good buys and who have fitted in well, but they have not been expensive whatsoever. You could argue that that is good business, and I would not argue with that, but it gives me the impression that they (JM/SM) are not willing to spend. We (the fans) know what we need, everyone knows what we need, but they seem to lose sight of that as soon as the financial element kicks in.
I have just read about the “Sako to Villa” rumour. NO, NO, NO. But if Sako is not willing to sign another contract with us, then we could lose him anyway, but ……………….. £2m???? Come on, we all know he is worth much more than that. I just hope that they do not offload him for a pittance. If it happens, my trust in them will reduce even further. Surely it is time for them to make a statement of their desire, of their commitment to drive the Club further. We can not do that without some financial investment in players. Players who are Premiership standard. Players that will cost more than a loan fee or a few k. Players that can take us into the Premiership, and players who can keep us there.
Thoughts?
Hi Doog.
Life’s pretty hectic over here so I don’t get so much time to blog.
I still take a keen interest in what’s going on though.
Enjoy the weekend and cheer us on to another 3 points.
Due to the short term left on Sako’s contract, 2m would probably be about right. If he had a year or 2, then £7m would prob be a truer figure, especially when you consider he’s a winger in the top scorers of this division… See also this tweet from @WhoScored….
@WhoScored: Bakary Sako: No player has had more shots on target in the Championship this season than @sakobakary26 (20) #wwfc
Hope his head is not turned and I hope he can see he can get another title under his belt this season and be part of a better “team” than Villa next season.
What possible reason could Sako have for wanting to move to Villa?
Apart from the money perhaps.
There’s a damn good chance that we’ll be passing them on their way down at the end of the season.
He’s a sensible lad and obviously enjoys playing for the Wolves and has a special relationship with Dicko.
He’d be mad to move.
But if he did, would Dicko be next on Lambert’s list?
I forgot to say – £2m would be daylight robbery!
I’d sooner hang on to him and risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season if we don’t get promoted.
If we go up, offer him a new, slightly improved, contract.
“He’s a sensible lad and obviously enjoys playing for the Wolves and has a special relationship with Dicko.”
Whilst I agree with that statement, I still then question why he has not signed a further contract with us?
It’s common knowledge that Moxey won’t pay £25k a week to anyone unless we are guaranteed a Premiership place next season.
And Sako won’t sign a long term contract for less.
It’s a bit of a vicious circle.
I suppose you can see both sides of the argument but if we are promoted and Sako is still here – and Morgan and Moxey are serious about their lofty ambitions for the club…
Unfortunately we would not be able to stop the sale either, as it has been agreed all the way through that if a Premiership team came in for him, he could complete his aim.
If the M’s blocked the move, it would send out all the wrong signals to any other budding stars that we are a club not to be trusted and will go elsewhere.
The old catch 22… I just hope he looks at the partnership and friendship he has with Dicko, the connection with KJ and the fans then decides Wolves are his future.
If the Villains do nick him for £2m, then they would be doing to us what we have been doing successfully for years.. Waiting for contracts to be in the final stages so that the clubs either sell at a reduced cost or get bugger all.
McDonald is one of the prime examples of this… If we do lose Sako for pittance, we can rest assured that others in the team like McDonald are worth Millions more than what we shelled out. Then there’s the write offs like O’Hara etc, that rebalance the books the other way. This is just the life of football.
With how Sako has grown into a team player (remember when people wanted him sold to Forest because he could not track back?), he has (In my opinion) become our most improved player of which is testament to KJ’s work.
VLP will be the new Sako with guidance from KJ, albeit on the opposite wing… and I amongst many expect VLP and some of the other “midfielders” were bought in as preparation for his departure.
I have faith in KJ, he will find another gem somewhere if the shit hits the fan. I just hope I’m not “the fan” that gets hit with the shit!
At this point in time I honestly believe that SM, JM, Kenny and all the players are playing the game to a Tee. They say Naff all about what their plans are and don’t talk to the gutter press (E&S) too openly, which to me is good business and sound housekeeping. We’re definitely going in the right direction, ( as opposed to Villa) and listening to post match interviews from Kenny & the Players there is good Karma in the camp.
Last season in the transfer window I for one stood up and shouted from the rafters Sako could go and Feck off to Forest if he didn’t want to play for us. We don’t need players who are here for the Cash, wev’e had our fill of them in the past, but Sako stayed, he knuckled down and sorted out all his demons and improved his game. Kenny knows what he’s doing in that department, so the next thing we heard is Sako on video well and truly nailing his flag to the Molinuex mast. The boy has nothing to prove to me now, I’m happy with his odd Feck ups and splayed passes when he can score in a heartbeat and change games. Why on earth would he want to cross the M5 and play for that rabble when quite obviously we are performing and he is a star turn in the team, he has it all.
A cautionary note however,
Anyone noticed that Ricketts didn’t sign a new contract as they said they would sort it out when we moved on into the Championship, well Sako is the same. Maybe, and it’s only maybe they are being prudent and waiting to see where we really do end up before offering longer contracts. Again that’s good housekeeping to me, and don’t forget we won very easily on Saturday without Sako or Ricketts and we finally hear the reason for Goldbourne’s absence. Kenny said today, ” we had lost too many goals down the left hand side so he changed things”
He is a strong manager and proved with Goldbourne that no man is bigger than the team. In all the teams Iv’e heard of that use that philosophy they seem to be successful.
So if we keep Sako, and I believe we will, then so be it. If he doesn’t put loyalty above money then he’s certainly not my cupp of tea. But as I said, ” I think the lad is a Wolves man now ” and behind the scenes, steps are being taken to convince these stars in our team, the Future is Bright.
“The Future is Old Gold”
🙂 🙂 🙂
I like what you say, I will buy you a beer on Saturday now …………. OH! It’s my round anyway!
Hmmmmmmmmmm
I feel an excuse coming on
🙁
I just read that report StuWolf, sounds like I was right after-all … Go me!! I did pose the question (based on headed clearances vs tackles that we do win more balls that way. Seems Rowe is better at the aerial battles (although as pointed out – not sure why as similar height etc). But KJ has spotted it and changed it.
Aerial battles will result in less injuries than going in for a hard tackle and less risk of a card… All bases covered!
It seems Rowe is now the new Clarke at the moment as he took a place we all felt was Golbourne’s… Maybe Rowe needs a little encouragement to boost his confidence and make him a stronger player instead of our criticisms? But Wolves fans would not be Wolves fans as nothing is ever perfect…. We desire to be better than perfect!
Shrews,
Personally I’m an ardent Rowe fan, always have been and nothing Iv’e seen him do so far will change my mind. My view is he should play alongside Golbourne instead of EBL as I’m not confident in EBL’s skills, whereas I am 100% behind Golbourne’s inclusion. I think that would be a formidable back four allowing Golbourne to make his runs to the byline and Rowe up to halfway into tne opposite defence’s area as he tends to do, he doesn’t seem to go as far forward as Golbourne so the would compliment each other. Golbourne is lightning on a stick and can get back from well forward, Rowe is still not 100% match savvy and so needs that second more, again that would compliment the two of them.
Kenny read our comments on Golbourne and provided us with a reason, so now we should see a Golbourne / Rowe partnership soon. (I wish)
🙂
I looooooooooooove this blog.
If Sako does go, you may even end up with Rowe where he is and Golbourne pushed up, as his crosses are pretty decent to add to his lightning to get past players. If he’s crap at using his head… Then he’s more suited to a wingers role surely?
So many ways KJ gas to play around with the team…
I reckon Kenny’s a bit unfair. If you spent £150 having your hair done like Scotty, would you want to head the ball.?
🙂
Could put even more gel in it… Stiffen it up and that will give that extra bit of height!
Or go one better and put a bowl shape in the top… Catch the ball and run… Opposition will not be able to kick it off for fear of illegal high kicks… He’ll be able to run straight at goal…
Use that tactic KJ!
When Leon goes on his holidays in the summer to Magaluf or wherever. Does he still wear gloves on the beach for example?
I thought everybody did!
Which reminds me, I must get the PMDG’er to darn the hole in the sleeve of my swimming costume.
I remember those days, when my Mum used to darn my socks. We throw them away and buy new ones now. How times change!
You do WHAT, you throw clothes away!
God, your family must be rich.
🙂
When my wife’s Fish Net tights have too many holes in them, she gives them to me and I use them for fish nets, works a treat.
After my socks have finally bit the dust, my wife makes soup out of them.
Kids starving in Africa and you throw socks away.
You lucky, lucky Bathplug.
🙂
Soup?
Clothes?
You are lucky!!
I feel a Monty Python sketch coming……………………
I have a solution to the Sako situation! We should loan him to Villa in January for 1 month and have a striker as a swap.. (Only for Jan though). You know where I’m going with that!
….that were luxury…we used to get up at 5am and lick the motorway clean….