When we got to spend a bit of time with Paul Lambert last month I told him there were five players I felt were our key performers based on their contributions prior to his arrival.
They were Carl Ikeme, Matt Doherty, Dave Edwards, Helder Costa and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.
With the possible exception of the big Icelander whose form has tailed off after that international break, none of the above have let me down.
Costa has continued to be our leading light, stepping up another level under Lambert by adding better end product.
He netted from the acutest of angles yesterday and was also instrumental in Ivan Cavaleiro’s second half goal – the two bright moments of an otherwise drab encounter.
That’s why he was brought in though – to help us rise above the opposition in these scrappy, horrible Championship slugfests by providing moments of greater quality.
Dave Edwards fulfilled a slightly different role as part of a two man midfield, using his energy to close down opposition and win back possession.
He did that with great aplomb and was rightly lauded as a Man of the Match contender.
Whatever you want to say about the guy, his goals and appetite to win the ball back have kept us afloat when we could have totally melted away.
Matt Doherty has arguably been our most potent attacking force behind Costa but many have questioned whether that’s come at the expense of his primary purpose.
There was less razzle dazzle yesterday in a more steady defensive outing for the Irishman.
Personally I wouldn’t want to put the leash on him going forward. Direct running from deep is tough to defend against. But I do agree he needs to defend with greater purpose and aggression himself.
Carl Ikeme just reassures in a way that Andy Lonergan and Harry Burgoyne perhaps don’t. That’s harsh on the youngster but we saw moments of brilliance and frailty against Cardiff, suggesting this isn’t his time just yet.
Our number one was strong and repeatedly cleared out the opposition as Forest looked for a way back into the game. We’ve got to keep him fit for the remainder of the season.
Bodvarsson is the only one of my recommended quintet who has fallen down the pecking order, but his role of impact substitute may help him come back refreshed in the new year.
But another game without a goal for our strikers surely won’t have slipped under the radar? Reinforcements are needed, even with young Bright Enobakhare looking well…bright in his second start under Lambert.
Thankfully Ivan Cavaleiro is discovering a healthy appetite for finishing and probably squeezes out Bodvarsson in my revised magic five.
I’m certain many disagree. So in the spirit of healthy debate – who makes it into yours?
Since the players returned to pre season end of June some of them have worked under 4 different managers. A huge turnover in 5 months. Many different systems and players have been deployed in the hope of achieving a winning formula. Constants in all this are Helda Costa, Ikeme, Doherty and Edwards. And they have been consistent. What we need now is settled 11 and judging from yesterday, we should work round that. Some previously anonymous players are now emerging (Cav, perhaps Saiss). I will persist with BOD. I am sure he will benefit of our play becomes fluid and productive.
In Lambert we trust. Bodvarrson’s style of play is different from Dicko’s. As players I rate them pretty even. With Enobakhare playing the Bodvarsson game I feel Dicko is the right player up front right now. As players tire and lose or gain form the gaffer will need to shuffle things round from time to time. Do we need a new attacker? Personally I’m quite content with the options we have. Still, with Gladon out in the cold, I wouldn’t be very surprised if a new attacker arrives during the january window. … and hopefully a couple of defenders.
It will probably take some time yet before the team stabilizes and start to deliver top notch performances day in day out. The signs our team shows are promising, and it was nice to finally get Enobakhare’s breakthrough in the first team.
Note: managers live and die through their activity on the transfer market. I just saw a picture of Balotelli clothed in Santa’s clothes after he bagged two goals for his team in France. If he signed for Wolves, and performed for Wolves as he has done for Nice, I’m sure we would have been positioned around the playoffs with Zenga as coach.
Past is done now but at the time he was the marquee signing we needed and fosun/mendes missed one
Disagree, basherbaz! Balotelli is a loose canon and a nut case we can do without at Mol. Good decision by Mendes (if he had anything to do with it) and Jeff Shi.
8 goals in 8 games speaks for itself
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/863943505?-300:786:0
CBJ and Williamson return did not go well
Living in Nottingham this result was an early Christmas present giving me bragging rights over the locals. However this was the worst Forest side I`ve ever seen, partly as they had their best players out through injury, and have been starved of investment to an even greater extent than Morgan`s mean tenure at Molineux
So what you may say, well at last it appears that Fosun`s spend on our two Portugese wingers is paying dividends, they were the best players on the pitch, closely followed for me Jack Price and the rest of the team. As the fans were singing on Saturday get Costa`s loan turned into our first January purchase please.
There will be much tougher games coming our way, but put this one as a step in the right direction. Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to see the Wanderers win away……….Happy Christmas fellow bloggers!!
im first to moan, so let me be quick to applaud the lads on a determined, spirited victory … whilst lambert may have hinted at our foreign contingent not being up to the task he has at least persisted with costa an cavaleiro and this is certainly playing dividends.
dave edwards – ive practically been one of his groupies – he is fundamental to the side, what he adds to the side is greater then the sum of his parts. chuffed he has signed up for a fee more years.
one swallow does not make a summer, but there were a few green shoots on display, and if we recruit up front and at the back we should be ok.
end of the season, can we make costa perm ? Or will one of Graham / Zyro / Another be able to fill the void …
its tough being a Wolves fan – but on this occasion its a big well done to the boys in gold.
Thomas, I think you have this pretty much right. Both Costa and Cav have ability a cut above the norm for this division, and both are now beginning to use it to good effect. However, I have considerable doubt regarding Doherty`s inclusion. Whilst it`s great to have a full back who can bomb forward productively, his job MUST primarily be to defend adequately. When faced with anything other than an average winger, this appears to be well beyond Doherty`s ability, leaving us very exposed.
Many fans on these boards regularly regularly note the huge need to get experience into the heart of our defense. I am one such proponent. However, a central defender`s worst nightmare is to endlessly be forced to defend quality cut backs from wingers who have gone past a poorly positioned full back– and this what our central two have been facing week after week from both flanks. The full back positions is surely something that Mr Lambert will have to tackle as a matter of priority.
I particularly support your assessment of BOD. For much of his time at Wolves he has been pretty much left alone up front starved of any real support. The way Mick used Doyler in this way a few year ago, almost certainly was the cause of his demise, and it would be a great shame to see BOD go the same way. If we can get some quality into our midfield I believe that BOD will come good. He has much to offer.
I do agree Kevin Doyle was misused and abused as the lone frontman. Boy, could he trap a ball and keep it while wriggling round defenders – but -no support !
It would indeed be a shame to treat Bodvarson the same way. He can hold up play and create space as Doyle did so loyally, but he needs support up there. Bright or Dicko, and SERVICE.
We won and won well because PL got the right players playing in the right system. That’s the short version. Here is the longer version.
Standing alone on Bedford station waiting for my train a heavily tattooed young man saw me and said “Going to the game mate?”. He wasn’t but turns out he is a Wolves STH in the South Bank and was en route back to Wolverhampton having visited his ex in nearby Flitwick. We compared thoughts on all things Wolves till the train came. Wolves fans are EVERYWHERE.
Arriving in Nottingham I met up with Ian and Sue (Newark Wolves) and after some nice food, a couple of pints and great chat we made our way to the ground. Unfortunately half way there my tiresome shin splints struck and I had to bid them a fond farewell for fear of slowing them down. What lovely people they both are. Struggling on I arrived at the ground just after 3pm. As I approached the turnstiles three young Wolves fans passed me. “You ok?” one of them asked. “No, my fecking legs have gone” I explained. “Hop on me back mate I’ll give you a piggy back”. I declined the kind offer to which one of them on hearing my accent said “Feck me mate, where yam from, Walthamstow?”. His mate said to ignore him as he wasn’t really there. “What do you mean?” I said. “He’s banned from all matches for three years” came the reply. Wolves fans eh?
Once inside I found my standing space – as you will know no-one sits at away games – and watched with increasing satisfaction as Wolves played really well. Now I accept that Forest were poor and were missing key players like Lansbury and Assombalongalongalonga but we were good, very good.
The 4231 system worked a treat. With Price and Edwards sitting in front of our defence we had proper protection. It also meant the defence had someone to pass the ball to instead of pumping long balls up front. As a result the back four looked more confident – having Ikeme back in goal no doubt helped on that front too – with Coady at right back nullifying their left winger and Doherty doing the same with his winger. Batth and Stearman comfortably had Bendtner in their pockets. Moreover with Enobakhare floating behind Dicko there was a cohesion to our play that has been missing all season. Suddenly Costa and Cavaleiro had someone in an advanced position to give the ball to and Dicko also had someone to work with. Enobakhare was a revelation. Twisting, turning, ghosting past two or even three opponents in a split second, quick, strong and exciting. He was quite literally the missing link, receiving the ball from Price or Edwards behind or from Costa or Cavaleiro so suddenly instead of a pass from back to front we were passing from defence to midfield to Enobakhare to one of the front three.
It wasn’t just the system though. Everyone seemed galvanised and chased and closed down. The front three did this magnificently and Cavaleiro more than once typified this when after losing the ball he chased back and won it back again. Brilliant. With our attack constantly harrying the Forest defence they couldn’t get out effectively and as soon as they tried there was Price or Edwards waiting to pick them off. It was great to watch but of course it was still 0-0. I was just thinking to myself that I’d take 0-0 at half time when Enobakhare fed Costa and from a ridiculous angle he smashed the ball home! Cue mayhem as the sell-out 2,000 Wolves fans went nuts. I got knocked over in the celebrations and ended up laying on top of the bloke next to me!
Cue the song with Wham’s 1984 hit Last Christmas being belted out but with a twist;
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day
You gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to
Helder Costa (Costa)
For the benefit of Clive who claimed to be too young to know who Wham were they were a one man band duo in the 1980’s but after the love of his life Shirley Holiman went off with a ballet dancer from EastEnders the lead singer decided he was gay and preferred park toilets to being an airline pilot in Club Tropicana.
Half time came and it felt good.
After a brief and not very convincing Forest revival we came again. Enobakhare after another slaloming run was brought down on the edge of the box but the free kick was wasted. Then the lively Cavaleiro blasted one just over tthe bar. After a heavy challenge Enobakhare was replaced by Saiss and boy is he cool and classy. A defensive move by PL? Maybe though shortly afterwards it was 2-0 as Cavaleiro finished off a rapid passing move by drilling home in front of the away end. More madness and mayhem as we celebrated like we’d just won the European Cup. Cue that old Pilot hit;
Ho, ho, ho
He’s magic
You know
Ivan Cav-a-leir-o
Ronan replaced Costa and Bodvarsson replaced Dicko and the Wolves players enjoyed themselves on the pitch, knocking the ball around with one touch football whilst the Wolves fans enjoyed themselves behind the goal. Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to see, Wanderers win away!
At the end Bodvarsson led the players and fans in the now customary Viking Slap and we trooped away happy and content and daring to dream of a surge up the table. Only 12 points off the play offs my Dubai based son messaged me.
On the train home I met a nice London based Forest fan and we chatted about our respective club’s current situations. He’d followed Forest to Munich for the 1979 European Cup Final sleeping in a camper van. He wasn’t optimistic for their future now though and he had a look of a man who knew he’d never again see his team scale such heights in his lifetime. I also met a Wolves fan I’d met once before. Still didn’t get his name but he must be at least 75, lives in Kent and goes to every Wolves game both home and away. He sets off at ridiculous o’clock and wouldn’t be home from this game till around 10pm. I last met him on the London underground a couple of years back. Wolves fans eh?
Ikeme 7, Coady 7, Batth 7, Stearman 7, Doherty 7, Price 7, Edwards 7, Costa 7.5, Enobakhare 8, Cavaleiro 7.5,Dicko 7
Home by 730pm having departed at 1015am.
We won. We played well. We played 4231. We looked llike a proper team. We have some exciting players like Enobakhare, Costa and Cavaleiro. Add a centre back, left back, an attacking central midfielder and a striker and we can go places. We can make the play offs. We can get promoted!
Wolves fans eh?
Good write up BW – really pleased you had a great day out, topped off my three much needed points.
Sounds as if PL selection the right players in the right positions with the right formation.
Will be round in the week.
BOG
Bedford mate, are you a longshanks? By any chance. I am and I really do know just how painful shin splints are, folks who have never had them will never know and just keep praying that you never get them.
No mate I would be called a short-arse nowadays as everyone seems to be a giant (my three sons are all over 6 foot tall). My problem comes as a result of being very active when younger – playing football mainly – but now I don’t do much exercise at all so whenever I do start to ‘exercise’, especially after sitting down for a while, even if it is just walking it can come on me. So painful as you say.
Great post Dave, we enjoyed your company too. We will get a taxi next time eh?
Many thanks Bedford and Thomas of course for great write-ups. Almost felt I was there.
If Helder Costa is available for permanent transfer when his loan ends I’ll eat my hat. His stunning finish against Forest is just the latest of a succession of exhilarating exhibitions of his burgeoning talent which surely will not have gone unnoticed by his parent club. It’ll be a sickener when he leaves.
Otherwise, it sounded, from the commentary, like a much more composed and positive performance from the team which will surely boost confidence for the important, winnable fixtures over the festive period. Forest though, we must remember, are badly wounded by injuries and one wonders what difference Assombalonga and Lansbury in particular would have made.
Either way, three vital points, Cavaleiro improving with every game, good protection in front of the defence. All good. The January window looms closer. Graham and Williamson loom closer too. Happy Christmas everyone and an even happier New Year.
Costa and Cavaleiro eh..
Aren’t they 2 of the foreign players who aren’t good enough for this league brought to the club by that evil agent Mendes !!!
Just Saying Like….
The super 5 yes I’d agree, but Cavaleiro is arguably our future star player.
Did’nt go yesterday just had the joy of getting the result on Twitter. Back to back wins? Play offs?
I don’t think we should be where we are with some of the talent we have to pick from. Good to see Bright play well. I think Bod should start with Dicko though, however great to see a young talent coming through. As well as the promise of Ronan.
Dave Edwards gets slated not just on here but on other sites. He gives his all, wears the shirt with more pride than most. I am so glad he’s showing his form now, proving the doubters wrong.
Lambert’s comparison of his time at the club day and pre-him night is a strange one. But the poor results & wide disparity between 2-0 away win at Newcastle , 4-0 home defeat v Barnsley suggest all was not well run. Hope he can bring home the bacon & sort this slumbering giant out.
Great result but more importantly for the family young Connor got 9 minutes on the pitch and made his debut, brilliant news after his 30 yard free kick on Monday beat ‘them ens down the road’ happy xmas one and all
I’m not getting carried away, 1 swallow does not a summer and all that crap, but I was not there, so I stand corrected by the Guys who made it. If we do it again against Bristol City on Boxing Day then I shall start to dream again, but Brompton’s consistency is still missing for me to get all wet between the posts.
I will say though, Forest was a sell out, I went for Stoke tickets on Friday in the hope of convincing the young lad behind the ticket desk to give me 4 and then put another 3 in an envelope to be collected on the 29th. “No need for that he said, we’ve only sold 200, come tomorrow buy your 4 STH’s ones then come again on 29th”
I’ve played that game before and ended up getting the last two Villa tickets available, so no way chappie. So I went in Saturday, explained my plight, that I needed three putting aside for my Grandchildren and if I wait till the 29th there was a chance they won’t be sitting with me. Dohhhh. (defeats the object)
So I joined the long queue and the young lady behind the desk said “they had gone bananas and on-line sales were causing havoc”, so she pulled me 7 tickets out of the pile and put the said three in an envelope, Bless her cotton socks. The place was stacked out behind me and everyone were after the Stoke tickets.
Anyone thinking about Stoke, don’t leave it too long.
My 5 to build around.
Ikeme
Siass
Costa
Cavalerio
Conor Ronan
These should be the first names on the sheet every week, then build in the in form players each week, Dicko one week, the next the new striker whoever PL gets in and then, 4 new defenders.
Stu,
I was there and though I appreciate your caution, there is every reason to be optimistic after yesterday’s performance – why:
A real team effort, closing down, winning back possession and everyone wanting the ball.
A clean sheet and solid defending, without the previously obligatory panic. Stears gives his all.
Freedom going forward: partly due to Lambert and playing away. There is often waaay too much pressure/expectation at Molineux.
Costa and Cav, the 2 winger bonus, plus both of them have had the talent and audacity to score some great individual goals of late. For me, Costa and Cav were the stand-out talents at QPR too.
Finally, as you say, Lambert encourages the young players (“the best he has seen anywhere “). This is the building block of a team dynamic,; anyone can be in the first 11/18 if they can produce the goods.
I am happy,, one should be able to enjoy progress.
With my very warmest wishes to you and the family,
JD
Didn’t that happen once or twice under Zenga, too?
Crikey Jerry, you were paying attention,
Thank you for that very comprehensive write up here. This blog is getting to be a really great source of info and the match reports not only from the editors but the bloggers fill in some of the gaps. I should imagine Cheeseburger reads this and thinks to himself, Christ I missed that. Lol just kiddin Cheeser, I love your contributions too.
Jerry,
I am popping into the Accessibility lounge on Boxing day after seeing Twixfix with his Stoke tickets, so if your’e in there I will catch up with you.
Regards also to the good lady and yourself.
Stu
Well done yesterday.
Finally we showed a cohesiveness.
Can’t help but feel more confident with Stearman in the defence.
My Five:
Saiss
Enobakhare
Costa
Caveleiro
Price
Complete Life saver of a cool
3 points..keeps us out of trouble and keeps that chink of light in our vision which could fade very rapidly..
Who would of thought it to win at Forest..? I certainly didn’t and imo you could reflect on previous matches where we continuously miss first half chances..in other words the game changes for certain goals..
Costa – to me prob the player of the season slips a right footer in from 30 degrees…what an amazing goal…- goal of the season contender..
Edwards my second best player of the season seemed to be everywhere too..
So we could take the next 6 points and then buy those needed players ….prob 5 needed..
unless Williamson is fit…would then equal 4.
Good clean sheet at the back…. Iorfa,could this be the beginning of the end?
I stand firm on the defensive rebuild and a marquee midfielder and striker in January ..
-only about £55M worth JS…..
The dream is not impossible..
Great result
COYW
Meant to say I’d agree with Thomas’s 5 who have done best thus far. As most will know I am not a fan of Edwards but I’d include him as long as he plays where played at Forest in a holding defensive midfield role where his attributes of non stop work rate and total commitment are best utilised and not in an advanced role where the requirements are more about skill, technique, creativity and flair. The other four pick themselves IMO. Longer term I see Ikeme, Saiss, Cavaleiro, Costa and Enobakhare as key.
As we have misfired for much of the season and not had a settled side
not easy to name a magnificent five. Costa,Edwards,Doherty and Ikeme have done well. I think Price should have played more but thats not the same thing.
Would still like to see the midfield stronger its always tempting to see the goals for and against as purely a reflection on the attack and the defence.
What makes me reasonably confident about the future and i will stick my neck out is Lambert. Not my first choice by any means and i know there are still many sceptics but i am just probably seeing enough to know it wont be the ever decreasing circles of Kenny Jacket or the exotic interlude of Walter Zenga.
I agree with all your five Thomas but we all know Dickinson should be there too but he just hasn’t got that extra sharpness back to make him what he used to be.
Dickinson.
The pressure of being a high octane businessman is getting to you buddy.
I agree with Stu, lets try to play well and win the next game before getting too excited. We know they can play well its just consistency we lack. We gotta sign Costa permanently if possible, and get Jordan Rhodes in
Jan (and some full backs)
As Bedford so succinctly put it in his excellent write up:-
“Wolves fans Eh?”
But as I remarked to the PMDG’er recently:-
“One swallow doesn’t mean you love me”.
I can’t believe I’ve just written that. Luckily she never reads the blog.
And as Osric says in Act V Scene II of Hamlet as The Prince of Denmark went 1-0 up in his duel with Laertes:-
“A hit, a very palpable hit”.
But we all know what happened to Hamlet.
But let’s take it, and the three points, and use it as a platform for the rest of the season.
And, unlike Shakespeare’s tragedy, let’s all hope for a happy ending.
A Merry Christmas to ALL bloggers.
Yes, I mean ALL.
“God bless us every one!”
I DO read the blog and you’re toast pal!
You spoilsport. Let the man dream.:-)
How does he like his toast Sue?….that’s definitely a red card…!
One swallow exactly……..do not get carried away.
For once PL pickled the right team shape and the players for those positions.
It’s quite simple really PRICE = POINTS.
SAVILLE = SOD ALL.
That’s it in it’s simplistic form.
But,
We don’t do simple Paul.
Thomas, difficult to disagree too much with the five players you mention.
Ikeme, Doherty and Edwards have been our most consistent players not just this season but probably for the last three and a half ever since Jacket took over. This season has seen Edwards mature into a leader on and off the pitch. If he doesn’t win a player of the year award this season I will eat my hat.
I would add Price to the list. We play much better with him in the side and he would be the first name on my teamsheet every week.
Costa is the pick of the summer signings by a long way. There was a bit too much diving at first but he has shown his bottle and talent over the last couple of months. I wouldn’t be in a rush to buy him as I still have nightmares about players being the bee’s knees while on loan only to turn to shite as soon as they sign a permanent deal, however if we could extend his loan for another year I would take that to start with. Perhaps Mendes can do us a favour there?
Cavaleiro is now coming good after a very slow start. I remember an interview in the E&S where he moaned that opposition players run too much for him! The talent is there and with a bit more work rate we will have a real good player. But where will he player when Graham gets back fit? Possibly as a striker?
Bodvarsson doesn’t score enough goals to be the main striker. Talented though and the challenge for Lambert is to find a system that suits his strengths.
I also think Coady has played consistently well this season doing the nitty gritty work either in midfield or defence. And Mason and Evans started the season well before getting injured. All could be very useful squad players.
Good to see Enobakhare and Ronan being given a chance. I’ve seen enough of these two young lads to be impressed enough to hope that I never have to see Teixeira in a Wolves shirt again.
This team drives me mad with their inconsistency. I had zero hope of a result at Forrest.
PL talks of getting in players with experience. We do have a few that already fall into this category > Edwards > Batth > Stearman > Ikeme > Doherty > Mason
What we do lack is a leader on the pitch, something we have not had for a long time.
PL has just found out that Dadi has not had a break from football for 2 years, no wonder the lad is looking a little jaded around the edges!
PL has also stated that he is looking for a striker. Where is he looking? They are a rare breed and finding one, and one that gives a decent return, is going to prove challenging at the least.
Who is out there with experience of this league AND would be willing to come to Wolves?
Not a lot spring to mind – David Nugent, Jordan Rhodes, Ulloa are a few, but out of those only Nugent would probably be available.
No doubt PL and his backroom team have identified suitable candidates.
January will be interesting.
Getting in one of those jobbing ‘strikers’ who’ve been round the block never seems to work, just upsets the balance. If we start playing as well as we did on Saturday, the goals will come from the likes of Dicko and Bright etc. Strikers need service, it’s the midfield that is the key as well as intelligent passing out from the back.
If Williamson comes back to fitness, plus various others, there is a decent squad here already; they need sorting out and motivating.
Give Dadi a break, he’ll be fine next year, play some of the Academy lads, keep calm and carry on into 2017.
This is PL’s view
“I think you need at least four centre forwards and four centre-halves, every other position has two.
“It’s a long season and centre-halves and centre forwards get kicked.
“Dicko is a threat, his pace and his power. He needs a goal but he’s been great.
“Bodvarsson hasn’t had a break. But we have to get them through this period until we get to January.”
Going by that he’s going to bring in new faces in both the striker and centre half positions. But from where?
Just been to ticket office and got 7 tickets for stoke. Quite busy in there for a Monday morning. I think we will sell out. I see Blues home moved to Fri night 24 Feb for sky. I am sure the plod will love that. And merry xmas to all bloggers on here.
Williamson, Mason and Prince all playing tonight at Telford 7 pm ko against West HamSTH’s free everyone else £3.
Worth a look
I would be inclined to add Jack Price to that list of 5. He brings a stability to the midfield that would only get better if he had a long run in the starting line up. I didn’t realise that Dadi had been playing so long without a break so I reckon PL should send him home for 2 weeks over Xmas and perhaps he would come back with that bit of sparkle that’s been missing of late.It is a real pleasure to watch him when he is on the top of his game.
I generally agree with Thomas’s Fab Five but I would like to add Cav as well. Bod will come good again and, although not a natural scorer, he could be the equal of Kevin Doyle at his best, as a hold-up player. Every team needs one, just like every team needs a Dave Edwards. Kevin Doyle did wonders in the PL for us, pissing off the other side by holding onto the ball around their penalty area, thereby giving our defence a breather.
I’m generally very optimistic in my postings and I am even more now. Once Paul Lambert is allowed to wheel and deal and shape the team in his own image, we will really go places. Another dour Scot, Fergie, didn’t have a good start an Man U, did he? Lambert is both a dour traditional Scot and also a student of the modern game. This will work wonders for Wolves.
Steve Showcase.
This one’s for you, it’ll all end in tears, bringing back players that didn’t want to play for us before………
http://the72.co.uk/69824/wolves-looking-to-bring-back-former-star-player/
As Costa is only on loan we could perhaps use another skillful winger, although when Sako did play for us he wasn’t all that consistent, and putting all the play through him unbalanced things a bit. Certainly skillful though, and him and Dicko and Afobe together – if memory is surviving Xmas stress…..could be awesome at its best
Oh, I dunno Stu. Sako is one of the few I would have back. Not that I rated him THAT highly, but he stayed loyal to the end of his contract, played to his max (unlike some) and when he did his lap of honour after his last game, there was a tear in his eye. I saw it myself.
He just wanted to test himself at the highest level. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe he can do it with us.
Going to get shot down in flames but here goes. Never really rated Sako. On those occasions I saw him he lost the ball too often usually by taking on one opponent too many and running into blind alleys leaving Wolves open to counter attacks. OK moments of brilliance but outweighed by poor decision making. There’s a reason for Palace moving him on.
Nooooooooooooooo. It won’t work, it just won’t.
Me too Cotswold.
Call me old fashioned but I was Stevie Bull through and through and if Edwards keeps playing as he is I will back him all tne way home, as he is a faithful dog like Bully. Bully chose Wolves over a few teams and his England career would have been better had he chosen the £ sign over loyalty.
Sako, Afobe, and others made it known long before they went, that they wanted the big time. Now I back them 100% over their decision as it is just that, their decision, they thought of their own career and family to try and better themselves. Time has proved with both Sako and Afobe they are just not good enough at that level, so why do we want them back. We have Conor Ronan sitting in the wings, Zyro (who I thought would never play again) and jordan Graham chomping at the bit. I would take a fit Jordan Graham any day of the week over Sako and I would take Leon Clarke over Afobe.
This is my opinion only and as I said, “I believe in loyalty over the money” any day of the week.
Sako Has been injured the whole time he has been at Palace… So a comparison cannot be made although he looked great in their first few games before his injury I remember. Scoring the winner against the Villa was magic…
Afobe left because Morgan wanted all our good players gone before he cashed in his chips.
If Sako had Stayed so too would of Afobe and we would probably be in the Prem by now..
Instead Steady progress has been made backwards towards league 1…
Yes we all worship Bully but that was in the old days before Money took over…
There is no loyalty in Football today and hasn’t been since SKY got their hands on it.
There is only Money that talks.
Until Wolves and us fans all understand that is how the game works today then we will never get to… or be a success in the Premier League..
Sako Yes Please..
The sole reason we got out of League 1 and finished 7th in the Championship.
Not just because of how he played but because he brought out the best in Dicko..
Best Strikeforce we have had in years were Dicko Aforbe and Sako together..
Then Morgan let Sako go and the other 2 lost interest.
If we all put our heads on not put a hand on heart..I don’t think anyone including Stu could deny the match changing ability of Sako…my God do we need him currently..
We could put Jordan Graham on the other side…but look at Dicko and his current ability….when Graham comes back will he be the same player ? I hope so but Sako is hungry he loves the fans too and vice Versa …
It would be like Xmas……
Then the difficult one ..if Afobe said that all the Wolves fans are wankers,he used us for fun and he wanted a stepping stone back to Arsenal and sacrifice us I’d still take him tomorrow..This is football..let’s use him this time..he was the best striker since Bully ..Who was better?
It’s plain and simple to me…and we can pay real wages..Sako’s extra gate money pays his wages…Afobe as a striker on the ball..utterly out of sight..
We don’t sacrifice the club, the future route
to the premier on – principle…Clive too…
Paul Lambert please note ..take the easy route..
I would take Sako back in a heartbeat. I saw him win games virtually on his own too often not to. His close friendship with Dicko also needs to be taken into account. Sako would help bring the best out of Dicko like he did before. Afobe I am less sure about but I agree with you Steve that football is business and if he could once again score goals that help propel Wolves back to the top flight then let’s have him back.
I disagree wholeheartedly. Yes he was a match winner, but he played when he wanted to. I do no want him back – there are far better 90 minute men out there.
I will say no more.
Without him we would still be in league 1
I’ve said it before and I make no apologies for repeating it.
Sako and Afobe thought they were bigger than the club and had to prove it by taking the Prem by storm.
That worked out as planned, didnt it?
If they wanted to be superstar Prem players, why couldnt they channel all their efforts into getting us into the Prem?
Sako played in fits and starts, had two good games, perhaps, and then an anonymous one or two.
Afobe threw his toys out of the pram when things got tough, and his bottom lip stuck our further than Suarez’s teeth.
Neither of them have done anything notable since they left us, and there is nothing to suggest that if they did return, they would do anything different when times got tough.
I agree with Stuwolf, loyalty over money.
Stearman is not doing too badly since HE came back, because he never wanted to leave in the first place.
And, what kind of message would it send to other players if we bring back second rate Prem cast offs, instead of much better proven players.
And dont give me the bollocks about not being attractive to good players because of our temporary league position.
Fosun have more money than dog, and unless y’all have had your heads in the sand and your thumbs up yer bums for the last 25 years, you will know money is the ONLY thing that matters to most footballers.
Anyway, rant over.
I really enjoyed seeing Ibrahimovic’s unpunished thuggery, and really rubbing their noses in it by scoring a second.
Is there a term for rubbing the shit in the shit?
And I bet Everton fans are still crying about their latest debacle!
Oh, forgot.
Brilliant result from Gumptown on Saturday!
FOwb
I Disagree.
If Steve Morgan had Shared the Ambition of the Players and Fans alike He would Have moved Heaven and earth and used up some more of his Cash to keep those players at the Club.. He Didn’t. He wasn’t interested..
The evidence is there and proves it. We have only gone backwards since they departed and we have never found replacements as good as…in fact even our super agent hasn’t…
I knew you’d respond lol…
Clive Clive Clive… its Christmas..It’s football.. just forgive them ….I repeat too..what striker was better than Afobe after Bully? (and who scored as many ) cue Brompton on stats…
Sako besides terrorising championship defenders and scoring key goals (before DB /Steers gave away his lead) has Wolves running through his veins….
Happy Xmas.
Utter utter tosh. Just a luxury player, that is all. His return is not going to happen hopefully. If it does I will go and watch the shit play …….?hmm, maybe not, but I will be upset.
Merry Christmas to you as well Steve.
How long was Afobe with us?
How long was Mr. Bull with us?
How many times did Mr. Bull decline a move to a Prem side, compared to Afobe?
How many times has Afobe played for England?
How many seasons on the bounce has Afobe scored 50 or more goals?
The only player who comes remotely close to Bully’s time with us, and at present his scoring feats, is Edwards.
And by my calculations he will have to play for us until he is 204 years old to break Bully’s 306!!
The great thing about this blog is the differing but respectful opinions we all have.
Have a great Christmas, y’all
FOwb
Did you say respectful Clive – is that like you and Amanda when you go of on one?
Happy Christmas everyone one and a prosperous Wolves New Year.
Of course!
Me and Amanda go way back.
It’s just good natured banter, isn’t it, Our A?
Ya bitch!!!
Clive,
You should have married her when you had the chance.
Candy
Who sez I didnt???
I had an extremely interesting conversation with a VERY well known sports journalist on Sunday who told me some amazing things about Wolves and the January transfer window. Won’t go into details right now but this guy knew exactly what he was talking about and knows most of the key people at the Club very well. I met him though my cousin at a family reunion do in London – my cousin, now long retired, worked for most of his life in Fleet Street (as did his father – my uncle – and our Grandfather with the family association with Fleet Street going back to 1911 when my Grandfather was a cub reporter and reported on the Sidney Street siege as one of his first assignments). My cousin Rob introduced us as he has always marvelled at the way that I seem to know everything about Wolves and have done since I was a small lad and knew that I would be in raptures meeting and talking with someone like this chap. I have no reason to doubt what he was saying to me and he even showed me proof of what he was saying by way of emails and messages on his phone. When I get a chance I will post some of the things he told me – he knew the full list of players on their way out in January either by being sold, loaned out or being returned to their parent clubs as well as the names of the new signings that have already been lined up and agreed. I was in heaven – and I think we will all be excited and happy come January!
You can’t shed any light on the whereabouts of Lord Lucan could you while you’re at it…?
He was a forward for the shit, and like all their other forwards over the decades, disappeared when the going got a bit tough!!
Lord Lucan was last seen visiting the Albion trophy room.
That won’t be a good hiding place …there’s f@@k all in it…!
Look, if you lot are just going to take the Michael I will not say anything more – knew you’d all do this you rotten lot!
As long as Sako aint on that list …………..
He is a Journalist and you believe Him…
Really hope its not Tim Spiers….
That’s a bit mean. You are teasing us in that you say you have information but are unwilling, or unable, to share.
Tell me if Suárez is on the list as I had a dream he wanted to leave Barca and come to Wolves.
Brompton you’re all heart…and stop poking me with a stick ..and hiding behind Clive..
Your both disillusioned and Brompton I’m nominating you for the chairman of the bring back Sako club…
Happy Christmas to you too in fact all bloggers..may we get 6 points out of the next two games..please…..
COYW
Hee hee, I must say one thing though mate. I never ever hide. That is why I did not get promoted to Lt Col Steve, I was always up front and shouting the odds lol.
As for being Chairman of the Bring Back Sako club. Yes please. I can then make sure it don’t happen as Clive will tell you, I am good at making stats read the way I want them to.
Chalkie the Brompt couldnt hide behind me.
He doesnt have love handles, he’s got the whole friggin’ door!!
the whole door and the walls around it mate.
Nice to see the players have clubbed together to raise and present £8000 to the father of a young girl suffering cerebral palsy. This money plus that raised by the family will help the kid to have an operation which could help her walk. The family are from Low Hill and are Wolves fans. Well done Wolves and the players.
Yeah COD …saw the video and very moved to know that this young girl will be given the opportunity to try help her to be able to walk..
Well done to Danny and the boys…
Me and Ledbury after breakfast this morning
Safe trip home, young man, and happy Birthday for Sunday.
Thanks for your hospitality Clive, a pint will be waiting for you in May. In the freezing fog of Frankfurt airport, Houston certainly seems a long way away.
Going to be a very interesting January and beyond. Seems like Marshall is certain to be coming in probably because he can cover wide right as a winger or full back. With Costa likely to leave at the end of the season Ola John making no impression and Jed Wallace seeming to need to drop down a division we will need cover on the right. Unless of course Armstrong follows the path of Graham Bright and Ronan and is given a chance maybe it’s a bit early for him. Things seem a little different on the left with Cav in possession and Graham maybe starting the comeback trail. But what if Cav picked up an injury in the next couple of months we would have a magnificent left sided resource watching from the treatment room. So is there room for Sako, yes I think so but no longer with a guaranteed place and maybe a squad member. If he suspects that is the case he could choose somewhere like Sheff Wed. On the subject of returning prodigals lots of talk about Afobe filling the void up front but if the ethics of his reason for leaving cause concern how about considering another ex wolf who left reluctantly by being shown the back door and has since quietly gone about the process of learning his trade. Sam Winnall has done a great job wherever he has played and maybe deserves another chance. Very impressed with Bright at Forest if hhe can avoid injury I think 2017 will be his year so let’s hope none of the purchases or formation changes impact on that. Would be great to see more of the kids coming through Ronan definitely looks the part and I think his midfield partner in the Wolves team that plays in 2021 Champions league final will be Jordan Allan. Well doesn’t anyone else have a dream? Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year to you all.
Fans Parliament last night,
I’m not going to steal Ben’s Thunder, but for all you bloggers out there worrying about Thelwell interfering, PL stated on record he is his own man, they may bring in who they want to show him but at the end of the day he will decide who He does and does not want. If that changes he will walk, end of. No if’s or buts he will walk.
He made this very clear and commented that the Summer transfers were a farce and how could any team integrate 13 new players as quick as this. So expect his signings and if it goes tits up we can slate him.
Talk about the return of Sako in the newspapers. If this is true then why would we sign him on loan when he is off to the CAF from 14th Jan to 5th Feb (if Mali progress)?
THE DEFINITION OF A TRULY AND GENUINELY NICE MAN.
You meet someone for the first time 7 months ago.
You only spend a few hours with them.
Despite their online persona of a foul-mouthed football lout they turn out to be something of a cuddly teddy bear.
You live on different continents but exchange the odd message due to a shared love of the same football team.
On hearing that your better half is unwell they send you numerous and regular messages of support and positivity.
Then at Christmas the postman delivers a huge parcel addressed to your better half stuffed full with a veritable array of goodies all of which are incredibly nice.
Your better half is visibly moved by the kindness and generosity of said someone who she has never even met.
You yourself are equally moved at such a gesture from someone who, as mentioned, you have only met once and then only for a few hours.
It is said that everything is bigger in a certain U.S. state that begins with a ‘T’. I don’t know about ‘everything’ but certainly from my experience they definitely have very big hearts over there.
Thank you.
A very Merry Christmas to all Wolves Bloggers and a Happy New Year to you all.
I know mate. People have said that that certain person is arrogant and foul mouthed. They do not know the man we know. I have only met him myself 3 times and the man is a teddy bear and a man of humour and intelligence (apart from not getting a single correct result on the Predictions League yet).
A Merry Xmas to you and your family too Bedders.
I have only ever met the man once as well Dave. He was the first person to speak to me and Sue at APVH on the day of the Sheffield Wednesday game last season. I had my “Newark Wolves” shirt on and a voice behind me said “is that Newark, New Jersey ?” if I remember rightly. And from then on I really enjoyed his and the rest of the bloggers company.
I can vouch for the character of our ‘Texan Tough Guy’ too.
And I’ve only met him four times I think. Although I’m pretty sure he spilt my pint in the Lafayette in ’72.
When I went through my problems earlier this year he sent me oodles of cards and emails and ‘phoned me on a regular basis even when my throat was so bad it was too painful to speak (the bastard). I think he just liked talking to the PMDG’er.
He is one of the sweetest men you could meet and I am proud to say that I count him as a good friend.
That was me said that, not her.
But I forgot to mention the most important thing.
We’re all rooting for your (much) better half Bedders. May the New Year bring Glad Tidings and Good Health to you both.
A big (manly) hug from me and a slightly smaller, but no less heartfelt, womanly hug from she.
Bedford Wolf,
Thank you for sharing this with us all, you didn’t have to, but the fact you did shows how much you appreciated the Texas exiles genuine intent. What a lovely story to put us in the Christmas Spirit.
Never Judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes.
If he doesn’t like what you say about him.
He lives in Texas and youv’e got his shoes.
If only Amanda Cu@t was as magnanimous and less opinionated. She/he would see what nice folk are on this site.
The World is full of nice people who don’t have to shout how good they are from the rooftops.
Wishing the Bedder family nothing but positivity for Er indoors.
X
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/12/20/wolves-favourites-to-sign-big-money-aston-villa-striker-ross-mcc/
I guess we’re all talking about that BIG GOB FROM H IN T.
Well I can endorse everything that you fellas say about him…he’s one of the nicest men you could ever wish for a friend….he’s only one though because through this media outlet and Blog family I’ve met and adorned many, many more friends, who otherwise would just be strangers though the turnstiles. ( Please don’t start sing Frank Sinatra’s signature tune either.)
This Blog and the vast majority of its positive contributers are all fabulous friends…who would help a colleague whenever and wherever. …I won’t name you but you know who you are….but CFH ..who couldn’t predict what date Xmas fall on… you’re a top bloke.
I’m going to do an all encompassing “Merry Xmas and hearty wishes for the coming New Year to all Wolves Bloggers ( and Jeff
Shi) and lets make 2017 a year to savour and share our overjoyedness in May at the BloggersBallbash.
Taking a breath…I personally wish Mrs Bedford Wolf the very best of good fortune with your health issues and hope that the power of this Blog will see you ” over the line”….
Forgot to add ….I shall be in the North Bank bar with my NZ daughter Laura to receive any offers of free drinks etc …along with Stuwolf and Jen on Boxing Day…..xx
Fans’ Parliament – Ben’s minutes
Posted: 21 Dec 2016 11:26 AM PST
It’s funny how the fans’ parliament meetings you look forward to the least end up offering the most insight.
Maybe this one was so informative because Jez Moxey wasn’t there, speaking so prolifically as he would, but ultimately saying so little.
In this instance, manager Paul Lambert, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and managing director Laurie Dalrymple were upliftingly honest and in Lambert’s case in particular, quite inspirational when signing-off his two-hour appearance with an unscripted, spontaneous rallying call.
With the asset stripping old regime gone and their hairbrained stupidity no longer occupying my notebook, I was expecting a somewhat sanitised meeting of little genuine substance. In my humble opinion, it was anything but.
My highlights of the evening were as follows:
? We’ll only be bringing in two or three players during the January window. These will walk into the first team. The pressing need is to cut the squad back to a ‘manageable level’ featuring a more ‘domestically balanced group.’
? We won’t be releasing as many as 10 or 12 in January though. Lambert: “Some need to go out and play, some will not make it with me.”
? Kevin Thelwell on Jeff Shi and the 13 summer signings: “Jeff would be the first to say he has learned quickly.” (It was Jeff who decided to opt so exuberantly in the transfer window after watching the Rotherham game.)
? Paul Lambert would walk away from the club if he wasn’t able to bring in the players he wants, stating: “I’m no shrinking violet, I hope you know that. If a player comes in who I don’t want then I won’t be sat here. If it doesn’t go my own way then there may as well be a mannequin sat here.”
? We’d need to ‘re-mortgage Molineux’ to afford Helder Costa. We do have an option to buy him, but virtually impossible if we are outside the Premier League. Thelwell said: “But we are talking about other options and ways to be creative to keep him here.”
? The club was ‘dead’ when Lambert arrived, who now believes we are ‘miles ahead’ of where we were when he first walked in.
But I’ll start with Paul Lambert’s concluding sign-off, which was spontaneous, off-the-cuff and absolutely rousing. His voice quiet, his accent monotone, but his role as unlikely orator quite spellbinding as a packed room could hear a pin drop.
After answering each question honestly and openly, Lambert politely – but firmly – interrupted supporter liaison officer Paul Richards’s wrap-up (and request for appreciation for Lambert’s attendance) to provide his own:
“You have a brilliant club, but you’ve just come off the rails a bit and need to get back on track. But forget it, it’s gone.
You have got the history of the club, great togetherness here and I will do everything I can to be successful for you. It might work. It might not work. But we need a bit of time.
Your support is brilliant. You are on the cusp of something really special. The club is in good hands but it just needs a bit of help. If we all pull in the same way then we can have a really successful club.”
Onto the minutes themselves, I will go through topic-by-topic raised by fans, with my shorthand notes scribbling everything down as quickly as possible!
Why are players playing so badly? Some of them, particularly defensively, look to have lost all their ability and can barely control the ball!
PL: “I’m not seeing that. The feeling around the football club is a lot stronger than when I came in. I think it was dead when I came in. It could be exciting but we have got to make some changes.”
On the size of the squad
PL: “There have been so many players to see and the size of the squad is far too big. Ideally you would bring in two or three in the window. Bringing in 13 was nigh on impossible. Lads that have come in don’t know the league. Look at Henrikh Mkhitaryan at Man Utd. Helder Costa has hit the ground running, Ivan Cavaleiro is starting to do it but others have taken time to adapt.
On the make-up of the squad:
PL: “I think that the squad is unbalanced and not just a little bit unbalanced. You have got to have two players for each position. We have too many in one place and less in other places. There is too much of a gap in quality. There is a discrepancy. We are top heavy in the centre of midfield and the balance is out.
What is our style of play?
PL: “You need young, energetic lads to play the way we want to play. They are fearless, they have got speed if we press or counter-press. They are quick lads who can hurt you. We have got to be better on the ball. Jack Price is excellent on the ball so he is one who can retain the ball. But we don’t lose that pressing aspect. We have got to get into the habit of pressing the game. To be fair, they are miles ahead from when I first came to the club. There has been a major difference in going to get the ball. If you look at Fulham, they should have won that game, let’s be honest. But we kept pressing.”
What is your formation? Is there a Plan A?
PL: “Yes. I look at who we are playing against and judge it from there. For the Nottingham Forest game on Saturday, I watched them in the week against Preston. Then I had the idea of going the way that we did. I thought that the front four we chose would cause them problems. In modern day football, you have got to be flexible. It is better this way than playing in one particular formation.”
On Bakary Sako possibly coming back?
PL: “There’s no doubt he had a brilliant time here. You have to respect that he is a Crystal Palace player. Do I like him as a footballer? He is a handful. An absolute handful. But he has the African Nations Cup, so there would be a lot to weigh up. But there is no doubt that he was a massive success here.”
On Helder Costa signing permanently:
Kevin Thelwell: “He is on loan until the end of the season with no recall clause, you will be pleased to know. We have an option to buy. We might have to re-mortgage Molineux to get him. It would be difficult to buy him if we are outside the Premier League, but we are talking about other ways to be creative and keep him here.”
Kevin Thelwell on fair play rules:
KT: “You can’t continue to keep spending money with the financial fair play that is in place. We paid a lot in the first window which has to have implications on the next window. So it will be more out than in, but without question we do want to improve the group, so on that basis we will look at one or two who can come in and improve the team.”
LD: “We do have an owner who is happy to invest but we can’t flout the financial fair play rules.”
Why didn’t we think about this at the start of the season? Asked one fan…
KT: “Jeff will be the first to say he has learned very quickly. There are a number of people that support ‘the process’ here (in terms of recruitment). It was fair to say that after the Rotherham game, we had to make a number of changes quickly, so we turned from an evolved plan to a number of players which hasn’t worked. Nor has replacing Kenny Jackett with Walter Zenga. I’d love to say that we all sat here and said ‘let’s get 13 players from across the globe but that wasn’t the case. We are where we are.
“We need to reduce the squad to a manageable level. We’ve got to get back to a more domestically balanced group who can help us to move up the league.”
What is Kevin Thelwell’s role and what is the process on recruitment?
KT: “A sporting director role was created because the club does not want to subcontract the football club to one particular person (I couldn’t help but think of Mick McCarthy here folks!)
Let’s get more transparency, more diligence, go and meet the player. Will he fit with the style of play? And so on and so forth. That’s part of the role. Not all of it, but part of it. I would speak to Paul Lambert and say ‘you want a centre back, let’s sit down and talk about these types of players.’
“The only way we can sign a player is if Paul Lambert wants him.
Did this happen with Joe Mason? Asked one fan…
KT: “Kenny Jackett wanted Joe but he couldn’t find the right place for him.”
Did this happen over the summer? Asked another…
KT: “I want us to look forward rather than back. I think it is pretty clear how we want it to operate.”
Are you happy with this Paul?
PL: “I’m no shrinking violet. I hope you know that I left Blackburn Rovers at my own free will because I was not going to get my own way. If a player comes in who I don’t want then I won’t be sat here. If it doesn’t go my way then there will be a mannequin sat here.”
The message of only bringing in two or three isn’t clear amongst fans who will be expecting more…
PL: “If we keep bringing players in then we will be top heavy. I don’t think that there would be many more (than two or three). If you bring in four, five or six in January and don’t get rid of the ones you want then you have got too many to work with.
“I don’t expect 10 or 12 to leave. Some need to go to play, others will not make it with me.
“We need two or three new faces to freshen the place up a little bit.
KT: “Absolutely. We have got to get players in who are going to play.”
Will we be paying players off to leave:
KT: “We are not at that point yet. I think that would be counter-productive. Without giving too much away, we have got a number of solutions for a lot of the players. I just don’t think we are at that point.”
What do you think about the youngsters?
PL: “The best I’ve seen in years. Really, 100%. When you’ve got that bigger squad, you are stopping the development of Bright, Connor Ronan and Herc. You may as well scrap the academy. Bright, touchwood, is going to be a major star. Ronan the same, too. There are about six or seven of them. If you keep bringing in six or seven players then how do they develop? Young Niall Ennis is a terrific prospect too. I’ll be disappointed if a couple of them have not come through by the end of the season. It’s exciting!
“They need the right manager, at the right time, at the right moment. If they have fire in their bellies, the right attitude and the right ability then I will play them.”
One fan was worried about decisions to sell our best players, and used Kevin McDonald as an example, and worried Jack Price might be next:
PL: “Let me stop you there on Jack Price. As soon as I saw Jack Price I said he needed to play. Jack Price was great against Preston and did well against Sheffield Wednesday. The reason I took him out for two weeks was he was not ‘at it’ physically. If I’d have played him we’d have lost him for weeks on end. I was close to playing him together with Connor Ronan.”
A fan asked about bringing German players into the club, as Lambert has links with clubs there.
Lambert said it was difficult to prize players away from that country because they have such a great set-up there and players don’t want to leave. He could only really think of Ballack and one or two others.
KT added: “We are probably around 60/40 ratio (in terms of foreign players v domestic players). It is more 75/25 or 70/30 for successful teams that have got out of the league.
Other points were raised in the meeting, such as safe standing, new website (the company behind this gave a short talk about how it will be better than the current one) and ticketing. I didn’t take notes here as I needed to rest my hand for the points I felt were of most interest to you all. Please refer to the official minutes for these.
Some final bullet points:
? Roman Saiss is the only player in the group who might be affected by the African Cup of Nations
? Paul Gladon: KT said: “He probably needs to play more games. He has struggled to adapt to a strong, tough league. Intensity in Holland not nearly as high as in England. There is lots to work on, including making Paul more physical and competitive. An individual development plan is being drawn up to get him closer to the first team.”
? A lot of staff have departed / will be departing, including Matt Grayson, Lynne O’Reardon and Richard Skirrow. Existing members of staff promoted, with new opportunities being created for good people.
? Laurie Dalrymple talked about his role. Nothing groundbreaking here. A brief to be more efficient for Fosun, despite their deep pockets, I did warm to him generally. Quite a dry sense of humour, and you sense there is less spin and less appetite to grab a soundbite like his predecessor (who I note is at it again at Carrow Road, glibly talking of ‘promotion, promotion, promotion!)
In conclusion:
While this might sound convenient to many, there seemed to be an onus on looking forward, rather than dwelling on the past. Lambert alluded to this in his spontaneous sign-off, while Thelwell did likewise when reflecting on our summer spending spree.
Maybe the festive season is finally seducing me, but I would tend to agree – and hold no blame to Kevin Thelwell for our crazy recruitment policy. As our sporting director said, Jeff has learned his lesson there.
The bigger points for me are:
1. Our penny pinching, expectation shrinking regime of seasons gone has left.
2. Thus, those deep lying roots of evil have finally been removed, which stifled any hope of growth.
3. For a flower to grow in its place takes time. If lessons have been learned, then I expect some buds of recovery in the spring. Due care and attention is already in place.
Before this meeting, I don’t mind saying I wasn’t looking forward to it. Having been, I do maintain that – to coin a phrase from our manager – that we’re on the cusp of something really special.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Here’s to a happy 2017.
Ben
The post Fans’ Parliament – Ben’s minutes appeared first on Wolves Blog.
Ben, an indirect “thank you” for your comprehensive coverage of the meeting and for publishing your notes of it so swiftly.
I am sure that most, if not all, fellow bloggers feel the same.
The January window should be interesting!
UTW!
Am not quite sure why this Post disappeared.
Perhaps, the comment by Amanda, brought it down?
I wonder why Ben’s Post went missing off the Blog ?? Any roads seasons greetings one and all, I will be sat at the end of the North Bank Bar on the right if anyone wants to say ” What will it be ? ” on Boxing day, Have a good ‘un. COYW.
Whitley,
Twixfix, his good lady, his daughter Jen de Wolf and I will be there standing right about where you are as always.
“What will it be”
sounds like a good into, keep your ears open.
Stu Wolf
Look for us.
Strange why Ben’s original post on the Fan’s Parliament disappeared. I had put a full, considered and insightful response on it but looks like you’ll never read it now. I can’t remember what I put now I’m sober.
It is horrid when you write an amazing post and it goes missing. No matter how hard you try, you cannot replicate what you said previously.
It wash really good man!
Full of inshite and pointinent pertsh.
I’ve never read anything sho journalishtically shuperb.
I love yuh and all the bloggersh!
Happy Chrishmash all.
These fans parliaments are alright for a night out and a few beers but I think a lot of fans hang on the words of whoever is put up to talk more in forlorn hope than gaining any proper insight into the club or its intentions thereon.
Now I realise that I might have come over as a bit too negative there but I’ve been Wolves for nearly 50 years now and have an ingrained cynicism after witnessing some of the BS we’ve been fed down the seasons. I’m just pleased that my memory isn’t what it could be….what was I saying again?!?!?!
The good news is that we’re still going up, I read it in the stars, but don’t expect it to be a walk-in-the-park, we are Wolves, don’t forget!
UTW…..and Merry Christmas