Today was only ever about finding reasons to feel optimistic.
And by full time I left the New York Stadium feeling sufficiently nourished by what I’d witnessed.
Most of that owes to Jón Daði Böðvarsson.
The big Icelandic striker was supreme. Colossal. Even in a first half where attacking play from Wolves was minimal, his every involvement seemed to please.
For starters, he’s a big unit and won most of his headers. He also held the ball up superbly and showed intelligence with neat lay offs.
But most satisfyingly of all, he was happy to spin off, turn and run towards goal. Rotherham had no answer.
He only had one clear sight all game but stuck that in the top bin to cap a fine performance and encourage the inevitable slow clap celebration from the away end.
That equaliser was fully merited by the way, as Wolves bossed the entire second half despite being relieved of Dominic Iorfa’s services.
If anything, the sending off galvanised our plodding midfield into action, as Walter Zenga persevered with three at the back and simply asked everyone to work harder.
It worked a treat too, particularly after the introduction of Joao Teixeira who linked the play brilliantly and setup Böðvarsson’s goal with a perfectly weighted pass.
What pleased me most about him though was his attitude, as he continually offered himself up for a pass, pointed where he wanted the ball and demanded more from his team mates.
That’s an encouraging sign for the future, suggesting he won’t be a fair weather performer.
Prior to all this, Rotherham had taken a firm grip on proceedings with two disappointing goals from our perspective.
A glancing header from a corner (with nobody on the post) and a swerving, dipping 30 yarder seemed to have taken the game away.
They came out with greater enthusiasm and moved the ball well, but it was soon evident, particularly after Wolves pulled a goal back, they didn’t have another gear.
There was an element of fortune to George Saville’s goal, as he ran onto what looked like a loose pass, but the finish in rounding the keeper and squeezing the ball in from the angle was excellent.
I wasn’t overly impressed by his performance – similar can be said of Wallace and Mason – but that was possibly the defining moment in the game.
With a mandate to hunt the equaliser in the second half, Wolves were a different beast and the intensity was finally there.
There is much to improve and it’s safe to say we’ll face much, much sterner tests, but this felt like a good start.
With more signings almost certain to follow and a strong early display of team spirit, there are unquestionably reasons to feel optimistic.
Long may that continue.
I felt it was a refreshing change to see our new manager being prepared to make substitutions and change tactics and formation. His predecessor seemed incapable of reacting to what happened on the pitch, rarely making substitutions until the dying seconds and never changing shape.
Two soft goals conceded and a poor showing in the first half, yet we hung in, showed desire and got the draw we merited on our performance in the second half. It was great to see positive contributions from the new guys Bodvarson and Teixeira once he came off the bench.
6/ 10 for the team and 7 / 10 for Walter Zenga. With a few more additions to the team Wolves could do ok this season.
Midfield was a weak link last year, after KJ abandoned the Price/KMac partnership that served us well the season before.
I’d like to see Price alongside Teixera and Costa on the wing as for me, Saville, Evans, Wallace and Mason don’t look good enough for the level required.
I’m sure once we bring in some more new signings, things will take shape.
Good to hear Bodvarsson looks a player, him and Dicko could be a great partnership.
A point away from home is a decent start in the circumstances.
Here immediately was the reason why Mr Jacket had to go. A coach who responded to the needs of the game as it unfolded: not one who sat without emotion while failing to act as he watched the game get away from us. A great start Mr Zenga.
As for the team, we saw what we already new, that many members are not, and never will be of good enough quality to take us forward. But the two new guys were a revelation and gave us an indication of what is to come from a club now seemingly committed to genuinely creating a real team. That big Icelander, who seems to couple old fashioned presence and strength with no little skill and an ability to finish, is surely the center forward who will have the South Bank rocking again, whilst Teixeira at once showed the huge importance of having midfield player with skill and vision. So different from the plodders with whom we have had to persevere for so long.
On the face of it a draw at Rotherham is no big deal. But I for one take huge encouragement from the way this result was achieved. Wolves are again about to be going places
Seeing the line up particularly the midfield i feared the worst and the opening half hour seemed to confirm. But then things turned around even after the soft sending off. As others have pointed out Zenga seemed able to change and galvinise.
The performance of the new boys must encourage the owners to bring more in. In the past i have been sceptical of the transfer market as a cure all but football keeps moving on and with the current project it is going to be key. With Zenga the need will be Momentum.
First 30 minutes a disaster but took control after that. Was not impressed by the moaning and groaning around me early doors. Clearlt WZ has only been here 5 minutes. Give the bloke a chance. But I guess the takeover has got the moaners back in action.
Were you stood next to a certain Ms A.C. and all her many friends?
He was at Rotherham not Sandwell
The team which ran out on the field in the first half had much common with the team which finished off last season. When we conceded two goals in the first 20, I really feared the worst. “No way we’re gonna score two goals if Zenga don’t throw some creativity out on the field”, I thought, and that’s what he did. He even threw an extra striker onto the field after 45 minutes.
Rotheram fielded five new signings, if I remember right, which may or may not have had significance for their poor performance. One could of course say it’s a new season for everybody, so it may not have any significance at all.
One must praise Zenga for his work on the sideline, and perhaps an inspiring peptalk. The new players doesn’t seem to have any problem at all coping with championship. Nice work Mr. Mendes! :=) We managed to earn a draw with ten players, and the performance in the second half, judging by the report, made it feel more like a victory. A good start. Up the Wolves.
Great result in the end and happy with a point,but the same defensive frailties from last term let us down again I’m afraid.
Hoping for some reinforcements at the back sooner than later because our lot hasn’t got it yet and I don’t think they will unless Zenger can instil some good old Italian brick wall barriers.
As said Teixera showed what we’ve been missing,adding some quality at last to our midfield.
As for the sending off that was ridiculous red card and should be rescinded.
Happy with the point considering.Good spirit and big dadi was quality .
I was happy to see us staying with three at the back and keeping 2 up front after the sending off.I honestly don’t think KJ would have done the same, so thumbs up to the coach.
Texeira seems to have the quality and spacial awareness we need,protection from price with him could be a real combination in the middle.
All round happy.Silvio I’d imagine will come in for iorfa so that will be interesting.Harsh red card but the all round reaction was excellent from everyone and I think Zenga’s passion could be a massive factor going forward.
AIN’T NOBODY. LIKE JON DADI. MAKES ME FEEL GOOD. MAKES ME HAPPY……
As some have already mentioned if we were 2 down and down to ten men with Jackett there is no way we would have got a point from this game…
Feet still on the ground though as Rotherham are one of the favorites for Relegation.
Good to see all the big wigs there too shows they are serious.
Any point in this league is a good point, but need all 3 against Reading..
Well done Walter.
Very positive result the way circumstances went, just seen the reply of Iorfa’s sending off and I’m not too sure, seems a little harsh to me. Anyway a very well fought point and lots of good early signs from the new boys, let’s hope we can get a few more in the door soon. WAW /\_/\
Wolves Blogger no mention of the shock selection, Lee Evans over Price and Coady. He was not subbed either and will get stronger.
I don’t think it was a shock Evans was selected and a little surprised he hasn’t been mentioned in dispatches.
Entertaining game. Looked like we would stroll it after the first 30 , but when Walter went 4-5-1 (I think) in the last 15 , I feared the worst. I’m a little unhappy Stubbs didn’t respond to that but he ha’s a very clear (I hope not stubborn) style that I expected and got.
The change evolved second half and that dadi and tex guy were very scary indeed. We had no answer to the formers power and the latter’s skill running with the ball. Our (poor) defence looked scared put of its wits. Still, I was pleased with the football we played and continued to try and play though I would have resorted to warnock tactics in the second half.
Fair result given we were deservedly 2 up but it wouldn’t have surprised me if you had nicked it in the last 10mins.
Enjoy the season and enjoy your derbies especially.
Ian,
Magnanimous indeed, your pre post and this entry show the good side of football and all that I love about the game. Thank you for a fair and balanced assessment. Good luck also to your team, they have hope with tnose players that played yesterday and I think the press were a little unfair on writing your side off. You will be fine enjoy your season.
Hiya Ian …. thank you so much for your comments ….even as a fanatic for your club you have the good grace to speak your mind and to tell it as yousaw it…I commend you.
As Stuwolf has alluded ….we’re all football fans and it’s fantastic that you have the courage and dignity to come onto the blog and give an honest and balanced opinion…….well done mate ….
The greatest thing about this result is that we seem to be doing the obvious. KJs previous decisions and tactics were allways a serious and depressing head f#%k for me in our last regime..
The first half was tainted.Tainted with our old ways of conceding..conceding early too and the commentary ‘oh no that’s not what we wanted’ when the first one went in suggested a ‘here we go again’ scenario..
But there is such a managerial difference …as unfortunate that we let their first goal in we kept going confidently and Saville for all the wrath that will land on him for not being good enough did take his goal well..
I don’t know what the story is regarding price.Henry IMO could of shot his bolt too and will carry KJs legacy with him..
Teixiera however, truly and instantly represented the new regime and if anyone concideres KMac to be a huge loss (I did actually) then this player has his position covered with real flair..
The second half was everything about the obvious ..obvious about change of tactics obvious about seeking the equalizer and obvious about seeking out the services of our new super striker Bodvarsson ..
What a find he is and what a motivator ..can you imagine Dicko with him it’s almost a match in heaven dare I say it – a bit like Dougan and Richards..
It is also becoming obvious that a lot of the old Moxey regime / KJ players are at risk inc Mason…he could of won it for us so easily and showed that he simply isn’t good enough for the PL as that is in theory where we are heading..
The defence is glaringly inept again ….DB will HAVE to step aside to either play alongside a class no5 new captain even or bye bye ….I know what he will prefer..
The very new (minutes) regime has really started…the way that we came back with 10 men is representative of Zenga who has already created a never give up mentality..- a clever early statement ..
No doubt the signings will keep coming and as we get much stronger my faith in real money and what it has brought us so far remains undiminished …Its going to be more than £30M if Talisca arrives..more so we have a manager who could with all his passion very easily take us up at the first try.
This result was as good as a win in this instance if only to rectify the ailing old style and put us in to genuine exciting times ahead..
Very early days I know but I should of put that bet on.
COYW
The link with Jorge Mendes is an exciting one. He is renowned for spotting and promoting young talent. Possibly one of the cleverest men in world football has worked closely with Mournho – Alex Ferguson has taken his players without seeing them play. Power to Jeff…..and to our national media who scoffed at Walters comments yes we are more respected abroad than in our own country.
At 2-0 with 25 gone, I was naturally thinking ‘here we go,same ole same ole’. In actual fact, it was same ole because apart for big Dadi up front, it was the same players on the pitch that KJ had at his disposal.
But goals change games they say and Saville’s well taken reply was as timely as it was fortunate. From then on, the Wolves were on the hunt and even Dominic’s harsh dismissal couldn’t slow our forward surge. To score the equalizer with 10 men shows both quality and intent and Bodvarssen’s finish was brilliant following a superb through ball from Teixeira.
As many have said, both the new guys seemed a step above those already here. It’s easy to criticise KJ’s tactics but you can only use what you’ve got. Tex and Dadi played a big part in getting us back into yesterdays match, and there’s no way the previous regime would have bankrolled their acquisitions.
More signings to come, I’m sure, and the early signs, after the first 25mins, are very positive.
I must confess to being worried by the team selection. In particular Saville, Evans, Edwards did not look like a winning central midfield combination. When the first two goals went in my heart sank. Saville’s strike sounded like it would only be a consolation. When Iorfa got sent off, it really was a case of “here we go again”. Then we got substitutions and tactical changes from Zenga. A breath of fresh air after last season. The introduction of Teixeira to set up a goal for our new Icelandic striker was a joyful moment in its own right but, perhaps most significantly, it came with new owners (including Fosun Group owner) watching from the stands. In case there was any doubt that we needed investment to bring in a different class of player they saw the result with their own eyes. I’m sure we would have loved a resounding victory to kick off the new campaign but in many ways this was exactly the game we needed it to be. Next time Jeff Shi goes to his bosses asking for a few million to sign a player he might be asked “Why do we need this player?” but he won’t struggling to make a compelling business case. He can just stand there and do the viking clap. COYW.
Really enjoyed yesterday and so pleased we managed to come away with something after going two goals down. The first half was poor but at least we pulled one back before half time. I think zenga picked his weakest possible midfield from the start in Edwards Evans and Saville. If playing three in the middle price and coady could both have walked into that starting line for me. Interesting to hear that you didn’t rate mason I thought he did well when he came on, working hard and linking well with the impressive bodvarsson. Teixeira looked excellent when he came on I’m looking forward to seeing him again. I think our starting line up will look very different as the season progresses. Can’t wait for reading now.
Would have liked to have seen price in the starting line up, think he would have given us more stability in the first half. I can only assume Sav and Evans were picked for more creativity, for me those two along with Wallace are not up to the grade. Batth? I have to admit I’m not quite sold on Batth he needs a someone with experience along side him. New guys looked great and tex looks a game changer to me.
Coming off the coach on arrival the place was buzzing with the news that Price had had a major bust up with whoever in the management team, so he was on the bench. The one thing that pleased me from the whole affair is,vthat I clearly saw from where I was standing Zenga went over to him as the fans applauded the team at the end and threw his arms around him and made up bid style. Phew, can you imagine Teixira and Price dominating the midfield and driving forward to feed a hungry Bodvarsson.
A point away from home is always a decent result but to get that from two nil down and with ten men it seems more like a small victory. The new signings played well I hope they keep that form for the rest of the season and not fade away when the games start coming thick and fast. Remember when we had to send Doumbia for a rest in the autumn!
Pleased to see Evans given a chance as I always felt he had a bit about him but disappointed Price didn’t play. I think we play better when he’s in the team.
A very encouraging start.
A Coach that isn’t afraid to make changes, use subs & keep fighting! Yes we need a few more players but things looking optimistic, let’s go with it & see what happens.
At 2 down I thought we’d had it but I was proved wrong. Happy with a point.
Onwards & upwards.
With only a short time to get organised and assess, the manager unsurprisingly picked a team similar to the end of last season. The next few matches will be intriguing to see how quickly he lines up the team more to his liking. Like everyone else at 2 down I thought here we go, but good on the boys they turned it round. Both finishes were excellent. Regarding the sending off, even the rotherham guy was confused as to why the ref had blown the whistle! Very harsh and I wonder if we can appeal? Gonna be a very exciting season.
Thanks for the report, Thomas.
I think we have a lot to look foward to.
Dougan and Richards . . . .
Bull and Mutch . . . .
Bodvarsson and Dicko? Can’t wait!!
I am still in shock after yesterday’s game.
We made THREE substitutions!
Yes! Three!
Count them. 1, 2, 3.
And to be clear that’s three substitutions in the same game.
Amazing.
Especially nice to have people on the bench who can make a difference.
Sorry Bedford, what are you trying to say?
Please clarify.
Mason will have to start putting opportunities like that away very quickly or likely lose a regular place in the team. That was three points just waiting to be grabbed.
Shame about the opening half hour. But there was so much to be positive about, not least the fact we were the most likely team to get the winner despite playing with 10 men.
Texiera looks quality on first impressions and big Dadi could be a real find. Can’t wait for next week now.
Have to be happy with the second half though don’t get the comments on Mason. I thought his energy and movement allowed our new Icelandic hero to play. First half he was far to isolated with no help from midfield particularly Saville who was awful.
Big credit to the manager for going three at the back and doing positive ( that’s new) all his subs where attacking.
The new Portuguese lad looks a talent and as said a leader , no rolling around when kicked just get up and beat them again . All in not a bad start
If I was Walter Zenga………………..apart from being Italian, bald and with a 34 year old wife my team for next Saturday against Reading would be:
Ikeme
Doherty Iorfa Hause Silvio
Coady. Teixiera
Costa Talisca New bloke
Bodvarsson
Subs: Lonergan, Batth, Price, Evans, Mason, Enobakhare, Ennis
Obviously we need to have signed Talisca and that well known winger New bloke for the above to work.
P.S. wonder who’ll be the first to moan about me including Coady and not including Price?
Minus point from yesterday: If Edwards, Saville and Evans are the answer then we are asking the wrong question. Our midfield in the first half were truly awful and we got lucky to get that game changing first goal.
Plus points from yesterday: We now have a manager who is not afraid to make radical changes when necessary.
Mason made a big difference in the second half, Teixiera was a revelation and Bodvarsson led the line superbly until he struggled with cramp. Him and Dicko as a front two – Awesome!!!
OODCL
I want to give a few observations about the events that led up to yesterday.
In my heart I knew we were going to be taken over one way or another by a Chinese group as it transpires we have ended up very peachy if I say so myself, a group that fronts loads of companys and not a demi God wanting to spend the least amount possible.
KJ knew he was going, he knew the Spanish guy was in with a shout and he was treading water until a new guy came in, Enter stage left the Pantomime clown Zenga the joke,(newspapers comments not mine) who has turned out to be passionate, diligent, caring, knowledgeable and the Pantomime hero.
From the Pre – season farce we learnt naff all, Zenga learnt even less, In my heart of hearts I firmly believe KJ did that on purpose, (a big two fingers up to the management who sacked him) and to be fair, can you blame him. Crewe a boring draw, Cork all the folk that paid a lot of money to follow them to Ireland were served up a feast of U21 lads. Port Vale, the first team plus Bright, what did we learn from that excercise??? Northampton U21’s again with Coady who is being passed on. Genius pure Genius. Then Swansea, KJ sacked, we play his old team, Swansea beat us out the park without getting into second gear.
So, what did Zenga have to work with, what had he inherited? a team totally unsure of their own personal futures, unfit in the main, no structure or semblance of direction from the pre season joke.
So he could do nothing yesterday but play the cards he had been dealt. He played the only fit new guy Bodvasson who turned in a good shift and bagged a goal to boot. He checked out the others, who for most of the first half were found wanting. Got stung by poor defending for the first goal but the second was well built up, well taken and well struck & fully deserved no complaints from Wolves fans.
Then he used his subs well after a well taken goal, by a Saville that was being booed two minutes before he latched onto a big cock up by the Rotherham defence and then grew and grew throughout the rest of the game.
Enter Teixira, pacy, hungry for the ball, skillful, has a temper, and laid on Bodvasson’s goal with the obvious skill and vision we were lacking.
10 men down usually meant a heavy embarrassing defeat but not this season, it seemed to me and the guys around me that a switch had suddenly been turned on, they rolled their sleeves up and dug in. Rotherham had not made any head roads down Iorfa’s side all match, so when he went off it was not a huge loss and Rotherham to our surprise did not capitalise on that.
All in all, Zenga got his baptism of fire, he dealt with it well and despite the obstacles laid in his way he came out smelling of roses, the fans have taken to him, they have taken to the two new guys, (not enough play to assess Costa) and they have bought into the new Wolves, the owners were there to see it all and now we can expect movement again in a transfer market where we’ve been slow, we have’nt bought anyone for two days.
I fully expectvTalisca in the next 48 hours, why else would Gau and thevBenfica President be there if not to sign the £18.5 million cheque, my opinion only. But also a little birdie whispered something an hour ago, we shall see……
Onwards and Upwards for me.
Watch this space, more exciting things to come.
What did the little birdie whisper Stu?
Next 48 hrs. The start of phase two.
Come on guys …I corr wait that lung…… What’s goooooin on Stuey…?
Into the dream boys and girls
http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/deal-close-brazilian-midfielder-set-to-travel-to-england-to-complete-championship-move/
Deflation, disillusion, encouragement, despair, delight – I guess yesterdays match is going to be something of a microcosm for matches in the next couple of months.
The main negative for me is that we’re going to be playing sides a lot better than Rotherham and can’t afford to give them 2 goal starts. But the positives surely outweigh that; strong performances from the new signings, the old guard rolling up their sleeves and toughing it out, the manager not just using his subs intelligently but changing systems 3 times to find a solution. So all in all, a lot to look forward to in the mid/long term, especially if we can make more quallity signings. It was never going to all come together in few weeks, so patience is called for.
It had ground hog day written all over it at 25 mins or so yesterday, dire defending, no first touch and not able to string two passes together. I really thought it was going to be a trouncing and I am sure it would have been in the KJ era. However this is the Zenga era now and boy as the game went by did it not show. A half time substitute no less (all 3 used before full time) we had at least 3 different formations, the loss of Iorfa leaving us down to 10 men but still he kept 2 up front. The team gave it their all and could of walked away with all 3 points. The two new boys ( can’t spell their names with this prediction text) really made an impact and I am sure there is a lot more to come from them.
The only negative points were the poor first 20 minutes, why did we struggle so to keep the ball and find a pass, why did we have the same defensive frailties brought forward from last year. I am sure these will be a looked at by WZ over the next few weeks and action take to resolve.
All in all, not a bad first day at the office for WZ and it was good to see the vip seats full of Fosun members, GM and the Benfica owner ? It’s still Work in progress but at least we know there will be PROGRESS.
As I was lying in the sun next to the campervan yesterday waiting to go and watch the Captain Mainwaring of rock, the PMDG’er related to me the news that Wolves were 2-0 down at Rotherham.
“That’s OK” I said. “I predicted 2-2”.
That’s optimism and confidence for you.
So well done the lads for proving that my confidence wasn’t misplaced.
Earlier on, we were walking up Glastonbury High Street and passed the restaurant where Van the Man was having his lunch at a table next to a full length window.
I said to the PMDG’er “Shall I tap the window and wave to Mr Grumpy?”
She replied that it was probably best left because it could result in an unnecessary scene and a broken window or put him in a bad mood for the gig later on. We wanted to see him on top form.
I didn’t, it didn’t… and he was.
And a big shout for the support act, Jamie Cullum.
A brilliant evening.
A bit like Wolves season ahead then? Into the mystic.
I think the poor first 30 minutes was important for the new owners to see. They could see what quality player a low wage structure brings in and contrast that with the Bod and his talent level.
And then when Texeira came on, that hammered that point home even further about paying higher wages and the quality of player you can bring in.
I am glad they got to witness what Wolves fans had to for the last few seasons so they know how important new recruitment is.
Yes, and thank god Moxey left us so financially fit. Blah blah, blah.
If anyone is still pining for Kenny Jackett, and that includes you Thomas (!), surely yesterday’s performance was a wake-up call? It was tale of two halves. Kenny’s team played the first half and Zenga’s team the second half. It is clear that Kenny hasn’t left much of a legacy, but it isn’t all his fault. Without this takeover we would be relegation fodder with Kenny’s squad. Our pre-season was apathetic, capped by an unusually bad result in the final pre-season match.
I can’t for the new-look Wolves to be complete. It will probably take the January transfer window to really see what the future is all about. In the meantime I expect clear evidence to emerge backed up by results. Zenga gone by Christmas? Rubbish, he’s here to stay. I expect several more of Kenny’s team to be transfer listed by 31st December. Out with the old, in with the new.
As has been pointed out by many, Tex and Dadi were a level up on the rest of our team. Kenny didn’t have them as an option so can hardly be blamed for not using them.
Morgan kept the purse strings tightly shut the last year or two and if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Give Kenny the money now available and I reckon he could well get us up.
But that’s something we’ll never know.
Point taken Wolfstroker but my point is that many people predicted Zenga would fail, and be out by Christmas (in spite of the new signings). In fact even the new signings were rubbished by some, for example, they said we signed the “wrong” Tex, and how would the new signings survive the cut and thrust of the championship.
If Kenny had the money now available, he would still be far inferior to Zenga in my view. That is my point. If Zenga only had what Kenny had, we would still do better, although I doubt that Zenga would settle for the rubbish way Kenny was treated.
Point taken too Dances. I’m certainly not knocking Walt. I’m as desperate for him to succeed as the rest of us. I’m just being protective of Kenny who I feel get’s a bum rap from many on here he really doesn’t deserve.
I have to see far more of Walt in action before I could say that Kenny is ‘far inferior’.
In truth we were very poor in the first halve, and something definitely needs to be done about the defence. Hopefully when Silvio and Costa get introduced into the team they can tighten up between midfield and defence.
Obviously Walter must have had something to say at half time because We looked a totally different team after the break and even more galvanised after the Iorfa dismissal, Hopefully now Dadi the Iceman will go from strength to strength stunning goal!
On the whole well done team, lets make the next a WIN.
Yesterday just seemed to be a continuation of last season – 2 down quickly and the opposition all over us.
A goal before half time (and it was well taken by Saville, whom I like and rate).
Second half were are down to 10 men but instead of it getting worse it became better.
Enter young João Teixeira and Mason and it all changes.
Looks like in João Teixeira we have the replacement for Kmac I was wanting.
In the end a draw was a very good result.
Well done Wolves, well done Walter
🙂
P.S. Dadi looks like a very decent player
Out shopping Saturday afternoon treating the granddaughter to a few things. 3.30 Son in law says you are losing 2-0. Expletive deleted followed.
got back at about 4.00 to find score now 2-1, ends up 2-2 not as predicted but it will do for a start.
Plus points a manager who by all accounts can and will change things in a match.
A center forward who actually knows how to play in the position.
And a very happy 2 year old after being treated by nanny & grandad.
Not a bad day all in all.
Onwards & Upwards
Hopefully world record for a second tier player tomorrow people
Sorry 2nd tier club
Doogle
How was Van Morrison?
We saw him at an open air concert some years back and he was rubbish.
This was in the heart and heat of a Houston summer, and we went to get a cooling drink at around 8.00 pm only to find the bars were closed, at the insistence of Van Morrison!
Apparently he doesnt like the movement of fans up and down during his show.
The fact that EVERYONE was sweating their cobs off in the 100+ degree heat was obviously of no concern to him!
So we thought “stuff this for a game of soldiers” walked out in disgust and I have refused to play or listen to one of his songs ever since.
With regard to yesterday’s result……
Brilliant
Not many gave us a chance, and at 0-2 down, no one did, except the team themselves.
Big big kudos for what seems to have been an excellent come back
Felt like a win, as I’m sure our next game will be
Happy days are here again
FOwb
He was right on it last night mate.
It’s difficult to believe that a man who looks so much like Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring can have written so many great songs and still captivate an audience while performing them….. when he wants to.
Last night he wanted to – and he did in spades.
A mate of mine met him ( I’m a bit of a folk fan on the quiet ) said he was a miserable arrogant wanker . One of the worst people he d ever spent any time with !
Met him myself, London, on several occasions.
He is not always a grumpy man…..
And Leeds, Newcastle and Villa lost their opening games!
Life is good!!!
Fuckin’ A, Clive!!!
Ha ha just text the inlaw welcome to the championship. How vile!
As others have said the first 35 minutes were shocking, with enthusiastic and mobile opposition toying with our pedestrian midfield trio. The first wolves goal was hardly celebrated by players or fans, it was a goal out of the blue, and didn`t gloss over the level of ineptitude shown.
I thought Mason looked far better than most of the others when he came on, despite missing that late chance he was full of pace and running, something to work with I`m sure.
Yes we have the big centre forward Morgan wouldn`t buy, and the lad who came on to set up the chance oozed quality, so lets have a few more players brought in of that calibre please. That goal was outstanding, what a great finish – first of many I`m sure.
Well done the players, the manager and fans – great comeback against all the odds. Interesting times ahead.
I listened to the game on Wolves Player and I feared the worst when I saw the Wolves midfield. By the time their second goal went in the new season bubble was well and truly burst.
Second half was a total revelation. Saville came in for particular mention for his work rate. I was also impressed with Böðvarsson and not just for his goal. Right towards the end he was down with cramp but the next minute he was up and making a lung bursting run.
I was also pleased to see the top brass at the game. At least now they know the team’s limitations.
Onwards and upwards!
Have to admit I was somwhat bewildered by the half hour of horror. But I WAS pissed off by the negativity of some fans. For fuck sake. This is a new and exciting era. Is 4 new players in a week not enough? More to come? The two blokes who did make a massive impact were two of the new signings. All I am asking for is some patience whilst we build. Give WZ time. If the players coming in continue to be of higher quality than what we have then the future is bright. Cast away any doubts. Fosun mean business. There will be inconsistency. BELIEVE PEOPLE. OUT OF DARKNESS COMETH LIGHT.
Negativity from fans at the game, CheeseBurger?
I totally agree, Cheeseburger.
Whilst it’s reassuring that the majority of bloggers here appreciate that change will take time and, thus, have a measured and sensible take on short-term expectations and development – I was actually embarrassed yesterday by the irrational negativity of some fans.
It’s completely normal for supporters of all teams to be inpatient and fickle and, as Wolves fans, we’ve had to endure more false dawns than most – but what I saw yesterday just made us look silly and a bit stupid.
Re the game – really promising second half by the lads!
What you and I saw Manc Wolf. I nearly turned round to one bloke and was gonna tell him to fuck off. But i managed to control it despite 8 pints before kick off. FWAW !
Kford. Booing Saville. Sarcastic cheering of a shot half hour in. Singing Jack Hayward barmy army where prior to kick off it was walter zenga barmy arny. Some bloke saying this is what you get with Italian football. Other stuff as well. You was there. Must av noticed ?
I wasn’t there, mate.. hence me asking.
Unbelievable.
Or is it?
Wolves have always had its fair share of morons. I sometimes think they’re *waiting* for an excuse to be negative and boo, etc. I don’t get it and never will.
But even so.. those chants.. and so soon…? Ah well, well done for not reacting 🙂
After 30mins, my realist/pessimist prediction of 1-1 seemed wildly optimistic and a feeling of ‘here we go again’ pervaded. But this counts as a good result and Thomas’ report makes me feel even more optimistic. It also suggests that a Zenga half time team talk may be worth something! Wallace – he started badly last season but his return in the Burnley game showed great promise before he was injured. I see Price missed out again – just wait, he’ll be brought in as an alternative to Saville or Evans and show what he can do…..and then probably be dropped for some Portuguese import. I reckon he’s the most (irrationally) overlooked player in the league.
Everyone seemed thrilled at the presence of the Fosun chairman, Mendes and the Benfica President – it certainly shows commitment and potentially ambition. But does it also confirm we’re Benfica feeder club, or a Mendes cash-cow?? Maybe, given that the English leagues are way ahead overall of the Portuguese leagues, it suggests it could ultimately be the other way round??
Consider for a moment.
Silvio Free.
Teixeira and Costa loans.
Bodvarssen 2.5 million..
How much did Mason cost ??
These guys are very sharp Business people too.. with Ambition.
Then again that theory gets blown out of the water if we do sign this guy for nearly 20 million on 40 grand a week. !!
Well spotted Nige!
No comment. I said it all in the last thread as the goals went in.
Really pleased to hear about the new man up top, bodvarson. I love a trier and I love em even more when they deliver. Looking forward to more exciting news next week.
Really hope some of our exciting youngsters and players coming back from injury can also get chances this year too.
And the best news all week?
Not a single, solitary mention of morgan.
No best wishes to or from him, no good luck for the future, no nothing.
That for me shows his true colours, fuckin’ red!!!
Good riddance, hope I never have to see or hear about him again.
FO wb
Trust you to mention Morgan Clive. I thought we could all have forgotten about him by now.
Forgot to say that the first person that we spoke to on The Isle of Avalon campsite at the weekend was a guy who wanted to take pictures of the camper van – it’s ‘Prisoner’ themed (ask your dad, he’ll know).
I could tell by the cut of his jib, and his accent, that he was a West Midlands lad.
Turns out he lives in Chapel Ash. A really nice guy called Richard Harvey.
Plays the piano for a living.
Anybody know him?
Wow, Richard the Piano Player from Chapel Ash.
Never heard of him.
That’s funny.
He speaks very highly of you.
I don’t think anyone has mentioned it and if so, my apologies for plagiarism. But surely, unless my eyes are deceiving me, there was a definite handball by the forward that Dominic then was alleged to have pulled back. Stonewall free kick to us.