I started writing this as a post about players who, at the time, I was excited that we’d signed. However, as I began to note them down, I saw a pattern emerge.
All of the following came to us with the promise of being the type of tackling midfielder who we always seemed to be crying out for, but ended up being suited to defence.
Mark Atkins
Part of the ‘Golden Tit’ generation. Signed for a lot of cash, from the Premier League champions no less. A tackler that could anchor the Blackburn team when David Batty wasn’t playing. He was the right side of 30 and didn’t give the impression of being here for a final payday.
But even with his presence, it often seemed like that our center midfield was anonymous during. Maybe this was because he was a little one paced, so it isn’t surprising that his most successful time came as a sweeper under Mark McGee. He was adept at bringing the ball out of defence and could pick a pass.
Steve Sedgley
I rubbed my hands together at Sedgley’s arrival from Ipswich and thought we’d got the better half of the deal that included sending Mark Venus the other way (I was never a big fan of Venus’). Here we had Ipswich’s captain, a holding midfielder, vastly experienced, but still with some years ahead of him.
I remembered he often popped up on highlights scoring a nifty free kick from around the edge of the box and I thought that creativity would come in handy. But alas, much the same as Atkins, his lack of pace in the center of the park was wholly apparent. He was a player that seemed to cause grumbles amongst the fans and only really shone when he dropped back as a center half or as part of a back 3.
Venus on the other hand excelled and went on to enjoy the Premier League way ahead of the club he left behind.
Tony Dinning
Admired him at Stockport and thought “great, one of the better players from a ‘lesser’ side picking up plaudits”. He was a player I’d have been gutted to see go to a rival and we picked him up for a decent sum at the time. He always seemed to have a touch of class about him, but could mix it too. I thought it’d be the ideal combination of a tackling playmaker.
It wasn’t to be. I can’t recall him doing much. Maybe the odd decent goal here or there? He was probably blighted by playing arguably his best game for us on debut, when he either started or was switched to center back because of an injury crisis.
Ivar Ingimarsson
I always get excited when we pick up a player from the lower leagues in the hope that we’ve unearthed a gem. In Ingimarsson’s case, he’d just won Brentford’s Player of the Year before signing for us in the summer. And a Brentford-supporting friend of mine was immediately in touch to say that we’d signed “a cracking player”, but “why is your manager on about playing him in midfield, he’s a center half?”
And so it proved. Trotted out a few times in midfield but never really seen at the back, the Icelander vanished into obscurity and moved on. But surprise, surprise, when he did reemerge, it was in his natural position, leading a Reading defence into the Premier League where he didn’t look out of place.
And the exception to prove the rule…
Neil Emblen
Emblen went the opposite way. Signed for a decent fee from Millwall as an inexperienced but promising young center half, in a short space of time he went from a rabbit-caught-in-the-headlights debut at the back to an action man midfield display against the Albion. They couldn’t touch him that day. After that game, he couldn’t do any wrong in my eyes!
Although he didn’t have the talent like Bully had for goalscoring, Keane for natural skill, or Lescott for composed defending, Emblen is one of my all time favourite players. A likeable guy, I enjoyed his all-action approach and versatility. A true ‘putting a shift in’ performer.
Paul
‘Houston Lobo’
Follow me on Twitter @PaulLappage
Thomas: If you’ve got a good idea for an article, please don’t hesitate to send it over to me. Pieces that aren’t time sensitive and can be used when there’s a space between matches are preferable.
great piece to discuss and good idea but i cant comment….my depression is depressed ..just totally empty of thought and opinion due to game after game of rubbish ..sorry
Surely the pick of them all was the late, great Francis Munro. Physically strong, quick and with two great feet – my God how we could do with him now. Here’s a thought – Nouble is alleged to have pace to spare and is solidly built. Can we not turn him into a centre-half ?
I agree Francis Munro, thru my rose tinted specs, was a superb player.
Dinning, Atkins, and Emblen weren’t very good.
Ingarmarrson did a sort of Elliot Bennett.
Feel similar to Old Gold Haters Albion.
Unfortunately, the thought of mid fielders ‘converted’ to defenders, has too much association with ‘attackers’ turned to ‘defenders’, step forward Stephen Ward.
Quite amusing that you failed to mention the greatest convert of all. Do you not remember an inside forward signed from Aberdeen called FRANK MUNRO ?
Don’t think we should put the boot in too much mate. The article is about players he saw. We all know how good Frank Munro was, but not all of us were lucky (or old) enough to have seen him play.
Seems that signing players without the natural pace to play in their prime positions, is a curse that has dogged the club for years. MM carried on this project to the best of his ability by for example, letting Mark Little go, and replacing hime with a real lightwieght in Foley, but the classic best player he ever signed, Ward, so ponderous and lacking in mobility, that he remains an embarrassment.
From the reports it seems the Palace players were quicker in both feet and mind and no great surprise really, that team have been built up over two or three seasons. Others players like Gleeson, full of pace and movement, out the door, MM`s legacy for sure.
Moxey says the fans have every right to be angry, well Stalle will be the fall guy for the two incompetents running the club, which has been asset and cash stripped by the owner.
Mark Atkins is of course manager of Matlock Town, hardly setting the world on fire but has enough in his pension funds to keep him well fed, and good luck to him for being in the right place at the right time.
Players fit for pupose and not square pegs in round holes. Can`t see any of our current squad moving back into defence, shame but the obvious problems evident for so long will cost serious money to fix, and Morgan does seem to be bothered about problems on the pitch.
I was thinking about Tony Dinning the other day; always remember being surprised when he went to Wigan; thought he was decent. Wikipedia tells me he was last seen at Bridgnorth Town with Lee Mills, who I’d completely forgotten about.
I remember Gazza telling a story on the radio about being in the players bath after a game at Spurs, when, as the bubbles cleared, a turd floated to the top. Asked if he knew who was responsible, he said yes, but couldn’t say it on air, because “Steve Sedgley would kill me.” Nice.
Loving that Gazza story Neil – truly revolting.
As for Dinning, I seem to recall him not settling in the area and preferring to move back up north, but Wikipedia suggests Dave Jones just wanted rid.
Never really did much for Wolves (despite a strong debut) but was virtually an ever-present with the Wigan side that got promoted to the Premier League as champions, so must have had something.
yeh i remember that story too!
my all time memory of steve sedgely is the fa cup semi at vile park, when (if memory serves) sedge stood facing his own goal when a long ball was lofted over him, he failed to notice this and the fastest man up until usain bolt (george weah’s cousin or something) bolted past him and secured the arse’s place at wembley.
that match was also notable for Magoo starting Keane and Bull on the bench with steve ‘all bustle no product’ claridge and presumably super don ‘he does a lot of charity work in the area’ goodman on the pitch.
egads
Good article man, names that bring back a few memories alright. The jury was out on mancienne , but I thought with a bit of investment in the kid , he could have become a fine centre half at wolves. Couldn’t be any worse than some of the present crop. Versatile too( for even a full back berth).
Anyone remember George Miller?
Yeah, last played in the 9-3 defeat at Southampton.
I’m sorry to say i was at that game, 1965? something like that and i’ve detested Soton ever since. We were 4th in the table and had our brand new signing on the bench. A certain Ernie Hunt from Swindon. How many of you remember that little midfield maestro? Our present lot aren’t fit to lace his drinks!
£40,000 from Swindon-what a bargain.
Ernie Hunt – my first ever favourite player.
Interesting look back.
I simply can not believe the drivel spouted by Moxey and now the players are at it again. I for one do not want to hear they are taking their share of the blame.
Throughout my career I have allways believed in keeping it simple. Something is very wrong at the club. For me it is to do with money and restricitve budgeting.
The continuous policy of picking up cheap buys and bargains can not be sustained we are in a situation where we are just falling a part.
Clearly some players have lost motivation and have gone of the boil. They seem confident no one is chasing them.
Coaching seems poor.
The manager can not motivate, this is a major part of his role.
We have players on loan who on papaer should be at the club and pushing through. Clearly this is Moxeys doing to keep the wages down.
A CEO who can not do his job. Have you noticed how long it takes him to do things, we never seem prepared for the window.
An owner who doesnt seem to care much.
Now we have players telling us they might be partly to blame and have to do better.
there arent any players suited to defence in our squad especially the defenders! i think moxey would make a good goal filler – at least they would keep a clean sheet!! got to go…nursy is calling
Old goldy had surely you are too old to be messing about with nursy?!
dont you be rude about him!!! joke-before i get labelled…if i feel old alf its caused by watching the excuse of a football club!
I bloody loved Neil Emblen. We could do with him now.
Don’t get players in the Wolves side now with passion and determination like that guy.
So SS is not worried about keeping his job. Well he should be. What motivates him then.
My only hope is Morgan comes back and takes a hand in fixing things.
Mind you I am still nervous and rememeber how the Liverpool board who knew him would have nothing to do with his proposals for the club.
Not exactly the same type of “conversion” but as I recall a midfielder who turned lethal striker.
Betwixt Dougan & Richards and Gray & Richards we had Alan Sunderland & Richards. How good did Alan Sunderland turn out to be (rhetorical question). I know he wouldn’t move a yard either side to collect a stray pass but that didn’t stop Arsenal buying him.
The most famous “conversion” of them all of course……….Peter Knowles.
Too bad the JWs can’t knock a few doors where the current squad live and take them off our hands as well 🙁
Good blog, the problem is if the current lot went on the knocker they could not convince anyone of anything. For me Sunderland reamins an enigma, could be sublime at times.
If only “We want Knowles had stayed” Mind you he was probably looking for a move anyway.
I think that somebody should put the JW’s right.
If there really was a God, Moxey would be somewhere very hot by now – and I don’t mean standing in front of a pie stall.
So there is hope, maybe Johnson can convert to being a centre half instead of his current role as impersonating a lost stroke victim in shorts.
The way he points at others when he leaves his player free in the box really gets me..and the comment about Mancien is on the money more ability in his big toe than this lot, just needed develing
Thanks for taking the time to read and post your comments all.
And yep, I should have put a note that these players were from my generation of support – the mid-90s onwards.
My apologies to you Houston if my comment did not come over too well. Did not consider I was ‘putting the boot in’. Think Thomas should look at some of his past comments when he has disagreed with opinions. ie Karl Henry and SEB but it’s probably an age thing…
I wasn’t having a go and it’s got nothing to do with ‘disagreeing’. I think you misinterpreted what I was saying.
Now Now lads!
Leave it!
We’ve all had a drink!
Well. I have anyway.
Thomas just trying to protect his fledgling contributers anyway Mr DOOGooder what time do you freelance graghic designers knock off – do you need an assistant ?
Still in Christmas mode here.
I’ve given myself the week off.
And to be honest, the only drink I’ve had so far today is a nice cup of tea.
But there’s plenty of time yet!
The season Mark Atkins played as a sweeper in a back 5 was Mark Mcghees best season at Wolves. From memory we had an incredible away record that season being very difficult to break down. The problem was at home where we didnt score enough goals and we had to many draws – and Jason Roberts was sitting in the reserves !
To more pressing matters.
I see SS wants to meet M&M to talk about player needs in this window. Pardon me for raising this but it is Jan 3rd already, most teams will have their plans and budgets sorted. How can we possibly be ready for the window?????
Also see our recruitment guy started today.
We can all see the statements from Moxey writing themselves.
We didnt have time to prepare with new staff members coming on board etc etc etc.
Puke puke puke.
Yes, sorry to keep coming back to this but we don’t have a fc*k*ng clue. I think most players that SS signed are now injured – Margrietter, Pzesko, Boukari, Doumbia, Sako, Siggy. We need cover more than ever and only seem to be bringing back a couple of loanees. Cassidys goals appear to have dried up but Doherty may be useful cover and of course, its a cheap option.
Love the thread and had great expectations for all these players but they failed to really deliver as much as was expected of them. Mind you, wouldn’t mind a few of them back this transfer window.
Steppenwolfe, no need to apologise its not your shambles.
Loanees return-they will be thrown in on Saturday as so called first teasers are a bit tired
and don’t want to play. WTF is going on. New recruitment man? From Dalglish’s time.
Fantastico one of Morgans mates. Exactly how much are we spending on all these staff?
We can now look forward to plenty of Chiefs but not enough Indians.
How many people does it take to get rid of DROSS and bring some QUALITY in?
Well said NY Wolf. I can hear it now. How many fans will be there versus Rovers?
It’s like watching paint dry!
hopefully no-one alf…maybe then morgan will start taking notice of us
Leaving aside “performances” and results I find it hard to take seriously a manager who recommends Doumbia be given a permanent contract just as his form goes into freefall. I find it hard to take seriously a manager who wants Berra to sign a new contract. Did he really watch those DVDs ? Also, who was the idiot who decide to give 29 year old Karl Henry a new 4 year deaL Didn’t he prove in the Premiership what a very ordinary midfielder he was ?
Apparently Stale wants to know where M&M are so he can talk to them about bringing in his fifth winger. Meanwhile the players have promised the same full backing they gave TC. A tenner on Luton methinks.
How commendable the player’s are backing and standing by stale for the umpteenth time
its all load of bollocks and spin by the club to try to appease us the fans.
Its the same spiel that was spewed out of the mol when connor was f##king it up.
Still no talk of any transfer’s,but who wants to come here.?
Yeah same talk similar to last year, I don’t even read beyond the headlines, patronizing bullsh**t, if they really backed him they would show up for 90 mins. Try starting there.
Its just a f******g insult to us.
Wonder what Colin Cameron and Alex Rae would think of the shower we have as players now?
Another winger, surely not?
How about a left back?
I know, let’s get in five new back room staff, to find players!
At the moment we are like a terminally patient waiting for the last rites.
Even the manager has more or less admitted he doesn’t know what he is doing!
Is there any possibility that the players at Wolves, could play like footballers?
It seems absurd to ask…..
As someone else said, get your tenner on Luton.
It was Colin said that, not hard to look
Great, great, late breaking news!!
Houston Lobo has returned from darkest Sedgley, has managed to contact me, and….drum roll please…..he has PORK PIES AND MALT LOAF for me!!!
Yippee Kai Ay, MoFo.
Bollocks to the Wolves board, management and “players” I’m getting my fix of English grub tomorrow!!!
Now what was the question again?
By the way, DOOGoodie2shoes, my sister has just put The Plaine B & B, in Norton St. Philip up for sale.
Thanks for letting me know
But if I wanted to run something which involved having to put up with a lot of lazy, spoilt people demanding the earth and showing no thanks – I’d by a football club!
Or even ‘buy’ a football club.
Well, well, the players are all behind Ståle. What does that actually mean..??
Weren’t they all behind MMc and TC as well..??
This sounds ominous to me especially when it appears that Ståle has given up with this lot, virtually conceding that they are basically uninterested in his style and vision. Between the lines he is saying that he is unable to motivate the squad and snap them out of their torpor.
This scenario sounds the death knell for the the club in it’s present format. It’s just a matter of time before the inevitable explosion. Another disappointing episode is about to begin and there is no way that some of these players should be part of it and I’m not too sure whether SS will or should be included having seen the results of his first 6 months in charge.
As ever UTW..!!!!
the only way this lot are behind him is out the door hopefully..never known such a bunch of disinterested players….all stalle seems to be able to get out of them is ten minutes at the beginning and then they act like they really cant be arsed. no one in no one out players disallusioned manager useless owner and ceo on bloody holiday………its like an episode of “carry on sliding down the league” and we are supposed to get exited about the latest edition of someone from liverpool comes to wolves..yippee!!!!
Isn’t it interesting that technically the head scout has just been appointed three days into the transfer window, and the first thing he says is we need to be planning 18 Months ahead! How about starting with just 8 hours ahead? Then Stale also says he needs to talk to Ren and Stimpy about transfers! Shouldn’t this all of been discussed and decided months ago? Shouldn’t contact and bargaining about targets of started and Stimpy be doing his job not sunning his lardy arse whilst we zombies keep putting money in the coffers? Don’t the two articles add up and display the utter contempt that we supporters are held in?
Doesn’t one of these new ‘player recruitment’ guys have strong QPR links!? Now if there’s one team going about that has wasted a shedload of transfer cash recently, it’s got to be QPR! ‘Arry must be having a giraffe.
Did anyone see Griffiths tonight playing for Hibs ? He looked a class apart from the rest (ok I know everything is relative) so perhaps Pat Fenlon should be in the frame for manager if it’s a man management issue ? I wouldn’ t normally condone insubordination but maybe he was just misunderstood by both MM and SS.
Hang about……maybe that’s the problem ? We need a manager whose initials don’t spell the same backwards as forwards !
One amusing side note to our dire present state. The various titles for Moxey and Morgan , some of the best clown duo names ever , feels like everyone is trying to out do each other !! Classic!
So here – my first awhile back was poxey and moron,
But that has been well out done! How bout
STINGY and the PAIN !
I know everyone has their own , all entries welcome below! Thomas is organizing another scarf for the winner( I hope):)
I will stick with greasel.
Or, thatbigfatuglyturdshapedstuffedupfuckedupnevertocomedownpieceoffesteringratshit.
(That was difficult typing without using the space bar)
All entries from previous scarf winners are null and void. My apologies good sir, I forgot to mention.