Old habits die hard amongst some Wolves fans.
In the moments before and after the January transfer window closed, many were moaning about a lack of activity like the bad old days, as if Mujangi Bia and Jan Budtz were the two players through the door.
Rather than lament the lack of ‘first-team ready’ recruits (excluding Podence), a more accurate account might be to say we brought in three (including Campana and Loiodice).
Putting the ‘u23 squad’ narrative to one side for a moment, and I am of the firm belief that the Ecuadorian and Frenchman will be getting plenty of minutes in the first team come the end of the season, precisely because no established stars checked in at Compton instead.
Perhaps the reason we class them as such is to dampen expectation amongst us fans while taking pressure of the players at the same time? Surely a young lad who has played 17 senior games in Ligue 1 is not coming to England for a kick about at the Bucks Head on a Tuesday night?
Time will tell…
But with those old chequebook frustrations being particularly prevalent on social media, I took the opportunity to see some young blood in the u23s at Molineux the other evening, in a fixture against Liverpool.
The last time I saw a similar game was a good few years ago against a Stoke City youth team, when Liam McAlinden and Zeli Ismail were tipped to be our future shining lights for years to come.
That day, I only had eyes for a little magician in the middle of the park by the name of Price. Clad in orange boots, he efficiently moved the ball around and never misplaced a pass in a subtle, understated performance at odds with his footwear. The Shropshire Xavi indeed kicked on where Zeli and Liam stalled.
In this u23 fixture, I was keen to see Owen Otasowie and Renat Dadashov at close quarters. But like the last time I sprawled out across a row of empty seats, it was another young wolf which caught my eye more – Dion Sanderson.
I’d seen glimpses via Asia Cup television footage, but on the evidence of these 90 minutes alone, Dion stood out like a sore thumb, effortlessly fitting into the right of a back three alongside the more courted Otasowie.
Tessa’s nephew cut a cool figure, displaying bags of pace and enough physical presence to suggest he might just be the next cab off the rank for first team duties, particularly following Ryan Bennett’s surprise departure to Leicester.
Saying that, Otasowie’s strengths were still obvious and despite a slightly more unfiltered performance, he boasts size, power and pace and was operating out of position, I am told. As a defensive midfielder, you can picture a pretty frightening prospect.
Elsewhere, Jordao and Morgan Gibbs-White reminded us of their raw ability which injury has dimmed. Both looked dexterous and deft, with the former sitting and the latter operating further forward, being the architect behind all of Wolves’ best moments.
Both must be regarded as first-team squad material, with Gibbs-White oozing class and a sense of ease whenever on the ball. He looked most like a Nuno scholar which should be expected, such has been his exposure to the first team. The challenge, you sense, is where to play MGW and how to maximise the frightening potential he clearly has. (That, and keeping him fit as he hobbled off near the end).
Nobody else, including goalscorer Dadashov, particularly shone in a game that bubbled into life over a five minute second half period, although Andreas Sondergaard did look a safe pair of hands in goal and pulled off a cracking save to keep the score 2-2.
So granted, while we all craved another high profile signing or two before the window closed, the perceived inactivity might give us a subtle insight into the anatomy of Nuno’s squad and his general thinking.
Couple Campana and Loiodice with Sanderson and Jordao (and MGW if fit) and an embryonic squad is already taking shape – albeit in a different way a lot of us hoped for a month ago.
A cynic might suggest a tightening of the purse strings and a missed opportunity. A realist could point to Financial Fair Play regulations if we only understood what the hell they are.
As long as Nuno believes the children are our future, then I’m happy enough with that.
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Nice piece Ben
“Dexterous and deft “. I’m definitely pinching that one
I’m definitely in the cup half full camp regarding the squad
Nobody found it easy to bring players in, teams like Chelsea failed to add a single player, and probably for the same reason that we didn’t want to lose any of our players, neither did many other clubs
I notice a bit of panic regarding Jimenez, I understand that because he has been fantastic for us this season but I don’t think we need a looky likey Jimenez mark 2 to take his place if he gets injured!
We have 4 players atm in Jota,Neto, Jimenez and Traore who can play across the front
We don’t have to have a target man , I’d love to see Traore through the middle just to see how quick they are to hack him down around the box when pens and red cards come in to play
Besides citeh and Liverpool play fluid front threes and I doubt if any of them are anywhere near 6 foot and they are doing ok?
I also believe Campana will plenty of game time
Two weeks off , a fully fit squad ( bar Vinagres minor injury) is going to be more than enough for the last 13 premier league games and hopefully a few more Europa games too
Getting football withdrawal syndrome already
Utw
Agree with you Marney; I believe Traore could be a huge asset playing in a more central role. Nuno has tweaked things a couple of times playing Adama through the middle with some success.
Great post mate.
Like everyone else, I’m prone to panicking about injuries to key personnel and probably would have liked at least one more proven performer to help us through to May.
But points to consider…
1. Nuno likes a small squad and we’ve done just fine so far.
2. We don’t get many injuries due to an excellent recovery/conditioning team.
3. When we have had injuries Nuno’s faith in the small squad has been justified. Who would have thought we could survive without Boly for half the season? Or Jota for long periods?
I understand the rationale for wanting a smaller group. It means everyone gets closer to the action and is happier as a consequence. You don’t get high paid senior pros throwing their toys out the pram when they don’t make the matchday squad.
And like it or not, the emphasis is heavily on bringing academy graduates through. Many won’t cut the mustard but others will and you’ve got to trust Nuno to know who deserves that opportunity and when. Half of Liverpool’s back four is from their academy. Man Utd haven’t done much right lately but Rashford, McTominay, Williams and Greenwood are all evidence you can produce Premier League standard players in-house. 4 of Chelsea’s starters against Leicester came through their academy.
On the recruitment, you’re absolutely right that a couple of those young lads could well end up on the pitch before the end of the season and look like smart business.
We could have signed Nelson Oliviera – a 30-year-old journeyman striker – to sit on the bench and maybe contribute. But is it worth taking him on a long contract and reducing the opportunities for someone like Campana? I prefer our approach.
And as you say, Campana and/or Loiodice could be ready to go immediately. Not many viewed Neto as a proper first team signing in the summer but he’s been the real success story.
You can’t have like-for-like quality for all your top stars, so I think a senior group of 18 versatile players who can fill gaps backed up by some of the very best young talents in Europe is a good way to go.
Cracking post
Really rate Otasowie, but we hope they all turn out good and think that nowadays 18 + is old enough to be blooded in the first team if judged by Nuno to be good enough
Agree with Thomas that Oliviera would have been a backward step rumours of attitude and his age were against him
My expectations in transfer windows have diminished . Let’s go back to the summer of 2017 when we were at the end of the Lambert era. We hadn’t heard of Nuno and distrusted Mr Mendes, we might have hoped for the best but in reality we have got better than that. Every player in our first team is worth way more than their purchase fee, Molineux is too small and we shop in a very discrete way for talent and potential. Keeping our squad together is now a priority and now that Nuno has our absolute trust and respect , we await the production line bringing forward a Nuno graduate, my tip being Jordao.
Excellent piece and I think really highlights Nuno’s thinking.
Players need to be playing. Either first-team, on the bench (if getting some regular playing time), Under 23 or loan (but only the right loan). Anything more than this is a waste. Hence the size of squad.
Remember that on top of that team and the new signings we have Ennis, Cameron John, Ronan and Watt returning in the summer, all seem to be doing well and requiring a decision.
If Wolves can get a reputation for excellent development and getting a first-team opportunity early we will attract high quality young players. Maybe tackling the flow to German clubs. I’m sure this is what Arsenal and Chelsea are thinking.
I can see attendance numbers at U23 games increasing. Just wish Wolves web site gave more info. Also wish that Albrighton dek from E&S forum came on this blog.
Very enjoyable read mate.
Myself included, the immediate reaction from some circles was that of an underwhelming window. With the promise of a number of additions, one incoming and three outgoings (senior players I’m talking about) went against that expectation.
In the cold light of day, however, with the returning Boly, Jota, Jordao (love his confidence on the ball) and MGW (not so much), and Campana and Loiodice to call upon, the squad isn’t in too bad a health.
Where I do disagree with many though is the decision not to sign a like-for-like replacement for Raul. If Jimenez is crocked for the rest of the season v Leicester for example, we have no one to lead the line and link the play – a key feature of Wolves’ style of play since Day 1 of Nuno’s reign. For the sake of £5.5m and piece of mind, signing Oliveira was a no brainer. I get that Jota can play the false 9 role and while that’s a nice option to have, I wouldn’t want to rely on that for a prolonged spell.
Final word on Podence. Impressed with the impact he had at OT. Decision making spot on the couple of times he featured on the counter. £16.9m could prove to be a bargain.
An interesting piece Ben. I too have been watching the U23 s recently. It will be interesting to see how these young players develop together with some new additions. And then, we have some very good young players gaining experience on loan, Ronan Connor, Giles, Watt to name three.
It is true that in the first team squad, only Jiminez has no replacement with an orthodox centreforward ( ie a player who puts defenders under pressure, brings others into the game and scores regularly). Defensively we have enough scope to cope with injuries. Perhaps Moutinio is another difficult to replace.
However, the squad is in good shape for the time being and the return of Boly ,Jota , Gibbs -White , and the addition of Podence auger well for the rest of the season.
11th March 2017. Wolves 1 Rotherham 0. Andi Weiman the scorer. Desperately holding the ball up by the corner flag as the 3 points went towards staying in the Championship. 1st February 2020. A fairly comfortable draw away at Manchester Utd. In the hunt for a Premier League top six finish. Continuing European adventure. A team full of excellent footballers. Maybe I am just still instilled with the 40 odd years of relative failure and getting to grips with our new elevated status. Personally I think a sense of perspective is required and an appreciation of being backed well by our owners so far. The future is bright. Daniel Podence spoke of the project and the ambition to bring him here. I believe him and trust in Nuno and Fosun to continue to deliver.
Well said Cheesy after those 40 years of relative failure and more recently life under Saunders and Lambert we have come a long way in a short time and some fans need to recognise this and show a little more patience particularly those who seem to have appeared in the South Bank whose only experience of football and it’s physical and mental demands sounds like it has come from playing computer games! One spotty faced oik behind me recently abused Adama as being f***ing sh*t because he dared to misplace a pass to a colleague. He was lucky I thought twice about decking him, but maybe my withering look was sufficient plus my suggestion that if he couldn’t support our talented lads, he should go and watch Sandwell Town.
Rant over!
UTW!
Sorry Ben I forgot to thank you for a great post!
Yes I’m with you Cheeseburger, I was there, around the same time Wolves 0 Wigan 1 and they were bottom at the time. There were 12 empty seats either side of me in the SBU and I thought we were doomed, as they say. Now there aren’t 12 empty seats in the whole stadium and we’ve acquired thousands of new followers around the world.
….and seriously, we could be fourth in May 2020.
Regarding the signing of a journeyman back up for Jimmy, I have two words to say, which will make you laugh, or cry or fling your arms up in despair.
Grant Holt
The donkey of donkeys.
The biggest waste of money and space in the history of donkeys.
I rest my cases.
Be fair Clivey boy, he was a top class PL player once. (Only once)
Ray Hankin was much more of a donkey in my humble opinion.
I was fairly chuffed at 11pm on Friday night, a great piece of dealing done throughout the Transfer window, I’m happy with the level of cover in all departments with exception of Jimmy’s spot. We all shuddered at Boly breaking his Fibula, but we got through it well and sat in a good position throughout the loss.
I dare say we may be able to survive a Jimmy injury, but I would have been a lot happier with a striker on the books on Friday. Nuno has his finger well and truly on the pulse, he pulls off master strokes just when all looks like it’s slipping away, his backroom team work well for us and back him well in every aspect.
If look at why certain things did not happen then perhaps the latest development at Molineux may go a way to explaining some of it…
Breaking news….
“Kevin Thelwell reported in press to be signing for New York Red Bulls as their head of Sport”.
I talked at length with him at Liverpool away and he seemed in it for the long term, with no hint he wanted to move on.
Time will tell if lack of incoming will be blamed on him, did he jump or was he pushed.
Update to the above story.
They are saying there will be a top footballing man for KT’s job to take us to a new level.
Fook me, I’m getting dizzy.
If that’s true, there should be a long queue for the job and some top end candidates to pick from. That makes our club stronger. Good luck Kevin.
Well it’s confirmed as true now, straight from the horses mouth.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kevin-thelwell-explains-decided-quit-17682043
Well they say .. ‘ money talks’ and in Thelwells case it certainly has…
This isn’t a develop my CV decision … it’s a downright… up yours.. where the WONGA choice of a man groomed in the Moxey Mold has spoken.
So UP YOURS … JUDAS and FO ASAP….
We’re better and bigger than you and Fosun will continue this journey WITHOUT YOU….. bye…
Almost everyone who leaves any job to develop their CV goes for more ‘wonga’. It’s how the world works like it or not. People don’t leave for less ‘wonga’.
As far as U23s are concerned, are they counted under FFP? Youth player development is excluded but I’m not sure to what age group so this may be a way of getting around the rules.
As far as new senior signings, I don’t think Fosun are the kind of company that is going to splash for a 50 or 60 million pound player. It doesn’t seem to be their nature.
I am now content with the belief that Fosun have taken us from a Championship side with occasional forays into the relegation fight areas of the Premier League into a top third of the table team in the Premier League with an organization to match that level.
Any further improvements will probably have to happen on a balanced budget scenario, rather than large infusions of cash from Fosun.
At least that is what I am thinking and so I am now content.
excellent post …thank you for insight into world of U23’s
its been said ,,,but I’d like to restate it….we have moved from athletic donkeys ( or crabs) to a squad that oozes class, style and professionalism, with coaches and back room staff to match…in just three years.
having stuffed Man City and taken Liverpool to their limits there is no team that Wolves can’t beat on the day when they get in the groove. That’s a cup winning side and I for one am assuming that Nuno will be OK with top 8 as long as we come back with the Europa Cup
[Disclosure…I have ten quid each way at 25:1)
being pissed off with only a point at Old Trafford says it all
with quality in depth on the U 23 front ( and them getting schooled in the Wolves Way) these are indeed happy days
OODCL
Brilliant post Ben to keep us involved in a ‘no football’ week. I am pleased we did not sign Nelson Oliveira for the same reasons we let Ryan Bennett/Danny Batth/Bright/Douglas/Costa go- they do not have the potential to get us where Nuno’s project is headed. The Champions League. Nuno has identified in his new additions the potential to develop and add value- difficult to argue with the success he has achieved so far. On another note- best wishes to Kevin Thelwell, and hope that he has a successful career in the USA. He was a constant in a period of great uncertainty and his autobiography will be an eye opener. Unfairly treated as a scapegoat by many fans imo
Love the way that the Orange-one’s favourite broadcaster has reported it.
https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/red-bulls-hired-david-thelwell-from-wolverhampton-in-england-020320
We’ll never know if Thelwell was unfairly judged as having an inability to attract top talent.
I prefer not to scapegoat but I suspect he has been well paid for his services and the Wolves addition to his CV doesn’t appear to have done him any harm. On that basis I know many people less fortunate in their employment experiences.
Hope that the replacement is able to work effectively with Jeff, Nuno and Jorge.
Wonderful post Ben as always very refreshing, good luck to Kevin he has done a brilliant job be very interesting who will replace him. Never a dull moment at the Mol.
Another insightful post Ben.
I’m reasonably happy with the transfer window activity. Although it wasn’t Earth shattering, it’ll keep us on the road to a top eight finish and, hopefully, a lot more movement – in not out preferably – at the end of the season.
Out of the many points you make, I don’t feel I’m really qualified to comment on most of them, as I don’t get to see the Under 23s.
But the one I pick up on is the Morgan Gibbs-White conundrum.
Where to play him and how to keep him fit.
It’s such a shame that he seems plagued with a recurring back problem. He obviously has a lot of talent, he’s a World Cup winner for God’s sake. But his trademark drop of the shoulder and turning past defenders with pace has been missing, and his team identity has never been properly established.
I hope he gets over this injury because a fully fit and firing MGW, in my humble opinion, has a lot to offer the first team.
A bit surprised to see Kevin Thelwell going off to America. Not the most popular of Wolves’ employees, but did a fair job under generally difficult circumstances I reckon.
I wish him the best in the future.
And hope that we get an upgrade!
Excellent, insightful post Ben. I too watched the Liverpool U23 clash and was particularly, though certainly not solely, impressed by Dion Sanderson. His talent, determination and sheer bloody-minded will to win was apparent to all and he is and will be a huge asset to our club. Many others impressed too and with those who played, those who are out on loan and the sprinkling of new signings, I feel we have a conveyor belt of talent which will serve us well in the coming months and years.
Many U23 games are shown live on WolvesTV and are well worth a watch.
A few have not been impressed by lack of purchases, in particular a striker. But the truth is there were n’t any available in January who would have improved what we already have. When Man U U are signing Ighalo you know this for certain.
For me the big plus is that no player left who Nuno wanted to stay. Other clubs have finally realised that players can’t be tempted away, even if Wolves were a selling club, which of course they are not.
Good points. It has been rumoured that Man Utd also considered a bid for the 36 year old Glenn Murray, such was their desperation. Makes you appreciate what a professional bunch Nuno and his backroom team are.
Thanks, Ben, for another thought provoking piece.
I too was at last Wednesday’s U23’s match – and disappointed with the draw. Sanderson, Jordao and Otasowie, particularly caught my eye. I was pleased to see MGW start, and he did have a decent run out, but just not sure how he fits in to the first team.
I was sorry to see Sanderson go off on loan to Cardiff, but it should be a good developmental move. I guess the first team is in a good place, defensively, with Kilman and Otasowie as back up. I would have liked a back up for Jimenez, but it wasn’t to be.
I think Gibbs-White is just enjoying himself playing in the Premier League but at some point in time, he is going to have to go to a different team and play regularly and make some real money.
That’s two posts now, Tim, where you have admitted to thinking.
You have been warned before about doing that!
So I guess I’ve verified where the consistent thumb down is coming from.
That’s why I ignore your comments.
Good points. It has been rumoured that Man Utd also considered a bid for the 36 year old Glenn Murray, such was their desperation. Makes you appreciate what a professional bunch Nuno and his backroom team are.
Excellent article by Matthew Syed in The Times the other day. Like many of us he feels something should be done about rotational tactical fouling. He names Man City as being amongst the worst offenders. He points to Zaha and Traore as victims. As an example he lists Wolves v Spurs with a total of four yellow cards for fouls on Adama.
The football authorities must find a solution if the cheats are not to prosper.
If MOTD were any good they would highlight this modern curse. And prevent their pundits calling it clever or professional. It’s not,it’s cheating and spoiling the game as a spectacle.
There’s something in Basketball about team fouls after a certain number generating free throws at the basket. I can’t remember the detail but let’s suggest after the tenth foul automatic yellow card for every foul and a direct free kick from the D of the penalty area. Discuss.
5 fouls the limit.
After the sixth you are ejected from the game.
Two words. Sin bin!!!
The commentators seem to think it is quite brilliant to have different players fouling Adama so I’m not sure it is going to happen.
It is “tactics” as far as many are concerned.
Stranger things have changed when enough voices are raised. But I wonder which way the influential voices in the game will lean, particularly if they think certain opposition players are ‘unplayable’.
The summer is going to be vital if we are or want to kick on. Last summer we brought in two players both which have gone Catronie who was the only cash purchase and Jesus on loan.
We sold/loaned Cav: and Costa for which we ha received in the region of £20 million plus for both which when you consider we paid £16 million for Catronie in the summer we are £4 million or so in the black.
If we are going to compete for top 4 and for trophies ie F.A Cup and yes the League Cup and Europe we need to invest in a quality squad. If we are going to send out under 23’s in the Cups then I don’t see the point in entering. Some people should remember the League Cup was our last major trophy and carries a Europa League place so to dismiss it is folly same with the F.A Cup City didn’t win both without putting out strong teams because there back up squad is strong and that’s what you need to compete a strong squad it doesn’t even have to be a big squad 20 to 22.
I feel we missed a trick in the Cups this season espeacily the League Cup a trip to Wembley should not be sniffed at and if we don’t finished 7th or above and get knocked out the Europa League then there be no European football next season.
We need to evolve and not stand still the playing side needs constant investment in the here and now and up grading season after season in the Premier League. I must admit I thought FOSUN would have invested more in the squad than they have we have not really made a statement singing in our 2 years in the Premier League Raul yes he cost £30 million but he only cost that much having first completed a successful loan period if it hadn’t been he would not be here now.
And yes I rember the bad old days the donkeys and asses and has beens but just makes me want to push on again yes we are in a good place but do we sit back and pat ourselves on the back and Put our feet up or do we strive for even more I just like to remind people we have won nothing ………..we have gained another season in the Premier League granted comfortably yes but we haven’t won anything…….we may well win the Europa League we may not but are going to settle for that.
Rotational or tactical fouling is the scourge of the modern game and lets say it out loud it is blatant cheating and everyone does it.
The people to blame are the referees and their overlords because it has been going on for ages now we all know it and they have done nothing about it apart from dishing out the odd yellow card.
They will argue they treat each foul as individual but if its continuously on the same person it shouldn’t be classed as individual it is blatant targeting of a single player in order to take him out of the game diminishing the threat of any of their team being sent off.
The stockley park crew can find someones toe offside so its about time they started counting this targeting and instruct the ref to send the next fouler for an early shower.
The spurs game was so blatantly obvious that Mourinho should have been called before the league to explain why he allowed his players to do it or even instructed his players to do it.
We all have eyes even refs have eyes and its not rocket science to see when someone is being targeted on a rotational basis the ref should pull the captain of the offending team over after the second yellow and make it clear the next one is going off .
Sin bins are a good idea but they will be exploited in some way we havent thought of yet and the only clear message is a sending off .
In my humble opinion of course .
Totally agree Spikey
One of my favourite childhood memories was listening to The Goon Show on the radio.
On December 28th 1954 (a little bit before I started listening) they recorded an episode entitled ‘Ye Bandit of Sherwood Forest’.
A few days before, Wolves beat Honved under the floodlights at Molineux.
I recorded a short clip from that programme.
Worth a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZen5Qf0ENc
One of my favourite childhood memories was listening to The Goon Show on the radio.
On December 28th 1954 (a little bit before I started listening) they recorded an episode entitled ‘Ye Bandit of Sherwood Forest’.
A few days before, Wolves beat Honved under the floodlights at Molineux.
That episode was repeated on Radio 4 Extra last week and I recorded a short clip from it.
Worth a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZen5Qf0ENc
Excellent!
Thanks Doog, I seem to have missed that one. Must have been a brilliant time for Wolves l guess just like now for us.
Again thanks for doing this.
If Wolves players are so fatigued from all of the games, why did they not give them any time off during the break.
Isn’t that the purpose of the break?
And yet I will predict that Nuno will complain about all of the games they are playing and how they need time to rest.
Tim, warm weather training is not like playing games in The Premier League. It is an opportunity to practice moves , different formations and tactics.
No doubt golf et cetera are enjoyed. Players bond, especially important for new transfers and young players moving up to the first team squad.
The thing is Tim, Nuno and his staff know what works best. And so far it looks like it’s working.
Yes Tim shut the f##k up please