Just when I was getting used to adding the semi-ligature to Ståle, Björn Bergmann Sigurðarson signs on the dotted line – umlauts and all.
£2.4 million is the reported fee, which is a sizable wad for any Championship side to invest, particularly in a 21-year-old with no experience of the English game.
Still, I’m excited.
Whether it’s the YouTube saturation or the fact we’ve been starved of any real variety up front since Chris Iwelumo left, I’m not quite sure.
Either way, I like the look of this kid.
Above and beyond anything else, he’s direct, which again can only be a good thing in a Wolves team that has too often been anything but in forward positions.
A raw talent could be the order of the day and he’ll be an unknown quantity come the first game of the season. Perhaps that too can work in our favour?
You have to treat these video clips with a pinch of salt though. I remember seeing similar compilations of both Mujangi Bia and Guedioura a few seasons back. It was the former who caught the eye and seemed the most promising signing, but the latter ended up having a far, far greater impact.
The truth is, until they pull on the gold shirt and step out on the pitch you just never really know what you’re going to get from a foreign import.
And speaking of foreign imports, another player we’ve been strongly linked with is Real Sociedad defender Vadim Demidov. That deal is reportedly close to completion. He’s apparently a ‘footballing’ center half, which again points to Solbakken’s obvious desire to play out of defence.
Could we see a continental twist to the spine of the starting XI come August including De Vries, Demidov, Milijas and Sigurðarson? Quite a contrast from what we’ve had in recent years.
Finally, a note about the new official site.
I applaud the club for attempting to update the image. It definitely needed a facelift. However, they’ve launched prematurely and it’s riddled with bugs. Far too slow to load, still too chaotic and some of the links simply don’t work.
As I write this I still haven’t been able to see the complete story about the Sigurðarson signing, which is very poor given that it went live on the site nearly an hour ago.
Hopefully all of this will be ironed out in due course. With all the comings and goings that are likely to occur before the start of the season, fans are hungry for the information. The club have a duty to deliver it.
* If you enjoyed the post please do leave a comment, even if you’re reading it via email subscription. And if you’d be so kind as to share the post on Twitter, Facebook or Google+, we’d thoroughly appreciate it.
Do you fancy doing some online football betting? Make sure you come and check out all of the latest betting tips at bwin today! Don’t miss out on their fantastic betting odds!
I’m with Thomas, a little excited about the prospect of him but overall will reserve judgement until he’s played a game for us. It’s been seen all to often before that foreign imports can struggle to adapt to the English game.
With Sigurdarson and Demidov (possibly) these are steps in the right direction for me. These seem like the sort of players we’ve been crying out for. Despite me saying i will reserve judgement i can feel myself getting more and more excited with each word i type!!
Better bring myself down a bit! With MM ruling himself out of the running for Forest, there goes my last hope of him taking some of the players i’d be happy to see leave Molineux! Still be interested to see who SS lets go.
There is a difference between championship and the highest league, Tippeligaen, in Norway, yes, but there are also similarities. One of the reason Norwegian players succeed in England is the physical english style of play in Norway, so I belive Bjorn will adapt fairly soon. And Demidov is the no nonsense player we need.
And there is also another possible signing on its way:
http://translate.google.no/translate?hl=no&sl=no&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nettavisen.no%2Fsport%2Ffotball%2Farticle3436573.ece
Espen Ruud is a versatile player which can play right fullback as well as on left. He can also play on the wings. A player with loads of routine.
Just what we need. Loads of routine. Does he put in a shift to boot?
all are welcome, especially if you are a defender. Lets hope we ship RJ CB Stears and Elokobi and bring in 3 actual defenders. Am quietly optimistic about stale, but am withholding any excited giggles til 5 or 6 games in…
ps – i never bother with the official site – no information, completely biased reporting (as you would expect) and thus of no interest to the real fan.
Another Scandinavian quality player is due to sign for Wolves in just ours:
http://www.vargas12.com/2012/07/vadim-demidov-er-klar-for-solbakken-og-wolves/
Really looking forward to seeing Sigurdarson play, I think Ståle will give him the chance from the off unlike McCarthy.
Assuming we keep Flethcer I think them two will link up well and will be a massive aerial threat.
As for the new website I’m with you. It does look sharp and the photos on there are good quality but so far it has been a nightmare to use. And I think it’s a bit difficult to tell whether parts are interactive to parts that are just titles. Anyway, like you said, I’m sure it will all be rectified soon.
Well it’s really starting to hot up now, with total faith in the boss, I am feeling really optomistic about the new season, and so what if it’s not PL football for a season or two….we will be back stronger…….As for the new official site, as well as it’s problems already highlighted does not fall to gently on the eye, who on earth decided the back drop should be a group of players walking through a concrete jungle…far to busy. UTW
It seems Staale is already making his mark!
However I shall reserve judgement like others.
I am interested to see who will go, as we have far too many players.
Things will get clearer, no doubt, as the season gets closer.
This time last year I was optimistic too…..
Hmmmm….
As for the Official Site, I gave up going there about a year ago……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJCb_DOQ_-Q&feature=plcp
I’ve also made a Welcome to Wolves video for Siggy seems like Stale is the real deal, two signings in one day is unheard of! (if we sign that bloke from real sociedad today!)
Yep, agree with the blog mate, good stuff. Stale’s vision is slowly becoming clearer. Just remains to be seen who’ll be leaving!
As for the site, I also feel a bit underwhelmed…Went on there to get the footy fixtures as it looks like I’ll be missing the first 2 home games through holidays (piss poor planning or what?!). Anyway, had to click on the page 3 times before it loaded and when it did, I could only see the pre-season games and a continual ‘loading’ image.
I logged onto the Beeb instead and got the dates I needed in a matter of seconds. Hopefully it will improve.
I think it’s a terrible signing.
It’s only a matter of time till we see “Bjorn Again” emblazoned across the back page of the E&S.
How about: ‘Wolves Bjorn to be wild at Elland Road’ after we win 3-0 on the opening day. Bjorn (2) and a late Kightly clincher?!
‘Bjorn Free’ after 28 games without a goal. Only joking.
The missing piece in the Sig-saw
Siggy Star Dust
When he starts knocking them in with his head, he’ll be Air Bjorn.
When he “converts” a few crosses, he’ll be Bjorn Again!
When he pulls on his shirt he’ll have his Bjorn Identity.
When he asks for a raise, or else, it will be the Bjorn Ultimatum.
If he imitates a famous playwright, he’ll be Bjorn to be Wilde.
Stop it Clive, I cant “bear’ these Stale puns anymore!!
Bjorn (Bjørn) is the word for Bear in norwegian 🙂
It might be a good idea to rename the blog- Ulves Blog just for stale..
Not having a go or anything but what makes you think he’s a bad signing? Just curious! 🙂
It was a joke Hamlet.
It was a joke Hamlet
Okay, fair enough! I’m dumb that way – sorry mate! 😛
I think the official website is worth persisting with as it does give news of definite signings, rather than the rumours you get on other sites. Also there can be interesting news on the reserves and the academy. But I agree it’s a bit of a shambles at the moment. The shot of players in their new strip will no doubt be ditched if some of them are moved on!
Getting excited about the new season but I think we’ll have to be patient as it will take a little while for Stale to decide on his best formation and to assimilate new players. I see Bjorn is looking forward to meeting up with Eggert again, I’d forgotten we’d got him.
I’d like to go to the Aldershot match, but will it clash with any Olympic finals, eg the football?
Talking of pictures and web sites, I think it is time for a change of picture on this site.
Are you going to have a vote for fave pic like wot you did last year?
If we have to pick one from happy Wolves players celebrating a win, we wont have a lot of choice, will we??
Yeah, definitely gonna change it. Couldn’t find anything decent though. Suggestions (of a non-sarcastic nature) certainly welcome.
Damn – was going to suggest the view from the top corner of the new North Bank 😀
Think we’ve all got to reserve judgement on this one. It’s great that so many seem to rate him, but we’re obviously talking about two very different leagues (and I’m not necessarily talking about ‘quality’ or ‘physicality’) and he is indeed super young. Here’s hoping though.
Looking forward to hearing what Stale tries out in Ireland over the coming days. Particularly at centre-back.
Also, the Wolves site is a nightmare. Looks good, but UX stinks.
the most positive thing at the club at the moment is the gaffer, so why not that nice picture of his beaming bald bonce with the wolves logo all fuzzy behind him that accompanies every third Wolves article at the moment?
we can replace it in a few weeks when we’ve got Bjorn doing the Bully airplane after his first hat-trick
What about one of Ward making a tackle?
With his feet might be tricky. With his arse ok?
The cameraman who takes that picture will win a Pulitzer.
Well, I’m seriously excited about this guy – let’s hope he makes a real impact! I’ve only seen and heard great things from this guy so hopefully he does a better job than Roger Johnston to living up to the hype!
As for the website now you mention it…like the new look but having articles on separate pages rather than all on one page is annoying especially when it takes so long to load…still like it though!
You like EVERYTHING Hamlet! Its a nice trait.
goes with the avatar…
“what’s that? a ball? i LOVE balls? this is the best day of my life!”
Well, I guess i can’t argue with that! 🙂 And funnily enough, my dog in fact like balls! [no, not like THAT gutter-brain!]
Now that you’ve said it though, me trying to access the Karl Henry blog last night has sort of changed my mind on the subject…We can’t be haivng difficulties with that when it’s gonna be our main source of everything Wolves if we can’t go to games!
Having watched the video am very impressed by Bjorn the Bear.
Not only does he score a goal or two, he’s got an eye for an intelligent pass.
It seems Staale knows who he wants and that’s at least two more defenders.
Our back four at leeds might consist of Demidov and Ruud, plus two others from a plethora of MM players, or will there be more surprises?
I think so and will be intrigued if the chap from Iceland via Scotland Eggert Johnsen has a part to play in Staale’s team.
I think his new assistant, not TC, must be assessing the players for him in Ireland.
Anyway with each day the picture will become clearer….
Interesting you say that I watched the video and saw him miss a number of gilt edged one on ones! Considering this is his highlights reel I see that as worrying.
That said you can’t base anything on a youtube video Ebanks blakes highlights reel is awesome!
Gangi þér vel Björn.
I was impressed with his positioning and passing rather than his goals!
Glad to see some new faces coming in, but we need another center half and two left backs (one cover).
Also want to see some of the dross shipped out – not much movement in the transfer market so far but no one has been beating down our door for any of our ‘stars’ so far. Such a shame Muppet Mick didn’t take the forest job and come in for his love-child players.
Johnson, Berra, Edwards, Ward, Vokes, Hunt, would be a good start but cant see anyone wanting them.
Disappointing headline in the Nottingham Eve Post tonight – good old MM turning down the Notts Florist job. The story continued with Gunter – a useful right back going to Reading leaves Forest with literally no defenders and only 4 weeks from season ko. Maybe MM is using brinkmanship to get his way – who knows but over here in Notts MM was seen as a good appointment.
I was hoping some of our squad would hasve gone over to the east midlands – may well happen yet.
The new manager is making his mark, very impressed so far and not a ball kicked in anger. The wind of change is slowly blowing thru the Mol – thank goodness.
Maybe they will buy our crap MM-era defence and we can buy a new set of players?
From the video, Lillestrom’s No. 10 looks a bit tasty as well. Can’t we have him as well?
Just watched the video, and I think y’all need to rethink our signing.
That bloke Bill Glass is the one doing all the scoring, not Bjorn!
Check it out closely!
I’m sure none of you know me or care, but I’m back!!! After the end of season heartache and acceptance of relegation way before that I needed a break from all things wolves related. I’ve kept up with news now and again but tbh it was great to have a rest and come back with some new / fresh perspective.
This season I’m going to try and keep a level head when watching us but i’m sure that’ll go out the window after the first whistle. But I am excited by the team, I’m not sure we’ll get promoted again straight away but if this new squad get the impetus it needs hopefully we can start realising our potential. If nothing else it will be nice (fingerscrossed) to see us win more than we lose for a change. UTW
I care mate. Welcome back. I think we all needed to take 5 after last season.
I agree with you Thomas.
This time last year I was, deludedly optimistic, (after we escaped by a hair’s breath the season before), and happy to think Johnson would bolster the defence adequately.
Nevertheless, for two years, in reality, I doubted MM’s ability to have us as more than relegation fodder.
To me the fact MM has gone and has been replaced by someone who seems to exude a completely different ‘aura’, overwhelmingly compensates for being in the championship.
One way or the other we have a new start and I sense my optimism, to be realistic rather than deluded this season.
Well it also looks like some of our chaff is starting to sort its self out…did anyone else see on the Excuse and Slur site that Leigh Griffiths was left at home whilst the rest of the squad headed to Ireland…as he had tweeted #cantbebothered on the first day back in preseason! Way to go Leigh…keep up the good work and you will be back off to the SPL (Scottish Pointless League)…hopefully permanently!
Just keep our fingers crossed that Burnley come through with the readies for Vokes as well and that should free up some budget for another signing!
Clive, Martin
Please make sure you don’t miss my response to your e-mails on the previous blog 🙂
No i did see that TW. You’re so young you can’t remember anything before the PL when there were simply Divisions 1-4. Still can’t quite see why you think of the championship as Div 1 though; presumably you think of Divs 1& 2 as 2&3 then? But heh, as long as we win it who cares.
I would say though, if you’re going to have a nice bet on them to win it(as idid at 14-1 last time) make sure you don’t put Div1 on the betting slip!
It’s just a generation thing. My Dad says 1,2,3,4. I say Prem,1,2,3. The Cubs (I run a Cub pack, just to clarify) say Prem, Champ, 1, 2. No doubt in a few years they’ll come up with some other bright idea for a new name!!
I never bet on Wolves…it’s too nerve racking anyway, without involving my hard-earned money as well!!!
Looks like we’ve lost the defender Demidov to Eintracht,Money money money again why do we always lose out when Poxey gets his greasy mits in the negotiations,typical..FOJM.FOTC..
Eintracht Frankfurt are playing in the Bundesliga next season. They will attract 50,000+ crowds. In other words they have a bigger budget and can afford to pay more than we can. It’s basic economics . The club pays what it can afford. Finally,why do you persist in calling Jez Moxey “Poxey” . It’s pathetic. Unless of course you are five years old,in which case I apologise.
First of all what ever club Demidov chooses thats up to him,but every season we tend to lose out to a so called bigger club and a perhaps a larger pay packet in the offering,but with players moving out of our club for large fee’s and Demidov’s transfer fee only a princely 1,000,000 Euros, imo we could afford to pay a little bit more for a player stale recognizes to be the sort of player he needs especially with the defence we have, so for me
its worth the investment… And for me calling Moxey Poxey its what i think he is and have been for a long time ,the sooner we get rid of the part of the cancer the better for all of us..and for being pathetic i don’t give a shite.
I’m with you there, Johnok, except for the part about poxey.
I think it is very rude to be so nice to that fat, slimy, coniving, greasy, arse licking, spin mongering, weasley, money grabbing, cancerous turd.
He should be refered to as he projects himself….the greasel.
I will not use capital letters when writing about that slob.
Just about sums up my feelings, Usain, so I suppose I must be one of the many thousands of pathetic 5 year old supporters.
Have a nice day.
I’m afraid I have to agree. It’s every season that we lose out on someone because of wages. It does get a bit frustrating to hear the same thing year on year on year.
Some players are paid more coz they are better players.
If you try to keep all the players on the same wages, they will all perform at the lowest level, not the highest.
And that is called communism.
Have to disagree with you there clive Johnson was our highest paid player last year and he hardly set the world alight just meant he could get more booze. Salary doesn’t dictate how good a player is just how good there reputation is. I’d much rather be paying wages that are within our means on young up and coming players than the fat wages of has beens or up there own arse stars. Looking at Stale’s record so far I think he would agree.
As for Demidov I think that the fact that he will be playing in one of Europes top leagues at a team that has spent 7 out of the last ten years in the top flight and has 51000 seater stadium has something to do with his choice.
I have thought long and hard about this. The euphoria following SS’s appointment was understandable.
Morgan did what we all wanted bring in a Manager with experience and nouse..
My concern over time is are the clubs expectations compatible to SS’s?
Those as long in the tooth as me have seen this situation before many times.
The real investment in the squad is long overdue. Do they have the will to back him?
SS is a class act one that Moxey hasn’t had to deal with.
Time will tell if this new chapter will reach its rightful fruition.
There will be others monitoring the situation as his reputation grows here…..
This season will be much harder given the teams all chasing the same ends.
A greasel never changes his spots.
I would love to have been a spy on the wall when greasel told SS he cant have that Demidov bloke coz he was too expensive.
A Million quid?
Too expensive?
One Tracked Frankfart?
I dont think so.
More to this than meets yer eyeball.
We had a massive influx of one new player this time last year, and look what happened.
If our new manager is not allowed to get the players he identifies as them wot will fit HIS style of play, then I fear the worst.
If greasel meddles while Molineux burns, to paraphrase something or other, then SS could quite understandably say “fuck you, jack, I’m off” and walk out the door.
If we can sell any player we want, why cant we put greasel on the transfer market as well?
FOJM
(For free) the sooner the better,Fat Poxey bastard FOJM + Insain’s bolt slower brother..
Bit of defense of Roger Johnson from Stears and Fletcher on Twitter in the past couple of days. Tim Nash calls some of the action going on in the training matches interesting. I just wonder if, especially given was SS was saying about RJ when he arrived, if he’s making a bit of an impression in training. Wonder if SS has got the stomach to play him if that’s the case.