Talk about an afternoon of mixed emotions.
On one hand, it was brilliant to be back at Molineux. It’s been too bloody long since we’ve been able to grace the golden palace and it was great to hear the fans belt out some of the old classics, albeit in limited numbers.
Hopefully when the new season rolls around we’ll have consigned social distancing to the bin and be able to do it again properly.
Thankfully when we do it’ll be without the bigot who sullied the club’s name by racially abusing Rio Ferdinand before the game. Good riddance to him but another sad reminder of how far football has still got to go when it comes to tackling racial prejudice.
As for the elephant in the room, Nuno’s send-off was about as fitting as it could be given the circumstances. The rapturous welcome he received upon arriving at Molineux was the least he and his coaching team deserved after four years of stellar service.
The scenes at full-time will live long in the memory, a rousing paean to the end of this most unforeseen of journeys. I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a tear.
Sadly, the game was not quite as memorable. Despite having plenty of the ball, we failed to lay a glove on a makeshift United team that never left second gear.
The first goal was lamentable, as our back five yet again failed to deal with a cross into the box. Adama limped off shortly after, taking any chances of victory with him.
The equaliser was well worked and just desserts for Semedo who, along with Gibbs-White, was our standout player.
But Mike Dean, easily United’s man of the match, made sure that the Red Devils went home with all three points.
Regardless of injuries, the team needs to be much more proficient when on the attack. There are too many backward and sideward passes and not enough players willing to take a gamble when on and off the ball.
To be fair, our paperweight attack doesn’t help. God loves a trier but Fabio Silva has got a long way to go to live up to his alleged potential and I’ve now concluded that Willian Jose is actually Kevin Kyle in disguise. How else can you explain his total lack of movement?
Put simply, Raul cannot come back soon enough.
But returning players won’t fix everything. This Wolves team is now in need of surgery and a new identity. I, like many of you, hoped that Nuno would be the man to oversee that but am not blinkered enough to deny that we have for some time looked like a team that has majorly lost its way.
Perhaps Fosun’s calculated gamble will pay off. There are allegedly some big name managers jostling for the job and, while none of them are likely to ever receive the hero’s welcome bestowed upon their predecessor, it’ll be interesting to see how a new voice fares.
For now, we can reminisce on the rollercoaster journey we have all been on and be thankful to the man who restored some pride to our club. Thank you Nuno, and best of luck for the future.
Absolutely agree mate. The legend will always be welcome. He knows that. Today was about him as you described with great humility. It’s all been said. The highs we reached on the journey together. One Pack. It’s all about going forward now. What will Fosun bring to the table? Will it be a head coach capable of progressing from where we are now? Will there be an outlay of cash bringing in players able to match any progression? Or will there be a stagnation (as is assumed on some social media outlets) . A fire sale of assets in the name of a quick profit? My own hunch is to back Jeff ( I saw reports of abuse in his direction). Fosun are a phenomenal successful business. Wolves are a part of it. Very saddened to see a decent thoughtful chap like Jeff getting that sort of shit. Fosun have been absolutely brilliant for Wolves. Be careful what you wish for .
Completely agree with you both. I couldn’t be there today but feel guilty for not being able to express my thanks to Nuno in person for what he’s done. Nuno leaving sort of has the same empty feeling as relegation and the uncertainty it brings. I’ve seen various media reports as I’m sure we all have with some saying Fosun remain as ambitious as ever and others suggesting the opposite. Fosuns profits were down in the last financial year but I don’t know the answers so I’ll hope for the best and as ever actions will speak louder than words.
We all knew, five years ago, that after Fosun took control, it would be a roller coaster ride, the likes of which most of us had never seen.
The first year was for the most part all downs, with the exception of besting Liverpool at Anfield.
Then came incredible highs, stuffing nearly everyone as we steamrollered the second division with Nuno, Diogo, Wily, Ruben et al.
Then more ups and some downs, European fantasys, glorious cup exploits, ignominious defeats to the likes of Huddersfield, but still a wonderful roller coaster ride.
Then came covid.
And with it, for me, the beginning of the end for poor Nuno.
Apart from a few 2-1 victories, we haven’t played like Nuno’s Wolves since we beat Spurs 3-2 on their own patch.
The rot gradually set in, for whatever reason, and the slow decline into mediocrity began.
Another down on the rollercoaster ride.
This has culminated in the end of the reign of Nuno.
But, this gentleman, with all his humility, grace, manners, wisdom and sheer presence, has earned a place on the top table of Wolves folklore, and will be forever etched on our hearts, and welcome in Wolverhampton.
Never has a man united a city like this guy, and not since Churchill has anyone deserved our devotion for such unity.
All managers, and players, leave their clubs, and so it is with Dr. Nuno.
We will start the next part of our rollercoaster ride without him, but be eternally grateful for him, since he kickstarted everything four years ago.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
From the bottom of our hearts.
As erudite as ever Clive.
The Nuno era forever etched in our hearts.
No point in me posting now Clive. You’ve said it all.
Oh, and Mike Dean
You are a fucking disgrace to your profession
Goodbye then to our Nuno.
Honesty, integrity, passion, fight, love, style, generosity, humour…. and SUCCESS.
Just a few of the things he brought to Wolverhampton. Not just the football club, but the city.
Wolverhampton adopted him as an honorary citizen, and doctor, just as he adopted us as his ‘Pack’.
It was probably written in the stars that today would end the way it did.
Cheers mixed with tears.
The game was a microcosm of our season.
The Mike Dean show, defensive errors, VAR, injuries and not being able to put the ball in the net.
And whatever luck was going certainly didn’t go our way.
Semedo and Silva did well today, Morgan Gibbs-White did OK again, but Saiss and Boly were poor in defence. Willy should have cleared the cross for their first goal. He seems to have lost the art of jumping.
At the end of the season where whatever could go wrong DID go wrong… irony of ironies… we ended up 13th.
Lucky for some… not us… or Nuno.
So sad he’s gone.
Clive, Ben, Cheese and Riverwolf, you’ve all said everything that needs to be said.
I couldn’t be there today, despite being only about 8 miles from Molineux. I wasn’t bothered about the result at all, although Clive’s excellently eloquent thoughts on Mike Dean sum up all that needs saying about the match.
Today, this weekend, and even the first few weeks of next season are all about Nuno. If he ever comes back to Wolverhampton, I’ll buy him a pint, make him a cup of tea or applaud him from a distance, whichever is most appropriate at the time.
I’m not a happy clapper, but I do think we’ve just lost the best thing to happen to our club since Sir Jack. Him going, and his expertly assembled backroom staff going with him, mean that we are now almost back where we started. Except for one thing…
Thanks to Nuno, we are now at least a mid table Premier League team, and I hope the board and the players do his legacy proud.
Wolves ay we.
See you all next year
Certainly a chilly day in the stands with fans only cheered by their warmth for our departing leader. Despite the combined will of all present to try and win for Nuno, it wasn’t to be and this miserable season came to a disappointing end. Not turning over a Man U. B team certainly highlighted the fact that all is not well in the state of Wolverhampton and perhaps it is the right time to effect some form of change. However necessary the need for action by the club, nobody could fail to be moved watching Nuno hugging each one of his players at the end of the game, knowing that we shall not see similar scenes ever again. If ever anyone deserves a statue, Nuno’s image should be cast in bronze… not that we shall ever forget.
The season is finally over. Nuno has gone. And I am going too.
Those on here who bad mouthed Nuno and wanted him gone have had their way. I hope they are happy. Sadly I no longer feel this Blog is for me or reflects my views of my club.
Thank you for the good times.
OUT OF DARKNESS
COMETH LIGHT
Hey Bedford. Wrong answer. Your constructive contributions here have been well appreciated by all of us regulars.
I personally agree with you that some of the ‘ Nuno Out’ brigade are just plain wrong, having very short memories. But for the blog to be effective we need different opinions. All of us support this football club, but we`re never going to agree fully as to the best way forward.
I can only say that I hope you`ll reconsider. I for one would much miss your contribution if you quit. So, please think again.
I’ll second that. Everyone has a right to an opinion even when it is just plain wrong. Hope you’ll reconsider.
Sad to read that you’re leaving Bedford. There is a need for different opinions on every blog but there’s no need for offensive remarks by anyone. Like Nuno, you’re one of the good guys. And like Nuno, I hope you’re back in the pack one day.
The blog will only reflect your views of the club if you post them Bedders.
We need people like you who have balanced views and don’t stoop to the crass vitriol and backbiting of some on here.
Please think again mate.
Today`s game in itself was largely irrelevant. But suffice it to say that the game mirrored our season`s failures. A defense unable to demonstrate fundamental disciplines, coupled with a woefully inadequate strike force. Defeat is inevitable if you give away soft goals at one end and fail to convert chances at the other.
Whoever becomes our new Coach, his failure to promptly address these basic issues can only result in a very bleak future.
But today is about Nuno. As a golden oldie, who first stood on the South Bank back in 1946,I have two emotions. ‘Gratitude and Sadness. ‘ Gratitude that after years of disappointments and frustrations I finally got to see my team playing such magnificent football, able to compete with anyone. Completely unexpected, and all the better for that.
Sadness, not only because the Nuno era has come to an end, but rather because Nuno`s demise was not of his own making. The crass transfer policy of last summer effectively condemned Nuno. Not only did we fail to sign a quality, experienced striker to support Raul, but we then sold our only other proven goal scorer, Jota, before blewing the proceeds of the sale on the purchase of a young kid who had zero experience of any senior football. Utter and complete incompetence. With Raul out, Nuno had no chance.
Mr Shi may well be a competent Fosun executive. But by his own admission he is inexperienced in the ways of professional football. Thelwell saw what was coming and left early. Dalrymple, seeing the dangers looming, chose to fight but was summarily ousted. So we are left with zero professional know how on our Board of Directors. Surely a very dangerous situation as we go forward into the next hugely important transfer window, particularly so in the light of the intense Mendez influence.
Rant over. I`ve opened a very expensive bottle of a Cabernet Sauvignon, the full content of which I intend to imbibe this evening without assistance. I`ll drown my sorrows, but more importantly I`ll toast Nuno as the hero he undoubtedly is.
Let’s put aside for a moment the footballing arguments. This is a humble, warm and good man who gave his all for this club and the people of the city, and beyond. That much was clear during those emotional scenes at the final whistle.
I think today we should forget the turgid football of this season, whether Coady can play in a back four and if Silva will ever be the real deal. Those debates will rightly be had, and it’s now for someone else to decide.
Nuno has gone and what a journey he gave us. It wasn’t good this season, most of us will agree. There were big mitigating factors but we’ve still been poor. Perhaps Nuno deserves credit for keeping this team out of a relegation battle.
Nuno is in some ways a victim of his own success. Before his arrival fans under 40 had never known the club established in the top flight. Hell, we were on the pitch celebrating a last gasp escape from relegation. Perhaps because for the first time in a while it was boring being a Wolves fan that’s why we started to get restless. But it could have been so much worse. I am personally not against a fresh start. Things change, the club needs to evolve and keep moving forwards. And if things had gone south next season no one would have wanted to see Nuno get hounded out. A man of his class does not deserve that. Maybe it’s fitting for all concerned that this wonderful and memorable chapter ends here. If Fosun eventually get us to where they want to, Nuno will be the man who laid the foundations. Thank you Nuno and farewell.
A quick note on the match. Struggling to understand the Mike Dean criticism, it was a clear penalty. Granted it wouldn’t have looked that way in the ground but it was clear on the replay. Semedo finally found the net, the man Nuno was desperate to sign to improve the team. The irony doubtless won’t have escaped him.
That made me laugh Rich mate when you said about fans under 40. Thanks chap!. But absolutely correct. I have been on this forum loads of times never seen the like of the footy Nuno and the boys served up. I think my biggest memory was Leeds at home in the Championship one cold and dark winter evening. And for 25 minutes we just marmalised them and went 3-0 up . Cav scored a couple I think. I just sat there thinking this is not real. After 40 years of mediocre rubbish this was on another planet. It got to the stage where it was becoming a chore to drag yourself down the Mol on a cold Tuesday in November but Nuno changed that and I a totally looked forward to it!
Ha! I know there’s still many like my old man who were fortunate enough to witness the 70s glory days.
Yeah, thinking back to some of those Championship games and how much of a gulf in class there was. Bolton and Brentford stick out too (shit in the winter…), and playing Villa off the park as well as the Neves wondergoal against Sheff Utd, and of course Derby.
Fitting that it ended against United. That Jota goal in the quarter final was probably the moment that topped the lot. I believe I’m right in saying today was the first time they’d won here in the Nuno era. Special, special times.
A well written comment and very coincidental that you mention the pasting of Leeds in the Championship. I clearly remember being at the game and laughing to myself as we tore them to shreds….the laughter coming from a disbelief that I was seeing football the like of which I could never remember at the old ground.
That game, despite every other amazing moments sums Nuno up.
Moving forward, who knows. Let’s be honest, we didn’t know what to expect when NES arrived, so let’s hope Fosun can pull another rabbit out of the hat.
For now, I hope Nuno has a well earned rest and can reflect on what he achieved. Truly a man of integrity, humility and intelligence
Not many clubs could sum up their manager like that
A well thought out and very well written post Rich. Ben & Co should invite you to guest write a leader next season to maintain the excellent perspective normally, but not always, displayed on this blog.
It doesn’t matter what follows. How much success we may or may not have, I doubt that anyone will ever win us over as did the man from a small island off the coast of Africa.
If you could bottle it, it would sell for millions.
He made us feel like we were all on the ride together.
I thought he’d earned the right to put things right but just perhaps it’s better that he leaves with us all wanting more.
If he ever comes back to Molineux he’s guaranteed a standing ovation.
Nuno has given us a fantastic few years and today is about celebrating our success. We were in trouble when Fosun and Nuno came in. We are now an established premier league team and for that we must thank Nuno and his team. As someone who goes back to Bill Mcgarys team of the seventies I’ve been waiting for this. The foundation’s have been laid by Nuno and the next man has a real opportunity to take us to new heights. I agree with others that we need to strengthen the squad and I only hope that we do not sell off our best assets.
Cheerio Nuno and his team
I guess it’s a case of ‘ the king is dead, long live the king’
But who .,,, and with what results?
We will just have to wait and see and hope we dont start next season as relegation favorites
Hope Traore is ok
If he’d stayed on the pitch even the new Willian would have scored
Ah well… everyone needs a break and we should all
Enjoy the summer break
Hope the new gaffer is confirmed soon so retention replacement and recruitment can be done well
Meantime I remain troubled that the ‘ ‘knee against racism’ is boo-ed
and.someone still thinks monkey chants are a good idea… same family?
Hasta pronto to all bloggers and good luck to
The bearded wonder
Firstly on the game, I’m hoping that Jeff realises that simply changing manager will likely not induce a dramatic turn in fortunes and have us moving up the table. As most of you have noted, this squad needs massive investment, this was a Man Utd 2nd team against the best 11 we could put out.
Lastly, Nuno, lots have added comments more eloquent than mine, but thanks for the dream, what a ride, truly gutted he has left. The man and his team deserved another season in more (hopefully) normal times.
For me the Nuno reign was a return to the halcyon days of the 70’s, like then we had some big players who lifted us to lofty heights.
I remember the gradual, then fatal descent as we struggled to replace the likes of Bailey, Dougan, Wagstaffe and we never did fully until Fosun and Nuno.
To see Jose, surely one of the worst centre forwards I’ve seen grace the old gold shirt, try to fill Raul’s boots reminds me that nothing in life is forever.
Nuno’s out on a high for me, he hasn’t got the job of a partial rebuild needed to keep us in the top. 10, and hopefully higher.
I relish his time as our boss, and hope that Fosun really do want to build on the foundations our great former coach has started.
A forward line of Neto, Raul and Adama is awesome to anticipate. So although gutted and saddened at the departure of Nuno I just think of those three in unison and my optimism is revived.
The boos at the taking of the knee and the monkey chant aimed at Rio Ferdinand are inexcusable and leave a nasty taste. Those idiots reflect badly on our society as much as they do on Wolves fans. But we’re not alone, the uglies are there in all teams fans, maybe not Brighton’s but who knows.
Yes there have been good players, good coaches, good times between the forty odd years of McGarry and Nuno, but this era, that started four years ago, has been a massive boost to the history of Wolves.
Fosun as a Conglomerate cannot let that go can they? A quality Manager is much needed, everyone assumes it will be a Portuguese boss, I’ve not heard of the mooted contenders, well other than Fonseco who wears a natty leather cap on the touch line.
Whoever takes on Nuno’s legacy will have a tough job indeed, but the foundations are there make no mistake. So it’s with a glass nearly full to the brim I now look forward to next season. But bye and thanks to a Wolves legend, a man who steps into the pantheon of Wolves greats with ease.
A lot of posts here referring to “the halcyon days of the 70s”. The 70s team was OK, but the really halcyon days are back in the 50s. 3 Division 1 titles and an FA Cup in season 59/60 as well.
I came on board in 55/56.
Agreed but unfortunately I didn’t get to see those days I was around but too young to go! The 70’s were magic as were Nuno’s years. We weren’t quite the best but in both eras we battled and beat the best.
Yep, true enough Allen.
All the best to you,
Nothing else to add…..
Except
UTW !
Having initially trying to land an impressive Lopetgui, Mendes was forced at last minute to shuffle through the damaged goods section to pull out a Zenga. Such was the Fosun displeasure at this contribution Fosun ignored the Mendes connection for the next short notice appointment and used local knowledge to produce the equally catastrophic Lambert.
Well aware that this selection was pivotal in dictating the future direction of the Mendes-Fosun relationship, Jorge went to the safe and pulled out his prime Jewell. A personal friend he had hoped to land him something of a Champions League standard. But Jorge was desperate and to be fair Nuno had not left Valencia or Porto on great terms. The question was would the fit work? Cultured slightly but slightly tarnished Iberian high-flyer to level-two struggling former star from black-and-white TV days.
Well yes, the fit worked. Anyone who has watched the ‘Sunderland ’till I die’ series will know how many clubs like ours are desperate for owners like ours and a manager like Nuno.
So I suggest that right now as we contemplate the future we don’t look at Leicester for a comparison we look at Sunderland.
Thankyou Nuno a million times for taking a chance on Wolves. I really hope it helps your career, not just because you are a great man but because it may encourage others to take a chance. And thankyou Fosun and Jorge for making the Nuno era happen. Don’t forget about us now.
Absolutely Jackomac. We have much to thank Fosun for. And Nuno too.
Nuno restored the pride in our great club and gave us memories that will last a lifetime.
The 3:2 against Man City and Espanyol win stand out for me personally. Those Thursday night European games were the first I managed to get my son interested in too. Thank you Nuno.
For me, Nuno had enough in the bank to be given another season (although we have been terrible this season) – but maybe it’s better for all concerned for him to go out as a hero.
Over to you Fosun for a strong replacement and an even stronger transfer window – otherwise I fear another difficult season ahead.
What a glorious send-off for Nuno! Can anyone recall any PL manager getting such a send off and/or leaving his club in a much better state than when he joined? I hope Nuno will be back in the pack one day. Coming back worked out rather well for David Moyes at West Ham didn’t it, when the owners realised they had made a mistake?
A great shame we couldn’t inflict Manure’s first away defeat of the season. Nuno would have deserved it. Equally we should have secured a point. The fact that we didn’t, and that we’ve had three straight defeats, explains Fosun’s thinking, but it’s something I’ll never agree with. One disappointing season in four is not a cause to sack Nuno, especially given the cruel circumstances of this season.
What’s done is done. One thing for sure, Fosun is now left holding the can, they can’t blame Nuno next season!The Wolves job will attract every out-of-work, or soon to be out-of-work, top coach in the world, and then some. To recruit said top coach, Fosun will be on the rack. Spending commitments will be necessary. If they had kept Nuno they might have been able to fob him off with loose change next transfer window, but not now. Get the cheque book out Jeff, and get real…
For me this season will always be one big “what if…….?”
What if Raul had not been so badly injured that November evening?
Up to and including that game we had 17 points from 10 games and were sitting nicely in 7th place. I know it’s all speculation but take that 1.7 points per game across the whole season and that would have seen us level with West Ham in 6th or 7th.
Again, I know it’s not that simple – form, injuries etc could have made anything happen, but what if? Would Nuno now be planning his fifth season in charge?
But Nuno has gone and that is that, thank you for all the amazing memories, but now we need to give our support to whoever becomes the next manager.
Dreaming is still for free.
Have a good summer one and all.
With Nuno we had an incredible journey and incredible times. He brought pride back into our beloved Wolves. It was an unbelievable journey with memories that will linger long after my old bones turn to dust.
Onwards & Upwards
Nunos biggest achievement is the return of the moaners to the wolves blog! Let’s face it the fact that a season of mid table mediocrity in the premier league has led to such a sense of disappointment is a testament to the progress that has been made under the good Dr.
He set the foundation built the most successful wolves team in a generation and has been an excellent ambassador for everything that is good about wolves. He did so well that the Premier league got scared and brought in VAR just to keep his wolves team from upsetting the apple cart to much;-). The “big six” were so scared of losing points and places to Nuno’s wolves they threatened to up and leave the league;-).
Thanks for the memories Nuno, though others may come and build on your success it will take a real managerial tour de force to have the same level of impact as you did in your 4 all to short years.
Agreed 100%
Very well said.
Everything I would have said has been said by others who are more gifted than me in saying the right thing. (By the way where are you Paul and Tim not like you to be so quiet).
So what is past is exactly that and we must look forward as hopefully as we can. Whoever replaces Nuno will have a big act to follow. Not just in rebuilding a squad bereft of confidence but one who have lost their leader and mentor and a gifted coach. He will need qualities of a very high standard not only as a coach but as aman.
Though you hope we can all get behind him it will be hard to win over the fans who (almost without exception loved and respected Nuno)as was clear yesterday.
I suppose we could have joint coaches: Paul and Tim maybe?
Like many of us I was saddened that a Wolves fan was ejected and arrested for abusing Rio Ferdinand. Equally embarrassing was the booing of players taking the knee.
Fosun have it in their power to save “the project” . We all hope so and will give full support to whoever is coach and squad members old and new.
I’d like to think, HW, that the aforementioned naysayers are maintaining a respectful silence whilst the pro Nuno camp mourn his departure? So many superlatives eloquently expressed above about NES and his back room staff. However, having seen other good managers’ have their reputations besmirched when the inevitable sticky patch occurs, I am at least pleased that Nuno’s will not be. He is probably leaving at the right time and will always be a giant amongst men, at least in my eyes anyway. But life goes on, we wait with great interest the new manager and changes to the squad. I pray they all get a chance to bed in, performances may get worse before they get better, there will be some who will delight in moaning at every setback. It’s a professional sport with excellent, decent decision makers in place so let’s give them a chance to mould the team before we critique their every move. Rant over.
Hope you’re right the Nuno/Fosun knockers Woodend but it would be out of character.
Im sure the idiot in question failed to see the irony of his stupidity.
I wasn’t there so I have to make assumptions regarding the booing of the taking of the knee.
I totally support the sentiment behind the gesture but after almost a year that’s all it’s become, a gesture.
There needs to be something new to drive the message home because the knee is becoming invisible. Just ask the idiot who attended his last ever Wolves match yesterday.
why am I such an annoying $#*@
But you know I’m right don’t you
Blah blah blah
Marvellous 8 page pullout in the middle of the Wolverhampton Express and Star today showing pictures of the Great Man’s triumphs. From Championship through to Europe. Brings a tear to the eye. On the back page is a large photo of Nuno blowing a kiss to the fans at the end of yesterday afternoon and he does have tears in his eyes. A remarkable human being. Forever humble. How he managed to stay so calm after all those shitty VAR decisions that went against us (and still do incidentally) is a tribute to the man. I really hope one day he does return to a packed Molineux where he can receive the warmth of the Wolves fans in full. But like others have said we need to draw a line now and move on. The Nuno out camp were fully entitled to their opinions. Vociferous debates were had but this is nothing new with fans. Emotions run high at times. Some times emotions get the better of you. I should know. So let’s heal the divisions and move on as one pack. Just like Nuno would have wanted.
Any chance of a copy, please??
One trick pony having an unproductive year called up to Spain’s Euro team.
Maybe they should have consulted with all of the Wolves season ticket experts who say he isn’t even good enough for Wolves.
Yes, I am right again, as usual.
Note: I know I’m the only reason many of you read this blog but I have to do other things sometimes.
F**k off back to Sandwell
Your comments are not appreciated at this time.
Anonymous comments are ignored.
Put on your big boy pants and use your real name.
(I’m not sure why the people who run this blog allow this)
This is the reason I was not commenting. There are a lot of emotionally weak people on here who can’t handle a difference of opinion or some friendly banter.
Next season, first home match, outside the players entrance next to the statue, exactly one hour before kick off, bring your sandwell town scarf.
When you have a trick like that you don’t need two.
Also I can’t help but question the logic of the brain dead morons that goes to a wolves game noted as the swan song of likely, the most successful black managers in english football history and makes monkey noises at players on the pitch and boos a protest about equality.
Yesterday should have had the headlines as the end of an era and hopefully the start of a new one where black and other minority groups have a successful manager as well as players to look up to. Instead it was a reminder of how far we still have to go.
That guy isn’t a lone idiot, he had mates in the pub that let him get away with that sh*t to the point he felt he could do it in public. Every time it happens it’s a shame on everybody involved in football.
So next time your mate makes a racist joke, don’t ignore it, laugh at it ironically etc, instead make them feel like the small piece of cr*p person they really are. This is 2021 those sort of scenes were embarrassing in 1971.
Chester wolf I am an anti racist and my entries on this blog back it up. You are absolutely correct in everything you say. I think Rio Ferdinand was absolutely brilliant in the way he dealt with the ‘monkey chant’ issue. He was happy the police dealt with it quickly but he also offered to meet the offender and discuss the issue with him directly. Education is the main thing with eradicating poisonous racism from society. Rio was saying that. But what do I know. I am a fat middle aged white bloke who doesn’t suffer racist comments every day I walk in a shop or supermarket. Like you say the fact this shit keeps on occurring is disturbing. I suppose whilst you have a rightwing in politics it will never go away. Always someone to blame when capitalism goes wrong.
It was extraordinarily generous of Rio Ferdinand to offer to meet the offender. Pity the offender was too cowardly or hate-filled to accept. A life ban from the Mol is appropriate. There goes one embittered, racist fan, banned for life. Lost. It’s a pity he didn’t accept Rio’s offer and potentially rescue himself from prejudice and hatred. He could have educated himself and possibly his mates down to pub as well.
Fio Ferdinand should be commended for reaching out to this moron.
Agreed Dances.
The trouble is, a lot of these idiots don’t even have the intelligence to know that they’re being racist. It’s just something their mates do for a laugh.
Completely ridiculous when you think that they are cheering for Adama as he powers his way through opposition defences.
thedoGOODer side of me says that part of this jerk’s punishment should be that he is forced to meet with Rio and Adama and have a man to man discussion.
thedoBADder side of me says that he should be locked in a room with the two of them for ten minutes and repeat what he did on Sunday.
Sadly, Rio would be wasting his breath with this jerk. Every club has them. Prejudice takes many forms and is generational. I was at Chelsea v Man U a couple of seasons ago and a famous ex-Chelsea player came up to me and complained that the Man U players were ‘crossing themselves’. Bleedin’ Catholics, he said, or rather stronger words to that effect. I am one myself, but I didn’t take offence with a 70-odd year old. His/my generation was brought up when there was Alf Garnett on TV. But a young 31-year old Wolves supporter racially abusing Rio Ferdinand is very depressing indeed given the widespread Black Lives Matter campaign.
For the record I do not agree with the decision. I don’t believe that Nuno would not have seen out his contract if supported fully by the owners. That said we will probably never know the full story.
The man bought me and mine so much pride and joy. I never thought I would see such an array of technical footballers in old gold and more, supporting each other like a true pack.
Nuno should have been afforded a good rest and a big budget to restore our fluency and take us back to Europe. Cheap at half the price.
Of course he would have done it – he is Nuno, one of a special kind of brave, intelligent, humble, honest and passionate men.
Good luck to you Sir. A Wolves legend there is no doubt.
My Dad used to go to school with Norman Deeley, and had a trial for the Wolves, but Deemed not good enough. Which for the team they had, is understandable. He’s related by marriage to Ron Flowers as well.
I can’t remember Peter Knowles, but can remember messrs. Bailey, Waggy, Dougan and King John. I remember the record money we paid for Steve Daley.
I can remember going to work after losing to Chorley; and watching the team train on the car park. And as for the Bhatti Brothers…..I remember getting a free pint and pie. It only cost me my seat for a local derby.
I don’t care what they call the stand, to me it will always be the South Bank. I remember singing ‘zigged zagger Wanderers’ as a young lad. And yes, I swore during the Liquidator’.
I don’t know why decisions have been made over the years, and won’t know why they’re made going forward. Some I agreed with, others I didn’t. But my love for Gold & Black is as strong as ever, whether the club is owned by a Chinese conglomerate, or when it was owned by the great Sir Jack.
The blog is a great place, I love Bedders, Cheeseburger, DooGooder, Newark, Dances, and the rest of you guys. One day, I’m looking forward to seeing a 5-1 score line and Clive will be ecstatic. One pack, one team, our team. And Nuno will always be part of the pack.
It is reported that Fosun are bidding to buy French Ligue 1 club Bordeaux, who it is said need £85 million of new investment to restore financial stability. IF this is correct it suggests they would not be inhibited by Chinese government policy from investing as much as FFP will allow in the Wolves project.
I did notice that Bilko. None of us knows what goes on behind the scenes. Least of all in the relationship between Fosun and the Chinese government.
Some interesting stuff on Bruno Lage, the bookies favourite to succeed NES, was going to take over at Villa either before Dean Smith was appointed, or after if he’d failed to keep them up.
Won the title with Benfica after replacing incumbent part way through the season. He used young players to win the trophy, Jao Felix one he brought from the B team to the Seniors with spectacular results!
Got sacked by them the season after after an alarming dip in form on the league’s return after COVID-19. From reports it looks like Mendes is pushing him strongly.
Looking at the details behind the headlines about him gives a fuller picture of a potentially good or hopefully great young Manager. He favours a 4-4-2 set up, if he gets the job it could be an exciting season for the likes of Otasowie, MGW, Ait-Nouri & maybe others.
It’s the end of another era and a yet another new beginning…
I’ve seen so many players, all heroes of mine, come and go, Billy Wright (I used to deliver his paper), Norman Deeley, Peter Broadbent, Ron Flowers, Bobby Thomson, John Richards, Kenny Hibbitt, David Wagstaffe, Steve Daley, Peter Knowles, Derek Parkin, Derek Doogan, Jim McCalliog, Steve Bull, Robbie Keane, Kenny Miller, Diego Jota and Matt Doherty to name a few in my time as a Wolverhampton supporter.
Whatever happens, I’ll be supporting whoever comes on board as a manager, coach, or player until I breathe my last.
Fabrizio Romano, who generally doesn’t tweet until he’s pretty sure, is basically saying it’s a done deal and that talks with Bruno Lage are down to the last details with announcement expected soon.
Stand by for Tim, who fully understands sports, to confirm that he knew this was going to happen as soon as an official statement is released by the club.
Bruno Lage?? I suppose when Nuno arrived his record didn’t seem overwhelming, but BL seems to have even less to his name, mainly one strong run with Benfica, balanced by a disastrous one and lots of youth work…..certainly one who would fuel the impressions of Mendes having an iron grip on our position in the football hierarchy, ie a research and development unit. Tim, who fully understands sports, and others who delighted at Nuno’s departure, may soon rue the day.
I was in favour of bringing in someone like Nuno when many of you were in favour of keeping Paul Lambert.
Are some of you still upset with Paul Lambert being let go?
I’m sure many of you are aware that Bruno Lage is Wolves “insurance” guy. He was identified a couple of years ago as a replacement for Nuno in case Nuno decided, even though he was under contract, to bolt to Arsenal. This was when he was still the Benfica coach, I believe.
If you are just going to go by a bad run of games he had at the end of his stay a Benfica, then that makes Nuno unhirable, as well.
The new rumours about Neves leaving, which I predicted might happen a couple of months ago, make me suspicious that something else might be happening rather than the sure-fire hiring of Bruno.
Whoever gets hired, I will be behind them 100%, at least at the start, as I was with Nuno for 3 full years.
(actually not if it is Frank Lampard or John Terry or someone like that)
He’s 1/9 now after being evens at one stage. Irrespective of who is manager (or head coach) is it’s often the coaching team who really make the difference. Did his back up staff also get sacked at Benfica?
I read the suspicion many hold regarding Senor Mendes and the influence he has in the running of our club. Some things shouldn’t be forgotten however.
Fosun are major stakeholders in Gestifute and as such are not to be trifled with.
Mendes pushed Nuno our way.
He was instrumental in so many of the quality players who left top teams all over Europe to come to a mid-table championship club.
If Wolves are successful, it’s good for us but it’s good for Mendes too. We’ll have more money to spend and he’ll end up with a fatter (if that’s possible) wallet.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no lover of agents,but I genuinely think that Uncle Jorge is actually on our side, ’cause what’s good for us is good for him.
Always the voice of reason wolfstroker!
How’s your pineapple rings this year, guys??!!
The older I get the looser they get, they have even been known to fall off!
You’re not nibbling them right.
Or someone else isn’t!
Congratulations to our captain on being selected for Southgate’s provisional England Euros squad.
In spite of the knockers he must be doing something right!
Cutrone back to Fiorentina? You read it here, first.
So, what comes next after The Lord Mayor’s Show because Nuno is a very hard act to follow?
There is no doubt that regardless of who is appointed it’s really down to Fosun’s current attitude towards WWFC and I’m not sure that the signs are that good. I believe Nuno’s departure is largely due to “The Project” having been watered down to the extent that “Nuno’s Dream” had become just that rather than a realistic possibility The lack of ambition in the transfer market over the last 2 years is indicative and I think Nuno had little or no say in eg. the purchases of Cuitrone, Semedo and Silva or the sales of Jota and Doherty. The allegation that Wolves are big spenders is a myth – NET spend less than £200 million in 4 years under Nuno.
Which brings us to the role of Jorge Mendes and Gestitute in the management of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Like it or not agents are a reality in the world of 21st century football. But not to the extent of the influence that Mendes has at Wolves. Yes, he was a huge positive dynamic back in 2017 to 2019 but now it seems to me that the tail is wagging the dog and with full compliance of Jeff Shi (of course). But more recently the favours have been called in – and then some. That’s the way it works with Jorge, just ask the good people of Valencia and Porto amongst others. Throw in Fosun’s 20% holding in Gestitute, add Grasshoppers and now Bordeaux FC to the mix and you potentially have complication and conflict of interest.
The managerial situation is typical. We hear that non Mendes options are being considered but how many of you would bet against the successful applicant being one of the Gestitute candidates. This closed shop scenario can’t be healthy.
Finally good luck Nuno whatever is next for you, but if you are as wise as we believe you to be take a step back and wait for the tight opportunity (which is definitely not in North London). And above all – thank you.