For 86 unfruitful minutes it looked like this game would be aptly symbolic of the Hayward era – frustrating.
As was so often the case during Sir Jack’s bumpy tenure as club owner, Wolves showed good intentions but lacked the requisite quality or fortune to get over the line.
Blackpool, who started cautious and receded as the game went on defended the width of their penalty area defiantly and made it tough for Wolves to pick the lock.
But after Dominic Iorfa strode purposefully forward and some neat interchange released Rajiv van La Parra, his deflected cross finally opened the gates for Dave Edwards to profit.
The Welshman had by then been switched to the left of midfield, but even out of position he retains that wonderful appetite to get in the box and score a goal.
That’s four in a week for Edwards, who should have added to his tally much earlier in the game, but dragged wide when clean through.
He can be forgiven that blunder for another influential display, capped with the decisive breakthrough. Unlike his former team mate in the opposition’s lineup he has the stature and the legs to contribute all over the pitch.
O’Hara was kept mercifully quiet, restricted to the odd interception and a handful of well struck set pieces, as his team struggled to find a rhythm.
Wolves always controlled the game, but too often neat build up failed to result in a meaningful pass or shot.
James Henry made no significant contribution whilst attempting to fill the gaping chasm left by the absent Bakary Sako.
So often Wolves’ talisman against this type backs-to-the-wall resistance, Sako was a painful miss yesterday. If nothing else, he can at least deliver a decent corner, which three of his team mates seemed incapable of doing.
On the opposite flank, van La Parra summed up the team performance – honest and willing, but never quite good enough.
That was until the final five minutes of course when the Dutchman finally made one of his crosses pay. He now has more assists this season than any other Wolves player, including Sako.
Price and McDonald can also feel pleased about their efforts. The former was continually the man picking up the ball and moving things forward, while the latter played with freedom and creativity.
Largely untroubled, the back four did what was necessary for another cleansheet, but Dominic Iorfa oozes star quality.
Unflappable when defending and ice cool in possession, his every involvement seems to underline what a wonderful prospect the club have unearthed.
Benik Afobe showed similar glimpses of promise in a second half cameo. With the game so condensed in central areas, he still managed to find pockets of space to trap the ball and demonstrate considerable power and pace.
His goal was just reward for both his and Dicko’s efforts, as the forwards were only afforded scraps from the table until the visitors late calamity gave the debutant a tap in.
Molineux, illuminated by lights and choruses to salute one of their own, went home contented that Wolverhampton’s favourite son had been dutifully honoured on and off the pitch.
And although Sir Jack’s time as owner can’t be looked back upon as a great success on the field, it’s clear that the infrastructure he created off it allowed for a bright and successful future.
‘Glad to have helped’ was his modest final epitaph.
But the pleasure Sir, was all ours.
From what I saw on TV and YouTube, it was a momentous day that many fans won’t forget. A fitting day indeed for all concerned.
I will comment on yesterday a little later, for those unfortunate enough to miss the game this was Sir Jacks send off. If you want to understand why we seemed lack lustre for most of the match, watch the video and look at Danny Bhatt’s face as he walks to the North Bank with the wreath. They were all visibly upset and emotional. One report say’s “the Magnitude of the day got to them”, I personally think Danny’s face said it all,
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7urem4IoM2E&feature=youtu.be
:-((
I have to agree with you Stu. I have just watched the tribute and it was an exceptionally well deserved and emotional occasion, made sadder for me by not being there. Of course the other highlight that was missing was Jack Price upending O’Hara, that definitely cheered me up. In fact I can now almost forgive and forget his behaviour at the club as justice has been seen to be done.
Thnaks for putting that you tube tribute to Sir Jack on it was incredibly moving. Could’nt help noticing the WBAAFC message of condolence just flicker briefly on the boards!
The game was forgettable, but we won & that was a relief more than anything. Batth & Stearman were excellent, Iorfa is great going forward & in defence. I think adding Doherty at left back helped second half. Afobe looks good, more promise than either Graham or Sagbo showed, and he could be very important to us in the next few months.
McDonald played well but he can be careless with both possession & his passing at times, but he’s quality & Price continues to rise in my eyes.
Edwards despite his gaff with the first half chance is becoming something of a talisman along with the other senior players like Stearman & Ikeme.
He’s a reassuring presence,and I loved his gesture with the armband when he scored. He looks to be in the form of his life, and to accomodate Afobe he can do a job for us on the right or the left of midfield.
There’s a long way to go but to make the play offs we are gonna have to be a lot better than yesterday. There is one hell of a competition going to be played out by the Maytime Wembley promise of nirvana.
I see Watford, Middlesboro, Norwich, Ipswich, Derby, Bournemouth, Brentford, maybe Forest, & even some late starters making it one hell of a final third or so of the season. But with the return of Sako, the promise of Afobe & Dicko up top, we must be in with more than a shout.
It was always going to be that way but they kept going and got the result Sir Jack would have wanted. Thanks Stu for putting that up a very moving tribute. The meet up before hand was very convivial enjoyed meeting everybody there and i can recommend it to other bloggers. If it was on tripadvisor i would give it 5 stars. There was much optimism for the rest of the season.
Excellent write up Thomas.
I told the present Mrs DG’er she’d have to bring along a load of hankies for the pre-match tribute and I’m very glad I did.
I needed most of them.
It was, as we had hoped, an ‘I was there’ day.
And the fact that the goals went in so late in the match, somehow made it more so.
I hope the moaning idiot sitting behind me, who spent all the game calling most of the Wolves players ‘wankers’ and finally stormed out shouting “That’s it, I’ve had enough” eight minutes from time, heard the roars from inside the Molineux as the final five minutes unfolded and kicked himself extremely hard up the arse.
People like that really confuse me.
You DON’T leave before the end of a game.
It’s your team, pal, SUPPORT IT!
The bloggers gathering at The Park View was also one to remember.
I won’t list the names of all who were there – you know who you are – but good to see the usual suspects plus Thomas and Ben and a couple of new faces.
Steve and his good lady and London Wolves Loyal (Who will have an interesting story to relate. I won’t spoil it for him).
And it was all capped off by the phone ringing behind the bar and who should be on the other end of it but the big man from Houston!
Nice one Clive!
I thought that I had filmed a fair amount of the goings on at the hotel but, due to some pilot error, it didn’t all come out.
However, what I did get will be available for viewing in a day or so when my team of editors have had a go at it.
Don’t worry though, the bloggers chorus is OK.
As for the game, frustrating for eighty five minutes but ultimately brilliant.
Edwards was my man of the match, outstanding apart from his awful miss, and Iorfa, Price, Batth and Stearman were close behind.
Henry was… well, was he on the pitch?
And van La Parra was ‘all fart and no shit’ as my old grandma used to say.
I don’t really get him at all. Surely his brief is to run at his man and get a decent cross in.
He doesn’t do it nearly enough.
But, when all is said and done, we went to the shrine to honour a man to whom we owe everything as fans of the men in old gold….
…and watch them win, for him.
Mission accomplished.
It always saddens me when I hear nothing but negativity. I also get quite frustrated when people walk out well before the game is over. I hope he was gutted. Pillock.
What a turnout at our watering hole. The message is getting passed, and I really do hope we have one amazing day on the 2nd May – I am sure we will. Clive’s phone call spoke volumes – we must be the best blog ever.
See you again soon mate.
Probably the most organised and pre- organised occasion in Wolves history and rightly so to a man who saved the club…
I have a feeling that we could be at wembly for a play off final again and thoughts of the Sir Jack thumbs up..
Her’s hoping..
At 87 mins I thought the team had let him down but thank god we did it..
It’s probable that even 10 clubs could be in the frame at the end of the season so now every point matters….
When Afobe scored,it wasn’t how he scored, but the fact that he did on his debut..Its an omen..
He shows the greatest promise yet..
and I hope Dicko can play well alongside him…
If we can keep Sako then we are all in for a ride all the way to the Millwall home game…..
COYW
Nice to meet up with some of the Wolvesbloggers y’day at Hamilton’s restaurant, West Park. I live in Axminster Devon and have been a season ticket holder for too long to remember ! Originally from Tipton in the Black Country, I was at school with the legend Steve Bull (only one year apart), and my brother who now lives in Penrith, Cumbria also attended y’days tribute match.
Nice sandwich too – thanks Hamiltons !
Darren,
I did’nt get an opportunity to chat with you yesterday, Colin and I were taking a right old trip down memory lane, Wagstaffe, Hibbitt, Knowles, Doog, Kindon, Parkin, Geoff Palmer, the Bill McGarry era, God I wish I could remember the wifes Birthday as well as these greats. So I apologise matey, now you have found us, come and join us on a regular basis we’re all a little nice, a little Bonkers but as you saw yesterday we’re a little Special too in our love of all things Wolves.
🙂
Great of you to join us mate. Always welcome.
Sorry I couldn’t be there Park veiwers..
Well, it was certainly a memorable day yesterday, and for all the right reasons.
To meet up with my fellow Wolvesbloggers over a glass of fine pre-match ale was a great treat. You guys and gals made Jayney and I so welcome and it was fascinating to put faces to names at last. I am now thinking up an apt and descriptive name for my online self to replace the eminently forgettable epithet I originally chose.
The tribute for the great man was exactly right, celebrating a wonderful life more than mourning a sad loss.
As for the game, much of my thunder has already been stolen, much as Blackpool threatened to do to our heroes for most of the match.
One thing I was struck with though was how much Rajiv reminds me of Siggy, in as much as he promises much,shows all the signs, looks confident and assured on the ball but unfortunately rarely delivers. Also, like Siggy, I really, desperately want him to succeed and consistently set the pitch on fire but, as time goes by, I’m beginning to despair of it actually happening. Ah well, fingers crossed.
Steve yet to be named.
Definition of Stranger is:- a freind we’ve yet to meet.
Your’e a stranger with a Harley Davidson and a pretty pilion passenger. Your’e sorted mate, well sorted.
Seriously, nice to put a face to the unfinished name.
To be continued………..
🙂
This name-choosing is proving tougher than I thought. I’ve been running a few ideas around in my head but have decided to make a decision within 24hours from now, if only to put an end to it before it gets plain boring.
Oh, and Jayney says you’re a handsome fellah too. 🙂
And there’s the perfect name…
Plain Boring!!!
Hopefully I can think of something a little more suitable. And you sounded such a pleasant man on the phone.:-)
Steve………..whatever?
That photo is a picture of his youngest son, first impressions and all that.
Don’t be fooled by this Anglo exile.
You of all folk should know, the only good thing to come out os the USA was the Harley.
Sorry Clive.
You left yourself wide open mucker.
🙂
Hey Cliveo, he’s only just joined us so leave him some slack before you abuse him like you do the rest of us!
Joking aside mate, brilliant of you to phone – very much appreciated and totally unexpected. We all sang your praises when you had gone (or was it abuse?).
See you on the 2nd May my friend.
A man of action we see, 24 hrs, no pressure then.
Handsome, good grief, Obviously Specsavers don’t go that far south then.
🙂
Was great to meet you too. Glad to hear you felt welcomed.
What about: HarleyWolf
Hi Brompton, nice idea but I’m supposed to think of my own so that one’s now off limits. It’s given me a thought though, along similar lines.
Really good to chat at yesterday’s meet. Hope we can do it again before too long.
I hope so too mate. I am chuffed that you enjoyed the atmosphere and am pleased to have you and your good lady on board. See you soon no doubt and I hope you have freed up your diary for the 2nd May. I am staying overnight as that is going to be one great party.
What about ‘Steve (no Bull)’?
Looks like you are too late mate, he has already chosen.
Nice idea though, it must be said.
For the curious amongst you, the ‘stroker’ bit refers to my beloved bike. If you’re still puzzled, ask a petrolhead.
Park View Bloggers meet first .. great to see the group again and some new additions. Welcome Steve and Jayney, Colin, London Loyal wolves , and a couple of lads from Penrith. The thing about Wolves fans is that they come from far and wide .. Plymouth, London, Cumbria, Wiltshire .. these guys travel miles to see Wolves .. they are REAL SUPPORTERS !!!
A massive, massive thank you to CLIVE too for calling the PVH from Houston… another Wolves superfan.
The occasion yesterday was well .. I was overcome. I admit to a few tears.. A blogger on here recently questioned Sir Jacks motive in saving our famous club .. thankfully he doesn’t participate a great deal because I am in no doubt that WWFC owe so much to him.. he will forever be remembered.
Sorry for the break .. my computer was blinking..
Great result .. great day .. I noticed OHara looking at the rammed Steve Bull and wondering what had gone wrong with his career.
Look fwd to the next meet. Sorry but forgot to mention Brompto .. travelling from Catterick, North Yorks… each time he sees a match ..
(That’s got to be worth a Veuve Cliquot)
I can buy a bottle of 2004 vintage (how can it be vintage I ask) for £42.00 or I can even get my hands on a legitimate true for £16.00 (yeah right).
There is even a Rose but I am sure those who drink that horrid, fizzy stuff would argue that it is not the way forward.
I shall stick to a pint, being an uncouth fella that I am. Thanks for the mention mate.
Anyway, I heard Clive is bringing a case of Armand de Brignac over, so that should suit all you rich folks.
Did’nt he play for the Arsenal in the sixties??!!
Why did we have to wait so long for Afobe appearance? This lad will score goals at this level,put bums on seats.He has the pedigree of an Arsenal player,with his positional play and energy.l think he will work well with Iorfa giving him options when going forward.Also it’s not unheard of for Arsenal to release a youngster to succeed elsewhere,and l won’t get ahead of myself,before drawing comparisons,but similar profile.
Spot on benni. The guy looks class.
Great day in the end,Glad we didn’t let Sir Jack down.
Fantastic tribute to Sir Jack also,lovely photo of him on the screens, Thats the sort of pose we should have when we do his statue ( Two thumbs up with that beaming smile )
A nice debut for our new sighing Afobe with a goal,lets hope for a few more.
I still think we need a snotter in the midfield who can play a bit..UTW.
Frustration sums up the match. A combination of nerves, a stubborn Blackpool rearguard and poor decisions in the final third. That said we kept probing and finally got the breaks late on. With Sir Jack looking down and probably tuned in via some sort of vintage wireless, it was almost inevitable the goals would come.The chap on the football league show commented on the goal coming on 86 minutes which co-incided with the number of years Sir Jack was a fan. He was indeed looking down on his flock and no doubt will be dusting off his wireless once more for the trip to Wembley in May.
The frustrating part for me is that Paddy Power hadn’t added Afobe to the list of Wolves players. Despite promising me that they’d look into it during the morning, the name didn’t appear so no-one had the chance to profit from his goal – except in general – great to have a new potential goal scorer with power and pace to add to Dicko – he must improve our chances of getting to the playoffs. Up the Wolves.
Glad we finally broke the stubborn Blackpool bus they’d parked up yesterday but for me the game was of second importance it was all about giving sir Jack the send off he deserved and everyone from the club to every single fan showed absolute class and respect yesterday and I’ve never been prouder to be a wolves fan everything about yesterday was 1st class and glad I was there to be part of it. Rumour has it our friends up the road are taking a banner to Everton tomorrow night bearing both club crests and the words RIP sir Jack the Black Country Unites , fair play if true
Sometimes you have to grind out results and on a difficult day like yesterday it was a good 3 points in the locker. Dave Edwards again huh – would we miss him if he left or what???? Let’s hoping he has an injury free remainder of the season. Back four look so solid with two young full backs. Looking good.
Massive respect the albion fans if that unfolds. The fierce rivalry will always be there. But you have to give respect when and if it is due.
It’s ok to kick a dog, it’s bad form to kick a dog when it’s down.
The laddies up the road were most gracious in their tributes on the many websites honouring Sir Jack. The tribute from official WBA on our digital hoarding brought a proud tear to my eye at the ground.
Fair Play rules ok.
🙂
Hmmmmmm, I think you will find many people disagreeing about it being ok to kick a dog !
Also a bit of respect is due to Steve Morgan who was visibly moved during the tribute to Sir Jack.
The more cynical among us might say that he was just thinking of the tenner he had to hand over to the great man but I suspect there was more to it than that.
A few suggestions for the future if Benik Afobe makes the grade and becomes the subject of much adulation from the Wolves fans.
Afobe Acrobat…………………….On yesterdays showing & the cheeky back flick on the run.
Afobe Reader……………………..Ability to spot a potentional cock up by Blackpool goalie and dopey defender. (Bromptons one that one)
Afofe Flash player……………….He certainly is, no fear on his first match infront of a 28156 crowd.
Afobe Shockwave……………….That’s what we’re hoping for .
Afobe creative……………………We saw plenty of evidence to support that, he can tackle, create and score.
Afobe Login………………………..Login good so far, ( play with it)
Afobe update………………….,.,,.More to come if yesterday is to go by.
All contributions welcome…
🙂
Mine was the Flash Player mate.
Why am I not surprised??!!
Ikeme Goldbourne Iorfa Batth Stears KMac Sako Dicko Afobe Edwards ..
We are accumulating PL players folks
perhaps 2 to go..
Although I see where you’re coming from, I think you can only tell a Premier League player when you see him play in the Premier League. Trouble is, if they are indeed Premier League players and we don’t find ourselves there come seasons end, will the summer window prove to be a bit of a bloodbath for our squad.
Either way, I’m loving it at the mo’. Long may it continue.
The Wolfstroker(the blogger formally known as Steve)
“The Wolfstroker” formaly known as Steve. There you go, now your’e as daft as the rest of us.
Nice one.
🙂
Briliant handle mate, brilliant. You are now well and truly as mad us the rest of us.
My madness and daftness quotients have risen several notches since Saturday. Must be the company I’ve been keeping. 🙂
Steve Showcase.
I’m sure it was you that posted about the new Waddle the other day. Here’s a copy of what theyr’e saying today.
WOLVES
It looks like Wolves could be in the market for a strike partner to aid their capture from Arsenal, Benik Afobe, according to insiders in Belgium.
They understand a bid is being prepared for Guinea international Idrissa Sylla, a gangly but skilful centre-forward playing for Zulte Waregem.
His contract expires this summer after joining in 2013 from Le Mans in France, where he was been dubbed ‘the new Chris Waddle.’
Obviously, there’s no physical likeness, more the similarities in playing style likeness to the former Newcastle and Tottenham attacker.
Never EVER let him take a penalty then!
I think that’s a fair point stroker (brave name !) I was in a positive mood thinking if they all play well..
I split our players into ‘proper’ and ‘nearly’ and we need proper players for the master plan..
Ikeme def.Goldbourne def. Iorfa def.Batth def.Stears probably.Sako goes without saying Dicko def.K Mac def.Afobe probably..Edwards most of the time..
Injuries a problem true..so we need 2 players more then..
Ps Clarke saville were nearly players henry Jacobs price I’m sitting on the fence..
Saturday was the first time I saw Dom Iorfa in the flesh and he is REALLY impressive. Didn’t put a foot wrong the whole game and great pace too. He really is a premier league prospect.
Stu are those names a wind up..
Not a huge computer man then!!!!
Adobe (Afobe)is a huge computer package offering many services to make computing easy.
Much like this new 6 footer, offering our team some much desired options.
🙂
Stu,
Bolton on Sat 31 Jan and Huddersfield on Tue 10 Feb are fine. Did you say you would get tickets (so I can sit next to Jenny) for both games? I will see you straight when I get to the ground(s).
These will be my last two until the Forest game on Fri 3 Apr.
The match at Middlesbrough on Tue 14 Apr is only half an hour up the road from me. Do you fancy popping in to mine before the match for a coffee? It would probably mean you driving up yourself and not take the coach that is. We can chat about that nearer the time.
See you soon.
Steve,
No bother at all, but if you want to sit by Jenny I can’t go, and that’s not an option.
She’s giving up her seat for you, ahhhhh Bless her.
Iv’e already got my Bolton tickets so just the Huddersfield one to get.
Reference Middlesboro, get the best tea set out then, and a bit of Black Forest Gateaux would slip over the tongue a treat.
🙂
I can get my own ticket if it means Jenny will dip out. If she had planned on not going anyway, then that’s fine.
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte? yom yom yom. Will have to see what Jill is baking that weekend.
I think I can get her to knock something up:
I meant idrissa sylla etc …I use Adobe player every 5 mins..it’s the Midlands South divide mate..
Easy tiger, just kidding, your’e a Staffordshire boy and don’t you forget it. You ain’t no Suvvern Sftie.
🙂
Wolves are looking at Jack Greilish 19 year old Midfielder on Loan from Villa.
http://www.shoot.co.uk/category/news/wolves-weigh-up-move-for-young-villa-star/
Fits the mold. Someone was talking about him, and they reckon he’s good and they could not understand why he wasn’t being given games. Is he an attacking midfielder?
Was watching Sky Sports to get the scores near the full times, and clearly there was nothing happening at the Mol, as they very belatedly asked Tony Cottee for a summing up. He reported ” they could be playing until the middle of next week, this one will be nil-nil.” Of course seconds later they had to go back to TC, who with some embarrassment confirmed the first goal, and had to go back minutes later for the second. Joy upon unbridled joy for me at home, and absolute “delirium” at the golden palace, according to the press. Many moving moments, and so proud to be a fan of this great club.
You’re right Mark, a special day filled with many magic moments.
Just a few points … Stu wolf , we are not soft in the south ! Also
There is nothing wrong with the name ‘ plain boring ! ‘ I like it ! And
Wolves did well to overcome a tough battling Blackpool side who had come and parked a bus to get a point . Well done wolves for persistence , obvious superior fitness and not letting the big crowd and big occasion distract from the team for yet another 3 points .
We have big players returning ,We are very hard to beat and there are enough games left for anything to happen . So come me babbies .
On a different note … How about this for strange . I left my house early Saturday and the snow was getting quite heavy so I decided to get on the motorway a s a p , I joined the m 40 at beacons field and then decided that I should stop for fuel at the next services ( Oxford ) which I did . It was about 10 30 when I stopped , I fuelled up and decided to go to the cashpoint at said services . There was hardly any one about as it was early , except for someone at the the cashpoint that I wanted to use . As I looked at this person waiting for him to Finnish taking money out , I realised that it was Kevin Doyle , who as it turned out was nt even going to the game as in his words ” I’m not involved ! ”
He also added that “I think you will win today ” I thought he should have said ” we ” but never mind .pretty strange thing though eh .?!! Also
Really great to meet you all on Saturday . What a nice bunch of folks ,hope to have a pint again in the not too distant future !
Also c mon Everton !
London Wolves Loyal
Anyone that travels 100+ miles a week to see the Wolves play and say’s come on me Babbies will do for me.
That’s a pint I owe you. (And an apology)
🙂
Yeah, he should have said ‘we’. And, as I said to you at the Parkview, why he did not come to the game is questionable. Still, we don’t need him anymore!!!!
Was great to meet you and I hope you manage to get up for a few more soon.
Yahoo ! Free beer !!!
There you go!!!!!!
Told you you were soft.
🙂
Yes ! Cheers fellers .. And you carry on keeping those lottery winnings to yerself Brompton … Don’t let it change you!,
As if. My luck is non existent. If we did win I would find out when I got home and my wife had gone!
No ……… that’s a contradiction …….