However long Walter Zenga remains in the home dugout, I doubt he’ll ever enjoy a more serene Molineux experience.
With the sun shining, the South Bank packed and Wolves coasting to victory against a Reading side I could scarcely believe were so bad, the Italian’s only concern was remembering to acknowledge the crowd as they sang his name for the umpteenth time.
He’ll know better sides won’t be anything like as charitable as the Royals, but will take heart from several individual performances and the team collective.
The visitors had 66% possession but that consisted almost exclusively of stroking the ball along the edge of their own penalty area and inviting Wolves to pounce.
And pounce they did, repeatedly until Matt Doherty slammed home the opener after a host of earlier chances had been repelled by the mercurial Ali Al-Habsi.
Joe Mason’s header just after half time killed the game and saved the striker’s blushes as he sandwiched his goal with two guilt edged misses that would have given the result a merited coat of gloss.
Speaking of gloss, Joao Teixiera was silky smooth again, dancing over challenges and sliding passes through lines all afternoon. He was at the heart of everything good in the final third and brings an added dimension to a previously one paced side.
Up front Jon Dadi Bodvarsson was the ideal focal point, occupying defenders, bringing others into play and when opportunity presented itself, running towards goal.
The big Icelander might be disappointed he didn’t bury a late header to get on the scoresheet but his all round performance was to be admired. He’s already an established and key member of the team.
Credit to for Conor Coady who impressed at right back, albeit against meagre opposition who rarely asked the question. One wonders if that’s a temporary fix or a longer term solution to our full back shortage?
For Coady it might be his only way into the starting eleven, with Edwards, Evans, Saville and Price all seemingly preferred and some bloke call Prince also on the cusp of signing.
Many were surprised to see Jack Price omitted after Tuesday but nobody could complain about the efforts of Saville, Edwards or Evans who were all industrious and continually first to the ball, setting the tone for the team performance.
If this is what’s possible when you take last season’s workhorse approach and sprinkle in some final third impact, then our prospects for the season appear promising.
More players will be added before the end of the month and others will hopefully return from injury, meaning there’s no reason the feel good factor won’t continue.
But right now at least, things feel pretty damn good.
Walter Zenga’s Barmy Army!
Pity you weren’t there mate. It was great to watch. The beer garden in APV is under refurb and will be a lot bigger when finished with a deckkng area to allow bigger attendance at the bloggers bash.
In The Deer Hunter, the Robert De Niro character wants to make playing Russian Roulette more interesting by putting 3 bullets in the gun. On the evidence of yesterday Jaap Stam would play with six. Reading were clearly under instruction to play out from the back and although the stats show they had 66% possession as you correctly point out Thomas, most of this was in their own penalty box. This is to take nothing away from the Wolves team who worked hard (put a shift in) pressing and keeping their shape when Reading had the ball. However, Reading’s slow progress up the field gave us time to organise and our lack of possession meant Saville Edwards and Evans had fewer opportunities to make decisions. Teixeira is by far our most creative player but whoever is our shooting coach should be shot. It would have to be by Bödvarsson who can hit the target. He continues to impress, constantly harrying the defence and causing problems when he has the ball. In the Southbank, the Icelandic clap is improving and Walter gave us a wave. Happy Days
Excellent result! Surprised seeing Coady at right back but he seems to be doing a good job there and it’s always useful if a player can play in different areas effectively.
A promising start under Walter. No days off for the players, though Walter did mention he may look at that in a month’s time. I bet the players have never worked so hard!
🙂
An altogether pleasing day out the Mol and a highly merited victory. It’s true Reading proved to be meagre opposition, but it’s also true that you can only play as well as the other team will let you and Reading rarely threatened to spoil our stroll in the sun.
Texeira really was a delight to watch and one run in front of my position in the South Bank was positively drool-inducing. With several defenders desperately chasing shadows around him, he sliced through them with twists, turns and dragbacks which left the crowd gasping. Superb.
Bodvarsson too gave an energetic, skillful performance which promises much for the future.
Special mention too for Joe Mason who looks a little powderpuff on occasions but has a lovely turn of pace and trickery when on the ball. Was Jonny-on-the-spot for the goal which my granny could have scored but you have to be in the right place. The back four seemed pretty solid but were rarely tested.
More signings to come, I’m sure, and the imminent return of Nouha and later Jordan and we will take some stopping. Bring ’em on.
Great to meet/renew acquaintances with several bloggers in the North Bank bar pre-match.
Hope y’all enjoyed your day as much as Jayney and I.
What was abundantly clear to my eyes was the considerable narrowing of the pitch to presumably fit in with Zenga’s stated preference to play a compact style. This may mean that the days of wingers flying down the line are over for the time being.
Most other teams will not be nearly so generous as Reading but it was an encouraging start to the home campaign. Onwards and, hopefully, upwards. In a play off place already!
Totally agree with the others it was an excellent performance from Wolves. Reading weren’t as challenging as I thought they might be but that could be partly due to the fact that we didn’t let them play, Mad Mick’s Ipswich on Tuesday will be more of a challenge I feel. That said it was a thoroughly enjoyable match Texeira and Bodvarsson were the outstanding players for me and I look forward to seeing more of them as the season progresses. I genuinely feel that no-one had a bad match yesterday and it’s been a long long time since I’ve been able to say that. I was a little disappointed to see Lee Evans in instead of Jack Price (especially after the cup match) but he turned in a solid performance, he will be the one I think may be sacrificed if we complete the signing of Prince Oniangue. Walter Zenga seems to have been an inspiration so far and is getting performances out of last years squad players that KJ never could – hopefully if things continue in this vein we will have a season to look forward to.
Very pleased with that performance, it was one of the best by a Wolves team for a while. Helped by two players who are out of the top drawer, Jon Dadi & Teixeira are superb. Whoever got them here is one hell of a talent spotter.
As a Jackett in or remainer I concede defeat if this is what jettisoning the Big Three can do then what a decision to bring in the Zenga factor.
Hope it carries on & on, the atmosphere is great, the Team spirit & enegy awesome, could not fault one player yesterday.
Need another 8,000 on the gate & then the sky’s the limit as Joe Mason said. It really could have been 5 or 6 nil if chances had gone in. 4-3-3 as well great way to play it worked brilliantly yesterday.
Allen.
Just to point out Allen, it’s school holidays, the main weeks, if her indoors say’s your going to Benidorm then even the most ardent Wolves fans are going to Benidorm. It always seems to be low gates for the first couple or so home games. Zenga wants a family club, then low initial gates comes with the territory. 20465 was respectable for first home game middle of August. We will fill the place with performances like yesterday. :-))
Wolfstrokers comment that “you can only play as well as the other team let you” is spot on, Iv’e warched Reading many, many times and they always turned in good performances against Wolves.
On this occasion I do feel it was our hungrer and desire for the ball that made them look ordinary. Walter has the team training every day, (wow), Prima Donnas putting up with that, a revolution in it’s own rights,the fitness was evident yesterday and as each game goes on we shall get stronger and stronger.
Playing further up the pitch is a winner, I have banged on the drum throughout my time on this blog that we needed to play further forward. The results speak for themselves, we look a better unit pushing forward and also we don’t have so far to go to get the ball back when we lose it.
It’s been two years since we saw a performance like that, a good solid dominating first half, two goals and loads of atmosphere.
Ipswich will be different but we will be 72 hours wiser and definitely stronger. The Zenga bus powers on.
We have four new players and on the evidence so far, Mendes has played it just right, these guys can all play a bit, with just over two weeks to go in transfer dealings, there is definitely more excitement in store for us, don’t blink you will miss so much in a heartbeat.
Stories have us linked with everybody from Pele to the pope, but I believe the papal father is carrying too big a cross to come to us, but any 4 from the other 3000 could suddenly be presented as a player.
Me, I’m like a dog with two tails, which one shall I wag first. If Prince signs this week, I expect Chris Martin from Derby to be further tempted by an improved offer of around Steve Showcase’s £8 million.
We are Wolves, (that’s a question not a song), because it’s hard to believe what’s taking place at the moment.
Onwards & Upwards.
Ain’t got ascooby doo why this has posted twice, I didn’t press anything different?
I enjoyed a lot of aspects of yesterday’s game . I enjoyed 433 . The quick inter passing in the midfield so high up the pitch was a joy . . I do like442 tho , when we can . This Morning Mrs l w l was giving me some quite important instructions about something to do with our child when I could suddenly only hear
‘ blah blah blah , as all of a sudden my brain was picturing graham on the left .. Costa on the right .. Zyro and Jon dadi powering into the box
We’re going to be uncontainable !
Yes dear ‘ I said
Don’t worry ‘ everything going to be fine ! ‘ I said
Ain’t got a clue what she was on about .
She was probably telling you to cook something for you all to eat. If you need any cooking tips from me just say the word. I can do fish and chips, pizza, Indian, Chinese………
It was said by many that Reading would be a stern test.
Others have stated that there will be stiffer tests to come, presumably as they get their shit together and the players gel.
Well folks, a lightbulb moment!
WE are going to get our shit together just as quickly as others, we already seem to be gelling, and a team that has persistently upset us in the past got a royal spanking by all accounts on Saturday.
If things improve at the same pace over the next few games as they have in the three matches since the last game of last season, then WE will be the team to fear in this league.
I might also suggest that the players from last year have pulled up their socks, either fearful of losing their places, or, more hopefully, because their pride has been hurt and they are trying to atone.
Either way it is working so far.
We all know we wont win every match, but it’s nice to see the team play like they think we can!
Which is more than be said for Leeds and Newcastle.
Two games, nil points
Lovely to see them at the bottom of the table.
Onwards and upwards, lets give Mcdickwadhead the kicking he deserves on Tuesday
FOwb
Oh yeh ! That’s what I was going to say
I thought the atmosphere yesterday was shite . No more f@@king clappy shite . We don’t need it .
There s no one around me in the north bank with a sense of rythm at the best of times without giving them that annoying shit to play with
I just wanted to snatch them off people and slap them around their faces aaaH!!
Who’s annoying fucking idea was that nonsense
Lol. Made me laugh mate. I know what you mean. I wonder how much they wasted on that. I was using mine as a fan though as it was bloody hot in the Steve Bull.
Good to see you again, albeit for a short time.
If ever there was proof needed for the replacement of Mr Jacket, this was surely it. Nine of the eleven starters yesterday were ours at the end of last season. But what a transformation in terms of attitude, effort and general belief. Already Mr Zenga has got a thoroughly abject bunch of previous tired and dispirited no hopers, believing again.
How good also to see a coach with a definite plan, adopting those modern tactics essential to enable us to win, rather than just not to lose. Yes, we certainly need more quality in the side, but this will surely come., In the meantime let`s all enjoy the huge improvement from the dark days of last season
Of course, Mr Jacket didn’t have the services of Tex and Big Dadi who everyone agrees have been the standout performers so far this season.
It’s early days yet and that was the poorest Reading performance I’ve seen in many a year. Might be able to genuinely judge our chances after ten games and when a settled team is present, but Some things do look better at the mo. I was impressed with a couple of things in particular; one was our new right back, Coady, who looked a natural, although we have yet to see him against a flying, tricky winger. I was. level with the back four defending in the second half and I was really mightily impressed by their movement and coordination as a unit along with the midfielders also. Too soon to really judge but they worked as one cohesive unit like a machine. Maybe Reading were very poor, but there seemed to be a distinct change to any previous years set up… All the players played well and it did my heart good to see a Dougan & Richards attacking formation; one big, quick striker with good close skills with the smaller buzz bomb working his ass off around him. Ipswich lost on Saturday, so, football being the game it is, I still have worries regarding our next match, but here’s hoping…
The feel good Sunday morning is back and it was really heartwarming to see that we attacked from the start and took the game to Reading.
That gave us a chance to get some goals in before we conceded..
Whoops ..fantastic – I know ..we didn’t concede..
This is new to me and tactically new to the team as in compared to KJ who would be typically on the back foot from the start..
We could of had 6 with 3 players missing almost all sitters ..I just might consider that if we attack more then
we haven’t got to defend..
Better teams like Newcastle Villa Norwich will prove otherwise then we have soon of course on Tuesday ..Ipshit and Mcarthy..
My personal update is that we still need 4 players inc a superstar although texeira is potentially that man I would relish Graham on form Zyro too and I don’t opologise Brompton and Clive for still mentioning Sako…Put that lot together with Dicko and I promise I’ll never knock the defence again particularly if Iorfa is in the middle as we will be permantly in our opponants half.
Back to Sako never was there ever to me such a piss off travesty with a brilliant game changer who disappeared through wages refused..he is still one of us …suffered greatly and was totally mismanaged..
The show goes on then.. Ipshit are due a hiding from us and whatever negative tactics McCarthy throws at us should in theory be steamrollered by the power of our new attack..
We could be in the top 4 by Wednesday..
COYW and the very likeable passionate Zenga..
Nicely said Stevie. The feeling is certainly good. Early days yet, but it looks promising. A lot of work still to do, but I am feeling GOOD.
Reading were poor, relatively simple passes were regularly overhit into the stands and the goalkeeper was involved in every set of passing within the defence meaning they were often slow and ponderous in building-up play. We won’t be so fortunate with most other visiting teams to have such low quality opposition. Disappointed to only win 2-0 but I’m sure we will get better as games go on and the players learn how to exploit each others skills and movement. Tex and Dadi were outstanding as was Ikeme. Zenga appears to have taught him that he can come out for crosses and can dominate the whole of his area, a refreshing improvement.
Happily, I was completely wrong about our ‘shaky’ defence. However, it *sounds* like we defended from the front with constant harrying and pressuring their players high up the field. I don’t know if this is a characteristic of Zenga’s football or a short-term strategy until our back four has been strengthened. Either way, it’s very, very encouraging that we are capable of doing so and COMPLETELY upsetting whatever strategy or style that Reading were planning. Very impressive and hopefully very telling of what’s to come.
The transformation under Zenga of this Wolves squad, in such a short space of time, is amazing!!
Positive. Mental. Attitude.
Finsbury, I don’t think Reading were poor because they had their first off day. By all accounts – including Reading’s own press – Wolves MADE them play poorly by constantly putting their players under pressure and not allowing them any space. This causes players to make basic mistakes. This is straight out of Alex Ferguson’s manual.
We’re the new Man United!!!
It’s really refreshing to hear all the positive comments from all you ‘delusional’ bloggers.
All we ever wanted was a team giving their all for 90+ minutes in every match.
Not much to ask is it?
I’m so excited about the ‘New Wolves’ that I have just booked tickets for the local Derby against Burton Albion.
I just hope that we haven’t reverted to the ‘Old Wolves’ by then.
I can’t get down for that one Mark, I have just bought my ticket for Huddersfield on the 27th though.
Next one after that will be the Leeds Game on 22nd Oct, as I am out of country for a bit.
I am sure we will catch up sometime during the season.
I thought our harrying of their defence whenever they had the ball was brill. It forced them to snatch at passes and time after time the ball was played directly into touch. This tactic can be very effective but needs a high level of stamina and for them to press as a team, not just odd individuals. I noticed our pressing was comprehensive for the first 25mins or so but became ever more laboured thereafter.
I guess it’s not only the pressers who find this exhausting. It must get pretty tiring for the ‘pressee’s’ too. But if Barcelona can do it……..
As Steve Showcase rightly pointed out Sunday mornings are fun again!
Not able to be there yesterday but will be on Tuesday night. Looking forward to seeing Bodvarsson and Teixiera and maybe Costa too. Who knows by then we might have signed Talisca, Prince Onaningue, Brit Assombalonga (who I’d prefer to Martin), Luis Alberto and any of the other ten squillion players we are reportedly being linked with.
Do you know where hell is?
Hell is at West Brom (shit)
Heaven is at Molineux……………..
……. i was born under a Wanderers scarf.
Not wanting to get carried away though. Great result and massive improvement, but still work to be done. Cant wait for Xmas to see where we are sat. We will have a better idea then of how the season is likely to end. I BELIEVE.
… and Dicko is soon back. At his best he’s definetly one of the best strikers in the championship. Bodvarson and Dicko are bad news for the opposition. Mason continues to do his job, as the fox in the box he is, and has managed to produce attempts at goal in every game he’s played . When so many new players are brought in, so many central midfielders, I’d expect players to be offloaded also, since we have so many midfielders. I don’t dare to speculate who. I don’t think Edwards sticks around for long, at his age, if he’s relegated to the bench.
I was disappointed with the home attendance for what was a our first home league game – but I appreciate Stu’s point about summer holidays and family commitments.
Enjoyed the match and it was nice to be relatively relaxed even with 10 minutes of the game. I was impressed with the overall team performance, but particularly Jon Dadi’s work rate on and off the ball and Teixeira’s skills. Even popped in to the Wolves megastore this morning before returning home.
Finally, I would be interested in what people think of the programme. I liked the artwork on the cover but must admit to missing the glossy feel of the programme.
That should have read “10 minutes of the game to go.”
Totally agree on the programme. Felt a bit cheap and nasty to me
Typical Brompto, getting things wrong again.
“I was born under the North Bank Stand”
are the words wot we sunged back when Doogle was a lad.
But 7 out of 10 for effort.
Hows the boss, Bedders?
Must be getting better if you get a travel pass for Tuesday.
Please give that arrogant twat McDickwadhead a mouthful from Texas.
Still never forgiven him for bottling it at OT in our first Prem season with him!
Nice result from Highbury today
Adios compadres, which is French for I cant speak Spanish!
Boss improving thanks though waiting for date to start her chemotherapy unfortunately – she had it back in 2010/11 so knows what to expect. Likely to span late August to end November then reassess and see if more needed. Our holiday to Crete in mid -September with daughter, son-in-law and the two grandchildren is off as a result but hey-ho what’s a week’s holiday and losing 70% of the holiday cost compared to 38 years together? Anyway am cheering her up by saying she will look like Walter Zenga before long (only without the facial hair hopefully).
And young sir as a massive fan of Super Mick, who I still maintain if we hadn’t sacked we’d have stayed up that season, I cannot acquiesce to your request.
Please give your good lady our very best mate.
I know what she has been and will be going through, and it’s a big pile of excrement.
If you are as good a carer and rock as the PMDG’er was, she will be fine and, if you need any moral support, give me a shout.
You might have been mate, but I wasn’t.
In the play-off zone – with just 44 to go! And we shouldn’t wonder about Price’s omission after a typically good performance. He should be used to it by now – I reckon he’s just not pushy enough for his own good.
The gloom is gone as the rollercoaster begins an upward trajectory once more. The Mol rejoiced yesterday. No more Morgan. No Moxey. The effervescence of Texieria. The power of big Dadi. The cult hero Walter waving his affection to the SB. Even Keith the seagull made a welcome return as he flew around by the subway. A jolly splendid afternoon. Now 4 points from Tractor Boys and Small Heath will be welcome.
Yeah, Brompto, we all know you were born under an M62 bridge!!
Don’t know where you get the M62 Bridge from. An A1(M) Bridge would be quite accurate though Mr Plastic Yank.
We could easily have had a few more goals there I feel. The team played their socks off & it was great to see, impressed with the new signings & thoroughly enjoyed the whole game.
Like Brompton says “I believe!” Great to meet Brompton, Stu, Twix & Wolfstroker & their other halves yesterday.
Wolfstroker please pass my regards to Mrs Wolfstroker, enjoyed chatting to her, tell her she doesn’t have to use a smart phone with a Fitbit, it will work off a pc or iMac happily.
Bedford – hope all goes well for your wife.
Ipswich next so another win to annoy my husband will be perfect.
Great too to put a face to the name Border lady Wolf…..hope to see you both soon for some more fun in the Moilineux sun…..
I shall certainly pass on your message BW. I know she enjoyed your chat too and the Fitbit thing certainly helps with my annual christmas present problem. 🙂
Ditto. Was really good to see bloggers we had not met before. The Parkview have already addressed the fact that the end of season Blogger Bash will probably be attended by a lot more in May 2017 and refurbishment of the beer garden is underway.
Yep I dare say we’ll all meet up again sooner rather than later.
Well, what a fab weekend that was.A lovely drive to Wolves in the sunshine, a few pre-match drinks at our hotel, a very nice turkey and pork cob at the burger bar outside the SB stand and then met up with you guys at The NB bar. Oh yes……………………and Wolves won. Thought that there was a real feelgood factor around The Mol yesterday that has been missing for a long time.Looking forward to our next trip.
Great to get a clean sheet,all though they didn’t really put us under much pressure.
The new boys did really well on their home league debuts.
We must also give credit to Walter for the way he set out his team.
With big nose up next on Tuesday it would be great if we can continue unbeaten.UTW.
If anyone is off to Brum next Saturday we will be having pre match beers briar rose, trocadero, sun on the hill, windsor that sort of area. Getting there half 10 on train. After match go in Henneseys bar Digbeth. So might see some of you about. FWAW and of course FOWB.
I don’t want to dwell on the past but cant believe people are still defending Jackett on here…
Yes don’t get me wrong he did a great job first 2 seasons he was here.
Even last year he probably did save us from going down.
What he failed to do was get the best out of what he had. Tactics, Formations changes during games.. Motivation… Walter wins hands down
all the players gave it 120% yesterday but 9 out of 11 were here last year or OUT ON LOAN!!!
What a difference a coach can make…
Can see Jackett ending up at Blackburn saving them from the drop.. and to be fair that’s his Level..
Our new guys good see this a mile away that’s why they acted to replace him..
Onwards and Upwards we have a very bright future…
Well done all at Wolves…
Zenga is different class to Jackett; entirely different species in fact. No doubt in my mind that Zenga would have made a better fist of last season even with the dodgy hand that was dealt to Jackett. They are a class apart in so many ways.
Just thinking aloud ..we could beat Ipshit go about 4 th ..buy 3 players this week ready to beat blue noses Sat and go joint top..
What a week it could be ..you could say we are in a slight change of direction…..
Now that you are saying some good positive stuff, you are getting a lot more likes lol.
When I get back in late September I am looking forward to attending as many matches as I can. I may even be bold enough to venture further than my 3 hour drive, so some “Southern” grounds may see me there!!!
I can’t let this moment go by without a mention of the GB Olympic team.
How brilliant are they?
There are a lot of spoiled overpaid kickers of an inflated pig’s bladder who could take a long look at these performances and learn something from them.
Makes you proud to be British.
Well said that man.
Iv’e been rivited to the tele and they are killing it. Second only to the USA at this moment with a chance of another 3-4 Golds tonight.
What a great time to live in Wolverhampton tne centre of Great Britain.
Super Sunday or what.
Max Whitlock 2 Golds in one day Gymnastics
Justin Rose Gold Golf
Andy Murray on track Tennis
Jason Kenny Callum Skinner nailed on Gold and Silver Cycling
Rebecca Whats her face Cycling
Guy on the sailing
Bloody hell, well done team GB
Oh yes and Prince signed today will be announced tomorrow……….
COYW’s and team GB
Picture on twitter….
Prince, his agent, Thelwell and some others at the signing, Thelwell says “the stregnth is in the pack” done deal.
Next one to follow shortly….
Tony Daley to his left.
Two minutes after this picture was taken Daley tripped over the suitcase and will be out for 3 years.
I see it at last. Would not open on my phone Stu, but thanks for sending it.
Prince, Mendes, Sky Sun and Thelwell at the signing today.
Perfect
Riveting
Incredible
Nice
Champion
Exhilarating
Outstanding
Never a dull moment
Amazing
Now we are going places
Impossibly brilliant
Not another ‘N’
Great
Unbelievable
Exciting
Just a thought – Afobe couldn’t get in the Bournemouth team today so bring him back and Sako and recreate the famous Ho Ho They’re Magic triumvirate?
NNNNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Never go back.
Never surrender………………….or something like that.
Put our trust in those who want to play for US, not any old Prem team just for the money.
Talking of the Limpix, I are in a no lose situation.
Team GB storming up the leader board, trying to catch team US
It wont happen, but its great fun pointing out to all these arrogant Yanks that we are but a little country, and we didn’t send twenty million competitors to smother the opposition.
COYBrits!!
There’s an Italian – English collaboration in the synchronised diving – Jamie Vardy and Fernando Forestieri.
Afobe – I agree, was just talking out loud.
Remember the Alamo! We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds etc.
Working on the new song for when Dicko comes back from injury:
Ho ho ho they’re magic you know
Bodi, Tex and Dicko
Any other thoughts?
As for bringing players back. I agree with Clive. regardless of the circumstances, they chose to leave, so they should stay away. We don’t need anyone who does not want to play for the shirt, regardless of their reasons. IMO.
Hope to see you at a match soon mate.
Just seen the Kidderminster Wolves Union Jack in Rio, right in camera shot at the beginning of the womens 100 m final
I know it was yesterday but I record everything so I can fast forward through the interminable adverts
All I got from the boss was a roll of the eyes and a
Cant I watch anything without seeing that damned Wolf??!!
No was the obvious answer!
The most inspiring thing for me was after about 2 years of trying I actually predicted the correct score.
You must have cheated then!!!
And me, predicted 1-1 draw at Rotherham and 2-0 win against Reading.
So after three years of prediction for the first time I am top of the prediction league, just waiting for the update!!!
“Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me? Maggie Thatcher, I have a message for you: We are top of the prediction league. Maggie Thatcher, as they say in your language in the boxing bars round Madison Square Garden in New York: Your boys took a hell of a beating!”
As a student at Stafford (clearly my choice) I didn’t spend my grant on books, that was for the geeks, nope, I blew mine on the South Bank every other week. Bully and Mutch was the best double act around, with maybe the exception of Keith Harris and Orville according to my mother. Fast forward nearly 30 years and I find myself teaching in Abu Dhabi. Of all years to make the plunge overseas, it would have to be 2003. They only got themselves promoted, bloody idiots. As I sat in a Cardiff bar, covered in glory and the remnants of a doner kebab, I had mixed feelings. I’d waited 18 years, 18 long suffering years for this and now I was off. I flew back for that classic 4-3 against Leicester and watched, listened and read all I could to still feel as though I was one of you. Now I find myself squeezing in as many games as I can while I am back each summer. I’ve been lucky to have both my kids as mascots and yesterday it was my daughter’s turn.I never had the chance to walk out into the Golden Palace as a kid, not even as a ballboy, so witnessing my kids do this is in effect me living a dream I never had. My boy, Oscar is arguably more of a fan than his sister and we will grace the terraces together when we return to the UK soon. It’s the law. However, watching my daughter walk out yesterday against Reading was a surreal and emotional occasion. I stood by the tunnel and tried to say ciao to Walter in my dodgy Italian accent but he was too cool to speak to an excitable 47 year old. Then the fanfare began and as she walked out hand in hand with the Doc, I was struck by this premonition. Is this how it feels when you walk your daughter down the aisle on her wedding day? This immense sense of pride overwhelmed me and as she shook hands with the players I looked all around me and I realised that I was surrounded by 20,000 or so faces. Yet, each of these faces has a Wolves story. Each of these faces has something in common with me. Each of these faces is a friend. They were not there to applaud my daughter but as she walked off, with a smile as wide as the Steve Bull stand, it was though she had been wrapped in some kind of old gold comfort blanket. Yes, football is tribal, but it’s also about family and Wolves do it better than anywhere else.
Great piece Carl. My eldest son and Wolves fan – it was his wedding photo I put up recently with his new wife and Steve Bull – is a teacher at the English College in Dubai. Maybe you could form a UAE Wolves Supporters Club! He was the Wolves match day mascot back in the 1994/95 season, Bully was captain and I, sorry he, ok then WE had a fabulous day!
Carl, you’re just an old softy!!
Welcome to the club mate.
Great post Carl.
In answer to your question, nothing beats walking down the aisle with your daughter on her big day, but I guess Saturday at the Golden Palace watching your daughter’s biggest day to date would be a pretty close second!
UTW!
‘Each of these faces is a friend’ ………oooooh no….Amanda will be on the warpath… Looking to call you delusional…
Fabulous comment Carl …..welcome from Twixfix to the Wolves / Bloggers family (International) ….
What a lovely piece Carl. Proud dad it is then, get those lucky kids down the Molineux at every opportunity.
Nice story.
Excellent post, Carl, welcome home!!
I’m with you Bedford.. Sako was a travesty.. Afobe almost as bad and all because of Morgan not paying wages therefor throwing us and the destiny of both players to their agents..
Afobe I cursed anyway (worked) but
dear Sako had wolves blood in his veins..ask his mate Dicko..
Money talks (Clive..) and incidently we’ve got it in shit loads..
All the more reason to buy someone who wants to play for us.
Looks like Talisca may be coming here after all. Seems this video shows him going to the airport, heading to the UK to sign for Wolves.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4opjx7_talisca-vai-jogar-em-inglaterra-cmtv_sport
Well, I’m not exactly fluent in Portuguese Sevlow. Hopefully though, Wolverhampton is the same in any language and I’m sure I heard it in there somewhere.
Yeh, my Portuguese is a bit rusty…maybe he is just going on holiday to Wolverhampton and it’s nothing to do with footie 🙂 🙂
Dicko is plYing as we speak against Villa U 23’s behind closed doors.
A post on Wolves rumours has a video from Portugal of Talisca getting in the plane, story translates as On his way to sign “For Wolverhampton Wanderers in the England Championship”
Our mate at Wolves is expecting it done tomorrow
Nice one sevlow, I couldn’t get it to copy.
Good man
🙂
I can be useful sometimes 🙂
Cheers !
Done deal, next one please
If you have five take a look at this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDOQbDAEaVk
Listening to the way hes talking and describing our club and the ambitions for it is insightful. It really does look like they have big plans for Wolves and i cant wait to see them come to fruition. The Zenga bus is coming! COYW
It’s a bit scary really. But in a nice way. 🙂
Another day, another Talisca rumour of either having a medical or at an airport. It’s like the boy who cried wolf….!
I was thinking all the old regime players must be nervous because its clear Fosun want to bring in quality in all positions very quickly, so the old guard can’t put in half a shift anymore or complain about the 7 days a week training and have to put in 100% effort for Wolves or they’ll be out the door.
It’s also clear Fosun will pay the wages to get the quality players who will give 100% 7 days a week for us.
Exciting times! The strength is in the pack!
Interview with Kenny to the E&Slur,
Nice one Kenny
Nice one son
Nice one Kenny
In Division 1
http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2016/08/15/kenny-jackett-speaks-for-first-time-following-wolves-sacking/
Travelling “darn sarf” in triumphant mood on Saturday the dreaded overhead gantry warning sign on the M6 beckoned “overnight closures 16 and 17 August”. Shit – another detour around Rugby or Lutterworth or some other place – actually maybe we can find another way round the never ending roadworks that infest the M6 (M1 as well).
So my gold and black wonders and Mr Zenga another victory tomorrow night will sooth the fevered brow of our driver Tim (his turn as I drove on Saturday) whilst Bedford Wolf and I doze off dreaming of the brace by Bodvarsson in a 3 0 victory.
This will make getting into bed at some unearthly hour so much better – it means that much to us Wolves fans.
Over to you!!!!!
Why are the club so slow at announcing the Prince signing. It’s obviously a done deal. Looking forward to buying my ticket for the Burton game on Wednesday. Hopefully will be a few goals to enjoy. My 2 trips to Molineux last season were both 0-0.
R.I.P. Dalian Atkinson, ex Villa player who won the first ever Premier League ‘Goal of the Season’ award. And what a cracker it was too…
http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37087474
I’ve had a lot of Villa mates over the years so I’ll raise a glass with them over this loss.
Yeah, he always seemed like a good, honest striker any fan would be proud to have in their team. Sad loss. So young.
KJ must of been paid off well for services rendered and for the statement post termination of contract.
I wish him well but we are in another gear now where we have a new pulse
rate..
He’s only gone and done it ……THE PRINCE has signed a four year contract…….
Movin on up …moving on up …nothing to stop us …..
COYW
Hey twixfix… There’s an Amanda street in cape hill
Super sleuth London Wolf…. Isn’t the brewery there called Cape Hill brewery ? ….the plot unravels……
Cape Hill Brewery is long gone; the site sold by Mitchells & Butlers to housing developers years ago.
Quick slurp in the north bank bar tomorrow night anyone ?
Our Prince has come, hail the new Prince of Molineux.
Welcome to our new signing Prince Oniangue (pronounced Oniangue), who seems on his first video very happy to be here, and a thoroughly nice fella.
According to the Prince Highness himself, his surname is pronounced ‘On-yan-gay’.
The future is bright, the future is onyangay!
Wolves Onyangay we!!
Genius… 🙂
There are many, many words to describe the incomparable Clive – lots that start with ‘F’ or ‘C’ or even ‘B’ spring to mind – but am a little unsure that ‘genius’ is one of them.
I understand.
Still pretty clever though.
For a Wolves fan.
In America.
Just to keep you up to speed, there’s a rumbling around the place of a double signing.
Now either Prince’s Agent spoilt the (Surprise?)
Or, there’s a nice treat about to present itself tomorrow.
Dizzy
I’m so Dizzy my head is spinning
Like a whirlpool it never ends
Tommy Rowe!
We’ve only just managed to offload Rowe so don’t say we are bringing him back!
Being reported Walter wants Birkir Bjarnuson the Icelandic midfielder who scored against Portugal in the Euros. Got quite a good goalscoring record. Nicknamed ‘Thor’ he also won a modelling contract with ASOS (Apparently London shops there all the time).
I thought he was the pick of the Icelanders during the Euros.
Well, we’ve all said we need experience at the back.
theportugalnews.com/news/benfica-captain-leaves-for-wolves/39194?
Benfica captain now reported????? What is going on?
Hopefully this will work as a link.
http://theportugalnews.com/news/benfica-captain-leaves-for-wolves/39194?
Happiest I`ve been for two years driving back to Nottingham after the game. The journey home seems so much shorter after a performance like that. With new players and a better quality squad, even the fringe players were working their butts off.
The new owners are delivering on the promise of new players, they want the prem more than we do. If we get players with the grit, determination and the refusal to be beaten, as evidenced by Andy Murray the other night, we`ll go far this season.
Surprised the club are n`t offering special holiday deals in Portugal yet – maybe later this year.