Would it be fair to say that the game of football is almost secondary tomorrow?
Of greater importance is giving a wonderful man the send off he so richly deserves from a club he gave so much to.
And I’m sure that will very much be the case, as Wolves have consistently proven they always remember one of their own. Which is exactly what Sir Jack was.
As a fan, he’d want a performance to match the occasion though, so I just hope that the players respond to what’s certain to be a passionate, vociferous backing.
Blackpool
After the summer that Blackpool had, what’s followed can’t have surprised many. Just past the halfway stage of the season: bottom of the table, eight points from safety.
Lee Clark has got a mammoth job on his hands if they’re to avoid the drop, but there are a few signs that just maybe things are picking up.
The Tangerines have only lost three of their last 10 matches and have taken four points from their two most recent, beating Millwall and drawing with Rotherham.
Away form is a big problem though and they’ve yet to win any of their 12 league matches on the road this season. Hopefully it’s not lucky 13.
Jamie O’Hara is back as the pantomime villain and he’ll want to make a point to the club that opted to freeze him out for over a year.
Wolves
It was encouraging that Wolves were able to storm back into the game in midweek, but just disappointing that they couldn’t keep the back door shut.
The team probably picks itself, but we now have Benik Afobe as a compelling option in attack. If Dicko’s back is still niggling him, there must be a chance Kenny will throw his new striker straight into the pit?
£2 million is the reported fee paid to Arsenal for Afobe and after plundering so many goals for MK Dons (18 already this season), there should be no doubting his confidence or ability to make an immediate impact.
Interesting that George Saville has been allowed to leave on loan. What a confidence boost for Jack Price, who was shoved out the door when the former Chelsea midfielder arrived. Now the tables have turned.
I don’t know about you, but I love that we’ve got that level of competition and a manager prepared to make big decisions on who goes and who stays.
The gaffer
Predictions
I don’t think it’s a complete myth that Wolves have a knack of playing struggling teams into form, but I do feel people make more of it than history suggests.
What is definitely accurate is our recent record against former players. We’ve been burned countless times by the likes of Keogh, Guedioura, Davies and Keane to name but a few.
Whether or not Jamie O’Hara has it in his locker to make that sort of decisive impact I don’t know, but he’ll be playing above himself tomorrow.
As Kenny says in the above video though, if Wolves get it right, particularly at Molineux, we shouldn’t go too far wrong. And I don’t think we will this time.
3-1
Jack Hayward’s Barmy Army!
We owe Sir Jack a resounding win in his memory. Normally, recently, we lose or draw when we’re expected to win easily, and we win against expectations. This week however I think we will break out. I’m forecasting a repeat of that Premier League win of a few years ago against Ian Holloway’s Blackpool. I’m not worried about the “former-player-scoring” syndrome this time. I’m sure O’Hara will try hard but we know how to keep him quiet.
Continuing the “undefeated until early March” agenda with a comfortable win to brighten what will be a sad day saying farewell to Sir Jack to whom we owe so much.
Reading the obituaries on Sir Jack this week it struck me what an extraordinary chap he was. He never forgot his roots or where he came from.He gave away £1 million of his own money to the dependants of British soldiers who perished in the Falklands conflict. He brought red buses and post boxes to his Bahamas home. Naturally he always took tea at 4pm, from a union jack tea pot. And of course, pursued his passion of his beloved Wolves. As Thomas said the game may prove to be a distraction but one I believe we will win.For Jack.
Agreed Thomas, 3-1 to the Wolves for me too.
Really looking forward to the game and the atmosphere, hopefully Benik Agfobe gets on the pitch at some stage.
C’mon lads give Sir Jack the send off he deserves!!
COYW!!
A good assessment. Got to be a WOLVES win. It should prove to be a fantastic day out for all our fans, yes it will be sad (even when we win), but I would like to think Sir Jack will be looking down, with pride and a sense of achievement, when he see’s the smile he has put on the faces of so many of his fellow fans. RIP Sir Jack.
Feeling very fortunate i managed to get a ticket for this one. Let’s give Sir Jack the send of he deserves.
Come on me babbies
I hope the supporters focus more on remembering Jack Hayward than in pillory-ing (is that even a word ?) ‘Hollywood’. Can’t see anything but a win here, but as we generally don’t score too many my prediction is conservative
I’d love to be there on Saturday. I reckon it’ll be a pretty special atmosphere, and rightly so. I desperately hope we rise to the occasion and O’Hara doesn’t stick one over on us. It’d be great if Afobe clicks and gives us a genuine option if Dicko goes off the boil or comes a cropper. It’d be even better if they can play together.
UTW.
Will be a great occasion. The match will be close with O’Hara all over the place.
A victory to put us back in the play-offs.
Onwards and upwards.
RIP Sir Jack – the guy that saved us from obscurity – always to be fondly remembered..
Dicko to start and score the first, Afobe to come on and finish the job off.
The match is still the main event, but yes paying a fitting tribute to Sir Jack is a must and I have to say I was pleased to see so many of our ex players show their respects and by sending their condolences to his family, Lescott is a traitor and can never be forgiven for his infamy. Few ex managers and players will be on the pitch.
“Hollywood” will be there too and I expect us to boo his every move from kick off to whistle and he deserves all he gets, he had a charmed life and threw everything away. Lets hope that Price and McDonald show him that we don’t miss him, we don’t care about it and we certainly don’t need him.
This is one day we need the team, to stand up and do us proud and show we are Wolves.
We will be far too strong for them . . . I hope.
A big day. Hopefully memorable for all the right reasons
We WILL be to strong for them. Bet it will be a great atmosphere there. Will listening on player and wait for the ‘goal Wolves’ to appear. Good luck lads.
I’m honoured to have had the pleasure of meeting the man himself, briefly, but to have met a man who will go down in the history books as a legend in Wolves history is something I can tell future little Sherpa Vanners when they’re old enough to hear the full Wolves story.
In the meantime I think the emotion of the occasion will lift the team’s performance and a morale boosting goalden win will follow.
JACK HAYWARD’S BARMY ARMY!!
don’t expect Blackpool to roll over for us, whatever the atmosphere…but somehow we must scrape the 3 points
Looking forward to the game tomorrow, but more so to being able to celebrate the amazing life of Sir Jack Hayward along with so many others.
What an amazing man.
Come on lads, lets do this for him.
Forget O’Hara, forget sentiment from Blackpool, the quicker we win this game and the longer we celebrate “Sir Jack Wolverhampton Hayward” the better it will all be for the special day. Football takes a back seat tomorrow this is for a truly Gentle Man.
Anyone going to the game remember wear as much Gold & Black as you possibly can..
We shall give a great send off to “One of our own”
🙁
I will be posting my prediction on here later tonight, along with a photo!
This has all the hallmarks of a 0-0 draw.
A packed, emotionally charged Molineux , celebrating the life of a Great Briton,
little jimmy osmond back to try and do for Blackpool what he very rarely ever did for us, and a new striker (who actually scores goals) on show.
But, in my capacity as a “No mate – your glass is half empty, I think you’ll find the full one’s mine” sort of person, I’m going for a big win.
Sir Jack deserves nothing less…. And quite frankly, nor do we.
I can’t wait!
Come on wolves an apportunity to recover ground on the leaders
A little tribute to a Great Man.
From….
Jack Hayward’s Barmy Army.
A fitting finale for Sir Jack
This will be tougher than we think, draw for me. Hope we bloody win tho, and please if Blackpool do score please not Mr Hollywood….
This match will be another Chorley, Millenium Stadium, Leeds 1972, Arsenal November 1971, QPR 2009 moment.
An ” I was there ”
Sadly, I cannot make it, but will be there in spirit.
Most football fans have never had the privilege afforded us by the wonderful Sir Jack.
They go through life not knowing the fantastic feelings of passion we have for this gentleman.
They might win trophies and cups and titles, but their lives are still shallow compared to ours, and we will always be much better people for having had such an illustrious and humble benefactor.
Rest in peace, Sir Jack, you will get the send off you so richly deserve tomorrow.
Its over to you now, fellow bloggers. I want you to raise the roof off the stands!!
Oh, and a stroll to victory from the lads.
A special day, a full house, bottom of the league and not won away all season, a pantomime villain on the other team…it’s all set up for a Wolves special.
Can we bring back Chicken George to mark Hollywood or at least sit on him for 90 minutes.
Not that I think O’Hara will contribute or score I would just like to see him in pain for 90 minutes!
This is going to be one awesome day with an awesome result. I am ready…. and looking foward to it. Come on me babbies.
That’s pretty fuckin’ cool, Brompto, even though you look like you’ve fallen over.
Been on your champagne, have you??
No mate, no deliveries!
Bromo when you do a calender put me down for one (just keep your kit on).
Let’s hope the stars align for us tomorrow and sir jack gets the result to go with what I’m sure will be fitting tributes from the club. I won’t even waste the steam off my s&@t considering the o’hara factor tomorrow.
Has to be a resounding home win here.
For Sir Jack.
This a day for Sir Jack and the club, and therefore it’s imperitive we must win this..
Afobe presumably must play as well and I see him starting this with Dicko coming on 2nd half after our new man has got a hat trick..
If love to see Dicko and Afobe up front together and consequently mullering all that dares to play us..ie a partnership that is out of sight..I just hope they can play well together and get fed with chances either from the Middle or our options down the wings..
We’ve had too many knock backs this season spoiling the party ..what a historical day to put it right…
COYW
Team needs to give Sir Jack the farewell he deserves with a fitting win. Come on boys, you’ve all got a job to do. Wish I could be there …
Go Wolves!!!
We HAVE to win this in honour of Sir Jack.
The added fact of Hollywood showing his face should help galvanise the lads even more. Hopefully someone will give him the Eddie Clamp treatment, I know I am showing my age but Clampy certainly knew how to sort out somebody like O’hara.
Clampy, god I forgot about him!
You must be a youngster then.
When Eddie Clamp tackled you, you stayed tackled. Bit like those wheel clamps you get in London when you park illegally. Ouch.
Adobe with a goal on his debut!
Adobe? Love it – I had heard he’s a “Flash Player” mind you
Just got my ticket looks like there are only a few hundred left. Really looking forward to it but this type of occasion can put extra pressure on the players. Also the opposition often determine to spoil proceedings. So have to own up to being a little bothered. We may need Sir Jack to pull a few strings up there but i think he just might.
o hara to score first and then wolves to blitz them 2nd half
Can’t remember the last time we scored 4 but tomorrow is the day to do it. Let’s send Sir Jack on his way with a bloody great smile on his face.
Score 4? You’re having a laugh!
Enough said about the great man !!!
Tomorrow Wolves to pay there respect by hammering Blackpool.. No disrespect to Blackpool..
Those of us fortunate to go tomorrow … let’s show the great man how much we all loved him.
The football and result will take care of itself…
Gutted I can`t get there tomorrow to use my season ticket, but have a long arranged family event. I`m with Clive with this one, and remember of course the scores and performances with the full houses at Molyneux at the end of last season, and there is no reason the players and the crowd won` t rise to the occasion again with raw emotion, and get the result and performance that the great Sir Jack deserves.
it will be a special afternoon tomorrow, wish I could be there. We must win , hope the players aren’t overawed by the occasion ? A great interview by KJ by the way, talks common sense. RIP Sir Jack.
Hope we play how we can for Sir Jacks send off
UTW
Forget the football. Stearman and my man MacDonald will take care of business.
Sir Jack is the main event tomorrow. League matches will come and go every week.
A Great man only come along once in your lifetime.
We need to savour this moment with a great sadness and fondness.
🙂
Even without Sako , I think wolves ll send a strong message to the championship tomorrow by winning in style . It’s not beyond the realms of possibility to Finnish in the top two , and if we did .. And I know it’s a big if .. But if we did what an achievement with all those home grown academy players . We will have changed the blueprint for success in that league and be the envy of everyone . Since kenny rebuilt the back 4 with 4centr backs and two holding midfielders .. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but we don’t
Look like losing any more . He is a top manager and that iorfa . Wow what a player he’s turning out to be .
UP THE WOLVES
Let’s do it for Sir Jack , we owe him so much RIP
If we play like we did against Fulham we’ll win easy and give Sir Jack a good send off to be proud of.COYW and R.I.P Sir Jack
Performance and scoreline to match the occasion tomorrow.
Will be a big day and passion and pride will see us win.
Looking forward to seeing Afobe get some game time.
UTW.
We’ll probably have most of the possession but somehow,I can’t see a bucketful of goals.
Likely to take time to break them down as I think they’ll park the bus. Certain win though.
I hope and trust that all will go well tomorrow and Wolves will achieve that clear win we’ve been waiting for. Would be great to see Afobe on the pitch to show us what he can do.
Some years ago My late dad wrote to Sir jack dyring one of many dark days in our long quest for the prem. He was the same age as Jack and I suppose like any Wolves fan wanted a moan, To his credit Jack wrote back and invited my dad to sit with him in the directors box for a match. He told me of how Jack was really just a Wolves fan who happened to have bit more than most, all he wanted to do was talk football and talk wolves and wolves history. It must have gone well because he was invited back again. I am lucky enough to have a shirt signed by jack which as pride of place at home. I guess what I’m trying to say is this special man is one of us , one of our own . Lets all make tomorrow one of those special Molineux days the sort Jack loved. 3-1 at least
For those blogges that used WiziWig.
My lad sent me this link http://www.neolive.net.
Remember to delete or close down the pop up ads.
Iv’e never used it, but it’s worth a try, they’re showing Rangers and the Preston both ends games tonight.
🙂
I opened the link and went on and it froze my laptop and then my security advised me of a threat so I aint going any further mate.
Fully expect Blackpool to park the Tram but with a big help from the stands, the heavens and KJs master plan we should stroll to victory in this one. Thumbs Up Sir Jack.
Can’t add anything else that you guys haven’t already said.
But…….after selling the club for a tenner, then seeing it all go pear shaped, I wonder if he regretted it?
But then after the Clipboard and Saunders debacle (good word that, for me), at least he saw the team on the up. And the Academy starting to produce as well, it would be nice to think that as sad as his passing is, and even though it would have been nice to be in the top flight, he could dare to dream, the way we all do.
As Clive said, please please make it an “I was there” day.
RIP Sir Jack
Blackpool are surprisingly stout defensively, hoping Afobe provides that pace that is much needed up front if Dicko is gone. 2-0 to the good guys
Lets not get carried away with the moment because Sir Jack wouldn’t thank us for that.
We will all celebrate his wonderful life and the fantastic things he did just before the game and get on with the job of winning the game,, that’s what he would want.
Hope to see the new striker on at some stage of the game,perhaps start up front with Dicko.
UTW,R.I.P. SIR JACK.
A special day with hopefully a straightforward victory
Hate to predict a draw but this is a classic banana skin, especially with O’Hara playing. UTW
Here’s hoping all goes well as Sir Jack is remembered. I take the point about it being one of those “I was there” days, I’ve had a good few at Molineux in my time but can’t make this one but want to add my thanks along with everyone elses.
I suppose that O’Hare will play like Lionel Messi, but I can’t see the rest of the ream following suit. I can’t wait to see how Afobe turns out, from the video evidence he seems already to have the thirst for goal which so many “strikers” never acquire.
Sir Jack – with a heart of gold.
This will be the most memorable match of the season.
Let’s do Jack proud – both fans & players.
Here hoping for a good win. Can see the new boy getting into the action for at least 20 mins.
Hey jazzwolf. O’hara will be more like lionel ritchie than lionel fuckin messi. Dancin on the ceiling. Suits him.cockney twat. Fwaw!
A win tomorrow will be a fitting farewell to Sir Jack. I’m going for a conservative 2-0.
Sheffield Wolf & Brompton Wolf…
I like the “Flash Player” remark… I would also like to think “Adobe” is a good “Reader” of the game!
Thomas… yet again a fine read that I always look forward to… I was initially thinking you should apply to the E&S but then felt that your balanced and constructive reviews, in addition to your lack of glaring seplling erorrers would ruffle too many feathers within the offices of this quality (almost) daily publication.
Unfortunately I will “again” be absent due to work commitments (shift starts at midday tmw). – I would love to say the mortgage and the kids come second but they don’t. So please give a bit of extra applause on my behalf during the minutes thoughts. (I’ll try and get a personal break just before kickoff to show my own respects and I’ll finally look to catch up with as many of you as possible at one your meets before the end of the season.
I also see Sky want Wolves v Derby again…. I expect they are hoping for another goal fest but as we’re in much finer form now, I’m looking forward to a nice little reverse of the score on that game too.
I want to see our midfield running the show tomorrow to show we do not miss O’Hara, a goal from Price would be the icing on the cake too.
I shall certainly raise a glass for you mate and take one extra clap for you too. Don’t go working too hard my friend. Hope to see you sometime soon.
Jack Hayward, what a lovely man he was and i really felt for him when his own children turned against him, that must have really hurt the man.
Lets hope the Wolves can do it tomorrow and as far as Jamie O’Hara goes, he’s moved on now so forgive and forget, it’s all ways the best way.
UTW.
Tough game tomorrow. Tight win…
Tight, with O’Hara scoring for them and Afobe nicking one for us at the end
I read a biography of the recently passed away Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe over Christmas. He had a lot of financial support from Sir Jack during the early to mid 1970s including borrowing the £10k used to hire the hit man to take out Norman Scott on Bodmin moor. Sir Jack was livid when it came out in the subsequent court case that he had unwittingly funded an attempted murder. As many of you have said – he had an interesting life!
Stick it to Blackpool for Sir Jack!
Wondering how we can get Dicko and Afobe in the team without losing Edwards and our 4-2-3-1 formation.
This could be when we start scoring the goals our football deserves.
Predicting a scrappy, nail biting, undeserved win. We never seem to play well in these situations, but I reckon the ghost of Sir Jack will smile on us this time.
As with Chris above, I think this will be difficult. Rarely do we put weaker teams to the sword, and with the return of O’Hara, who remember was generally regarded as a saviour when he arrived, Blackpool will be doing their utmost to get something out of this game. The most important result will be the three points, I’ll be very happy with just that.
As the masses ranks sing out ‘Hi Ho’ JO’H will be overwhelmed by what he has lost and be shown by Macca what it really means to be a creative midfielder. It could naturally be a tricky occasion but the tide of feeling should be on our side in keeping the run going. It’s the sort of match we sometimes trip over, but we really should take this one.
Let’s win it for Sir Jack.
Wish I could be there but will be listening to wolves player. Imagining the atmosphere and waiting for the ‘GOAL WOLVES’.
RIP in Sir Jack. Jack Hayward’s Barmy Army
Could be the proverbial banana skin but I’ll stick to the form book and being optimistic. No prizes for guessing who I reckon will score the tangerine’s 1.
The match – With the emotion of the crowd behind us I cannot see anything other than a win.
The Man – Sir Jack was probably the last of a rare breed. A gentleman whose passion in life was his beloved Wolves. Unlike a lot of people in very privileged positions Sir Jack never forgot his roots, his love, his town, the people.
He will be remembered with great fondness.
Onwards & Upwards
Hoping for a performance (in both halves!) that matches the occasion, fitting that it will be a full house in the home Sir Jack built as well. Will be interested to see if Afobe gets thrown straight into the mix.
I’m going for 2.1 win for Wolves and of course O’Hara to score and play a blinder. I don’t think the fans should boo him simply because he doesn’t deserve the attention or breath wasted on him, no this game is not about Jamie O’Hara it’s about Jack Hayward and us the fans.
I remember standing on the southbank in the rain looking at a ground decaying…..
Pure and simple 3 0 to Wolves Sir Jack will be smiling .
RIP Sir Jack.
RUTHLESS over toothless today boys.
JOH thrrr (very short totally dismissive raspberry!)
Of course O ‘Hara will score a late bum
Tightener.
We’ll do it for Sir Jack today
Just can’t see us dropping points today, especially with the circumstances with the passing of the great sir jack. COYW
I’m gutted I can’t be there today, would love to say farewell to Sir Jack. Disagree with those saying it will be a sad occasion though; he had a fantastic and long life, and today should be a celebration of that. Everyone dies eventually, very few achieve what Sir Jack did, so for me today is a chance to be grateful and remember all the wonderful things he did while he was here.
I also disagree (somewhat hopefully) with those expecting O’Hara to shine. When Molineux decides to pick on a player we can really ruin their afternoon, Rio Ferdinand and Danny Mills both spring to mind. I reckon it might all get a bit much for poor old Hollywood, and he’ll be subbed around the hour mark. I hope he hears the chants in his sleep for weeks.
Oh yeah, the football. Us 2 them 1. Easy.
UTW
I ask myself what would jack say I think he would say sod the tribute all I want is 3 points
Rip to a great man who has done more for this club in my lifetime than any other.
Come on boys make us all proud.
Now thats how you do it…. Benik on his debut… as a sub.
… and Edwards continuing his run of scoring too…
(You can’t drop him… So does that mean dropping the irreplaceable Dicko?)
Going to be an interesting few weeks to see how KJ’s formation settles down (especially with the interest reported in a Waddle type player on “WolvesNow”.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/michael-calvin-sir-jack-haywards-passing-leaves-us-short-of-caring-owners-9985470.html
Nice little write-up on Sir Jack…
Not so sure of the “leaves us short of caring owners” part as he has not owned us for a while, however reading further through his write-up does bring to the fore so many other valid points about having owners that do not give a stuff.
We could be owned by someone that wants to mortgage us to the hilt or running us into the ground while taking out every penny they can. Morgan may not be everyone’s (or most peoples 1st choice), but at least we do not have someone running the club from a prison.
The alleged 2 million spent/gambled on Afobe appears to have worked after testing out the loan market. I think we’ll see at least 1 more purchase and even a loan deal before the window shuts, so Morgan and Moxey just may be cut a little slack by the fans as Afobe (from the reports) has already started to become a fans favourite.
Back home in cold snowy North Yorkshire. Once again a brilliant day. Result was perfect with Afobe scoring on his debut. Fantastic turnout at A Parkview. Nice to meet new faces too. Can’t wait to see the vid from theDOOGooder.
Until next time, and always, take care guys.