Even by Fosun standards, it’s been a manic summer.
Someone on Twitter said it had flown by, but to me it’s felt like a marathon of fanfare and speculation.
I’m just happy to see some actual football and like everyone else, hoping that the club’s considerable efforts over the last two and a half months are rewarded.
Those hopes are high I must admit. I think the players Wolves have recruited are of a good calibre, there’s a clear system of play and the head coach seems to have landed on something close to his best eleven.
That said, it’s a very tough start against the team all the bookies are tipping for promotion. Defeat may temper our optimism. Victory would send it sky high.
Middlesbrough
Given that Boro were air tight defensively for much of last season’s Premier League campaign, but incapable of scoring it’s no surprise to see Garry Monk splurging on strikers.
Britt Assombalonga arrived for some serious wonga from Forest and former Man Utd man Ashley Fletcher was hot on his heels in another big money transfer from West Ham.
Danish international Martin Braithwaite has also been recruited for £9 million to further swell the numbers.
When you consider they already had two proven Championship forwards on their books in Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford, they now have some serious strength in depth.
They’ve got a good chairman there in Steve Gibson who always back his managers with time and resources. In Monk they seem to have the right manager too, so what could possibly go wrong?
Perhaps their biggest obstacle will be the considerable weight of expectation with everyone seeing them as likely pacesetters.
Wolves
I always used to chuckle when people would phone into Radio WM and say ‘Franksy, we need six or seven new players’, believing they lived in some sort of fantasy world expecting a new team to magically materialise.
Well, the egg is well and truly on my face as Wolves will line up at Molineux on Saturday with a side that scarcely resembles the one that finished last season with a 1-0 win over Preston.
The big question is whether Nuno will thrust new forward Leo Bonatini straight into action? If Nouha Dicko is ruled out with injury as expected, it seems likely the Brazilian will start.
Other than that, it’s the same team that performed impressively against Leicester last weekend.
If the above eleven does click, it’s exciting to think that the likes of Costa, Cavaleiro, Marshall and several others will all be pushing hard to get in at some point.
Despite the many glamour signings, I’m particularly happy with Barry Douglas at left wing back. The balance that he and Doherty bring to the team is important, particularly for this system.
Neves is a very exciting addition. We’ve been so desperately lacking in central midfield since Kevin McDonald left and I hope we’re building a team around the Porto man’s undoubted quality.
From the away end
Some words from Middlesbrough fan Rob, from OneBoro: After the disappointment of last season in the Premier League, it’s been a summer of change. From the recruitment, to management and playing staff: there’s been significant upheaval.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson, carried on his tradition of giving new, up and coming managers a chance. Garry Monk ticks all of the boxes and signed on as Boro manager in June. With the promise of funds to spend on new players, Monk focussed on buying players who are familiar with the division and will hit the ground running.
Howson had been tipped to be the next Norwich captain, Christie was a regular for Derby and Assombalonga knows where the net is. The only relatively unknown addition to the Boro squad is Martin Braithwaite, who arrived from French football.
The most important achievement for Boro this summer has been appointing the right manager and building a squad capable of returning to the Premier League at the first attempt. With a tough opening game against Wolves coming up, it’s crucial for Boro to hit the ground running though it may take a couple of games until the players and manager fully gel.
Predictions
The Prediction League is back and all are invited to take part. It’s easy, just leave a comment in the section below and fill in the appropriate fields with your scoreline.
Please remember, that your score will only be correctly recorded in the table through the season if you use a consistent email address to comment. If you change email addresses, you will create to listings in the table.
I’ve been speaking to various Boro fan sites in the build up to this one and have offered a 2-2 prediction so can’t really change now.
If we stand toe-to-toe (or better) I’ll be very satisfied. We want to get some points on the board early in a difficult looking August.
2-2.
Up The Wolves!
Going to be tough early start to the season with some tasty games. It will take time to gel, however the future is golden. I feel we can get a 1-0 out of this game though.
Can’t wait for the season to start and can’t believe that I didn’t know that WolvesTV streams games live outside the UK. Will be watching at midnight from Sydney.
Looking forward to watching the new team and new style.
We have a history of beating relegated premier league teams 1-0 so am going with that.
2am start here in NZ, the streaming is a new venture, hope the reception is good.
Watching from midnight in Japan too. Great new service. Hope it runs smoothly. My experience watching the Leicester friendly:
1) watched the first twenty minutes (fairly smooth), then I got the revolving circle, followed by the big arrow; I pressed the big arrow and it started from kick-off again, so I saw the first 20 mins twice and the rest of the 1st half twenty minutes behind;
2) then I got the revolving circle and the big arrow again, I nervously clicked half-expecting to start again, and sure enough there was the ref just about to start the game, but, Yeah!, it was the 2nd half, which I watched in real time. Perfect reception!
Also giving the streaming a go from Melbourne…
Wolves 2
Boro 1
I spent the last few seasons reading your posts and predictions and thought I would have a stab myself this season. Can’t wait for Saturday and a packed Molineux. If we repeat the performance from the Leicester game, we will come out on top. For me it’s got to be a home win 2 – 1.
Welcome Bill. Look forward to your thoughts/predictions mate.
We get one early then pick email off on the counter.. A prefect start and we all start thinking about winning the fact cup too…
Predictive text Mike?
Be about right that youth of today with phones on the pitch doing selfies n the like..
That’s a fact mate lol
3 p in this will be perfect. But is early days.
Nice summary Thomas. Boro have hardly put a foot wrong since relegation. I’d have bitten your hand off for Monk to have replaced Jackett but we instead got the Joker in the pack, not the Ace of Clubs. Thankfully we are now in the talented hands of Nuno who may be holding a few aces.
I’m inclined to favour your 2-2 but I think Nuno will be pulling all the stops out to get Molineux rocking so I see a win. 3-2 or 3-1 but I’ll settle on 2-1.
We do well opening day so hit the ground running tight contest but jsut edge it i reckon
What a great game to have first up in front of a full house. No guarantee that Middlesborough or ourselves will be at the right end of the table. Only a matter of time before Assombolonga gets a long term injury anyway. 2 goals for the Wolves without reply. Jota and Boly on the scoresheet
You gotta predict a win on the first game of the season ain’t yer!
Well, I have anyway.
With no real concrete evidence, deep thought… or anything really, I am prepared to be bold.
Let’s hope Nuno is too.
COYW!!!!!
A tough start but if we want promotion thi year what better way to find out how we can perform from the off. Very exciting team assembled and quite a few will be playing to hold their place in the 1st eleven. Let’s start with rose tinted glasses and see how it goes. If we get the score I’m putting down the Golden Palace will rock.
I’d like to see Graham in place of Bright as I think he’s shown what he can offer and provide a plentiful supply from one side, with Jota doing the business from the other. I have no idea what Bonatini will offer though – let’s hope it’s a hatful of goals! I can’t help but be naturally cautious for now and still worry we won’t convert the chances that will surely come our way with the quality we’ve got in our ranks.
Like Thomas I am more optimistic with this manager and this squad than last year, but this must be tempered with realism. We were kicked off the park and lost at Shrewsbury, there will be a lot of championship players only too happy to do the same to any Portuguese prima-donnas.
First match of the season and who knows what to expect, but got to be positive and go for a win. If we can get off to a flyer it will augur well for the season.
We are still a striker short, and Bonatini an unknown quantity playing in an Arab league.
I’d agree the same side as above with Jordan Graham in for Bright if fit – has Graham blotted his copy book with Nuno?
Fingers crossed, along with 30,000 others we will be there.
Cannot wait!
Lets say this, Derby, Hull and Cardiff are going to be bloody difficult games too. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have an underwhelming start (prove me wrong!), but its important that we stick at it and get behind the team so we can push forward in from September until Christmas hopefully.
Good home record v boro
Going for a home win early doors cmon my baby’s
An opening day win is a rare occurrence for Wolves fans.
A 0-0 to excite all the doomsayers.
If you can’t be optimistic for the 1st game of the season after some very astute purchases and loans then you might as well give up. A hat trick for Bonatini.
By God’s I’ve missed this
I think we have had a very good preseason and really like the look of the new team. I think we are a striker short but think we will put that right over the next few weeks. I really fancied us for this game but reading your report Thomas I think it’ll be a tough game. Having said that I’m still going for 2-0. I’d like to see Graham or Cav in place of Bright but other than that the tram looks good and more importantly balanced
The championship is outscore the taking.
There is only one certain this season though and that is I’m going to win the prediction league, not like all those other seasons where I say I’m going to win but get no where near.
It’s good to be back.
– A Brazilian hattrick in the debut by Leonardo.
– After an “impressive” pre-season in terms of building team performance, I just believe we’re better prepared than most teams (certainly better than Leicester :=))). Sometimes it can take time to settle in as a football player. Our style of play should make the transference for our Brazilian newcomer smooth, so I’m quite optimistic he can put away the chances – if he’ll get get ones.
A new manager, a new team, a new pitch and, and, and…….a familiar prediction
5-1
But this season I have much more confidence that it will be correct, or better, more often than not.
When have we had two good players for virtually every position before?
Not in my memory banks.
With a few excellent, crocked players still to regain fitness, and, I am sure, a couple more signings to appear, we are going to turn a lot of team’s shorts colours to brown.
And where are all the doomy gloomy merchants now who were adamant Costa was going to be sold at the end of last season?
No, this campaign is going to be one of our best ever, at least in this division.
And for all those who go on about other clubs having signed experienced second division players, I ask: So what? They havent done anything worth shouting about, else they would be prem players!
Our new team is going to take this division by storm, and next season, the prem, coz make no mistake, when we are in the prem, this summer’s spending spree will seem like petty cash compared to what Fosun will shell out to keep us there!
A huge welcome back to all who sail with us, a massive FOwb, and A Park View…..stick your hotel where the sun dont shine.
I havent been this excited since the house fell on me sister!!!
Tricky start – and then onwards and upwards.
Regarding the cancelled table fiasco, I’m not happy about what’s happened but I’m not going to join the ‘F**k off Park View’ brigade because I’ve been staying there for years now, ever since I got back into physically supporting the Wolves rather than just doing it from afar.
I’ve always been treated really well by Sat and her staff and I consider her as a chum. She’s also gone out of her way to accommodate us bloggers before, so I’m not about to chuck my toys out of the pram now.
I emailed her and here’s her reply.
Make of it what you will.
Hi Mark
I’m on holiday at the moment, but one of the members of staff informed me about this last night.
We are in a bit of a catch 22 situation here. One of our good regular customers has also expressed his wishes to hold a special celebration at the restaurant on the evening of Saturday 25th November. This will be for a full exclusive restaurant hire. Which clashes with the proposed planned party for David Sims. I understand his reasons are quite sentimental. But I can also understand that my other client has expressed his own sentimental reasons for why he wishes to hold his celebrations here. I have called the client this morning to talk him into an alternative weekend date to keep both parties happy, but the 25th November is the date that he wants.
I don’t have all the details yet but will keep you informed. At this stage, it looks as though the large party will be going ahead for evening celebrations, which would mean the alternative I can offer is a pre-match lunch for the David Sims party.
I’m sorry that the arrangements have clashed, but it’s also coming into the festive busy season.
I’m going to write to David to let him know a few more details about the reasons, in which I hope he understands why we have made this decision.
Regards
Sat Dulay
Happy with the team though am expecting Jordan Graham to start wide left and am not 100% sure yet who will be the central striker – Dicko if fit? Bonatini if match fit? Enobakhare if neither?
My prediction is based on the fact that things take time – and the fact that the two teams are who I am predicting to occupy the automatic promotion positions come the end of the season (us 1st obviously!).
Will be in/around the ground from about 1pm and aiming for the North Bank bar by 2 latest. See you there?
OODCL
She did write to me – word for word what she sent you DOOGie. I wasn’t going to share it on here but in the interests of openness and fair play here is my reply to Sat;
Dear Sat,
Thank you.
I understand your difficulty but equally I also hope you will understand mine.
I had already booked a table in the restaurant for that night at 8pm. If someone else then asks to book the whole restaurant then surely the only acceptable response would have been to say that unfortunately they couldn’t as it was already booked and perhaps they could choose an alternative. It all just feels that we have been ‘bumped’ off because the other party is worth more money to you than we are. If that is the case then I believe that in the longer-term you will actually be worse off both in terms of money through the till and your reputation.
I have informed my colleagues from the Wolves Blog of what is happening and there is a great deal of unhappiness and that is putting it mildly. Many of us were planning on going to the hotel this coming Saturday for pre-match food and drinks – something that I was planning on being a regular occurrence for every home game just like last season – but everyone seems to be indicating now that they will not do so and will instead go elsewhere. A few people have also said that our end of season ‘do’, which has been held at APV for the past 3 or 4 years, should be held elsewhere from now on.
Myself and several others booked rooms with you for 25th November for our dinner in the hotel that night. I believe 8 of the 12 diners have rooms booked. They will all now cancel those rooms I would think and will expect a full refund of anything they have already paid. I sincerely trust that this will not be a problem?
It is a great shame that your decision has had such repercussions. As I said my wife has been very ill over the past few years but I have been able to still go to matches and in doing so have met some lovely people who have become good friends. I wanted to bring my wife to meet them and as I had always sung the praises of APV planned this as a special weekend for her.
Unless there is a resolution to this matter we will be forced to rearrange the weekend – either another date or possibly the same date but elsewhere.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yep!
Can’t argue with any of that mate. I think that you, and particularly your poor long suffering lady, deserve a damn sight better. I wonder whether Sat being away on holiday had something to do with it. Maybe the decision was made by a member of staff.
Whatever, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth (a bit like Wolfstroker’s baked beans).
Suffice to say I think that she will come to regret her decision.
I didn’t know you’d tasted my Beans DG.
Wow, I can’t believe they would treat you in such a cavalier way; your former booking should have taken precedence and, if the short term greed was a problem, then they should have got in touch with you to see if you and the rest of your party were able and willing to meet some compromise. This is really bad business practice in the days of Facebook, etc. Their reputation will take a knock; a dreadful outcome for both sides.
Surely it should be down to which booking was taken first.
I guess we will all have a view on what’s happened with this booking etc and as has been alluded to, Sat has chosen another customer in preference to Dave’s booking albeit my notion , in the hotel industry, was always on a first come first served basis (as Wolfstroker has rightly stated).
I feel that if short term gain takes precedent over long term loyalty then I won’t be investing…..
Anything could happen tomorrow, so I’ll sit on the fence for a draw, which I’d take against the title favourites. Come on you Wolves!
Like others I would want to have Graham in for Bright and then I would consider this to be a very strong Wolves eleven, for the Championship.The new striker is of course an unknown quantity but having read a lot about him I’m left with a good feeling.
I think it will be an all out ‘go for it’ affair and with a lot of talent on show in both sides I expect goals.
Wolves 3
Middlesborough 2
Welcome back all you fellow bloggers, welcome the new one’s, a warm, warm welcome on and all.
Watching Nuno put together this team has been mind boggling, he’s had extensive talks with Stevie Showcase and from what Iv’e seen pre-season he has shored up the leaky Dyke with some pretty good players.
So, I am going to do a Clive and stick with positivity oozing from evey pore.
Jota and the Leo to oth score.
Defence to hold out and we send 30,000 people home happy after entertaining footy, even the Boro fans admitting at least they were beaten by a better side.
COMB’s
Oh yes and the score just to make it feckin right.
2-0 to Wolves.
Dohhhh
Exciting new signings and a new formation, can’t wait for the season to begin. A tough first fixture and I can’t see past a draw in this one.
People have been waxing lyrical about Neves in pre season, very much looking forward to seeing him play in person on saturday! COYW
Agreed Stafford. Particularly looking to seeing Neves too.
Graham for Bright for me, like a lot of people on this blog.
Tough start, so I’m going for a higher scoring draw.
COMBs!
Nuno’s teams are known more for their defense than their offense.
I am predicting either a 1-0 or 0-0.
3-0 to the Mighty Wolves, can’t wait. if anyone hears of a website that takes the overseas feed and re-streams it for availability in the UK, do let us know!
Finally! Finally it’s back. What a summer it’s been. I can’t wait to get back to my seat and watch neves and co. I’m hoping we are playing Middlesbrough at the right time before they really click. They’ll surely be in the top two come May. I’m going for a narrow wolves win in front of a sell out crowd. Bonatini to score to get his season off with a bang. Oh and can we all please sing something stupid about willy boly as we’re famous for our sense of humour aye we?
That’s already done ferris.
“If youv’e got a big Willie clap your hands”
“If youv’e got a big Willie”.
and so one, you know the one.
Obviously I had to sit there very quiet with my head in my hands in shame, with Jen de Wolf looking at me saying, “leave it, feckin leave it”
Expects some funny reactions on this one. Neutrals will scratch their heads. And the ladies will be moistered up for after the match :=)))
I still think we will struggle to score but they wont as they have most of the strikers i would have signed.
Probably our toughest game of the season at home and its the first one , couldn’t have written it could you .
Would love us to click straight away and we may just do that throughout the pitch but its in front of goal we may be found wanting unless our Brazilian lights up.
Wolves to play borough off the pitch but lose .
Cannot wait, Thank you Fosun for putting the money in. Still wish we could get Andre Gray f–k ffp although like Psg perhaps the fa would step in. Will we score ?, will we freeze in front of the full house ? Will they score from a free kick ? [we let a few in pre season] and will anyone stop Ash winning the prediction league ? COYW
A tight game with both defenses on top
2-2 was my prediction before reading this. Obviously hoping for a win but I’ll stick to my guns and go for a solid draw against one of the leagues strongest sides.
Exciting season ahead I think?
Can anyone remind me of our last successful season that started with a win ? Sticking with tradition for a one all draw if we’re lucky though probably 0-0
Would it be a little early to suggest that this could be the title decider? After all, everyone seems to have Boro down as promotion favourites. But from what I saw last Saturday against Leicester, and with the mercurial Helder Costa yet to return to the fold, it would be a brave man who bet against us.
Boro have spent very heavily in the window and have kept many from their Premier days, so will be a tough nut to crack. But having seen most of the pre-season games, I have seen our levels of cohesion, understanding and teamwork rise with every match, culminating in our demolition of a strong looking Leicester outfit. A week off, more work on the practice field and the addition of a proper striker could be all we need to kick off the new season with a flyer.
So, here’s hoping that the biggest Molineux crowd for years really get something to shout about and we all go home as I did last week. Grinning from ear to ear.
Im a regular reader of the blog but this will be the first time for my score predictions.
Full house, new manager, shed loads of new exciting players that ive never seen play before and a belly full of beer for me – its got to be a home win hasnt it. An exciting closed season where the club have seemingly recruited well and managed to shift a good few on. This is the most excited I have been for the first game of the season since when we were playing the money league against West Ham.
PS congratulations to the club for all they have done to encourage new junior fans to the club this season. My sons first season ticket is a bargin at £25.
A great BiG welcome to you BG, and please Dog make it entertaining for your son, his impressionable years and all that.
We made light work of Leicester the other day … this mob will be a cup of tea and a bun !
Portuhampton Wanderers 3 v Middlesboring 1
Even though you’ve nicked my Middlesboring tag I will still hope to see you in the North Bank bar on Saturday for a shandy.
By the way are you planning on going to Brentford away on 26th August?
p.s. a shandy is drink where you mix lemonade with beer – yes, honestly!
Look forward to it bedders !
Lemonade and beer ? I thought that’s how they made sparkling wine !
I should be at the bees
Two more sleeps and we’re off …off to find the Holy Grail.
As with many of .. first of the season games …we’re pitted against a relegated Premier League club (or a Promoted lower league club.) ….. and just like Norwich a few years back … we’ll be singing our heads off at an opening day victory.
Can’t wait to see the new boys again (went to Shrewsbury) and embrace the hoards of Molineux throngsters in full voice….
Will be in the North Bank bar to receive said drinks….
I dated a Holly once………………….never got to the grail, though!!!
Probably Graham Nash.
I dated her Sister, Ivy.
You should see them now since they are both full grown.
If you come across the Knights Who Say ‘Nii’ run like buggery!
p.s. hope to see you in the N Bank bar Saturday – might be a bit delayed as I have to pop in to the APV first and kick the living daylights out of the lot of them! lol
Here we go then. Probably, on paper, the hardest match of the season to start with.
New Manager, New team, New Tactics, is this dreamland or not?
As far as I am concerned it’s a refreshing breath of fresh air after the last few years. The manager even speaks understandable English.
Would love to see a win but suspect it will be a draw.
Don’t think I have looked forward to a new season as much as I have this one. I can’t see the defence letting many in even against this team but not sure how many we will score but going for a 2-0 victory
my 1st prediction and I am going big
PMoW
Nice…. fekin nice….
Jota to score and hopefully a sound defensive performance against a strong boro attack. Easier games to come and a draw will do
It’s good to be back in the prediction league and to see so many positive predictions. Obviously our hopes are high. From the exhibition I saw against Leicester (thanks to the chappy on YouTube) I think we are quite solid, so I am going for a narrow win.
Whilst I am here and we are in the early stages of the season, have you thought about a separate prediction comp – a one off. Predicting the Championship table at the end of season. Maybe scoring bonus points for the top 6 teams and one point for all others that are in the correct position. I think it would be fun and does not need much maintenance. What do you think?
Been following the progress in the transfer window from the bucolic Cotswolds and believe (and pray) this is the best squad any of us will have seen for many many years.
NES loves a clean sheet so am coupling that with our imports being inspired by a rocking full-house to give us a 2-0 win.
This will be my first opening game since giving up my season ticket a few years back, after coming to the conclusion it would never get better. Well now I think it will and am very very excited. (Too excited for a man in his eight decade with high blood pressure.)
So it start’s!!!!
Wolves will be the surprise team of the Chumpionship, promoted by mid March 2018.
Boro will be one of the few teams who will try to play football at the Mol and will be played off the park, still a tight gane and the start of fortress Molineux.
On paper Boro have one of the strongest squads seen in this league for quite a while. We have a tough opening few games and I think most of us would settle for a point from this one.
UTW
Boro are my tip to win the league. Good chairman, a manager I really rate and some good signings to an already decent squad. I’ll be gobsmacked if they don’t finish in the top 6 and more than slightly surprised if they’re not in the top 2. Couldn’t have picked a trickier start really.
Despite an impressive performance against (an admittedly poor) Leicester side I think it will take time for us to gel and we’ve still looked a bit shaky at the back at times in pre-season and light in the striker position.
Slow start but we’ll get better.
Only 2 more sleeps and I can’t wait. Even the weather forecast can’t dampen my spirits. I read somewhere that we are expecting our biggest crowd since 1981 when we played Middlesbrough in The FA Cup. I was there that day, a fresh faced 16 year old stood on the North Bank where I will be on Saturday. Can still remember the day all these years on (whatever happened to Norman Bell). Not going to be drawn on The APV debacle on here as Dave knows my thoughts on the matter. As I have said to a few bloggers recently, it is my birthday but Sue and I have decided to give the place a miss and head for The North Bank bar instead. Got a meal booked after the game at The Queens Cantonese on Queen Street which we highly recommend. As for the game, I am going for the same score as that FA Cup game all those years ago although I don’t think any of the goal scorers will be called Norman. See you Saturday Folks.
Going to be the best football season ever and we should be right up there. A tough start and there will be set backs along the way 5 or 6 more strikers would be good.
Predicting a good season but not for game one.
Too early and I think no Cav will hurt the team more than we think. Boro has to integrate some new guys too though, so prob even
Thank goodness the football is back! Seems an age since we had some proper football.
Very excited about this season. We have a team that has the potential to accomplish big things this season. Or are we all expecting too much from our new team? Probably, but we have had so many bad times we can at least hope the good times are near.
As Tim pointed out, Nuno is known for his defensive play and his stats show he does draw quite a lot of games. However, I do think that with a solid defence and the ability to break with speed we will upset a few teams this season.
As for tomorrow v Boro…A close match with us just edging it.
Jota to become our new hero/legend.
Onwards & Upwards
Dicko due to play a part on Saturday at some point. So why the secrecy at Molineux, very strange.
Stu, did you drop a hint before about the possibility of a discipline-related problem with Dicko? Was this the reason for the secrecy? I’m glad it’s not injury-related or even to do with him being sold. Good news if he’s in the squad tomorrow.
I was passed this from the Molineux, so I put out there in the hope someone else may know some mor.
I like Dicko too, when he gets a proper supply he will score for fun.
In Nuno we trust
Our defence will be the key.
A win to begin our promotion campaign.
Brazilian hat trick.
Newark – goals from Norman Jota, Norman Bonatini and of course Norman Neves! And afterwards they all drive off in Norman Miranda’ s swish Vauxhall Viva with Norman Greenbaum’s ‘Spirit In The Sky’ booming out from the 8-track stereo.
P.S. As it’s your birthday – can’t believe you are 62! – London Wolves Loyal will buy you a shandy.
You cheeky ba***rd Bedders. Seeing as I was 16 in 1981, that makes me 42 this weekend ;-). I am actually the same age as Sue for a whole month – can you believe that she is older than me ? Anyway, if I am 62 god knows how old that makes you ? Anyway (2) me and Suzi Woo are leaving Newark at 10:30am and aiming to check in at The Novotel for 12:00pm. We will be around Wolvo drinking from then on – you know what Sue’s like. Text and let me know where you are for a shandy ? I think the last time I had a shandy was when I was driving a purple Vauxhall Viva with a black vinyl roof and white wheels…………………………………………………..but that is another story. Looking forward to a catch up mate.
It’s a pity we have to face Boro without what will be our best team – with Cav and Costa, and a fully match fit striker, so I’ll be relieved not to lose this one. Our defence and midfield are very strong, and can hopefully keep the Boro strikers in check. They’ll try to start strong and could knock our new players off their stride, but I’ll start where I mean to carry on, with a win, our quality beating their experience.
Tough opener; if we can get a point on the board then I’ll be happy. COYW!
Wolves to win 2-1.
Think we may struggle to score but hoping for that typical relegation hangover that seems to occur!
Thanks to Wolves for screening the games for us expats!!
UTW
Napoleon once said ‘not tonight Josephine’, well it may have been more than once but what do I know? Any way, what has this got to do with Wolves v Middlesborough I here you cry. Not a lot really apart from Josephine had a long lost cousin. A slug called Keith who lives at Flat 3A, 7th Floor, Vic and Bob Tower, Middlesborough. Keith is a massive Boro fan and is in for an uncomfortable wikend and it will end in heartbreak as Boro are quite literally chasing shadows (if the fucking great big golden thing in the sky ever makes an appearance). As a rejuvenated Conor Coady suddenly turns in to Franz Beckenbauer and sweeps majestically across the hallowed turf and Big Willy is everywhere. So big that the Boro players are scared and run off and hide behind Mander House. This enables WWFC to assert the new passing style and put together a move of 14674 passes leading to the first goal to break the deadlock. Unfortunately the move took 78 minutes but never mind, as is often the case one goal leads to another and the second duly arrives on 84 minutes as Neves taps in to the empty net to send Mol in to raptures. Big Willy is substituted on 86mins and the Boro players feel confident enough to return to the pitch but it is all too late and Wolves close the game out. 2-0 win.
Had no internet for last 3 weeks thanks to BT so keeping up to date with signings has been a bit of a nightmare!
Not really sure what to expect so I’ll just go for a win & see what happens.
Come on Wolves!!
Keeping up with signings is a bit of a nightmare anyway Border. But a nice nightmare. 🙂
Very true but easier when you can get online!! Living in the sticks 4G on mobiles is unknown as well!!
Flight landed and now as I am back in UK I am going to take a few hours catching up with blog news.
Already read a problem with APV, something to do with cancelled table.
As I have a ticket for Saturday where are the bloggers meeting, if at all?
Not doing formal predictions this year. Will beat Boro 2-0 though.
Hey mate,
Wondered why you hadn’t been blogging. Quite a few of us are meeting in The North Bank bar but I know some are staying in The APV also. Be nice to see you again.
Ian & Sue
Will go to APV first so i can park for free lol. WIll see you in North Bank Bar later mate.
Just outside the top ten of last years prediction league, so going for a top ten finish this year with a little help from my beloved Wolves. If I can finish above London Wolves Loyal that will be a massive result for me ! So we will start with a little two nil win, Come on you Wolves.
I will be in the North Bank Bar about twelve thirty on with Shaun, if anybody’s want’s to say Hi we stand on the far right hand side of the bar. Only two more sleeps DOOGooder.
Three generations of Wolves fans, Dad, Son And Grandson in our spot in the North Bank Bar.
See you there mate.
Tough start but with Middlesbrough being strong defensively and us not flowing with goals at the moment bit being quite tight ourselves I am going for a controlled performance with lots of the ball but just failing to break them down.
Wolves 0
Middlesbrough 0
Nervy start I think
Good name Juan.
Thomas,
I’d swop out Leo for Dicko and Graham for Bright to start the game.
But it has to be said that with Jeff and NES at the helm and the superb options on the bench, we have a better than average chance in every game.
Really want to see NES stick with his system even if we get a few Shrewsburys, cus the game against Leicester is the way forward I am 100% sure.
Also we shouldn’t worry about the opposition, we ain’t going to win every game, but, if we play like we have shown we can win and top two is realistic.
Sell out crown, a rocking Mol, a few beers ( and then some), a pie and a home win – and then I’ll go to bed with a cheshire cat smile.
COMB
Plenty of new wolves on show desperate to show their teeth. I fancy the Brazilian to feel the benefit of our passing ability and get a brace. The big uns at the back to shut em out with bazza feeling right at home too. God it’s great to feel so good about going to the match.
With everything in place I think we should walk this League…. Shouldn’t we…
Who’s for renaming the Club Dudley Porto..
Last Saturday’s game against Leicester was the first pre-season friendly I’ve ever been to. I couldn’t wait to see the (virtually) new team – that’s the level of excitement and anticipation I’m experiencing and I went to my first match at the Molineux in 1972!
It’s a brilliant time to be a Wolves supporter – I just hope we are patient and allow Fosun, Nuno, and the team time to get it right. Mind you I was entranced by the type of football we played on Saturday and if we repeat that against Middlesbrough plus a couple of goals from Bonatini I reckon we’ll beat them. So, a 2-1 win. Come on me babbies!!
Exciting times, but for this match I’m not convinced by what could be our front line without Dicko. Can’t wait to see Costa and Marshall back.
Just negotiated, successfully, my 65th so that tells me that I have experienced around 6 decades as a Wolves fan. My ( American) wife asks me from time to time why I don’t support a team that wins and i explain over and over that if you’re born in Brierley Hill you have a tattoo from birth and you can’t get a skin graft.
One of our rare visits to the Mol was to see the home game vs Man Utd in our last Premier League season. I’ll never forget the despair i felt when I saw the team sheet that day. 0-5 was inevitable as a scoreline.
Last weekend I read the team line up to face Leicester and..well as we say, its the hope that gets you isn’t it?
So despite repeated resolutions to abandon hope here I am once more thinking that we might have a winning team; one that I can confidently bring my wife to watch later in the season when we will be in the top 3.
I’ve changed my prediction several times whilst writing this note and …well who the f##k knows? I’d be more than OK with a draw…
I can’t see many repetitions of that Bristol City debacle this season Marin.
Thanks Steve
Hope you’re right
I lived a few months in Sausalito many years ago Marin.
You can watch the match live now if you are not in UK on the website. £5.00 a go…
I’m 66 and have never felt so optimistic about an upcoming season.
If we play as we did against Leicester, stay injury free, then we will witness attractively played football and very few teams will beat us.
Thanks Robin
My wife and I are in Rockies for weekend so I’ve signed up for Wolves tv and will watch the game over breakfast tomorrow
Great tip
COYW
It’s good to be back. Hoping for an exciting match, would be nice to come out on top, but I’d definitely take a draw.
This will be my 64th season as a Wolves supporter and I have to say there seems to be more to get excited about than for many a year. Although the need for someone who can put the ball in the back of the net has long seemed a priority – and remains so to some extent – we’ve had some really poor defensive performances over the last couple of seasons and talk of “Fortress Molineux” looked more than a little optimistic while so many of the squad were underperforming to the extent they were. In other words sorting out the defence was the real priority and this seems to have been done in spades. We also seem to have a good majority of the squad who understand the principle of passing the ball to someone in the same coloured shirt.
So let’s go with optimism – we face some good teams over August – but they are good Championship teams, none of them are Barcelona or Real Madrid. No reason why we can’t have a good start.
I’m going for a clean sheet and a 2 goal margin to start things off.
Can’t go without adding my best wishes to all those Carl I has rightly received.
Enjoy the season everyone – COYW
Hello one and all. Here we go again and, like everyone else on here, I can’t wait for 3pm on Saturday.
I’d certainly be happy with Thomas’s starting lineup but Graham could perhaps come in for Enobakhare. I wouldn’t be surprised if the game is dominated by the two defences. However, this is our first game of the season and we are at home. So, you have to be optimistic.
Barbara and I are staying at APV but we hope to get to Molineux by at least 2.30pm. We might look into North Bank Bar but I suspect it is going to be manic in there. Failing that, we will aim to pop in post match.
Finally, the following article by Jan Hagen (if not already seen) might be of interest
http://www.wolvesfancast.com/wolves-portuguese-imports-success/
I don’t know why but I am not feeling the same level of optimism that appears on this blog. I can’t help thinking that these new signings are not made of the right stuff for the championship- do they pass the Midweek Barnsley away in February test? I have doubts.
Boro will have too much nous for us I fear. Hope I am wrong.
We all hope you are wrong Linden.
Welcome back all! Should be an exciting season ahead.
No Costa, no Cav, no fit or bedded-in striker worries me greatly. Just can’t see a goal for us. Boro with fire power to knick one at some stage, despite a decent effort from us.
But better things to come as we and the season grow.
It has to be ! Neither team can score freely
Aug 5th… We’re finally here. Tough start to the season, however I think Boro will be thinking the same! We’ve obviously got buckets of attacking talent, but I’ve been particularly pleased with how the defence has been shaping up this summer…. A draw would be a good result – Bring it on!
Breaking news…….
Wolves sign Steve Daley for the season.
Steve Daley has sign for Wolverrhampton Wanderers as pitch side announcer, a funnier man I have yet to meet. I pray to Dog he keeps it clean.
Well done Stevie boy, yer a good mate. :-)))
Wondering about where the goals will come from. Possibly unduly pessimistic but hey, I’m a Wolves fan!!
I’ll be setting off this evening for the game ’cause it’s all a bit manic if I travel up on Saturday morning. Fretting about traffic problems all the way.
Probably take a swift couple of fine ales in the Combemere and I’ll try to pop into the North Bank bar before heading in, but I fear it’ll be like sardines in a tin in there. I’ll not be heading back home till Sunday morn so if anyone’s around for an evening glass or three, that’s definitely on the cards.
Really can’t wait for this.
I can meet up tonight if you want mate. I am travelling down tonight and staying in Low Hill, so should be there around 8 ish.
Not sure where Low Hill is Brompto’ but I generally park up near the APV and the Combemere is near there. Not really expecting to be arriving much before 10pm though. I’ll try though.
Not a problem mate. Consider giving me a call and I will pop in to Combemere when you get there. 07464 970597.
A Doc Double with a Dangerous Decider at the Death
Sun shining
Full house 30,000 crowd
Pre-match tribute to big Carl
20,000 new scarves waving
Wolves to win 2-0
If Carlsberg organised football matches …………………
Cannot wait for Saturday and the chance to show my grandson what the future will look like!!
I have never been so excited after last week against Leicester so much good passing & technical ability. Last season was so boring at home. Big test tomorrow but optimistic of a 2-1 win. Still need one more striker.
Would love to register something from this game against the potential Champions elect, a point (or better!) would be a great start, come on the Wolves!!
Well worth a read:
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/sports/soccer/wolverhampton-jorge-mendes.html?referer=https://t.co/blgZoM8hA6?amp=1
So another season arrives and I’m prepared for yet another 9 months of mind-numbing mediocrity wondering where it all went wrong. But thats enough about my chances in the Prediction League.
Looking forward to a strong performance by the boys tomorrow but, like many, I’m concerned by what may be a fairly lightweight/inexperienced attack. Having said that we look disciplined and solid in midfield and at the back so I don’t expect us to lose.
Devastatingly difficult match to forecast. Could be anything from 6-0 to 0-6!
I will go for
Wolves 2
Middlesbrough 1
Oh to be a Wolves fan, now that Summers here!!
Captain Negativity is on the blog again, in various guises.
We’ve only got one recognised striker.
The players haven’t had time to gel.
Boro have new signings and fabulous firepower.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
First off, I missed the memo that says only ” strikers” are allowed to score.
Anyone who hits a ball that ends up in the net is a striker.
I dont care which position a bloke plays in, the ultimate high on the pitch is to score. I cannot imagine anyone, with a scoring chance, saying
“Scusez moi, you have this chance, I’m not a striker”
Is Dave Edwards a striker?
Not in a million years, but he’s scored goals.
Second off, all this twaddle about not gelling, or whatever fancy term is the flavour of the week.
Most, if not all, of our upcoming opponents over the next nine months have new signings.
Surely they need time to gel??
If Boro are faves to go straight back up, then now is the best time to play them, not when they have gelled.
For once, we have no management baggage, bright, skilful new players and a shedload of goodwill and optimism around The Molineux.
Isnt it time we put aside the eternal pessimism that permeates a Wolves fan’s existence, embraced this fabulous gift of Fosun, and looked forward rather than backwards towards what should be the most exciting season for fuckin’ years??!!
Dead Feckin right!!!
Wolves aye we.
OODCL
I take it you’ll be watching on the live stream Clive. Fab innit!
Yes.
Paid my fiver, let’s see if the friggin’ connection gets as far as Deep in The Heart of Texas!!
Have you been borrowin money off scooped again, tight arse.
Be prepared for really shite commentary, stuff to put you to sleep, still the footballs more entertaining. Last season it was the footy that comatosed us all.
Spot on Clive. Why are some on here so bloody negative all the time. We have finally got what we have been asking for for years.
Owners prepared to SPEND
Great sentiments as ever Clive.
And you only swore once. And didn’t mention the hoof ball cloggers from down the road. Impressive. Very impressive.
Much more exciting things going in at the Mol.
Oh, and you forgot to tell us what falling down water you’ll be drinking……
It’s interesting. I have no idea what’s going to happen but history tells me when we get excited that we might do something good we get bitten, hence the prediction!! Of course I’m hoping it won’t happen but we’ll see.
I would like to see another striker. I don’t see someone who was last plying his trade in Saudi Arabia as someone who’ll come in and set the world alight, but I hope to be proven wrong.
An article about Wolves and Mendes in the NY Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/sports/soccer/wolverhampton-jorge-mendes.html?_r=0
Betterstill.
A hot rumour circulating that we are having a South American in the next 4-5 days.
No other details, but reliable sources.
Alexei Sanchez? Sergio Aguero? Neymar’s gone unfortunately.
If we can win this the rest of the championship sides will not look forward to playing us. C.O.Y.W.
Just about to set off to Glastonbury.
Tomorrow I’ll be watching the genius that is Brian Wilson playing the masterpiece that is ‘Pet Sounds’ live for possibly the last time.
To all of you bloggers who will be at Molineux, I wish you a great afternoon and let’s hope that the new Wolves geniuses (genii?) will be performing brilliantly tomorrow and for many years to come.
COYW!!!
Bridge too far – eality sinks in
This is the most exciting seasonal kick off for many a year; I can’t wait! Travelling up from sunny Suffolk tomorrow a.m. I am really praying the match lives up to expectations with its full crowd. With a decent game I imagine the South Bank will be rocking; and what a great introduction to Molineux for our new guys; loud throated, none louder, Black Country Voices, cannot be beaten on their day. That’s what I hope for. I don’t do match predictions, though voicing what the outcome should be, all being as per form etc., is as far as I may go after a few games. So, I have not the faintest as to what the scoreline will be. I can only imagine my ecstatic euphoria if we win and the calm acceptance if we draw or narrowly lose. It’s all to be played for; what a great game it is. COYW!
Too excited about this season. So we’ll start with the rose tinted prediction., shall we?
Thanks for all the time you put into the blog.
I stopped predicting early last season coz it got silly. No idea one game to the next. Was it 13 new players?
I was so optimistic last season. Blind faith and all that.
I’m even more optimistic this season. But I don’t know any of the new players. Blind faith again. But this time I feel it is more like fosun original plan.
FODA WEST BROM
fucking Portuguese now ay we !!!
Just read on E&Slur site, Duckens Nazon off to Coventry on loan until Jan 2018.
Thank feck for that I say, too many Portuguese tongue twisters to cope with his name as well.
Seriously, it will do the lad good, come back stronger.
Great if he’s off to Cov I have them down for promotion this season & would be great to see him do well with them.
COYW
Jordan Graham just has to play and Bright just has to be dropped he surely can’t live with the quality around him and taking chances is the name of the game..
We should have chances to win and in theory shouldnt concede as we did last season so 3 points and if I’m right then expectations I agree will go through the roof..
So they should.. this is the best chance for a dig at the pack to go up ..correction why not lead the pack …-we now have the players to do it..
For the last time for me to mention I really am TOTALLY amazed Afobe isn’t with us – I would of bet a fortune on it…
The atmosphere at home will be electric ..
COYW
…….. taking chances is the name of the game ……
Yep. Been saying that from the start.
Definitely the best chance I think also Steve. I am chuffed we did not go with Afobe and am inerested in how our new loan striker does.
I also agree about the probability of reducing our failure to stop conceding and stated earlier that I expect us to keep a clean sheet.
Cant believe that we are agreeing (mostly) with each other lol.
You coming up tomorrow?
Yo Brompton..I wish I could be there but I’m still building my pub ready to open October I’ve had enough shite to deal with on par with the same worry we get as a wolves fan.
I don’t understand why there is anti Afobe here as he
was statistically (your subject) the best goal scorer since Bully..
Yep Chances we really can’t afford not to take them
Dicko Bright Mason they are all in the same category to me i.e. Not good enough for us any more..
Our new Brazilian bloke looks ace I must say but don’t forget all our flamboyant players could well be kicked off the park in this league.
I’d gladly settle more a draw today – get them out of the way this season for us = points!!!
Only time will tell mate, but it would be good to get off to a flying start. I said at the start of last season that we would not be promoted. I am now saying that we will be promoted as Champions this season……… I am excited.
Oh what it is to be a Wolves fan. For years we have endured up and down seasons, and owners that have penny pinched. Now it seems the good times are just around the corner. Let’s all hope it starts tomorrow, I can’t wait.
Don`t think we`ll concede many playing the new system, but as others have said, can we score.
The opposition have five or six very expensive strikers, but they can only play one or two, and maybe throw on Gestede when chasing the last ten minutes or so. So lets find out if Fosun`s approach will work tomorrow against the promotion favourites.
I`ll share the positivity of so many of my fellow bloggers, so why not an opening day victory, send most of the crowd home happy tomorrow.
Hobby for awful predictions league result and hope wolves do the opposite
First time blog…50years plus Wolves fan.
My thanks to regular bloggers for helping to keep up to date with Molinews/rumours during the close season( I am Cumbria based). About time I contributed. Massive optimism for the new season..I have attended many top division matches in Portugal over the last five years…good luck to Miranda/Neves/Jota.
Tough opening fixture.Wolves to win a tight match.COYW.
Great name fella!!! What a blast from the past
Welcome onboard Parkes, it’s about time too, lol.
Hope you stay onboard and contribute regularly to what has become a really great blog.
FOwb
Finally! Football’s back!!
Going to a wedding tomorrow so will have to keep a crafty eye on the score.
I’m always optimistic at this point in the season, but feel doubly so this time round.
Have gone for a score draw as I have jinxed too many games by predicting wins on here, but will have a flutter on a home win at the bookies just in case.
Come on me babies!
Welcome back Sleachy!!
We missed you, but we have reloaded……..
Jota nets the first of his 20 goal season.
Happy with a point, but haven’t been this positive since the days of Doog, Richards, Munro, Hibbitt, Waggy etc
We’re going to have some ups and downs, and no doubt some negative ppl will blame every minute fault as proof that we are going to be relegation candidates
Loyal to the core, we will be there supporting our team, whether we’re there, or there in spirit.
The strength of the wolf is in the pack. We are part of the pack
I think this summer we got what many of us had been asking for: a clean out and a new management team of quality and investment with ambition. Kudos to Fosun for having a clear vision and doing what it takes to pursue it. Now of course the players need to deliver, and it may take some time for the team to fire on all cylinders, but I think we are in for a very exciting season.
I can’t wait to see what this new look Wolves can do.
Go Wolves!
I’ve been lurking on this website for years.
Happy to see the Fosun revolution happening after 10 seasons following the Mighty Wolves.
I live in the far east and all they cover is the Prem. I’d fancy us to go back so I can see us play in HD! It’s so hard to catch games on livestream when we aren’t being covered on the telly but I do what I can.
Was going to predict 1-0 to Wolves seeing as how both sides look solid in defense. But I think this match will have a couple of memorable goals due to the attacking talent of both sides.
Backing us to grab a late winner.
WAW
Somewhere between the Shrewsbury and Leicester performances
Ready for the season!
(Not really grumpy 🙂 )
Sevlow,
Did you enjoy your McDonalds drive-through yesterday ?.
Wolves fans, thery’re feckin everywhere.
Eh? You’ve lost me on this one!, 🙂
That must be your white works van with SEVLOW on the side, surely.
In McDonalds drive through Bentley Bridge yesterday 3 pm ish.
Nah not me. 🙂
Copyright infringement!
Start of the learning curve. Very tough opening game and will be difficult to dominate possession against a strong midfield. But I think home support might just be the 12th man and squeeze us over the line. A tight 1-0.
Think Middlesbrough are the stronger of the two teams but the raw emotion that will be flowing today regarding Carl will have a big impact on the team, the crowd are going to be so vocal that it will sweep the lads on to victory. This is Carl’s day, let’s make it the first step to promotion and a step nearer the big man getting back between the sticks, this ones for you pal.
Early days, nervy start
If ever there was a time to hit the ground running then it is today. Maintaining momentum and confidence is so important in order to ensure this new squad gels together. Not going to be an easy task and will we have finally lost the habit of freezing in front of the home crowd. Neither will want to lose and this may impact on tactics and style of play.
Another false dawn? Here’s hoping not. Trying hard not to get too carried away but can easily imagine triumphant end of season scenes.
Today of course is all about big carl , the rest of the season is all about big carl and the new wolves , I can’t wait , have a great day all you lucky 30 000 , il try to watch on wolves tv tonight
Utw
Well, from what I saw last week, I’m quietly confident of a good result today.
Hopefully the defence and midfield will rule what is in effect still a Premier league team because it’s only the likes of Millwall and other cloggers that concern me.
2-0 to the lads
We’ve talked the talk now let’s see if we can walk the walk
It certainly is….
Finally back for the start of an exciting new season
Good to see everyone back and raring to go.
Well if the last one wasn’t enough of a roller coaster this one might be!
Caution but optimist.
Going for a solid win first up and hope we can build on that.
Got my live streaming happening….
Excitement building….
Wouldn’t mind a draw against that lot, honest. Fingers crossed for a win of course!
Enjoy the season fellow bloggers!
New Manager new methods new team
Live commentary on Talk Sport 2
Get in 3 points clean sheets 45 more games to go and the right prediction get in!!!!!!!