Official Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C Thread

[ElderSpaceman]

1-1 is the final score. Geovanni scored after just 130seconds in the game. Well, in the second half Stearman was a little faster, as he scored on 46th minute. I'm waiting for Dazzer's report from the game, for he was in the crowd at Molineux.

[Dazzer18]

Yeah Elder I was there, when Hull scored I thought it is not going to be our day and a frrustrating afternoon. Hull scored a "lucky" goal because they did not test our goal after that all afternoon. It was Halfords fault for the goal because he let Hunt go past him without any trouble! At the start of the second half we smashed them! We should have won at least 3-1 in the second half by all the chances we had but again Wolves are finding it hard to convert in the premier league still.

So here is my player ratings for the game.




Hennessey; 7 - Not tested all that much but it is still evident he is not confident with the ball in the air still. Did what he had to well and came off his line to clear effectively when Hull countered. Goal was not his fault and was solid otherwise.

Stearman; 9 - Very nearly a complete performance from a player who was playing in his 'second position'. Good strength, pace and vision. He was excellent in the air and on the ball too. He has arrived as a Premiership player. Oh yes, and he scored too! He has played at right back for Leicester and it is a good position for him to adapt to the Premier League until he matures enough to be a centre half.... if that is what he wants, but he gets forward to much and leaves the back exposed.

Craddock; 8 - I was worried he wasn't going to make the grade but I'm not now. Aerially dominant in both penalty areas, he looks stronger with Mancienne next to him to provide pacey cover. Deserves to start against Blackburn and could well be our first choice centre half for the season. Provided a very real threat to Hull at set pieces and never looked troubled defensively, my only worry is that he will be very tired coming into the last five minutes of the games and we all know how Man united play in the Last ten minutes of every game.

Mancienne; 9 - Fantastic first touch almost every time. Clearances were very good and got the ball on the floor and fed the midfield. Won nearly every ball in the air and his quality really shows when playing. A star player he will be.

Elokobi; 7 - Was solid enough. His distribution sometimes has a lot to be desired but when given time on the ball he opened up the Hull defence to release Keogh. Strong as an ox and Hull had no way of beating him the entire match. Premiership quality. Him or Ward at left back?

Halford; 4 - On this showing looks to be a one-trick pony. More often than not his first touch was awful, his concentration came and went like buses and he was responsible for the first goal. His long throw produced little in the way of chances and he failed to find a team mate on a regular basis. He will not run at defenders all close the opposition down fast enough I saw him countless times pass the ball back to the defenders or into the midfield and never running at the full back once, he must be dropped from the squad. BUT he won the ball in the air most of the time which fed Keogh and Doyle upfront.

Henry; 9 - Is showing the world what he can do. Harried and chased every Hull midfielder and closed out any Hull attack through the centre. Utterly fantastic all game, he kept the ball, supported the defence and was positionally excellent. Looks the ticket at this level and I can't see any need to worry about finding a replacement.

Milijas; 5 - A debut week of promise has given way to anonymity and inconsistency. He is capable of unlocking defences like Hull's and did so on one or two occasions. He was also guilty of giving the ball away too often. Doesn't seem to have the sort of engine that a box to box midfielder requires and Dave Jones and Andrew Surman will be pressing him strongly for his place in future. He could not be shaken off the ball at all and he lasted the whole 90 minutes, but overall I would say he is still struggling to adapt to the pace of the English game.

Jarvis; 5 - We all know he has an issue with the quality of his final ball. He looked promising at times, However in his position at this level it is not consistent enough, end of. Too many Wolves moves end when the ball finds it's way to Jarvis and I think he would be better suited to coming off the bench until he matures. I don't think Ward is the solution here either, but if you could combine Jarvis' pace with Ward's delivery you would have one. Until we do find one, we will have to opt for Jarvis but I am concerned he is facing too much too soon in the Premier League. His defensive work is much improved though!

Keogh; 6 - I am tempted to put a 5 by his name but it would be unfair. I am a Keoghphile but I am worrying that his profligacy in front of goal will always be an issue. I am not going to say he is sh"t, because that would be moronic. We bought him from Scunthorpe for £800k but if he could finish half of his chances we would have an £8m striker on our books. Unfortunately he can't so we don't. His movement in the penalty area and the danger he poses in the air is Premiership class, his improved strength, vision and ability on the ball is international class.... but he has a big gap in his game and it is the most important one for a striker, finishing. He is too similar to Doyle really, and I can't see him staying in the side the whole season.

Doyle; 7 - Whether he is worth the £6m we paid for him is up for debate but he looks the part at the moment. I think he will score goals but needs to find his fitness first, I think we will stay up if he and SEB can hit it off and find the net regularly. He also needs better service I saw him all the time making diagonal runs for a through ball which never came!

Vokes; I'm not going to rate him as he didn't have long on the pitch and was still finding his feet when that chance fell to him. He can cause teams problems but the delivery from out wide needs to be good. He will mature into a quality striker and this experience will only help him. Should the unthinkable happen and we go down it will be Vokes that we will be looking to, but I think he will have a big part to play this season.

[ElderSpaceman]

Great report. Thanks.

[Dazzer18]

Originally Posted by ElderSpaceman

Great report. Thanks.

It feels more like a loss than a draw though...

[d32123]

Nice to see Mancienne dominating. Maybe he'll be Terry's partner when Carvalho leaves.

[Dazzer18]

Originally Posted by d32123

Nice to see Mancienne dominating. Maybe he'll be Terry's partner when Carvalho leaves.

I hope Chelsea buy more defenders forcing Mancienne to leave

[d32123]

Originally Posted by Dazzer18

I hope Chelsea buy more defenders forcing Mancienne to leave

Lol you gotta admit there's little chance of him staying at Wolves past this season anyway. Enjoy him while you can!

[Dazzer18]

Originally Posted by d32123

Lol you gotta admit there's little chance of him staying at Wolves past this season anyway. Enjoy him while you can!

Were going to have to wait and see what happens. Hope Ancellotti is the type of manager that will not give Mancienne the time of day and rather bring in the defenders he wants.

[ElderSpaceman]

It's nice to know that mistakes from Mancienne in City game were just Premiership jitters.

[ElderSpaceman]

Wolves have swooped to sign experienced Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo on a season-long loan from Red Star Belgrade.

The 27-year-old has agreed a deal to remain in the Barclays Premier League having spent the 2008/09 campaign with Everton.

Segundo travelled to Wolves for talks and a medical at the end of last week, and indeed trained with the team on Thursday, and the paperwork was completed with Red Star over the weekend.

There is also an option in place for Wolves to make the deal permanent at the end of the loan spell.

It means Segundo once again joins up with former Red Star team-mate Nenad Milijaš, the first of a string of new arrivals at Wolves earlier in the summer.

"We are delighted to announce Segundo as our latest summer signing," said Wolves CEO Jez Moxey.

"He is a player who arrives with an extensive pedigree at international level as well as experience with a top European club in Red Star Belgrade and one of the leading Premier League clubs in Everton.

"It further strengthens the midfield department ahead of the closing of the transfer window and will add to the competition for places which we will need over the next four months."

The player himself, known to his parents as Segundo Alejandro Castillo Nazareno, began his career in Ecuador with Club Deportivo Espoli and later El Nacional.

He helped El Nacional to back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 before joining Red Star, again proving a key player - scoring eight goals - as the club stormed to a league and cup double in his debut season.

In total he made 72 appearances for the one-time European champions, scoring 18 goals.

Joining Everton in the summer of 2008, his appearances were more limited in part due to an injury sustained on international duty after he'd won a place in the team.

But his outings for the Merseysiders did include a stunning goal in the UEFA Cup tie with Standard Liege.

Having already amassed 42 international appearances, scoring two goals, he is now off on international duty as Ecuador face World Cup qualifiers away to Colombia and Bolivia.

"I'm very happy to be joining Wolves," he said.

"It's another chance for me to prove myself in England.

"Hopefully after the internationals I will get quickly settled into the squad.

"I know Nenad very well and that makes it easier when you arrive at a new club that you know someone in the team.

"I've been at teams at the top of the table in Ecuador and then with Everton last season but I'm looking forward to the challenge of trying to help establish Wolves in the Premier League."

Segundo's international caps include appearing at the 2006 World Cup in which he played the full 90 minutes of Ecuador's narrow 1-0 defeat to England, where he is pictured here getting to grips with Wayne Rooney.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is delighted to have snapped up such an experienced international player.

"Segundo has good experience having played in the Premier League for Everton and made 42 international appearances for Ecuador," said the boss.

"He also played for two seasons at Red Star Belgrade with Nenad.

"He will certainly add quality to the squad and I'm delighted to have brought him in."

Meanwhile Nenad is also keen to once again link up with the new arrival, who while often billed as a defensive midfielder can also chip in with the odd goal or two.

"We played together at Red Star Belgrade," said Nenad.

"He is a good player who is strong in defence and is also good in the air from free kicks and corners.

"He is a team player and I think he will be important for us here at Wolves."

Segundo becomes Wolves' eighth summer signing, following not only Nenad through the entrance door but also Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle, Andrew Surman, Greg Halford, Ronald Zubar and the previous loan capture of Michael Mancienne.

-Wolves Homepage

[Dazzer18]

This is from BBC Sport, and I will post what they said bout him on here as well.

Wolves goalkeeper forced to quit.

A promising Wolves keeper has been forced to retire from football at the age of 17 because of a heart problem.
Northern Ireland youth international Daniel Wright has been advised to give up the game after experiencing chest pains during a tour to Sweden in July.

Although he was initially given the green light to continue playing, a second electrocardiogram revealed a potential risk of cardiac arrest.
"It's just too dangerous if I was to get hit in the chest," said Wright.
"As much as football has been so important, I'm glad to have found out this way rather than the hard way.

"The gaffer (Mick McCarthy) said last week that you do want to give your life to football, but you don't want to give your life to it literally.
"It's disappointing but you have to realise that there is more to life than football."

Wright now hopes he can forge a career as a football coach.
"I still want to remain in football and maybe go home and coach if I can," he told the club's website.

"My old club at home, Glenavon, have said I can go in and coach their academy and that they will also be there to support me."






It's a shame because he was very good in one of our friendlies in pre season.





Wolves snap up Ecuador's Castillo



Wolves have signed Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo on a season-long loan from Serbian side Red Star Belgrade.
The 27-year-old trained with his new team-mates on Thursday after agreeing terms and having a medical. The paperwork was completed at the weekend.

There is an option for the deal to be made permanent at the end of the Premier League season.

The international spent last season on loan at Everton, making 13 appearances and scoring once.

He is the second player signed by Wolves from Red Star in this transfer window, following the capture of Serbia international midfielder Nenad Milijas in June.

"I'm very happy to be joining Wolves," Castillo told the club's website.
"It's another chance for me to prove myself in England and I hope after the internationals I will get quickly settled into the squad.

"I know Nenad very well, and it makes it easier when you arrive at a new club that you know someone in the team."
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said he was delighted to secure Castillo's services.

"Segundo has good experience, having played in the Premier League for Everton and made 42 international appearances for Ecuador," he stated.
"He also played for two seasons at Red Star Belgrade with Nenad. He will certainly add quality to the squad."

Prior to his temporary move to Everton, Castillo scored 18 goals in 72 appearances for Red Star and helped them to a league and cup double in his debut season in 2007.

He enjoyed a successful early career in his homeland with Club Deportivo Espoli and then El Nacional.

He is Wolves' eighth new signing of the summer following the capture of Milijas, Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle, Andrew Surman, Greg Halford, Ronald Zubar and the loan signing of Chelsea's Michael Mancienne.


I think he will be a good signing. Will give Henry some one to compete with for his slot in midfield.

[Dazzer18]

A little late.


Wolves capture striker Maierhofer



Wolves have signed Austria international striker Stefan Maierhofer from Rapid Vienna on a three-year deal.
The 27-year-old, who scored 23 goals in 37 games for his club last season, is believed to have cost an initial £1.8m.

An additional payment of £900,000 will reportedly be made to the Austrian side if Wolves avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.
Wolves have the option of extending the tall forward's stay for another term at the end of his first three years.

"We are delighted to bring Stefan in as our ninth new arrival this summer," said Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey.

"He is a player who has been a regular goalscorer for Rapid Vienna in recent seasons and helped the club qualify for the Europa League."
Since making his debut in a 2-2 draw against Italy in August 2008, Maierhofer has won another five caps for his country.

After finalising details on his move, he will now rejoin his international team-mates as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

He is Wolves' ninth signing of the summer following the arrival of Segundo Castillo, Nenad Milijas, Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle, Andrew Surman, Greg Halford, Ronald Zubar and the loan of Chelsea's Michael Mancienne.
Moxey expects that Maierhofer will complete Mick McCarthy's spending until January, although defenders Neill Collins and Darren Ward are likely to depart.

"There are still 24 hours remaining until the transfer window closes, and it may well be that there is more activity in the outgoing department," said Moxey.


He also scored against the faroe Islands in the internationals yesterday.

[ElderSpaceman]

Todays game. Is there a free stream anywhere?

[Dazzer18]

Originally Posted by ElderSpaceman

Todays game. Is there a free stream anywhere?

Iraq goals mate. Google it when we play fulham.

Will give you the player ratings later for the match against Blackburn. All I'm saying is Halford MUST NEVER START AGAIN.

[Tilton_Bluenose]

Unlucky with today's result. Haven't seen the highlights yet, will watch on MOTD. Did Wolves deserve anything today?

[Dazzer18]

Originally Posted by Tilton_Bluenose

Unlucky with today's result. Haven't seen the highlights yet, will watch on MOTD. Did Wolves deserve anything today?

Nope nothing. A complete shambles. I could make excuses and say were missing our star players but we played well against Man city without them.

Anyways player reviews

Hennessey 6. Made some good saves, still a little apprehensive of coming for the ball from crosses. Defence let him down.

Stearman 6. Played okay, had an average game even though he was not supported from Halford much!

Mancienne 6. Again average game, made some good tackles and headers away from goal but should have stayed on his feet and ran back instead of sliding in on elhad diouf (wt eva his name is)

Berra 5. Was caught out time and time again, made a couple of headers to clear the ball away, was easily beaten when attackers run at him. Supposed to be a future star but is not premiership material......yet.

Matt Hill 7. Was very surprised Elokobi didn't start . but Hill was surprisingly good. Made good tackles and was never really beaten on the left side.

Matt Jarvis 4. A very poor game, did not get going at all, was closed down straight away when he recieved the ball and also had little support!

Henry 2. Henry can be very good in some games and extremely poor in others. It was one of the days he was completely dire. Gave the ball away loads of times, one which led to a goal. Went missing during the game and never put in any good tackles.

Milijas 2. Well what did he do? Invisible during the game, passes were woeful, never closed players down. Supposed to be a free kick specialist....... Yeah right...... But it is still early days and may become good.

Halford -1. Worst buy of the season, strays from position, hardly supports the right back as he is to lazy to track back or even try and run forward against the oppositions LB! Never closed players down or even tackle them! Complete and utter useless!

Keogh 5. Never had any decent balls in from midfield, Had one good chance which hit Robinsons chest I think and worked hard most of the game.

Doyle 5. Ran all day long, again never had hardly any service from midfield.

Subs

Hoff 6. Came on in the second half, ran after everything, supposed to be good in the air but It just looks like he jumps and hopes for the best, he did head it about three times. Had a great chance to score from a cross from Surman but Samba cleared it of the line. Also had a shot which just went wide. His goal was basiclly a tap in.

Edwards 6. Ran after the ball constantly and made a few passes, never really had any influence on the game.

Surman 6. Managed to get one cross in which was Hoffs header of the line. Didn't really make any impact on the game.


Overall Wolves lack any creativity in midfield. Blackburn killed us because they dominated the midfield with their good quick passing and exploiting gaps in our defence.

Wolves took to much time on the ball and was easily tackled, Wolves never looked like scoring as our playing style was predictable. Either hoof it upfield and let samba clear it away or pass it wide and see our wingers closed down and rarely getting a cross in which was also cleared away.

We really need to sort our playing style out or we are going to really struggle this season. They need to start trying to go through the middle and make some through balls which the strikers are crying out for and also need to be quicker on the ball. Also the players need to come and get the ball instead of standing around.

Watching the Birmingham game and they look more like a premiership team than Wolves. Birmingham are organised, well structured and do not give the ball away easily. I fear for the Wolves this season.

[Dazzer18]

Michael Kightly could feature in Wolves' Premier League match with Fulham on Sunday after making his long-awaited comeback for the reserves. The winger, 23, has not played a competitive game since March because of a broken foot and a hip problem.
The England Under-21 international played 58 minutes of the 0-0 draw against West Ham on Tuesday.

"Kights playing for the reserves is really good news," manager Mick McCarthy told the club website.

Ecuador international Segundo Castillo, who signed for Wolves on a season-long loan deal from Red Star Belgrade on transfer deadline day, also started the reserve game against the Hammers.

Defenders Kevin Foley (knee) and Jody Craddock (hamstring), along with last season's top scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (hamstring), are all in contention for a place in the squad against the Cottagers after recovering from injuries.
"Sylvan will train today (Tuesday), Foles has trained on Monday and Tuesday and Jody should be back in full training by the end of the week," added McCarthy.

[Dazzer18]

Wolverhampton v Fulham


Barclays Premier League
Venue: Molineux Date: Sunday, 20 September 2009 Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & highlights on Match of the Day 2



Wolves winger Michael Kightly, who has been out since March, played 58 minutes of a reserve match on Tuesday and should be fit for a spot on the bench.
Striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and defenders Kevin Foley and Jody Craddock also come back into contention.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will recall his big names after resting them for the Europa League match against CSKA Sofia.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer should return after sitting out the last two matches with a stiff neck.

[cittedepalermo88]

good luck, fulham are a good side, I'll go for a 1-1 draw, maybe a 2-1 wolves.

[kyro7]

Hope Wolves win.

[ElderSpaceman]

Originally Posted by Dazzer18

Wolverhampton v Fulham


Barclays Premier League
Venue: Molineux Date: Sunday, 20 September 2009 Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & highlights on Match of the Day 2



Wolves winger Michael Kightly, who has been out since March, played 58 minutes of a reserve match on Tuesday and should be fit for a spot on the bench.
Striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and defenders Kevin Foley and Jody Craddock also come back into contention.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will recall his big names after resting them for the Europa League match against CSKA Sofia.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer should return after sitting out the last two matches with a stiff neck.

Good news for the roster. But they all are not in the 90 minute condition, that's for sure. I hope that Iwelumo gets well soon, but I think it's going to be november before we can see him in action.

[Dazzer18]

Originally Posted by ElderSpaceman

Good news for the roster. But they all are not in the 90 minute condition, that's for sure. I hope that Iwelumo gets well soon, but I think it's going to be november before we can see him in action.

1-0 WOLVES! Come on lads!

Half time

WOLVES 1-0 FULHAM

WOLVES 2-0 FULHAM!

[Dazzer18]

Full time!

Wolves 2-1 fulham!!!

[Jamieb08]

good win

[ElderSpaceman]

Great result.