It's a pity that our final memory of 2008 will probably be an ill-judged decision by Wayne Hennessey to come for a free kick in the closing stages at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road.
Because, in truth, nothing should be allowed to detract from a memorable year that has left us seven points ahead of the chasing pack in the pursuit of the golden ticket to the Premier League.
In 2008 Wolves amassed 92 points from 47 games. That's promotion form, no question.
In doing so, Mick McCarthy presided over 27 wins, 11 draws and just nine defeats. And his team scored 83 goals while conceding 53.
My player of 2008 is Kevin Foley, my goal of 2008 is Sylvan's screamer at The Valley, and my win of 2008 was that last ditch 3-2 victory at Charlton.
It's been a fantastic year, but the reality is that Wolves sit proudly and so-far untouchable at the top of the Championship after a December run that's not reached the heights of earlier months of the season.
There's a bit of fine-tuning required, and the 2-2 draw at Blackpool graphically proved the point.
The goals tally say Sylvan and Big Chris are formidable Championship hot shots. But the evidence set before Wolves fans in recent weeks, and last night Everton manager David Moyes, offers a different slant.
And although Matt Jarvis was Wolves best performer on the night, there is a big risk involved in McCarthy not providing transfer cover for him and Michael Kightly as the season heads towards a hopefully thrilling climax.
Stephen Ward did really well down the left wing at Bloomfield Road after appearing as a second half substitute, but Wolves are at their rampant best with a confident and fit Kightly and Jarvis on each flank. And that's not something we've seen for several weeks.
So as we bask in the 2008 glory that is the current league position, thoughts move to the January transfer window opening.
Wolves hardly need a raft of new signings, but you sense fresh impetus is required to help us kick on into the final laps of the campaign.
Some interesting names have flashed across my radar - Watford midfielder John-Joe O'Toole, Burnley midfielder Chris Eagles, Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley, Leicester striker Matt Fryatt and Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards.
And they all have one thing in common - an eye for goal.
And as we launch ourselves into 2009, we all know there is only one goal that counts.
Monday 29 December 2008
Sunday 28 December 2008
Time for sensational Sylvan to burst back into life
He's the most prolific goalscorer Wolves have had since the legendary Steve Bull.
But am I alone in thinking that Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, on current form, could still do more?
A record of 26 league goals in 44 league appearances is quite fantastic, and is the main reason why we head towards 2009 with the Premier League looming into view courtesy of a seven point cushion at the top of the Championship.
And maybe it's churlish to point any criticism in the direction of the Molineux's 21st century No 9 hero?
But I was disappointed with Ebanks-Blake on Boxing Day, as I was particularly at Southampton earlier in the season.
And if you check the stats, he's been substituted 17 times in 25 league games this season. Now sure, some of those substitutions will have been in matches where victory was secure, and Andy Keogh or Sam Vokes needed a run.
And some will have been when he's run himself to a standstill. But that wasn't the reason he was replaced on Boxing Day.
This is by no means an anti-Sylvan rant. He has been an absolutely brilliant signing, but when he's not blasting the ball into the net, I want to see more from him - and also Chris Iwelumo.
We have a much heralded four-strong strike force, but none of the four could make an impact against Sheffield United. In fact Ebanks-Blake and Iwelumo were fairly anonymous.
Keogh was very disappointing, clearly unable to hold the ball up as he was surrounded by Sheffield's rugged defenders. And for all Vokes' youth and vitality, he never looked like building on Neill Collins' opening goal.
So the message is a simple one: we need more than their goals.
Sylvan's gone three without one now, while Iwelumo hasn't scored in four games.
On Boxing Day I thought Wolves were too direct - with very little being provided from the right.
Which brings me on the next issue - the form of another terrace hero, Michael Kightly.
He's playing too narrow. Kightly is a star when he hugs the touchline, but by his own admission his form is not quite right, so maybe he's wasting too much time chasing the ball infield?
He's suspended for tomorrow's game at Blackpool in any event, but maybe, just maybe, Mick McCarthy was edging towards giving his transfer bargain of the century a rest.
Certainly there's a case for Matt Jarvis playing down the right in the shadow of the Blackpool Tower.
And for all David Edwards' attacking threat, maybe, just maybe, we are a stronger midfield unit with David Jones alongside Karl Henry.
By any stretch of the imagination, Wolves are still flying high, but just imagine if we rediscovered top gear throughout January.
Results are still top notch, but the performances are slightly, just slightly, below the incredible benchmark that has been set.
So it's time for Ebanks-Blake, Iwelumo and Kightly to live up to their star billing.
But am I alone in thinking that Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, on current form, could still do more?
A record of 26 league goals in 44 league appearances is quite fantastic, and is the main reason why we head towards 2009 with the Premier League looming into view courtesy of a seven point cushion at the top of the Championship.
And maybe it's churlish to point any criticism in the direction of the Molineux's 21st century No 9 hero?
But I was disappointed with Ebanks-Blake on Boxing Day, as I was particularly at Southampton earlier in the season.
And if you check the stats, he's been substituted 17 times in 25 league games this season. Now sure, some of those substitutions will have been in matches where victory was secure, and Andy Keogh or Sam Vokes needed a run.
And some will have been when he's run himself to a standstill. But that wasn't the reason he was replaced on Boxing Day.
This is by no means an anti-Sylvan rant. He has been an absolutely brilliant signing, but when he's not blasting the ball into the net, I want to see more from him - and also Chris Iwelumo.
We have a much heralded four-strong strike force, but none of the four could make an impact against Sheffield United. In fact Ebanks-Blake and Iwelumo were fairly anonymous.
Keogh was very disappointing, clearly unable to hold the ball up as he was surrounded by Sheffield's rugged defenders. And for all Vokes' youth and vitality, he never looked like building on Neill Collins' opening goal.
So the message is a simple one: we need more than their goals.
Sylvan's gone three without one now, while Iwelumo hasn't scored in four games.
On Boxing Day I thought Wolves were too direct - with very little being provided from the right.
Which brings me on the next issue - the form of another terrace hero, Michael Kightly.
He's playing too narrow. Kightly is a star when he hugs the touchline, but by his own admission his form is not quite right, so maybe he's wasting too much time chasing the ball infield?
He's suspended for tomorrow's game at Blackpool in any event, but maybe, just maybe, Mick McCarthy was edging towards giving his transfer bargain of the century a rest.
Certainly there's a case for Matt Jarvis playing down the right in the shadow of the Blackpool Tower.
And for all David Edwards' attacking threat, maybe, just maybe, we are a stronger midfield unit with David Jones alongside Karl Henry.
By any stretch of the imagination, Wolves are still flying high, but just imagine if we rediscovered top gear throughout January.
Results are still top notch, but the performances are slightly, just slightly, below the incredible benchmark that has been set.
So it's time for Ebanks-Blake, Iwelumo and Kightly to live up to their star billing.
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Mancienne migraine provides McCarthy headache
So will Mick McCarthy pick his England man, or stay loyal to his Scottish braveheart?
Of all the selection posers that have cropped up in this so-far fantastic season, the Boxing Day poser concerning the heart of the Wolves defence is the most fascinating.
Of course there's a very simple argument that can be made - Michael Mancienne has found his way into Fabio Capello's national squad on the back of some stylish, accomplished performances for Wolves. So he has to play for us every time he's fit.
That's an argument that will win favour with a lot of Wolves fans. And it may well be the argument that wins the day as we tackle Sheffield United at Molineux.
But there is a counter-argument worthy of debate - and that is to the absolute credit of the redoubtable Neill Collins.
Matt Jarvis and Chris Iwelumo restored to the starting line-up against the Blades, with Stephen Ward back to left back, is a fairly simple scenario to predict - and hope for!
But who will line up alongside Richard Stearman - Mancienne or Collins?
Twice the young Scot has been unfortunate to lose his place to the on-loan Chelsea man. And after his goalscoring heroics at Doncaster last weekend, a third demotion would be an increasingly bitter pill.
But his winning goal at the Keepmoat Stadium, after his 11th hour call-up to replace the sick Mancienne, is something of a red herring. McCarthy does not pick defenders for their goalscoring, he picks them for their defending.
Collins is courageous, determined, and wins most aerial challenges. But he's been prone to the odd slip.
Mancienne wins all his aerial challenges, and apart from an uncomfortable evening at QPR, has been imperious in the old gold.
You may think I'm edging towards Mancienne taking on James Beattie on Boxing Day, but I'm honestly not sure McCarthy will leave Collins out.
His reaction to being left out on previous occasions has been exemplary, but McCarthy is fiercely loyal to players who "put in a shift".
That's why Collins and Ward, and Kevin Foley and Karl Henry, are as vital to the squad that McCarthy is steering towards the Premier League as Sylvan and Kightly.
I wrote in praise of Collins after his fantastic performance at Preston in September, and his winning goal at Doncaster means he's now officially a fans' favourite, something of a cult hero.
He will get a huge ovation if he runs towards the South Bank on Boxing Day as a substitute with his tracksuit on.
But don't bet on Collins needing a tracksuit at all on Friday.
Of all the selection posers that have cropped up in this so-far fantastic season, the Boxing Day poser concerning the heart of the Wolves defence is the most fascinating.
Of course there's a very simple argument that can be made - Michael Mancienne has found his way into Fabio Capello's national squad on the back of some stylish, accomplished performances for Wolves. So he has to play for us every time he's fit.
That's an argument that will win favour with a lot of Wolves fans. And it may well be the argument that wins the day as we tackle Sheffield United at Molineux.
But there is a counter-argument worthy of debate - and that is to the absolute credit of the redoubtable Neill Collins.
Matt Jarvis and Chris Iwelumo restored to the starting line-up against the Blades, with Stephen Ward back to left back, is a fairly simple scenario to predict - and hope for!
But who will line up alongside Richard Stearman - Mancienne or Collins?
Twice the young Scot has been unfortunate to lose his place to the on-loan Chelsea man. And after his goalscoring heroics at Doncaster last weekend, a third demotion would be an increasingly bitter pill.
But his winning goal at the Keepmoat Stadium, after his 11th hour call-up to replace the sick Mancienne, is something of a red herring. McCarthy does not pick defenders for their goalscoring, he picks them for their defending.
Collins is courageous, determined, and wins most aerial challenges. But he's been prone to the odd slip.
Mancienne wins all his aerial challenges, and apart from an uncomfortable evening at QPR, has been imperious in the old gold.
You may think I'm edging towards Mancienne taking on James Beattie on Boxing Day, but I'm honestly not sure McCarthy will leave Collins out.
His reaction to being left out on previous occasions has been exemplary, but McCarthy is fiercely loyal to players who "put in a shift".
That's why Collins and Ward, and Kevin Foley and Karl Henry, are as vital to the squad that McCarthy is steering towards the Premier League as Sylvan and Kightly.
I wrote in praise of Collins after his fantastic performance at Preston in September, and his winning goal at Doncaster means he's now officially a fans' favourite, something of a cult hero.
He will get a huge ovation if he runs towards the South Bank on Boxing Day as a substitute with his tracksuit on.
But don't bet on Collins needing a tracksuit at all on Friday.
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Keogh a polished jewel in duel with Jewell
Life in Wolves world can often be a bit extreme.
It's either wild celebration (and there's been a lot of that in this so-far fantastic season) or it's a crisis.
There's often very little middle ground, and that's why last night's solid, efficient, goal-laden victory over Derby was such a welcome reassurance.
Wolves hadn't won for two whole matches going into the duel with Paul Jewell.
History suggests a mind-set among Wolves fans that a third successive failure to secure three points would start to erase from the memory banks the wonderful results and performances that had gone before.
But crisis, what crisis? And on several levels, last night's performance was an excellent evening's work.
Super Mick wisely played Stephen Ward as a left footed left midfielder, and rightly introduced David Edwards in place of Derby old boy David Jones.
And while there will have been Wolves fans wanting teenager Sam Vokes up alongside Sylvan, he selected Andy Keogh instead to replace ankle injury victim Chris Iwelumo.
And Keogh was great. End of story. If you are a member of the pointless anti-Keogh brigade, you may as well click away from this article too.
I've always been a massive fan of this young Irishman, who has a terrific footballing brain. But there were two specific moments last night that showed why he has come to polarise opinion.
He an outstanding chance to score, breaking free with Sylvan, before meakly firing a bobbling shot wide.
It was a "groan" moment, but the intelligence of the man saw him cut in from the left, then attempt to wrong foot the keeper by shooting low to his right. It didn't work. Fair enough.
Criticise him if you must - or cut him some deserved slack if you're feeling festive.
But what he did for Wolves' third goal showed graphically why Keogh is not good enough for some intransigent Wolves fans - but is good enough for Super Mick, Geovanni Trapattoni, and me!
Put through by an increasingly impressive Michael Kightly (more on him in a moment), Keogh went slightly wide but still got his shot on target. Of course, the goal-starved front man saw his shot saved, but the ball rebounded to him.
He could have ballooned it wide, he could perhaps have scored with a second shot, but no, he steadied himself for a split second and laid the ball back for Sylvan to grab his second.
When Wolves signed Keogh, we wanted his Scunthorpe mate Billy Sharp too. Sharp grabbed the goals, Keogh set them up - just like last night.
Once and for all Wolves fans, get off the man's back. The Keogh who gave 100 per cent, set up Sylvan's goal, won his fair share of headers, and thankfully wasn't asked to play wide right, is the Keogh worthy of a place in the Wolves squad.
Onto Kightly, and the acceptance that since his hamstring injury, he's been quiet, and somewhat off the pace. But last night, for 20 minutes either side of half time, we got our old Kightly back. Some fleet-footed wing trickery, a great cross for Edwards' goal, and an incisive pass to Keogh in the run-up to the third.
That's more like it, and I think Barnsley's left back will have his work cut out on Saturday, as Kightly rediscovers his confidence.
So all in all, a fine win against what I thought ultimately to be a mediocre Derby team. Defensively, we were more alert - with Michael Mancienne, after Saturday's uncomfortable display at QPR, looking more like an England under-21 star than a player who'll struggle to play for Chelsea.
And we have 50 points. Half way to a century.
It's either wild celebration (and there's been a lot of that in this so-far fantastic season) or it's a crisis.
There's often very little middle ground, and that's why last night's solid, efficient, goal-laden victory over Derby was such a welcome reassurance.
Wolves hadn't won for two whole matches going into the duel with Paul Jewell.
History suggests a mind-set among Wolves fans that a third successive failure to secure three points would start to erase from the memory banks the wonderful results and performances that had gone before.
But crisis, what crisis? And on several levels, last night's performance was an excellent evening's work.
Super Mick wisely played Stephen Ward as a left footed left midfielder, and rightly introduced David Edwards in place of Derby old boy David Jones.
And while there will have been Wolves fans wanting teenager Sam Vokes up alongside Sylvan, he selected Andy Keogh instead to replace ankle injury victim Chris Iwelumo.
And Keogh was great. End of story. If you are a member of the pointless anti-Keogh brigade, you may as well click away from this article too.
I've always been a massive fan of this young Irishman, who has a terrific footballing brain. But there were two specific moments last night that showed why he has come to polarise opinion.
He an outstanding chance to score, breaking free with Sylvan, before meakly firing a bobbling shot wide.
It was a "groan" moment, but the intelligence of the man saw him cut in from the left, then attempt to wrong foot the keeper by shooting low to his right. It didn't work. Fair enough.
Criticise him if you must - or cut him some deserved slack if you're feeling festive.
But what he did for Wolves' third goal showed graphically why Keogh is not good enough for some intransigent Wolves fans - but is good enough for Super Mick, Geovanni Trapattoni, and me!
Put through by an increasingly impressive Michael Kightly (more on him in a moment), Keogh went slightly wide but still got his shot on target. Of course, the goal-starved front man saw his shot saved, but the ball rebounded to him.
He could have ballooned it wide, he could perhaps have scored with a second shot, but no, he steadied himself for a split second and laid the ball back for Sylvan to grab his second.
When Wolves signed Keogh, we wanted his Scunthorpe mate Billy Sharp too. Sharp grabbed the goals, Keogh set them up - just like last night.
Once and for all Wolves fans, get off the man's back. The Keogh who gave 100 per cent, set up Sylvan's goal, won his fair share of headers, and thankfully wasn't asked to play wide right, is the Keogh worthy of a place in the Wolves squad.
Onto Kightly, and the acceptance that since his hamstring injury, he's been quiet, and somewhat off the pace. But last night, for 20 minutes either side of half time, we got our old Kightly back. Some fleet-footed wing trickery, a great cross for Edwards' goal, and an incisive pass to Keogh in the run-up to the third.
That's more like it, and I think Barnsley's left back will have his work cut out on Saturday, as Kightly rediscovers his confidence.
So all in all, a fine win against what I thought ultimately to be a mediocre Derby team. Defensively, we were more alert - with Michael Mancienne, after Saturday's uncomfortable display at QPR, looking more like an England under-21 star than a player who'll struggle to play for Chelsea.
And we have 50 points. Half way to a century.
Thursday 4 December 2008
'Squeak' and You Know Who in hall of fame
One of my first memories of watching Wolves was looking at the white graffiti painted along the side of Molineux in Waterloo Road.
"Parkin for England," was it's simple message.
Gary Pierce, Geoff Palmer and Derek Parkin - the three Ps that occupied the goalkeeping and full back slots when Wolves were driving towards promotion back to Division One in the 1976/77 season.
And it's a fitting tribute that the man who represented Wolves 609 times has been inducted into the club's new Hall of Fame.
There will be better judges than me to pay tribute to the man they called "Squeak", but he just seemed so totally unflappable, so consistent - a 1970s version of Kevin Foley maybe?
He played 50 or more competitive matches in a season for Wolves no fewer than five times — another record — and in seasons 1968-69 and 1969-70, he took part in every single league and cup match played by the club. A remarkable servant for Wolves.
The other name joining Parkin on the list, which is split into six eras, covers 1991 to the present day.
Guess who? You're right - and it couldn't have been anyone else could it.
The full report is on the club's official website: http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~1476108,00.html
"Parkin for England," was it's simple message.
Gary Pierce, Geoff Palmer and Derek Parkin - the three Ps that occupied the goalkeeping and full back slots when Wolves were driving towards promotion back to Division One in the 1976/77 season.
And it's a fitting tribute that the man who represented Wolves 609 times has been inducted into the club's new Hall of Fame.
There will be better judges than me to pay tribute to the man they called "Squeak", but he just seemed so totally unflappable, so consistent - a 1970s version of Kevin Foley maybe?
He played 50 or more competitive matches in a season for Wolves no fewer than five times — another record — and in seasons 1968-69 and 1969-70, he took part in every single league and cup match played by the club. A remarkable servant for Wolves.
The other name joining Parkin on the list, which is split into six eras, covers 1991 to the present day.
Guess who? You're right - and it couldn't have been anyone else could it.
The full report is on the club's official website: http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~1476108,00.html
Wednesday 3 December 2008
Hennessey is Premier League? You don't say...
Next season Wayne Hennessey could be playing in the Premier League.
According to reports, he could be playing at the Emirates, White Hart Lane or Goodison Park.
And Wales manager John Toshack has stoked up the pre-transfer window speculation by confirming what everyone already knows!
"Wayne has been outstanding for us and he is certainly up to Premier League standard," says Toshack.
You don't say!
"He has made good saves against Czech Republic, Germany and Russia and there's no doubt he is ready to go up to the highest level," Toshack added.
What's fuelled the speculation was Hennessey's removal from the Wolves team after the Reading defeat, and the subsequently impressive form of replacement Carl Ikeme.
But Wolves would be mad to sell in January - and all it needs to stamp is on these rumours now is for Super Mick and/or Jez Moxey to unequivically confirm: "He is not for sale at any price."
Because Wolves getting into the Premier League in 2009 is worth many more millions more than the five that it's suggested is Hennessey' value.
He could indeed be playing at the Emirates, White Hart Lane or Goodison Park next season - but for Wolves' sake he must be running out from the away team's dressing room.
Just for one moment, allow yourself to dream that Wolves do indeed complete this season's so-far stunning assault on the Championship summit.
However good our young team has proved to be, it's safe to assume we'll be under massive pressure next season as we attempt to bridge the almighty chasm that clearly exists between Championship and Premier League teams.
And we'll need an outstanding goalkeeper.
Step forward the Wales No 1, and although he needs to regain his confidence when dealing with crosses into the six yard box, he is indeed outstanding.
Toshack's intervention is not particularly helpful. It puts Hennessey back in the transfer headlines - and the reality is Toshack's saying nothing that we didn't already know.
We look as though we are on the verge of something tremendously exciting at Molineux.
As we head towards the final four months of the season, we won't be selling Sylvan, we wouldn't sell Kightly, we wouldn't sell Jarvis, we wouldn't sell Foley, we wouldn't sell Stearman and we'd love to sign Mancienne.
And, whatever you read or hear, we won't be selling Hennessey.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)