Monday 29 December 2008

Farewell to a great 2008 - now for the final push

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.

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