Our next and upcoming game sees us with a great opportunity to beat those guys in claret and blue.
Unravelling Villa have centre-half worries with drunkards Richard Dunne and James Collins 'injured' and Ciaran Clark banned after picking up ten bookings, leaving Carlos Cuellar as the only available senior centre-half. However Jean Il Makoun will return.
We will have Jamie O'Hara back after he was ineligible against Tottenham and he will be likely to take Stephen Ward's place. Michael Kightly could well feature on the bench after getting some reserve games under his belt.
With the hosts having problems with unity after their two most senior centre-halves stopping up until the early hours during a team-bonding session, you cannot help but think that the opinion of the squad's general consensus of Gerard Houllier could be a low one and if we can frustrate them in the first half hour or so, the home fans will more than likely get on their backs.
A Wolverhampton Wanderers blogsite, in association with Soccer24-7
Friday 18 March 2011
Thursday 10 March 2011
Wolves 3 - 3 Tottenham Hotspur
Well, what a better way to give Dean Richards a big send-off than to see two of his former clubs pull off a Premier League classic?
Before the match began, an emotional special tribute was held to 'Deano', which began with the two teams entering the pitch followed by Bradford chairman Mark Lawn, ex-Southampton teammate Claus Lundekvam, former Spurs colleague Ledley King and Wolves' Matt Murray, holding their respective shirts aloft with Richards' name and shirt number of the back. The shirts will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds, where he was cared for and passed away. His widow Samantha and two children Rio and Jaden entered the pitch before former teammates Don Goodman and James Beattie and former managers Graham Taylor and Dave Jones joined the representatives and both teams and sets of fans in a minute's standing ovation. There were fewer dry eyes through it all.
The match got under way and it was us who looked dangerous and played the better football to begin with. Adam Hammill's diagonal ball into the box saw Nenad Milijas stretching but his header was always going wayward. But 20 minutes in, it was Milijas who supplied the first goal when he recieved the ball from a cleared corner, he whipped it in for Kevin Doyle to beat Huerelho Gomes to head in. But Spurs' attacking prowess, they were always going to threaten. Steven Pienaar just fired wide before Jermain Defoe found a bit of space and fired a curling effort from 20 yards after half an hour. Four minutes later, he repeated the trick from a much tougher position leaving Wayne Hennessey with no chance. And five minutes before half-time, a deflected Doyle shot saw it's way to Milijas from three yards and Alan Hutton pulled back the Serb, a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity was certain but Mark Halsey only gave him a yellow. Doyle made no mistake in sending Gomes the wrong way to send the game all square at half time.
The second half was only three minutes old when Roman Pavlyuchenko - perhaps the most likely player to have been sacrificed had Hutton been sent off - slammed a powerful shot into the roof of the net. But kept on fighting we did and Matt Jarvis whipped in a ball from the left for Stephen Ward, who only got a flick and no direction on the ball. Milijas broke forward again and forced a save from Gomes to tip onto the post, and he was forced to stretch from a Kevin Doyle cross but he couldn't control it. Halfway through the second half and Harry Redknapp had intentions to finish us off on the break by bringing on Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon and they nearly did when Bale pounced on a miscommunication but was denied by Hennessey. Moments later, Milijas delivered a free-kick which Gomes and Richard Stearman raced for and 'Stears' beat the keeper to head home, only for Halsey to disallow for what is believed to be a foul on the keeper, goalkeepers are a protected breed so this is normal to be honest. More moments later Spurs had another chance to kill us off when the post denied Defoe of his hat-trick. It would've been harsh on us but we managed to get the equaliser three minutes from time when Jarvis' ball met the head of Fletcher who did well to direct it into the corner.
A good result but a win would've justified the performance, but you have to be happy with a point as it was a must after West Ham and West Brom picked up wins. Also, it's a great showing of resolve that we've come behind twice and equalised. We will not lay down and roll over!
LINE-UPS
Wolves (4-5-1): Hennessey; Foley, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi; Hammill (Fletcher, 74), Henry, Ward (Ebanks-Blake, 60), Milijas, Jarvis; Doyle. Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Craddock, Mouyokolo, Griffiths, Doherty.
Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Pienaar (Bale, 69), Jenas, Sandro, Modric (Kranjcar, 85); Defoe, Pavlyuchenko (Lennon, 74). Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Bassong, Palacios, Crouch. Booked: Hutton, Gallas, Dawson.
Before the match began, an emotional special tribute was held to 'Deano', which began with the two teams entering the pitch followed by Bradford chairman Mark Lawn, ex-Southampton teammate Claus Lundekvam, former Spurs colleague Ledley King and Wolves' Matt Murray, holding their respective shirts aloft with Richards' name and shirt number of the back. The shirts will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds, where he was cared for and passed away. His widow Samantha and two children Rio and Jaden entered the pitch before former teammates Don Goodman and James Beattie and former managers Graham Taylor and Dave Jones joined the representatives and both teams and sets of fans in a minute's standing ovation. There were fewer dry eyes through it all.
 |
| Family, players, fans and ex-colleagues pay tribute to Dean Richards |
 |
| Richard Stearman heads in the goal that never was. |
A good result but a win would've justified the performance, but you have to be happy with a point as it was a must after West Ham and West Brom picked up wins. Also, it's a great showing of resolve that we've come behind twice and equalised. We will not lay down and roll over!
LINE-UPS
Wolves (4-5-1): Hennessey; Foley, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi; Hammill (Fletcher, 74), Henry, Ward (Ebanks-Blake, 60), Milijas, Jarvis; Doyle. Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Craddock, Mouyokolo, Griffiths, Doherty.
Spurs (4-4-2): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Pienaar (Bale, 69), Jenas, Sandro, Modric (Kranjcar, 85); Defoe, Pavlyuchenko (Lennon, 74). Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Bassong, Palacios, Crouch. Booked: Hutton, Gallas, Dawson.
STATS (WOLVES - SPURS)
Shots on target (off): 4 (9) - 10 (5) Corners: 7 - 4 Fouls: 10 - 11
Possession: 44% - 56% Referee: Mark Halsey (Bolton) Attendance: 28,669
Stats according to BBC Sport
Sunday 6 March 2011
Wolves v Tottenham Hotspur
Tomorrow we have a good opportunity to get something against Tottenham.
Being on loan from the visitors means Jamie O'Hara is ineligible but expect Nenad Milijas to step in to his boots whilst Kevin Foley will step in for Ronald Zubar (sore back) at right-back in what would otherwise be the same team that demolished Blackpool last week.
With West Ham and West Brom picking up wins, even a point would prove vital.
Being on loan from the visitors means Jamie O'Hara is ineligible but expect Nenad Milijas to step in to his boots whilst Kevin Foley will step in for Ronald Zubar (sore back) at right-back in what would otherwise be the same team that demolished Blackpool last week.
Having only arrived from a break in Dubai on Thursday, Spurs could well have their Champions League tie with Milan playing on their minds and could well play a fringe team which could potentially include the likes of Niko Krancjar, Jermaine Jenas and Sebastien Bassong. In addition, Gareth Bale, Jermaine Defoe and Rafael Van Der Vaart are absent.
With West Ham and West Brom picking up wins, even a point would prove vital.
Saturday 5 March 2011
Dean Richards (1974 - 2011)
I know it's been a week but we must acknowledge the passing of one of our former favourites from the 1990s, Dean Richards, who passed away last Saturday aged 36 after a lengthy battle with illness.
'Deano' initially came to us on loan in March 1995 from Bradford City where he became an instant hit on the field aged 20, so much so that a permanent deal was made later that summer for £1.85m. In those days, that was a big sum for a third tier footballer but he went on to justify the fee and more so. Despite persistent injuries, he built a fine reputation for himself as one of the best young players outside the Premiership, Manchester United and Arsenal took interest but nothing materialised.
But he make the Premiership after leaving us for Southampton in 1999, where he quickly became a hit there too, and shortly after, the whispers of an England call-up started to begin and a big move to Tottenham followed in 2001 and once more, the fans took to him and the whispers of an England call-up started to become a bit louder but injuries robbed him of the opportunity before retiring in 2005.
But 'Deano' was more than a just fine player, but there have been tributes across local messageboards and forums, mainly from people who had the pleasure of meeting him and not had a bad word to say in his name.
Football has not just lost a great player, but an extremely fine gentleman.
'Deano' initially came to us on loan in March 1995 from Bradford City where he became an instant hit on the field aged 20, so much so that a permanent deal was made later that summer for £1.85m. In those days, that was a big sum for a third tier footballer but he went on to justify the fee and more so. Despite persistent injuries, he built a fine reputation for himself as one of the best young players outside the Premiership, Manchester United and Arsenal took interest but nothing materialised.
 |
| Dean Richards: 1974 - 2011 |
But he make the Premiership after leaving us for Southampton in 1999, where he quickly became a hit there too, and shortly after, the whispers of an England call-up started to begin and a big move to Tottenham followed in 2001 and once more, the fans took to him and the whispers of an England call-up started to become a bit louder but injuries robbed him of the opportunity before retiring in 2005.
But 'Deano' was more than a just fine player, but there have been tributes across local messageboards and forums, mainly from people who had the pleasure of meeting him and not had a bad word to say in his name.
Football has not just lost a great player, but an extremely fine gentleman.
We're back! We're sorry!
Hello! We're back and we apologise for being away, Christmas consumed and put us in distress so much we forgot about this. Promise we will never go away again, that would make us lower than Gadaffi, and ooh we'll be a bit more biased this time. We'll stop beating the bush about things and get straight to the point. Mmmm, points, been picking loads lately. So what have we missed?
Wolves 1 - 2 Wigan Athletic
Poorest showing of the season thus far in what was a crucial game. So poor we happen to be lost for words here.
Liverpool 0 - 1 Wolves
My my oh my. How will forget this? In a game where every man in a gold shirt did a job and pulled off a first win away from Molineux with Stephen Ward slotting the ball in the net with a through ball from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. But it must be said that Liverpool were just shocking and Roy Hodgson departed not long after.
West Ham United 2 - 0 Wolves
Another vital three points bites the dust as we lost on our travels again. Unlike the Wigan game two games previous, it wasn't really a rotten performance, we just couldn't test Robert Green.
Wolves 1 - 0 Chelsea
Another big scalp was claimed in the form of the champions through a Jose Boswingwa own goal after five minutes. And for the remaining 85 minutes it was all pins and needles, but we coped ever so well, and we defended like lions and went forward at times and gave them a game.
Doncaster Rovers 2 - 2 Wolves (FA Cup 3rd Round)
Well, some people prefer to make the league their priority, some wanted to have a go and it seemed that Mick McCarthy was in two minds here. At least we managed to remain in the cup and earn a replay.
Manchester City 4 - 3 Wolves
When we went ahead through Nenad Milijas, it looked as though another big scalp was on the cards but Kolo Toure equalised before the break before City came out in the second and brushed us aside in the space of 20 minutes, but we didn't lay down and got two goals back and nearly an equaliser. An encouraging defeat if there is such a thing.
Wolves 5 - 0 Doncaster Rovers
A routine performance against a poor Donny put us through to the 4th round, but scoring the goals got team's confidence boosting for the game ahead.
Wolves 0 - 3 Liverpool
When we look back on this season, this game could well be remembered for all the wrong reasons ie Linogate. Liverpool turned up on the back of a rotten run to give Kenny Dalglish his first win in his second spell in charge. Liverpool's defence wasn't as shambolic as everyone remembered as they subdued our wingers, cleared their lines and Fernando Torres couldn't have scored two easier goals in all of his career.
Wolves 0 - 1 Stoke City (FA Cup 4th Round)
Another sorry showing with a slightly stronger team than the last round. As they say, "at least we can focus on the league".
January Transfer Window
Okay, we didn't get that centre-half we wanted but it looks as though we've made some astute buys.
ADAM HAMMILL
Looks to be a snip for £500,000, decent crosser and a cannon of a shot on him and has scored a couple for Barnsley already. An ex-Liverpool apprentice who Rafa Benitez let go before squandering millions on average wastes of space.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Something like £100,000 from Dundee was it? Just by looking at the video clips on YouTube, he looks a decent player. Left footer with a rocket of a free-kick on him. Insurance policy if Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher choose not to play for us in the Championship next season?
JAMIE O'HARA
Tried hard to keep Portsmouth up all by himself but failed. Looks every bit of quality thus far and he has already hinted of a permanent move as his attractive other has moved places and is setting up a TV career in the Midlands.
ADRIANO BASSO
Not gonna set the world alight here but he has a decent CV. Trials with Arsenal, 150+ games for Bristol City, plus picking up the club's player of the season award.
Bolton Wanderers 1 - 0 Wolves
We did very well to be level pegging with them for 92 minutes, defended well, made chances, but we were overdue for a moment of madness from Ronald Zubar. Potentially costly, cynics say.
Wolves 2 - 1 Manchester United
The latest big scalp came in the form of the only undefeated side in the Premiership and when Nani put United in front, you were entitled to fear the worst, but later on in the second half George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle turned the tables before half-time. In the second half, it was mostly backs to the wall job, United threw everything from Paul Scholes to Fergie time but the whole team defended and prevailed.
Arsenal 2 - 0 Wolves
We can't really complain about this result, Arsenal had class all over the pitch and could've made it a cricket score if it wasn't for Wayne Hennessey.
West Bromwich Albion 1 -1 Wolves
Ah, the first top flight Black Country derby for 27 years. But the honours were shared at the Hawthorns. First half, Albion played a less flamboyant style of football than they did under Roberto Di Matteo but proved to be more solid at the back and not by much, they were the better team in the first half but that didn't stop us taking the lead through a peach of goal from Jamie O'Hara. In the second half we could've doubled the lead through Matt Jarvis or if Gonzolo Jara put the ball through his own net. Defended well we did until Wayne Hennessey made a meal of a James Morrison shot and Carlos Vela pounced to share the spoils. To be fair, you would be content with a point before the game considering our shocking away record.
Wolves 4 - 0 Blackpool
Well, without Blackpool very much in freefall and without Charlie Adam, it was never easy for Blackpool and being down to ten men for 47 minutes didn't help either. However, this victory and clean sheet will only enhance the confidence of the whole team.
Think we're up to speed now. Let normal service resume.
The Editing Team
Wolves 1 - 2 Wigan Athletic
Poorest showing of the season thus far in what was a crucial game. So poor we happen to be lost for words here.
Liverpool 0 - 1 Wolves
My my oh my. How will forget this? In a game where every man in a gold shirt did a job and pulled off a first win away from Molineux with Stephen Ward slotting the ball in the net with a through ball from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. But it must be said that Liverpool were just shocking and Roy Hodgson departed not long after.
West Ham United 2 - 0 Wolves
Another vital three points bites the dust as we lost on our travels again. Unlike the Wigan game two games previous, it wasn't really a rotten performance, we just couldn't test Robert Green.
Wolves 1 - 0 Chelsea
Another big scalp was claimed in the form of the champions through a Jose Boswingwa own goal after five minutes. And for the remaining 85 minutes it was all pins and needles, but we coped ever so well, and we defended like lions and went forward at times and gave them a game.
Doncaster Rovers 2 - 2 Wolves (FA Cup 3rd Round)
Well, some people prefer to make the league their priority, some wanted to have a go and it seemed that Mick McCarthy was in two minds here. At least we managed to remain in the cup and earn a replay.
Manchester City 4 - 3 Wolves
When we went ahead through Nenad Milijas, it looked as though another big scalp was on the cards but Kolo Toure equalised before the break before City came out in the second and brushed us aside in the space of 20 minutes, but we didn't lay down and got two goals back and nearly an equaliser. An encouraging defeat if there is such a thing.
Wolves 5 - 0 Doncaster Rovers
A routine performance against a poor Donny put us through to the 4th round, but scoring the goals got team's confidence boosting for the game ahead.
Wolves 0 - 3 Liverpool
When we look back on this season, this game could well be remembered for all the wrong reasons ie Linogate. Liverpool turned up on the back of a rotten run to give Kenny Dalglish his first win in his second spell in charge. Liverpool's defence wasn't as shambolic as everyone remembered as they subdued our wingers, cleared their lines and Fernando Torres couldn't have scored two easier goals in all of his career.
Wolves 0 - 1 Stoke City (FA Cup 4th Round)
Another sorry showing with a slightly stronger team than the last round. As they say, "at least we can focus on the league".
January Transfer Window
Okay, we didn't get that centre-half we wanted but it looks as though we've made some astute buys.
ADAM HAMMILL
Looks to be a snip for £500,000, decent crosser and a cannon of a shot on him and has scored a couple for Barnsley already. An ex-Liverpool apprentice who Rafa Benitez let go before squandering millions on average wastes of space.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Something like £100,000 from Dundee was it? Just by looking at the video clips on YouTube, he looks a decent player. Left footer with a rocket of a free-kick on him. Insurance policy if Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher choose not to play for us in the Championship next season?
JAMIE O'HARA
Tried hard to keep Portsmouth up all by himself but failed. Looks every bit of quality thus far and he has already hinted of a permanent move as his attractive other has moved places and is setting up a TV career in the Midlands.
ADRIANO BASSO
Not gonna set the world alight here but he has a decent CV. Trials with Arsenal, 150+ games for Bristol City, plus picking up the club's player of the season award.
Bolton Wanderers 1 - 0 Wolves
We did very well to be level pegging with them for 92 minutes, defended well, made chances, but we were overdue for a moment of madness from Ronald Zubar. Potentially costly, cynics say.
Wolves 2 - 1 Manchester United
The latest big scalp came in the form of the only undefeated side in the Premiership and when Nani put United in front, you were entitled to fear the worst, but later on in the second half George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle turned the tables before half-time. In the second half, it was mostly backs to the wall job, United threw everything from Paul Scholes to Fergie time but the whole team defended and prevailed.
Arsenal 2 - 0 Wolves
We can't really complain about this result, Arsenal had class all over the pitch and could've made it a cricket score if it wasn't for Wayne Hennessey.
West Bromwich Albion 1 -1 Wolves
Ah, the first top flight Black Country derby for 27 years. But the honours were shared at the Hawthorns. First half, Albion played a less flamboyant style of football than they did under Roberto Di Matteo but proved to be more solid at the back and not by much, they were the better team in the first half but that didn't stop us taking the lead through a peach of goal from Jamie O'Hara. In the second half we could've doubled the lead through Matt Jarvis or if Gonzolo Jara put the ball through his own net. Defended well we did until Wayne Hennessey made a meal of a James Morrison shot and Carlos Vela pounced to share the spoils. To be fair, you would be content with a point before the game considering our shocking away record.
Wolves 4 - 0 Blackpool
Well, without Blackpool very much in freefall and without Charlie Adam, it was never easy for Blackpool and being down to ten men for 47 minutes didn't help either. However, this victory and clean sheet will only enhance the confidence of the whole team.
Think we're up to speed now. Let normal service resume.
The Editing Team
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