'The Wolves' Site News Page

Wolves defender Oleg Luzhny has confirmed that he has decided to hang up his international boots.
Luzhny has insisted he will not be staying on as a coach and that he has come to the end of his association with his national team.

He said: "I came to Kiev before the game against Macedonia to talk to Oleg Blokhin.
"There is no sense in me playing for the Ukraine national team.
"I am 36, we have many young and talented players who should develop.
"I am also not planning to join the Ukraine coaching staff. It is filled up now."

Wolves under 19s match ended goalless at Leeds, but under 17s beat Sheffield United 3-1 a t Compton Park.

The uder 17s went ahead in the 19th minute when Tom Stewart ran through and sidestepped the keeper before finding the net from the narrowest of angles.
Sheff Utd equalised ten minutes before the break when Wolves didn’t deal with a long clearance and let one of their men through to score with a low shot.
But eight minutes into the second-half James Askey put Wolves back in front when he headed home from a corner. The third goal came on 70 minutes when Martin Riley beat the offside trap and converted with a first time shot.

Moor Green will be Wolves opponents in the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup after they knocked Birmingham City out of the competition last night.
Birmingham scored twice after going two goals down to force extra-time but two late Moor Green goals made the final score 4-2.

Wolves reserves beat Walsall reserves 3-0 at the Bescot Stadium last night to book their place in the Birmingham Senior Cup Final, they will play either Moor Green or Birmingham City.

Wolves took the lead in the 17th minute, Silas picked up a loose ball on the halfway line and ran through the middle before finding Matthew Watson with a short pass. Watson then slid an excellent ball into the path of Gary Mulligan who buried a low shot past keeper, Andy Petterson.
Wolves got their second in the 51st minute, Cornes took a pass from Matthew Barnes-Homer and cut inside Ryan Willetts before lashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.
Then in the 58th minute Wolves got their third with a fine individual effort from Silas who weaved his way through the area before slotting the ball past Kerr.

Walsall Reserves: Petterson (Kerr 45), Willetts, Harkness, Wheeler, Caines, Bennett, Taylor, Jameson, Soler, Atieno, Williams (Platt 76).
Unused Subs: Dann, Branch, Deakin.
Wolves Reserves: Ikeme, Luzhny (Townsend 53), Flynn, Lowe, Okoronkwo, Clingan (Cornes 45), Watson (Bonnar 45), Barnes-Homer, Mulligan, Silas, O’Connor.
Unused Subs: Gobern, Hennessey.
Attendance: 454.

Wolves defender Mark Clyde has withdrawn from Northern Ireland's squad for the midweek friendly international against Estonia because of injury.
Clyde was named in Lawrie Sanchez's squad for the first time but suffered a calf strain during the match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Midfielder Alex Rae has picked up a two match suspension after receiving his tenth booking of the season at Chelsea on Saturday. He will miss the trip to Manchester City and the Easter Monday match at Molineux with Bolton.

He got the yellow card during first-half stoppage time following a challenge on Joe Cole, contact seemed to be minimal and Cole looked to fall over Rae’s outstretched knee, but referee Graham Barber showed the yellow card.

Wolves boss Dave Jones blamed his players for losing the lead because they adopted a "gung-ho" attitude after going 2-1 up.

"I blame us because for 70 minutes we were in charge of the game," said Jones.
"Then we went gung-ho, started to charge all over the place and lost our shape and discipline trying for the third goal - which I felt would have come anyway if we'd let them do the chasing.
"It is very harsh to swallow. We came back from a knock-back early in the game but then certain players switched off, and you cannot do that at a place like this with the players they have got.
"It was similar to Liverpool last week and I would rather we played absolute crap and came away with a victory.
"It looks like a rout but it wasn't, although that's no consolation.
"I felt we deserved not just one point but all three, but we worked for only 70 minutes and you cannot do that at this level."

Wolves remain bottom of the table, but Jones will not give up hope until the mathematics tell him otherwise.
He added: "There is still a fair amount of football to be played.
"We cannot rely on anyone else, we have to do it ourselves and I would say we need five wins, although even that might not be enough."

4mins: Goal, Chelsea take the lead through Melchiot.
23mins: GOAL, Camara levels after a mistake by Terry.
45mins: Yellow card, Ganea.
45mins: Yellow card, Rae.
Half-Time: Chelsea 1-1 Wolves.
45mins: Chelsea substitution, Duff on for Gudjohnsen.
57mins: GOAL, Wolves take the lead, Kennedy's corner was missed by Ambrosio and Craddock headed in.
60mins: Chelsea substitution, Hasslebaink on for Jeremi.
70mins: Goal, Lampard equalises from 25 yards.
73mins: Wolves substitution, Newton on for Kennedy.
77mins: Goal, Hasslebaink puts Chelsea ahead with his 100th Premiership goal.
80mins: Chelsea substitution, Parker on for Cole.
84mins: .Wolves substitutions, Cameron on for Miller and Cort on for Rae.
87mins: Goal Hasslebaink gets his second.
90mins: Goal, Hasslebaink gets his hat-trick.
Full-Time: Chelsea 5-2 Wolves.

Chelsea: 5

Ambrosio, Babayaro, Gallas, Terry, Melchiot, Jeremi, Makelele, Lampard, Cole, Gudjohnsen, Crespo.

Subs: Sullivan, Hasslebaink (60), Duff (45), Parker (80), Huth.

Cards: Yellow: None. Red: None.

Wolves: 2

Jones, Naylor, Rae, Butler, Ince, Kennedy, Craddock, Miller, Camara, Ganea, Clyde.

Subs: Oakes, Irwin, Newton (73), Cameron (84), Cort (84).

Cards: Yellow: Ganea, Rae. Red: None.

Attendance: 41,215

Chelsea: Ranieri has plenty of selection dilemmas to ponder in the wake of the 1-1 draw with The Gunners on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink missed the tie with a hamstring injury, with Eidur Gudjohnsen and Adrian Mutu lining up in attack.
Frank Lampard will become only the third outfield player in Premiership history to make 100 consecutive league appearances if he retains his place in midfield as the hosts hope to follow up their 5-0 win at Molineux in September with another convincing victory.
Marco Ambrosio continues in goal in the absence of Carlo Cudicini.

Wolves: have a major doubt over inspirational midfielder Paul Ince, who is carrying a knee injury, tests have proved that it is only bruising and he may have a fighting chance of being fit for the Stamford Bridge clash.
Colin Cameron stands by to replace Ince after recovering from a hamstring problem and veteran Denis Irwin is tipped to come in for Mark Clyde.
Shaun Newton will make his 400th career appearance if he is selected by Dave Jones.

Two young Wolves players have left Molineux on the day the transfer window closes for Nationwide League clubs, one on loan and one permanently.

Striker Leon Clarke has joined third division Kidderminster Harriers on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old has come on as a substitute three times for Wolves first team this season, against Darlington and Burnley in the Carling Cup, and West Ham in the FA Cup.
He's scored four goals for the reserves and seven goals for the Academy under 19s.

Academy full-back Nathan Talbott, has joined third division Yeovil on a short term contract until the end of the season. His scholarship agreement at Molineux was due to expire at the end of the season.

Senegal Match Postponed

Wolves striker Henri Camara had been included in the Senegal squad for their friendly against Algeria on Wednesday, which could have caused another dispute with the Senegalese Football Association because the match was sandwiched in between two crucial Premiership games against Chelsea and Southampton.

But the match has been postponed because Senegal have not yet appointed a successor to manager Guy Stephan, to the delight of Wolves boss Dave Jones.

Wolves were furious with the Senegalese FA following Camara's late return from the African Nations Cup in January.

Paul Ince is hoping he will be fit for this Saturday's game at Chelsea after scans on his injured knee have revealed there is no serious damage, just bruising. The Wolves captain was hurt during an accidental clash with Liverpool's John Arne Riise last weekend.
He said on WOW: "It will be touch and go but it's settled down quite a lot and the swelling has gone.
"There's still a bit of fluid on my knee but hopefully by the weekend that will have gone.
"Saturday might be a bit too early but I'm going to give it a shot. I'll be in tomorrow to try and do some running and if that feels OK then I'll train on Friday with a view to playing at Chelsea."

Wolves reserves were beaten 2-1 by local rivals West Brom reserves yesterday at Molineux.

Albion took the lead in 63rd minute when N’Dour leapt to head home from an O’Connor free-kick. Then they got a seond on 67 minutes, unmarked Skoubo headed powerfully past Ikeme following another O’Connor’s free-kick.
Wolves pulled one back in the 80th minute, when Kevin O’Connor headed past Murphy after Clingan had swung a free-kick into the box.

Wolves Reserves: Ikeme, Luzhny, Bradley, Lowe, Okoronkwo, Gudjonsson, Newton (Townsend 74), Clingan, Clarke, Silas, K. O’Connor.
Unused Subs: Hennessey, Gobern, Flynn, Mulligan.
Yellow Cards: O’Connor, Clarke.
West Brom Reserves: Murphy, Midworth, N’Dour, J. O’Connor, Berthe, Volmer, Brown (Mkandawire 83), Clement (Holmes 74), Dobie, Skoubo, Dyer (Warmer 74).
Unused Subs: Jones, Chambers.
Attendance: 1,214.

Wolves defender Paul Butler is demanding answers over his future and 11 other first-team squad members whose current deals run out at the end of the season.
He also accused Wolves chiefs of "not giving a damn'' about the players as they continue to insist no new deals will be signed until the club's fate is clear.

Butler told the Express and Star: "I'm very disappointed with the club's attitude over the contracts and I am not the only one.
"I think the club is taking the easy way out here and there are a lot of players who feel the same way.
"I want to assure fans that we are determined not to let this affect what happens out on the pitch.
"But the moment I finish a game the doubts about the future start creeping back into my mind and that can't be right.
"We go into work each day trying to stay positive, wanting to be upbeat and knowing we are in the fight of our lives. But all the time you're wondering if the club gives a damn about you.''

Jez Moxey responded to Butler’s on WOW saying: "We have already stated publicly - and privately to the players - that we will not begin contract negotiations until our divisional status has been confirmed.
"I appreciate the players’ position and in many respects have sympathy with it. However, we are not the only club to have such a policy.
"It is difficult to negotiate new contracts when the club's future is undecided and we will therefore address the issue at the end of the season."

Leon Clarke scored a hat-trick for the under 19s as they beat Barnsley by 4-1 at a wind-swepped Compton. The under 17s travelled to face a strong Blackburn Rovers team and lost 5-0.

Coach John Perkins said: “The conditions were awful. One goal kick taken by the Barnsley keeper blew back and nearly went out for a corner.
Barnsley scored first in the 14th minute, keeper Carl Ikeme misjudged a long-range shot. Ten minutes later though they were level after Leon Clarke had run onto a good ball from Kevin O’Connor and beat two defenders before finishing well with his left foot.
After half-an-hour, Lewis Gobern put Clarke in on goal and he scored with an angled shot from 12-yards out to make it 2-1.

It was 3-1 just after half-time Gobern crossed for Tom Bonnar who scored from near the penalty spot.
Clarke completed his hat-trick midway through the half with a powerful shot.
Wolves could have had a fifth but Gobern put a penalty wide after Bonnar had been fouled in the Barnsley box.

The under 17s went one down in the first-half, then conceded four more in the second-half to finish as 5-0 losers.

Wolves captain Paul Ince was admitted to hospital over the weekend after he picked up a knee injury in the dying moments of Saturday's match with Liverpool.

The inspirational midfielder collided with John Arne Riise, he tried to jump over Riise but Ince's knee struck his head. Riise was stretchered off but the 'Guvner' was able to finish the game. The problem with his knee worsened later in the night and he was forced to go to hospital to get treatment.
Ince was released from hospital on Sunday and he will undergo a scan today to find out the full extent of the problem.

Wolves boss Dave Jones said on WOW: "I got a call from Paul about 9.30 on Saturday evening and he told me he was in a lot of pain.
"Luckily Russ (Duncan Russell - physio) was in the area so he went across to see Paul and took him to hospital.
"He was kept in overnight as a precaution.
"We hope it's just bruising but we will know more later this evening when we have the results of the scans."

Wolves boss Dave Jones was at a loss as to how his side left Anfield with nothing to show for a gritty display.
He said: "This is a cruel game. But we invited pressure in those final stages.
"I do not think we deserved to lose like that. Compared to last week when we lost at home to Villa and were never really up for it, this was much better.
"We have to be at full pelt all the time to get anything, and against Villa we didn't perform anything like as well as we did this time."

Jones added: "I did not think Paul Jones had much to do and we created the better chances and Kenny Miller and Camara gave their centre-backs an awful lot to do.
"We certainly gave them a fright."

The Wolves manager also dismissed Liverpool's claims of a first-half penalty.
"When I first saw the incident from the touchline I felt we were a bit fortunate to get away with it.
"Jody Craddock looked like he caught Heskey.
"But their lad should have scored, he was waiting, almost inviting the challenge. And now I have seen it on TV referee Rob Styles was right, Craddock got the ball."

No goals to report in the first half.
Half-Time: Liverpool 0-0 Wolves.
60mins: Liverpool substitution, Baros on for Heskey.
61mins: Liverpool substitution, Diouf on for Kewell.
71mins: Wolves substitution, Newton on for Ganea.
81mins: Wolves substitution, Cort on for Kennedy.
84mins: Liverpool substitution, Pongolle on for Murphy.
90mins: Yellow card, Newton.
90mins: Goal, Hyypia scores from a Gerrard corner.
Full-Time: Liverpool 1-0 Wolves.

Liverpool: 1

Dudek, Carragher, Biscan, Hyypia, Riise, Murphy, Hamann, Gerrard, Kewell, Heskey, Owen.

Subs: Henchoz, Baros (60), Diouf (61), Pongolle (84), Bernardi.

Cards: Yellow: None. Red: None.

Wolves: 0

Jones, Naylor, Craddock, Butler, Clyde, Camara, Ince, Rae, Kennedy, Miller, Ganea.

Subs: Oakes, Newton (71), Cameron, Irwin, Cort (81).

Cards: Yellow: Newton. Red: None.

Attendance: 43,795

Liverpool: Skipper Steven Gerrard limped out of the Portsmouth match on Wednesday with an ankle knock but he is expected to be fit for Saturday.
Houllier now has options after a number of players have returned from injury, but it is likely that Igor Biscan will continue in the centre of defence after ousting Stephane Henchoz midweek.
Emile Heskey started ahead of Milan Baros and that will be the main decision for Houllier to make as he decides who partners Owen up front, while Danny Murphy should continue in midfield with John Arne Riise at full back.

Wolves: have just one main injury doubt as midfielder Colin Cameron is struggling to make the match after picking up a hamstring injury in the reserves.
Molineux boss Dave Jones is expected to change his side around after they suffered a 4-0 hammering at home to Aston Villa last Sunday.
Steffen Iversen or Kenny Miller may be tried up front in place of Carl Cort as Jones desperately needs his side to score goals to have a chance.

Wolves recalled midfielder Kevin Cooper from his loan at Sunderland and he's gone straight back out on loan to Norwich until the end of the season.
Cooper joined Sunderland at the start of January and his loan was supposed to end 4th April, but he hasn't been able to secure a place in the first team, so Wolves used a recall option they had included in the deal.
Cooper was keen to switch from Sunderland to Norwich, when he heard the Canaries had made an approach for a loan deal, his contract at Molineux is until the summer of 2005.

Another player who has left Molineux is young striker Jimmi Lee Jones. He signed a one season deal last summer, but the contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

There have been more international call-ups for Wolves players. Paul Jones and Nathan Blake have been included in the Welsh squad who are playing away against Hungary, but Blake is still recovering from a neck injury so probably won't take part.
Henri Camara will join the Senegalese squad who play away against Algeria.
Joey Gudjonsson has been called into the Icelandic squad to play in Albania.

Wolves took the lead in the 17th minute, Newton took a return pass from Steffen Iversen and ran into the Bolton box before driving the ball past Bolton keeper Donovan Ricketts.
Then in the 27th minute Cameron made it 2-0, he picked the ball up in midfield and with no challenge from Bolton players got into a shooting position and buried a 20-yard precision shot beyond Ricketts dive.
Four minutes before half-time Bolton pulled one back, Steve Howey headed Moreno’s corner back into the six-yard box where Charlie Comyn-Platt forced the ball home from close range.
Then just three minutes later Wolves were awarded a penalty after Ibrahim Ba clearly handled Clingan’s inswinging corner, Cameron stepped up and converted the spot-kick for his second goal and Wolves third.

Wolves were awarded a second penalty in 63rd minute, Silas beat three defenders in the Bolton box with an amazing dribble with some wonderful close control before he was tripped by Anthony Barness from behind. The Bolton man was shown a yellow card then Silas took the penalty himself sending Ricketts the wrong way for Wolves fourth goal.
Bolton then got a penalty in the 69th minute when Isaac Okoronkwo made a late challenge on Moreno, Moreno got up to convert the penalty himself for Bolton's second goal.

Wolves Reserves: Oakes, Luzhny, Talbott, Clyde (Lowe 65), Okoronkwo, Gudjonsson, Newton (O’Connor 76), Cameron (Gobern 45), Iversen, Silas, Clingan.
Unused Subs: Ikeme, Clarke.
Bolton Reserves: Ricketts, Shakes, Barness, Howey, Comyn-Platt, Ba, Frandsen, Kinkladze, Moreno, Otsemobor, Johnson.
Unused Subs: Kangana, Ashton, Vaz Te, Pezzarossi, O’Brien.
Yellow Card: Barness.
Attendance: 482.

Blues boss Steve Bruce won't comment on Birmingham's reported interest in Wolves midfielder Alex Rae.
Wolves are keen to keep Rae at Molineux, but his future remains in some doubt as they are not holding contract talks with any of their players until they know which division they are going to be playing in next season.

Birmingham join Fulham and Blackburn who have been linked with a possible summer move for 34-year-old Rae, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Rangers boss Alex McLeish has confirmed his interest in Rae, and that is where he started his career, but was released as a 17-year-old and retains strong links with the Ibrox outfit - watching them whenever he can.

Wolves defender Mark Clyde has been called up for Northern Ireland’s international friendly away to Estonia in Tallinn on 31st March. This could be his first senior international cap for the new Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez.

Striker Steffen Iversen is in the preliminary Norwegian squad who play against Serbia & Montenegro in Belgrade also on the 31st March.

Colin Cameron and Kenny Miller are in the provisional Scottish squad and could face team mate Vio Ganea when Scotland play Romania at Hampden Park, again on the 31st March. The final Scottish squad will be announced on the 23rd.

Wolves are releasing a new strip for next season and are again asking for fans to vote for their favourite design.

To vote for your favourite visit www.wolves.co.uk and two entries will be selected at random to win a new shirt signed and framed.

Wolves boss Dave Jones insisted he was still confident of his side's ability to beat the drop.
Jones did not aim a dressing room blast at his shell-shocked players and instead admitted Villa thoroughly deserved their win.
Jones said: "I am not going to criticise my players for lack of effort.
"We didn't win any battles but they played better than us by far.
"We're very disappointed but we have got to pick ourselves up again and get ready for the next one. We need to be at full-tilt if we are going to get anything."

But Jones admitted that his side's shocking start had made the final result a foregone conclusion within the opening half hour.
He added: "It took us 30 minutes to put a tackle in and that has not been us recently.
"We must have been doing something right because we got ourselves into the position where people were expecting us to beat Aston Villa.
"But we've just got to be honest about it and admit that not one of us did our job properly."

There was a minutes silence before kick-off for the Madrid train victims.
7mins: Goal, Hitzlsperger fires Villa into the lead.
18mins: Goal, Jones missed punching a corner clear and Mellberg had a free header to double Villa's lead.
19mins: Yellow card, Hitzlperger.
24mins: Goal, a mix-up between Naylor and Jones and Angel nipped in for Villa's third.
45mins: Penalty for Wolves, Mellberg fouled Ganea in the area.
45mins: Ganea took the spot-kick himself and Sorensen low to his left saved.
Half-Time: Wolves 0-3 Aston Villa.
59mins: Goal, Angel gets his second and Villa's fourth.
60mins: Villa substitution, Moore on for Vassell.
65mins: Wolves substitutions, Clyde on for Irwin and Iversen on for Cort.
71mins: Yellow card, Ganea and Samuel.
78mins: Villa substitution, Crouch on for Angel.
82mins: Villa substitution, Whittingham on for Hendrie.
Full-Time: Wolves 0-4 Aston Villa.

Wolves: 0

Jones, Irwin, Naylor, Rae, Butler, Ince, Kennedy, Craddock, Camara, Ganea, Cort.

Subs: Oakes, Newton, Miller, Iversen (65), Clyde (65).

Cards: Yellow: Ganea. Red: None.

Aston Villa: 4

Sorensen, Samuel, Mellberg, Barry, Hendrie, Vassell, Solano, Hitzlsperger, De La Cruz, Angel, Johnsen.

Subs: Dublin, Postma, Crouch (78), Whittingham (82), Moore (60).

Cards: Yellow: Hitzlsperger, Samuel. Red: None.

Attendance: 29,386

Wolves: strikers Vio Ganea and Steffen Iversen are pushing for a recall with Scot Kenny Miller likely to miss out, whilst Nathan Blake continues to be absent with a troublesome neck injury.

Villa: Marcus Allback returned to training this week but the Swede faced further injury anguish when he broke down almost immediately.
Young striker Stefan Moore is back in contention after recovering from ankle ligament damage that has kept him out for the previous two months.

Wolves young midfielder Keith Andrews is joining Walsall on loan until the end of the season. He will meet up with his former boss Colin Lee at the Bescot. Andrews will be eligible for Walsall's match against Wimbledon tomorrow.
It's the second time the Irishman has gone out on loan this season, already having a period on loan at Stoke.

According to officials within Norwegian club Rosenborg and agent Erik Soler they are ready to bring Wolves striker Steffen Iversen back to his homeland.
The injury prone 27-year-old has failed to secure a place in the Wolves first team and having made just 11 Premiership appearances this term, the player could now be ready to move on.

Rosenborg boss Ola By Rise admits that he has always kept one eye on Iversen, a player who he believes belongs in Trondheim.
''Steffen will always be welcomed here at Lerkendal. He belongs here,'' By Rise told Adresseavisen.
''I also think it would be okay for Steffen if he got his career going again with us.''

The player's agent, Erik Soler, admits that he is in contact with other clubs and that his client could soon be on the move from Molineux.
''I'm in dialogue with several people now and I think that something will be sorted out in a few weeks,'' confirmed Soler.
''Yes, I admit that Steffen isn't as easy to sell as he was some years ago. But, that is a pity as he is in better shape than in a long while.
''The problem is that he is not getting time to prove it on the pitch.''

Wolves reserves drew 0-0 with Sunderland reserves at The Archibalds Stadium (the home of Durham City and Sunderland's reserve team).

Sunderland Reserves: Ingham, Scott, Dodds, Leadbitter (Bell 75), Clark, Collins, Piper (Flynn 63), Black, Wanless, Kingsberry, Toft.
Unused Subs: Alnwick, Huntley, Taylor.
Wolves Reserves: Ikeme, Luzhny, Talbott, Lowe, Okoronkwo, Andrews, Gobern (O’Connor 87), Gudjonsson, Clarke, Silas, Clingan.
Unused Subs: Townsend, Barnes-Homer, Goodhead, Steele.
Yellow Card: Talbott.
Attendance: 313.

Wolves defender Paul Butler has been fined £3,000 but has avoided a possible three-match ban which would have ruled him out of Sunday's derby against Aston Villa and away games at Liverpool and Chelsea, following an incident in the aftermath of Wolves defeat at Middlesbrough in November.

Butler was found guilty of improper conduct at a Football Association hearing after events in the players' tunnel at The Riverside Stadium.
He was found not guilty of a second charge of using violent, threatening or abusive behaviour.

Tempers had flared during the match after Middlesbrough full-back Danny Mills tangled with visiting defender Lee Naylor.
Wolves players hotly disputed the award of a free-kick to Mills and were still complaining when Gaizka Mendieta scored the first goal from the following set-piece.

Alex Rae was later sent off for a challenge on Mills, and the dispute apparently boiled over as the players came off the pitch.

Butler said on WOW: "I’m delighted it’s over now. I knew I wasn’t guilty of the serious charges but they could have led to me facing a ban.
"I think my good track record stood me in good stead, and my witnesses spoke well for me (manager Dave Jones, club psycologist Tim O’Brien and secretary Richard Skirrow). Mick McGuire from the PFA represented me and he was terrific.
"I’m grateful to the FA that this is sorted now and that I can concentrate on helping keep Wolves up."

Wolves are through to the semi-finals of the Birmingham Senior Cup after a 2-1 quarter-final victory against Hednesford Town.

Leon Clarke was the only member of a young 16-man squad to have any first-team experience and he gave Wolves the lead in the 11th minute when he received the ball on the halfway line and raced clear before firing a low left-foot shot past goalkeeper Ryan Young.
Lewis Gobern doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half and Wolves held on despite the home side pulling a goal back through former Molineux youngster Mark Danks.

Wolves have insisted they will defend Paul Butler "vigorously" at his Football Association disciplinary hearing this week.
The defender is charged with misconduct over incidents which followed the club's 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in November.
Butler is alleged to have used "aggressive behaviour constituting improper conduct" and the hearing will be held in a Manchester hotel at 11am on Wednesday.
Club secretary Richard Skirrow said on WOW: "We are going to contest the whole charge vigorously, particularly the claim that Paul threw punches in the tunnel which is something he strenuously denies."

Wolves under 19s won 2-1 at Bolton whilst the under 17s lost 4-1 when they travelled to Everton on Saturday.

Wolves under 17s went a goal down after just four minutes when an Everton player took advantage of a misplaced clearance.
They conceded a second after 15 minutes when slack defending resulted in a scramble in the Wolves box from which Everton scored and they got a third on the stroke of half time when one of their players was allowed to run between two defenders to latch onto a loose ball.
Wolves got one back shortly before the end when Chris Cornes smashed the rebound home after Conor Rafferty’s header had hit the bar.
Then in the last minute Wolves gave away a needless free-kick which resulted in another scramble and Everton's fourth goal.
Under 17s coach John Trewick said: “We had one under 14 and four under 15s in our squad so it was a very young team that was up against a lively Everton side that took advantage of their opportunities. But it will have been a good learning experience for our boys.”

The under 19s were a goal down at half-time and Gary Mulligan went off injured during the break, but substitute Mathew Barnes-Homer put Wolves level in the 54th minute with a left foot shot.
He then got what turned out to be the winner when he volleyed home following a cross from Lewis Gobern in the 70th minute.

Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray has set his sights on being fit for pre-season training after being told he faces another operation on his foot.
Murray has struggled with injuries throughout Wolves first Premiership campaign and discovered this week he faces more surgery to have a bone graft and a pin inserted in the fracture.

But the 22-year-old is remaining upbeat about his fortunes and said on WOW: "It has always been in the back of my mind that I might have to have another operation, especially as it was taking so long for the foot to heal.
"Obviously I had been hoping to play a part in things but I know that isn't going to happen this season so I just have to get on with it.
"My aim is to be fit for pre-season. I'll be in plaster for six weeks and then I'll have to wear the special 'air boot' to protect the foot after that. But I've kept my fitness levels up in the gym and will continue to do so as soon as I'm able so that when I am finally fit enough to play I'll be ready."

Wolves striker Nathan Blake is visiting a specialist in his home city of Cardiff next week as he continues to return back to fitness.
He has suffered considerable pain after trapping a nerve in his neck, which has ruled him out of action since the Charlton match eight weeks ago.

Physio Barry Holmes said on WOW: “Nathan has been doing some gentle weight work and some running and he is progressing well.
“He will be reviewed by a specialist in Cardiff next Tuesday with a view to upping his levels of rehabilitation.”

Wolves are standing firm on their decision to leave all contract negotiations until the summer.
They have 12 senior players out of contract this summer, including Paul Ince, Paul Butler, Alex Rae, Denis Irwin, Michael Oakes, Vio Ganea, Nathan Blake and George Ndah.
But the Molineux club is adamant that any new deals for existing players will not be discussed until they know what division they will be in next season.
A number of squad members have expressed their concern about being kept in the dark about whether or not their services will be required for the the 2004/5 season.
And they feel they should be put in the picture having played their best football and given 100% week in week out during the club's Premiership campaign.

Chief executive Jez Moxey insists contract talks will only begin when they know if they have managed to stay in the top flight or dropped back into Division One.
He said: "The players know the situation, our position regarding contract negotiations remains the same.
"Nothing is happening at the moment but the position will be greatly enhanced if we remain in the Premiership."

Wolves reserve game with Bolton has been moved from Telford to Molineux because Telford now have a FA Trophy replay with Shrewsbury at The Bucks Head that night. It is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 16th March with a 7pm kick-off.

The two home Academy games that where postponed due to the weather last weekend have been rearranged. The under 19s will now play Liverpool on Saturday 17th April and the under 17s will play Sheffield United on the 27th March. Both games will be played at Compton Park.

The under 17s have also added three friendly games to their fixture list. They will play Coventry City on the 3rd April and Stoke City on the 24th April at Compton Park, and will travel to Derby County on the 17th April.

Wolves boss Dave Jones and members of his backroom team have taken advantage of the weekend break by jetting off on a scouting mission.
The boss has headed off to the continent with coach Stuart Gray and chief scout George Foster to take in a couple of games, because this weekend's FA Cup fixtures meant there was no match.

He said on WOW: "We’ll meet up with George and have a look at a few players that he’s pointed out.
"The break gives us a nice opportunity to cast an eye over the players that George has been tracking and we are able to catch up with him and the work that he’s been doing all season.
"But, we’ll be back over the weekend in time for training on Monday and the usual build up to Sunday’s game."

Wolves keeper Matt Murray has been told to put off comeback plans until next season. Murray has suffered a new injury blow in his long recovery process from a stress fracture of the foot.
The 22-year-old requires more surgery next week where he will have a bone graft and a pin inserted to help the fracture heal.

Wolves boss Dave Jones said: "I think it is for the best that he has the operation now because we could wait and see if it heals and run the risk of him possibly breaking down again in pre-season.
"We have come to the decision that he should have the op now and get it over and done with so he can start over in time for next season."

The England Under-21 international played in Wolves opening Premiership clash with Blackburn after recovering from a hernia operation in the summer. But back problems put him on the sidelines and after playing half of Wolves Carling Cup win over Darlington he was forced out with his current injury.

Striker George Ndah hopes to return to training as soon as possible.
Ndah is out of contract in the summer and has not appeared at all this season due to a niggling knee injury.

He said: "It's obviously in the back of my mind that I am out of contract this summer and it certainly does not help the situation when you are sidelined by injury.
"But I am putting my efforts into getting back to 100%. There is no chance of me getting anything [a new contract] at Wolves or anywhere else if I am not playing football."

Wolves have given professional contracts to Academy youngsters Leon Clarke and Lewis Gobern.
They are both in the final year of their scholarship, and have been awarded two-year contract extensions to run until June 2006, with the club having the option to extend for a further year.

Leon, a Birmingham-born striker, has made three substitute appearances in both Carling Cup and FA Cup fixtures this season.
Lewis hasn't yet got into the first team squad, but the 19-year-old midfielder is a regular in the reserve team squad and has been involved with England’s under 19s.

Boss Dave Jones said on WOW: "Two more young boys have been offered pro contracts and have an opportunity to prove what they are worth.
"It is always nice for a football club when you have homegrown talent but they are still on the first rungs of the ladder.
"There is a long, long way to go but if they stay dedicated then this is a great chance for them."

Wolves fourth round Birmingham Senior Cup match with Hednesford Town has been rearranged for Monday 8th March.
The match will kick-off at 7.45pm at Keys Park.
Hednesford has announced reduced ticket prices for the fixture - £6 adults, £3 concessions.
Wolves are expected to field an under 19s side as they did with the third round tie against Bromsgrove.

The reserves’ match with Sunderland next week has been put back 24 hours as a result of the rearranged Cup fixture. That match will now be played at Durham City FC’s ground on Thursday 11th March with a 7pm kick-off.

Wolves midfielder Paul Ince is set to change his mind and continue playing with Wolves for another season.
The 36-year-old former England midfielder was going to retire at the end of the season with team-mate Denis Irwin.
But now Ince, is indicating that he will be prepared to delay hanging up his boots for another 12 months - even if Wolves are relegated from the Barclaycard Premiership.
Ince feels he is still able to compete with the demands of top-flight football and has been a major figure in Wolves' brave bid to avoid an immediate return to Division One.

He said: "When you feel you are playing well consistently and don't feel your legs are going - and I feel I've had a half-decent season - there's no reason why I can't continue playing football.
"Does it depend on staying up? Not really, no. Wolves are a great club with great fans and you are a long time retired and not playing.
"If you feel good in yourself and feel really fine physically, why not reconsider things and do another year?
"I felt good after the Division One play-offs last May against Sheffield United for another year in the game and, with just 11 games to go this season, I feel good, so why not?"

Ince previously played for West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Middlesbrough and was capped by England 53 times in a glittering career, and was persuaded to put his retirement plans on hold by manager Dave Jones before helping Wolves win promotion last year.

Wolves are currently 18th in the Premiership and are fighting hard to preserve their top-flight status but Ince is desperate to avoid a return to the First Division.
He added: "Yes, it is hard when you play in the Nationwide League. You go to certain grounds with little changing rooms and it can get to you. I've only been in the Nationwide League one year. I'm not used to that.
"I've felt this year is where I belong. I've had the chance to play against the best players again - the likes of Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane - and have competed with them and am still enjoying it."

Wolves Birmingham Senior Cup quarter final match against Hednesford Town this evening at Keys Park has been called off.
Hednesford’s FA Trophy tie with Hornchurch, called off because of a frozen pitch on Saturday, is now set to take place on Tuesday evening meaning that the Wolves game had to be put back.
The Molineux reserves were set to play twice in three days but they now face a blank week and new dates for the two games have yet to be decided upon.

Both of Wolves youth teams matches on Saturday, against Liverpool under 19s and Sheffield United under 17s at Compton Park, were called off because of frozen pitches.