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30th April 2008

Freddy On His Future

Wolves striker Freddy Eastwood believes he has a future at Molineux despite a frustrating first season, only making 10 league starts since moving last summer, but has come off the bench on a further 20 occasions.
"Overall I don't think I've done anything wrong for the manager or the football club," Eastwood told BBC WM.
"Something's got to change because I don't want to be sitting on the bench for three-quarters of the season."

The Welsh International has Wolves supporters chanting for him to play, despite a tally of just four goals this season.
"Come the last couple of games I've been sitting in the stand, and it's been very dispiriting for me. Hopefully next season, one way or another, I'll be playing more," Eastwood added.
The 24-year old has been linked with a move away from Molineux in the close season. And Coventry City, who came close to signing him before the deadline in March, remain the favourites to claim his signature. But Eastwood denies that his exit is inevitable.
"I suppose everyone's looking for me to go in the summer," he added. "But you never know what's going to happen, so hopefully I'm still at Wolves and playing 40-odd games, scoring 20-odd goals.
"When I first came here I thought I was playing very well and scoring. It's been a difficult year for me but I think I've still got a bit to prove."

Wolves Win Wrack Testimonial

Wolves beat Walsall 4-0, in Darren Wrack's testimonial match in atrocious conditions.
Stephen Elliott gave Wolves the lead in the tenth minute, when he took a through pass from Darron Gibson and sent an angled lob over Clayton Ince into the net.
After the half-time break only Darren Wrack remained on for the Saddlers who made ten changes to their line-up, one of the subs was former Molineux favourite Don Goodman.
Wolves second goal came on the hour, Neill Collins made a surging run through the middle before slipping a short pass to Eastwood who thumped a shot past Walker from the edge of the box.
Three minutes later Walker half stopped Kyle's close range shot but he couldn't stop the ball from rolling into the net for Wolves third.
Eastwood struck again on 77 minutes, taking a pass from Elliott and holding off a challenge before firing a low shot into the far corner of the net.

Walsall: Ince (Walker 45) (Bassu 73), Weston (Taundry 45), Gerrard (Brown 45) (Smith 85), Wrack (capt) (Harris 87), Mooney (Goodman 45), Demontagnac (Keates 45) (Hanna 90), Nicholls (McDermott 45), Bradley (O'Connor 45) (Davies 80), Smith (Viveash 45) (Bacchus 85), Sansara (N'Dour 45), Betsy (Craddock 45).

Wolves: Stack, Little, Jones, Collins (capt), D. Ward, E. Bennett (Kyle 45), Gibson (Gray 32), Potter, S. Ward, Eastwood, Elliott.
Unused Subs: Craddock, Breen, Elokobi, Jarvis, Olofinjana, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake, Hennessey, Foley.

Attendance: 1,330 (207 away supporters).

29th April 2008

Wrack Testimonial Tonight

Mick McCarthy is taking his full squad to  the Banks's Stadium this evening for Darren Wrack's testimonial game.
Wrack joined Walsall in 1998 and has made over 300 appearances for them in his ten seasons with the club.
Admission for the testimonial is £10 adults and £5 concessions, the game kicks-off at 7.45pm.
The scheduled Wolves starting line-up is: Stack, Little, Jones, Collins, D. Ward, E. Bennett, Potter, Gibson, Eastwood, Elliott, S. Ward. The rest of the Molineux senior squad will be on the bench.

28th April 2008

Reserves Win

Wolves reserves won their last game of the season against Stoke reserves.
A rocket shot from Denes Rosa 3 minutes into the second half, gave Wolves the lead.
Then Stoke drew level in the 65th minute when Grocott's headed in from Parsons' cross.
But in the 89th minute Winnall sealed victory for Wolves when he rolled the ball over the line after Salmon had run through on goal and drawn Ryan from his line before passing to his team-mate who made sure that he had stayed onside.

Wolves Reserves: Lumley, D. Davis, Bailey, Salmon (capt), Malone, Tulloch, Melbourne, Rosa, Hemmings (J. Davis 78), Winnall, K. Bennett.
Unused Subs: Kasiama, Woolley, Guerin-Lokonga.

27th April 2008

Championship Team Of The Year

Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has been named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
The Welsh international was recognised by his peers for a series of commanding displays in the Wolves goal this season.
Hennessey has more than filled the void left by injured stopper Matt Murray at Molineux this term and his performances have led to him being linked with top-flight clubs.

PFA Championship Team of the Year: Wayne Hennessey (Wolves); Bradley Orr (Bristol City), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke), Dan Shittu (Watford), Paul Robinson (West Brom); Brian Howard (Barnsley), Marvin Elliott (Bristol City), Liam Lawrence (Stoke), Jonathan Greening (West Brom), Ricardo Fuller (Stoke), Kevin Phillips (West Brom).

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said: "We were terrific in the second half and we could have won it at the death but how many times have we heard 'fabulous by Schmeichel' before - but that was normally when we were talking about his dad!
"I am not a gambling man and I don't do odds but if we win next week then we give ourselves a chance of making the play-offs.
"Everyone will be nervy next week and there's two teams who can slip up but we've got to win - if we don't, it's over."

26th April 2008

Coventry 1-1 Wolves

9mins: Yellow card, Gibson.
16mins: Yelow card, Olofinjana.
18mins: Goal, E Ward gives Coventry the lead.
Half Time: Coventry 1-0 Wolves.
52mins: Dann fouled Kightly, penalty to Wolves.
52mins: Yellow card, Tabb.
53mins: GOAL, Ebanks-Blake scores from the spot.
61mins: Yellow card, Doyle.
74mins: Yellow card, S Hughes.
78mins: Wolves substitution, M Gray on for Kightly.
88mins: Wolves substitution, S Elliott on for Gibson.
89mins: Wolves substitution, S Ward on for Jarvis.
92mins: Coventry substitution, Hines on for M Hughes.
Full Time: Coventry 1-1 Wolves.

25th April 2008

Team News

Coventry: are hoping midfielders Stephen Hughes (Achilles) and Kevin Thornton (ankle) can play despite picking up slight injuries in training.
Michael Doyle missed training earlier this week but is likely to be fit.

Wolves: midfielder David Edwards will not feature but is close to recovering from a knee injury, while Karl Henry is still sidelined.
Michael Gray missed the midweek game against Cardiff with a bruised shin but is expected to return to contention.

Players Not For Sale

Wolves owner Steve Morgan has said all the club's young stars will be staying at Molineux, regardless of which division the club is playing in next season.
Morgan said on WOW: "I am aware that some Premiership clubs have been watching our players.

"However, I want to set our fans' minds at rest and send out a message in the strongest possible terms - our best young players are not for sale."

Wolves are seventh in the Championship, two points off a play-off spot.
Wales international keeper Wayne Hennessey, striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and winger Michael Kightly have all been linked with moves to the Premiership.

But Morgan continued: "We are an ambitious club with strong finances and most certainly we will be strengthening the squad during the summer.
"We have a young team that we believe has very exciting times ahead of it. We won't allow anything to disrupt that progress.
"They are happy here at Wolves and we are building something very special for the future. End of story."

24th April 2008

Ticket News

Wolves have announced they have sold 4500 tickets from an allocation received of 5000. The box office will continue selling up until 11am on Saturday.
Approximately 500 tickets will also be available for travelling supporters to purchase on the day, at the Ricoh Arena, cash turnstiles only with a price increase.
Adults will be £24.00 and all concessions will be £12.00.
Supporters wishing to pre register for potential play-off tickets are reminded that their forms need to be returned to the ticket office by 1pm this Saturday.

23rd April 2008

Match Reaction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy cranked up the pressure on the sides above his team by insisting their rivals could yet choke in the play-off race.
The 3-0 victory over Cardiff moved his team into seventh in the Championship, just two points behind Crystal Palace and three adrift of Watford with two games to play and McCarthy believes there could be a few twists and turns yet.

He said: "They can only give it away, they can only lose it now. They will be nervous.
"We could win both our games and still not get in there. But it's there for someone to throw it away, it's happened before and it could happen again.
"We cannot throw it away. We can only win our games and get in there but whether that makes it any easier for us to bear, I don't know."
He added: "The league is so topsy-turvy that I don't know what will happen come the last game of the season. Who's just above them? They might just be looking over their shoulders as well. I don't know.
"What if we (Wolves and Palace) both go and lose on Saturday? Let's try to win the game and then we will see. We will know a bit better after Saturday. I hope we still don't know anything and it's still on."
Andy Keogh's bullet header handed the home side an eighth-minute lead before Sylvan Ebanks-Blake served further notice of his growing reputation with his ninth goal in the last 11 games.
Wolves picked up where they left off in the second half and Michael Kightly tapped in from close range in the 57th minute after City goalkeeper Peter Enckelman had spilled Ebanks-Blake's shot.

22nd April 2008

Wolves 3-0 Cardiff

8mins: GOAL, Keogh heads Wolves into the lead.
44mins: GOAL, Ebanks-Blake makes it two.
Half Time: Wolves 2-0 Cardiff.
56mins: GOAL, Kightly gets Wolves third.
60mins: Wolves substitution, S Ward on for Kightly.
62mins: Cardiff substitution, Thompson on for Hasselbaink.
62mins: Cardiff substitution, Scimeca on for Ramsey.
76mins: Wolves substitution, Elliott on for Jarvis.
82mins: Cardiff substitution, Blake on for Whittingham.
87mins: Wolves substitution, Collins on for Foley.
Full Time: Wolves 3-0 Cardiff.

21st April 2008

Team News

Wolves: are sweating on the fitness of Michael Gray who is struggling with a shin injury, with Michael Kightly in line to replace him.
Midfielder David Edwards is set to miss out with a knee injury, while Karl Henry (knee) and Rob Edwards (ankle) are also set to miss out.

Cardiff: defender Glenn Loovens a major doubt with a hip injury and could miss the Bluebirds must-win game.
Kevin McNaughton is also struggling with a calf strain.

20th April 2008

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was stunned by Tommy Miller's last-gasp equaliser for Ipswich at Molineux.
Wolves, badly needing a win to boost their play-off hopes, were on course to get it when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake fired them ahead 17 minutes from time.
But Miller struck in the third and final minute of injury time to secure a 1-1 draw and leave McCarthy feeling deflated.
"It's a bitter pill to swallow that - isn't it?" said McCarthy.
"I'm not sure the players deserved that. I really don't want what has happened to let that happen - it was a well-taken free-kick."

Gary Breen gave away a needless free-kick by fouling Alan Lee on the edge of the area and Miller curled his effort beyond Wayne Hennessey.
"I feel for the players they have given everything," said McCarthy. "All we can do is come back tomorrow and regroup.
"I can't ask any more of my players - they are desperately trying to win.
"If we are not good enough for promotion then that is it."

19th April 2008

Wolves 1-1 Ipswich

17mins: Wolves substitution, Breen on for D Edwards (injured).
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Ipswich.
46mins: Wolves substitution, Kightly on for Gray.
52mins: Yellow card, Bruce.
73mins: GOAL, Ebanks-Blake gives Wolves the lead.
76mins: Yellow card, Olofinjana.
77mins: Ipswich substitution, Lee on for Haynes.
84mins: Ipswich substitution, Rhodes on for Counago.
86mins: Wolves substitution, Kyle on for Ebanks-Blake.
87mins: Yellow card, Foley.
94mins: Goal, Miller equalises from a free-kick.
Full Time: Wolves 1-1 Ipswich.

18th April 2008

Team News

Wolves: are set to welcome back winger Michael Kightly, who appears ready for his first league start in almost five months following ankle surgery.
Stephen Ward is also close to a return after three months out but midfielder Karl Henry (knee) is still sidelined.

Ipswich: are without striker Shefki Kuqi but Jon Walters should be fit enough to replace him in attack.
Midfielder David Norris could play but defender Alex Bruce is also a doubt with a back injury.

17th April 2008

Kightly Comeback

Wolves winger Michael Kightly is keen to re-ignite their Championship play-off hopes by returning to action against Ipswich on Saturday.
Kightly has missed most of this season with an ankle injury, but he told BBC WM: "It'll be nice to be involved, I've missed a lot of football this season."
"Maybe a substitute appearance will ease me back, but if the gaffer wants me to start I'll be buzzing to do that.
Kightly has made only 17 league appearances for Wolves this season.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy told BBC WM: "Kightly's back in the squad along with Stephen Ward. We all want Kights back involved, that's for sure."
"He's fit, he's injury free; like anyone who's been out for so long, he's bound to be a bit rusty. But it's still good to have him back on the training ground and he's looking okay," he added.

16th April 2008

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy insisted that he was "immensely proud" of his side despite the defeat.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake spurned the hosts' best chance when he headed over from seven yards but McCarthy believes a play-off spot is still within reach.

He said: "They took their chance and that proved to be the difference.
"It was a terrific football match with both sides going for it.
"We both squandered chances and I'm immensely proud of how we played the game.
"But we've not managed to pick the right pass. I know they had their chances but it could have been 4-4.
"The issue is that we have lost to West Bromwich Albion.
"It can't hurt me as much as the fans but if we win the next four and get into the play-offs then no-one will care.
"We can go into Saturday quite buoyant because of the way we played.
"I am bullish because we have played well over the last few weeks.
"A top-six finish is definitely on the cards and I am not being down."

15th April 2008

Wolves 0-1 West Brom

Half Time: Wolves 0-0 West Brom.
46mins: West Brom substitution, Bednar on for Miller.
59mins: Goal, Gera gives them the lead.
74mins: Wolves substitution, Eastwood on for Gray.
81mins: Wolves substitution, Kyle on for Foley.
84mins: Yellow card, Elokobi.
85mins: West Brom substitution, Pele on for Phillips.
87mins: Yellow card, Greening.
91mins: West Brom substitution, Moore on for Morrison.
Full Time: Wolves 0-1 West Brom.

Bothroyd Loan Extended

Stoke have extended Jay Bothroyd's loan spell from Wolves until the end of the season, the striker joined them last month after falling out of favour at Molineux.
Bothroyd will now remain at the Britannia Stadium for the remainder of the season and is eligible to feature in the play-offs should City fail to secure automatic promotion.

Kightly And Ward Comebacks

Michael Kightly played for 68 minutes and Stephen Ward for 74 minutes of a competitive training ground friendly.
Goals from Mark Salmon and Liam Hughes saw Wolves win 2-1 in their friendly with Crewe at Compton Park today.

14th April 2008

Team News

Wolves: midfielder Karl Henry will again miss out with a groin injury.
Darron Gibson stood in at Bristol City but David Edwards could return after missing out at the weekend despite recovering from his groin problem.

West Brom: could have defender Martin Albrechtsen back in their line-up after he missed the draw against Blackpool at the weekend with a groin problem.
Prolific striker Kevin Phillips, who has netted 24 times this season, could start on the bench at Molineux.

13th April 2008

Match Reaction

Mick McCarthy felt Wolves were robbed of a "stonewall penalty" in the closing stages of a tense promotion scrap at Bristol City.
With just four minutes remaining of the goalless draw, Matt Jarvis drove into the City box between two defenders and looked to be tripped by substitute Nick Carle.
Referee Paul Taylor took a good look before waving play on and City escaped with a vital point in their bid for successive promotions.

McCarthy said: "You could tell it was a stonewall penalty because the ground went very quiet. The referee had a big decision to make and failed to make it.
"But I'm not blaming him for our failure to win. We were by far the better side and needed to take our chances to make it count.
"Bristol City are a well-organised and well-managed side. If I'm honest, it surprises me that they are still right up there when it matters, but they have had a good spirit about them all season.
"I'm pleased with our performance in what was always going to be a tough game, with pressure on both sides."

12th April 2008

Bristol City 0-0 Wolves

29mins: Yellow card Orr.
Half Time: Bristol City 0-0 Wolves.
76mins: Wolves substitution, Eastwood on for Gray.
82mins: Bristol City substituton, Fontaine on for McAllister (injured).
84mins: Bristol City substitution, Adebola on for Byfeild.
85mins: Bristol City substitution, Carle on for Sproule.
91mins: Yellow card, Olofinjana.
Full Time: Bristol City 0-0 Wolves.

11th April 2008

Team News

Bristol City: Ivan Sproule and Steve Brooker are pushing to return to the starting line up.
The pair impressed with second-half cameos from the bench against Southampton as City lost for the third time in four matches.

Wolves: David Edwards, Gary Breen and Stephen Elliot are all back in contention after injury.
Defender Mark Little has returned from a loan spell at Northampton, and also comes into the reckoning.

10th April 2008

Black Country Derby Sold Out

Wolves have announced that all tickets for the Black Country derby game next Tuesday 15th April have now sold out.
They are asking fans not to travel to the match unless you have a seat.
Also if you are collecting your ticket on the day, please arrive early.

Injuries Update

Winger Michael Kightly has come safely through his first competitive match since having ankle surgery.
The 22-year-old played 45 minutes of the reserve team's 3-1 victory at Oldham on Wednesday, almost five months after his last Championship appearance.

Striker Stephen Ward could be available for the Championship run-in as he begins his comeback from injury.
The 22-year-old Irishman has not played since January because of tendonitis.

9th April 2008

Eastwood's Future Uncertain

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has admitted that Freddy Eastwood's future at the club remains uncertain.
Eastwood has struggled to hold down a regular starting place following his £1.5million transfer from Southend last summer.
The 24-year-old striker hasn't score for Wolves since he netted a brace last August.
And while McCarthy has been impressed with Eastwood's attitude after a loan move to Coventry collapsed, he confirmed that a decision on his future at Molineux will be made in the summer.
"We spoke with Coventry - I've dealt with that - and I've been pleased with Freddy's reaction over the last few weeks," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"Nothing can happen anyway until the end of the season - Real Madrid could ring me about him and he couldn't go anywhere because the transfer window's shut."

New Academy Chief

Wolves have appointed Kevin Thelwell as their new academy manager, five months after Chris Evans left the role.
Thelwell held a similar position at Derby County, becoming the youngest academy manager in the country when he was given the job in 2006, aged 32.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said it was a key appointment for the club, he said on WOW: "The continued success of our academy is of paramount importance to Wolves, and I'm confident we have the right man.
"Over the years we've had numerous top quality players come through the system. Kevin's job will be to improve on the achievements of the academy to date."

Thelwell briefly took charge of Derby's first-team earlier this season when Billy Davies was dismissed, and has previously worked for Preston North End and the Welsh Football Association.
"I'm delighted to be joining a club of the size and stature of Wolverhampton Wanderers," Thelwell said.
"The club has a top academy which is revered in the game for finding young talent and moving them through into the first-team. I'm really looking forward to picking up the reins."

7th April 2008

Sylvan Named Player Of The Month

Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has won the March Powerade Player of the Month Award in the Coca-Cola Championship.
He's been in terrific goal-scoring form during March, scoring 7 goals. Starting the month by scoring the winner in the away win at Colchester before netting a brace to help earn his side a share of the points against Southampton.
He also scored a double against play-off rivals Charlton at the Valley.
Also short-listed for the March award were Peter Whittingham of Cardiff, Fraizer Campbell of Hull and West Broms Kevin Phillips.

Chris Kamara, chairman of the Powerade Player of the Month Awards panel, said: "Sylvan has had an incredible impact at Molineux since making the move from Plymouth Argyle. He's probably now worth three times what Mick McCarthy paid for him in January.
"His fantastic goal against Charlton showed the talent he has and I'm sure Sylvan will have a bright future with Wolves."

5th April 2008

Rosa Still For Sale

Hungarian midfielder Denes Rosa's future at Molineux remains unchanged despite scoring on his return to action for the reserves.
The former Hungarian international has overcome a groin injury and scored in his first two outings for the second string but boss Mick McCarthy says he hasn't changed his mind about Rosa since he made him available at the end of last season.
But the Wolves boss has praised the professionalism of the 31-year-old who has now scored 11 goals from nine appearances this season in the reserves.
Mick said on WOW: "Denes was available before his injury and nothing has changed.
"He's a lovely guy and a model pro - which is why he is back training with the first team.
"He has maintained his professionalism and his dignity. He hasn't sulked.
"I really hope he can eventually get fixed up with another club because he deserves it."

4th April 2008

Davies Injured Again

Midfielder Mark Davies is out for the rest of this season after suffering another injury setback.
The youngster had returned to full training after a lengthy period out with a shoulder problem, only to jar his knee. He also suffered with glandular fever during the first part of this season.
Boss Mick McCarthy now wants the midfielder to concentrate on getting back to full fitness in time for pre-season training.

Mick said on WOW: "Mark has got bone bruising and his knee is in a brace to protect it.
"He was back in full training and then just jarred his knee.
"It's a knock back for him and he has no chance of taking part in first team action this season.
"He's a good little player and we would all like to see him back fit. When he's out training he's definitely a first team player.
"It's been very difficult for him to have been out for so long.
"But he's getting the best possible treatment so let's hope he gets a bit of luck. We want him fully fit for the summer."

3rd April 2008

Gray Wants Little Permanent

Northampton manager Stuart Gray has admitted he would love to see defender Mark Little make his switch to Sixfields permanent in the summer.
The 19-year-old plays the final game of his loan spell from Wolves this weekend which has seen him on the losing side just twice in 16 games.

Gray said: "I would like to think that he would be back here again but at the end of the day he is contracted to Wolves.
"Mark has got ambitions to play in the Championship with Wolves but it was no coincidence that our results picked up when Mark came in.
"He has brought real quality to us. He's disappointed to be going back but it's a 93-day loan which we are unable to extend.
"We thank Wolves for letting him come here and there is no doubt that he has enjoyed himself. He'll be going back there fully-match fit and if Wolves do get into the play-offs then Mark has every chance of being involved."

2nd April 2008

Hearts Want To Keep Berra

Stephen Frail is determined to retain the services of Christophe Berra despite reported interest from Wolves.
Hearts' interim manager has seen speculation over the future of skipper Berra increase after Wolves boss Mick McCarthy attended the 4-0 home defeat by Rangers back in February.
But Frail insists he is keen to keep the defender at Tynecastle and claims there has been no direct contact from Wolves.
Frail told the Evening News: "I know Mick McCarthy was at the game against Rangers but whether he was there to watch Christophe or not, I don't know.
"When our players are doing well, there's obviously going to be interest in them. I think it's just a sign that your players are doing their jobs.
"He's done well recently and we wouldn't want to lose him."

1st April 2008

Manager Of The Month

Mick McCarthy is on the shortlist for the (cursed) March Coca-Cola Manager of the Month.
The Wolves boss is named alongside Alan Irvine of Preston, Phil Brown of Hull and Neil Warnock of Crystal Palace.
Wolves played seven games during the month, winning four, drawing two and losing just one.
The winner will be announced on Thursday 3rd April on Sky Sports News at 12.30pm.