'The Wolves' Site News Page

Wolves finances will get a boost from West Ham getting promotion in yesterday's play-off final.
Shaun Newton's contract at Molineux was due to expire this summer and the Ł115,000 was a promotion winning add on, in addition to the original Ł10,000 transfer fee when he moved to Upton Park in March.

Chief executive Jez Moxey is confident that negotiations with Paul Ince are going well, Ince signed a one-year contract last July.
There have been rumours that Sheff Utd may be interested in him, but the Wolves CEO believes that Ince is keen to stay at Molineux.
Jez said to WOW: "Negotiations with Paul are continuing and everything appears to be going smoothly. He has given every indication that he is planning to conclude a deal with us."

Wolves are facing the prospect of losing striker Kenny Miller for nothing, as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with no prospect of a new one being signed.
Miller, who has been the club's top scorer for two consecutive seasons, was placed on the transfer list at his own request, but has attracted no significant offers and his agent David Baldwin says no talks are planned.

Baldwin told the Express and Star: "Kenny's position on the transfer list relates to issues that occurred before the current managerial regime began.
"But there are no plans at the moment for his position to change.
"He is very excited about working with Glenn Hoddle, but he is still on the transfer list. As far as I am aware, there are no plans for any talks on renewing his contract."

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has remained tight-lipped on speculation linking him with a move for Wolves captain Paul Ince.
Warnock would neither confirm or deny reports he had approached the former England midfielder, who is currently considering the offer of a new one-year deal at Molineux.

"I'm being linked with everybody by everybody," said Warnock. "I can only repeat I'm not commenting on any transfer speculation.
"It's true we're looking to bring in quality players. We've already signed two in Lilian Nalis and Paul Ifill and hopefully there will be one or two others.
"But I'll only comment when I've got something definite to say."

Midfielder Kevin Cooper has been placed on the transfer list at his own request.
The 30-year-old held talks with boss Glenn Hoddle after becoming frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities and it was agreed that his availability would be circulated to other clubs.

Hull have signed Wolves midfielder Keith Andrews on a free transfer.
Andrews opted to see out his contract at Wolves after rejecting a new deal and he has agreed a two-year contract at Hull.

Wolves have released the new away strip for next season is a black shirt with gold chequered mesh detail to the shoulder and sides on both front and back.
It is made of a new innovative poly interlock breathable fabric and the Le Coq Sportif and Chaucer logos have been modified to incorporate Wolves Gold.
They have returned to black following record breaking sales of the change kit two years ago, plus in response to numerous requests from fans to re-introduce it as the change colour for the new season.
The launch date for the new kit is Friday 17/06/05 at 8.00am.

Midfielder Rohan Ricketts has reached an agreement to sign a two-year contract with Wolves when his contract with Spurs ends on 1st July. Wolves will also have the option of keeping Rohan for a further year.
He spent the final two months of last season on loan with Wolves and was released by Spurs last week, but they will still hold his papers until the end of June.

Boss Glenn Hoddle said on WOW: "We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Rohan, it is great news for the club.
"Rohan impressed during his loan spell at Wolves this season and once it was announced that he would soon be a free agent then we were keen to begin talks with him about a permanent deal. He's young, has lots of ability and is one for the future.
"We're all looking forward to seeing more from him. A player of his age will improve and he is a good buy for us now and for the years to come.
"I know a few other clubs were after him but it's good for the club all round that we managed to secure this agreement with him."

Rohan adds: "I am really looking forward to next season. I am excited by the prospect of being involved with a club of this status, and with such a great chance of us getting back up to the Premiership.
"Once I heard Glenn was staying then, if the club was interested, I knew my heart would be here. I had offers from other clubs in both the Premier League and the Championship, but there is such a big opportunity here I couldn't pass it by.
"There are a lot of good players here, both young and experienced, and we all can't wait to come back for pre-season and start that promotion push."

Striker George Ndah, who is out of contract this summer, has been asked to report for pre-season along with the rest of the Wolves squad. It's hoped he will feature in some of the pre-season friendlies and Glenn Hoddle will be able to assess him.
Ndah has thanked Hoddle for offering him a chance, after injuries have plagued the last two years of his career at Molineux. The most recent of which was a thigh muscle problem which he overcame to play 45 minutes in the reserves draw with Bolton at the end of April, but was ruled out of the following three games of the season.

George said on WOW: "The gaffer wants me to come in for pre-season and then if it goes well we shall take it from there.
"I am grateful to him for giving me his time and explaining what he wants from me. He has said that I still have a future here if things go well in the summer, so I am delighted with that. It is good of him to give me such hope.
"Everybody connected with the club has been fantastic. It is well documented how hard the last two years have been for me but with the players, the staff and the fans all willing me on, then it has made it all much easier.
"I didn't play in the last couple of reserve games as a precaution really.
"After getting a run out in the one against Bolton my body was very tired because it had been so long since I'd played. I trained with a view to playing in the last game but after training I was feeling the thigh a little bit and so the gaffer pulled me out, so as to be careful.
"But that's all behind us now and I shall be working on my fitness through the summer with a view to being 100 per cent ready for pre-season."

Goalkeeper Michael Oakes has signed a new two-year deal at Molineux, his current contract was due to expire in the summer.
The 31-year-old made a total of 38 starts during the 2004/05 season.

Oakes said on WOW: "I'm delighted that the contract is all sorted out and I can look forward to next season.
"I have said all along that I wanted to stay and so I am pleased that it's all been completed.
"It's been a good week for the goalkeeping fraternity with Matt Murray having signed as well, so things are looking positive. We have a good combination with my experience and Matt being a good young keeper. It should provide some great battles for the number one spot.
"I was lucky enough to play the majority of last season and I am very much looking forward to what next year brings, I know all the lads are excited about it," he says.
"Glenn got us going back in the right direction when he came in and hopefully we can start picking up a few more wins instead of draws next season to get us nicely up the table.
"Glenn has been a big influence and he's made sure we are all setting our sights on automatic promotion. It is a difficult League, with the teams that are coming down and some good ones coming up, but it's all about what we do ourselves. If we can get off to a good start then there's no reason why we can't achieve our goal."

Wolves are hoping to begin talks with midfielder Rohan Ricketts about a move to Molineux.
The 22-year-old was on loan at Molineux for two months this season, making seven appearances and scoring one goal. He returned to north London at the end of the season, but the club announced earlier this week that he was allowed to leave.
Boss Glenn Hoddle gave the former Arsenal trainee his first team breakthrough whilst manager at White Hart Lane. But Ricketts fell out of favour following Hoddle's departure and spent a spell on loan at Coventry earlier in 2004/05, before joining Wolves for the final two months of the Championship campaign.

But defender Mikkel Bischoff will not be returning to Molineux.
Wolves has decided not to take up the option of buying the defender, who spent two spells on loan with the club during the 2004/05 campaign.
The 23-year-old made two starts and two substitute appearances in his second loan spell with Wolves, which began on transfer deadline day in March.
He made a further seven starts during his first loan spell with the club, arriving shortly before Wolves' trip to West Ham at the start of October. His initial spell at Molineux was cut short after the Danish international dislocated his shoulder in the game away at Rotherham in November.

A local authority investigation cleared Wolves of any negligence and brought the prosecution against Jubilee.
Yesterday a court in Wolverhampton found Jubilee Fireworks of Kingswinford guilty of failing to control a firework, and fined them Ł10,000 plus Ł6,000 costs.
The company was responsible for a display at Molineux, before kick-off of the Newcastle game in November 2003, when a stray firework shot into the lower tier of the Billy Wright Stand.
One season ticket holder, Denise Butler of Telford, was hit in the face and later needed surgery.

Jez Moxey said on WOW: "The Court has reached a guilty verdict which we would support. However, the decision will do little to compensate Louise for what she went through on that day. Our sympathies remain with her and the other supporters who were effected."

Wolves gave an undertaking not to hold firework displays at Molineux again after the incident.

Goalkeeper Matt Murray has signed a new three-year contract at Molineux, his current deal was due to expire this summer although Wolves had a one-year option.
The 24 year old, who missed most of last season and the Premiership campaign with foot problems, is delighted the club has shown him such positive backing.
He said on WOW: "With only playing four first team games over the past two seasons I'm really pleased the club has shown such confidence in me and given me this support.
"They had a one year option but to sign me for three years is great news for me. Now I can concentrate on getting myself fully fit."

Manager Glenn Hoddle added: "I'm delighted the lad has signed. Although I didn't get to see too much of him last season he is a player I had watched a lot when I was at Tottenham - so I knew quite a lot about him before I came to Wolves.
"Fingers crossed now he can make a full recover for next season because he is a player I think can have a bright future."
Matt will spend the summer following a strict rehabilitation programme. But he is not expected to be fit to take part in the friendly games or to travel to the training camp in Spain.

Chief executive Jez Moxey says: "Matt is a committed player who has come up through the ranks. We hope he will make a full recovery and regain the sort of form he showed during our promotion-winning campaign.

Glenn Hoddle is now determined to see Paul Ince put pen-to-paper at Molineux, after Hoddle agreed a one-year rolling contract on Monday he is eager to see his veteran midfielder do likewise.
Ince who is 37-years-old, has proved that age is no barrier with a series of combative displays this term, with his former England taskmaster still a firm admirer of his infectious enthusiasm.
''Paul has done very well for me and I would like him here,'' said Hoddle.
''He definitely wants to stay and I don't feel it will be a big problem.
''There's a length of time that I am prepared to wait for him.''

Also Glenn Hoddle would like Henri Camara back at Molineux and says he could make him a better player.
The controversial striker, whose loan deal with relegated Southampton expires June 30th, will be told the door is open for him at Molineux. However, the boss acknowledges there are issues surrounding the departure of Camara last summer that would affect the fans' desire to see the Senegalese international back.

Glenn said on WOW: "I would see it as a positive step to bring everyone back into the nest. But I am aware that things went on before I came here.
"I would relish bringing the lad back but he would have to want to come.
"I'm open minded about it and the door is open to him. He's a good player and was a good buy. I think I could make him better.
"I'm sure there would be some (ill) feeling towards him from the fans but a couple of goals might change that."
The boss concluded by admitting that the Camara saga might not be resolved quickly.
"I have a feeling this is one that might run on for a while," he said.

Another player to keep an eye on is midfielder Rohan Ricketts, he had been on loan at Wolves this season and has been released by Tottenham.
Ricketts has been told to look for another club after failing to hold down a place in Martin Jol's side.
"We have decided to let Rohan go after three seasons at the club," said sporting director Frank Arnesen.
"He wasn't involved in the first team a lot over the last season. It is important at his age to be a regular in the squad and it is much better for him to move on. We wish him well."

Glenn Hoddle has signed a new 12 month rolling contract at Molineux, his first task will be to sort out the futures of players whose contracts or loan periods are due to expire. The key backroom staff are going to remain working alongside Hoddle.

Chief executive Jez Moxey has welcomed the manager committing to Wolves, saying on WOW: "We have been delighted with Glenn and the work he has done with the squad since he joined us in December.
"This contract provides for Glenn to be here indefinitely and gives both parties security.
"The issue of player contracts has already been discussed and we will continue to look at the finer detail and hold talks with the players and their agents very soon. And the pre-season schedule has already been planned."

Hoddle arrived at Molineux on a six month contract in December, since he took charge Wolves lost just one League game.

Glenn Hoddle's contract talks are continuing today and look set to carry on over the weekend.
Chief executive Jez Moxey says that there are still some details left to discuss but he remains confident of making an announcement soon.
Jez said on WOW: "We still have a few areas that need to be talked through but I am pleased with the way negotiations are progressing," says Jez.
"I know fans are anxiously waiting for news and as soon as we have something definitive to say we will make an official announcement. Until that time, supporters should be sceptical of any claims that the deal is done and signed."

The temporary seating area which has been called the 'Graham Hughes' Stand is on the move again.
It's been dismantled to be used at other sporting events during the summer, including the Open Golf at St Andrews, leaving the south west corner looking a little bare.
But everything will be back in place before Wolves' first home match of the 2005/06 season.

20-year-old Academy graduate striker Gary Mulligan has been released from his contract at Molineux.
He made just one brief substitute's appearance for the first team and played nine times for the reserves this season. He suffered with a niggling injury in the latter stages of the campaign.
Gary spent a spell on loan at Rushden and Diamonds earlier in the season, where he made 12 starts and one substitute's appearance, scoring three goals.

Wolves academy goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has been named in the senior Wales squad which travels to Spain for a six-day training camp next week.
The 19-year-old, who was called into the Under-21 squad in March, will join established players Paul Jones and Rob Edwards on the trip to San Sebastian.
Hennessey, who has already been capped by Wales at Under-16 and Under-18 levels, was also a member of the Wolves side which reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2004-05.
He signed a new three-year professional deal with the club prior to the end of the season after impressing manager Glenn Hoddle.

Manager Glenn Hoddle was full of pride after watching Wolves finish their Championship season with a 4-2 home win over Sheffield United.
Joleon Lescott and Leon Clarke had traded first-half strikes with the Blades' Alan Quinn and Andy Gray to send the two teams into half-time locked at 2-2.
But second-half goals from Kevin Cooper and Kenny Miller proved enough to separate the teams.
Hoddle said: "We've achieved an 18-game unbeaten run and there are a lot of positives about.
"It was a great way to end the season and it was a lovely way to finish because to keep the unbeaten run going was important.
"I had a lot of pride in our performance."

Joleon Lescott was named as the fans Player of the Season.
The 22-year-old was presented with his award after this afternoon's final game of the season.
Captain Paul Ince was voted second, with Lee Naylor third.
Top goalscorer, Kenny Miller, was also handed his award, after netting a total of 20 goals this season.

11mins: GOAL, Lescott gives Wolves the lead.
13mins: Goal, Quinn levels the score.
23mins: GOAL, Clarke puts Wolves back ahead.
37mins: Goal, Gray equalises for Sheff Utd.
45mins: Yellow card, Montgomery.
Half Time: Wolves 2-2 Sheff Utd.
45mins: Wolves substitutions Bischoff on for Edwards (injured) and Cooper on for Olofinjana (injured).
50mins: GOAL, Cooper scores Wolves third.
60mins: GOAL, Miller gets Wolves fourth and his 20th goal of the season.
63mins: Sheff Utd substitution, Shaw on for Quinn.
67mins: Wolves substitution, Cort on for Cameron (injured).
72mins: Yellow card, Miller.
82mins: Sheff Utd substitutions, Sharp on for Gray and Forte on for Webber.
Full Time: Wolves 4-2 Sheff Utd.

Wolves: 4

Oakes, Naylor, Olofinjana, Lescott, Craddock, Cameron, Edwards, Miller, Seol, Ricketts, Clarke.

Subs: Jones, Cooper (45), Bischoff (45), Cort (67), Cornes.

Cards: Yellow: Miller. Red: None.

Sheff Utd: 2

Kenny, Kozluk, Montgomery, Morgan, Jagielka, Gray, Quinn, Bromby, Tonge, Webber, Geary

Subs: Harley, Thirlwell, Forte (82), Sharp (82), Shaw (63).

Cards: Yellow: Montgomery. Red: None.

Attendance: 27,454

Wolves	Match Stats	Sheff Utd
9	Shots On Target	5
6	Shots Off Target	3
11	Fouls (Conceded)	12
3	Corners	7
1	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0

Wolves: manager Glenn Hoddle has his fingers crossed captain Paul Ince will be fit for the home game against Sheffield United.
Ince has received intensive treatment on a calf injury and will undergo a late fitness test.
A late decision will also be made on striker Carl Cort, who has returned to training this week after recovering from hamstring and thigh problems.
Defender Lee Naylor is expected to play through the discomfort of tendinitis in his knee, but Mark Clyde (knee), Mark Kennedy (ankle) and Vio Ganea (kidney problem) will play no part against Neil Warnock's men.
George Ndah is short of match fitness after recovering from a chronic thigh injury, while Keith Andrews (hernia), Joachim Bjorklund (hamstring) and Matt Murray (foot) are all sidelined.

Sheff Utd: Billy Sharp could be a surprise inclusion into the squad.
The teenage striker has scored nine goals in 16 appearances while on loan at Rushden and with nothing at stake in the Blades' last match, boss Neil Warnock could be tempted to hand him only his second first-team appearance.
Warnock has no new injury or suspension problems and must decide whether to stick with young Jonathan Forte, who made a rare start last week.
Striker Danny Webber will make his last appearance on loan from Watford, and skipper Chris Morgan is expected to be available following tendinitis.

from www.wolves.co.uk: Glenn Hoddle has admitted he would be 'open-minded' about Henri Camara making a return to Molineux.
The Senegal striker is currently on loan at Southampton, after a spell with Celtic, following his much-publicised fall out with Wolves at the start of the season.
Camara announced his desire to leave following the club's relegation from the Premier League and then refused to take part in pre-season training. His loan move to Celtic was subsequently agreed.

"Football is a game that moves on and if the lad felt that he has a future here, then I think he could do well for us," says Glenn.
"If it can't be done, because of things that have gone on before I came here, then so be it. But, I would say that it's best to leave the door ajar.
"If the situation does come where no one comes in to buy him then there really is only one option and that would be for him to return. I think he could be a good player for the club again.
"I have heard a lot about what went on, but I can't comment because I wasn't here. All I am saying now though is that I have an open mind, from a football point of view.
"I have had his progress monitored and I think he'd do well with the way we play, and in this League we could probably get more out of him, but who knows?"

Another Wolves striker who's future at Molineux was once a matter for discussion is Kenny Miller. He has been on the transfer list for just over a year but this week suggested he would consider retracting his request to leave.
"Kenny was on the transfer list when I arrived but it has not affected me and the work I do with him in any way, we have a great relationship," says Glenn. "He has played in every game since I've been here and has scored a good number of goals so, the matter is not one that we've really discussed at length."

Glenn Hoddle will give George Ndah a chance to prove himself in pre-season before a decision is made over the striker's future.
Ndah's contract runs out at the end of this season, with him having suffered a catalogue of injuries that have prevented him from playing any part in the last two campaigns.
He recently made a return for the reserves, but has suffered a minor setback that stopped him from featuring in the second string's encounter with Middlesbrough yesterday.

"It is frustrating for George, but at least he can be pleased that this setback is not serious," says Glenn. "He's had a scan which showed he's not torn the muscle or anything and so he'll just have to carry on with his rehab work for a little while longer.
"It's just sad that we've reached the end of the season because there's no games left for him to aim for.
"But, I have had a chat with George and he is now working to get fit over the summer in readiness for pre-season. I have told him to report back then, and if he is OK and plays in a few pre-season games then we will look at things with him then. He is delighted with that and so that's how it has been left for now.
"While I've been here I have looked at all the options, in terms of bringing in players and the sort of player I have been after is here right under my nose, he just needs to get some games under his belt."

Reserves Lose

Wolves reserves slipped to a narrow defeat in their final match of the season against Middlesbrough.
The fixture was played behind closed doors at Boro's Rockliffe Park training complex in front of a handful of scouts and club officials.

The only goal of the game came in the second minute, Owens converting from close range after he had met Adam Johnson's low cross from the left.

Middlesbrough Reserves: Roberts (Pennock 45), McMahon, A. Taylor (Burgess 45), Cattermole, Wheater, Grounds, Clough (Williams 75), Robson, Craddock, Owens, Johnson.
Wolves Reserves: Ikeme, Little, Rafferty, J. Taylor, Clyde, Lowe, Cornes (Spalding 55), Stewart, Ganea (Musson 45), Fitzpatrick, Hughes.
Unused Subs: Hennessey, Tulloch.
Attendance: 0 (game played behind closed doors).

Wolves striker Kenny Miller says he would consider coming off the transfer list at Molineux.
The 25-year-old Scotland international asked for a move last season after a bust-up with former boss Dave Jones.
But he has been a regular starter under new manager Glenn Hoddle, scoring 19 goals.
Miller, whose current contract expires at the end of next season, said: "If the club want to sit down and talk then I'll listen."

Wolves reserves drew 0-0 at Molineux against Blackburn reserves on Tuesday evening.

Wolves Reserves: Jones, Little, Rafferty, Clingan, Clyde, Bjorklund (Taylor 52), Cornes (Bennett 69), Gleeson, Stewart (Musson 90), Fitzpatrick, Hughes.
Unused Subs: Ikeme, Tulloch.
Blackburn Reserves: Drench, Kane, Taylor, Stopforth, Barr, Nolan, Weaver, Harkins, Johnson, Derbyshire, Byrom (Hodge 65).
Unused Subs: Barker, Fielding, Jones, Rowntree.
Yellow Card: Weaver.
Attendance: 196.

Wolves are on course to announce that Glenn Hoddle will be staying at the final match of the season next Sunday.
Hoddle revealed that he expects to have thrashed out the details of a way forward with the club "by the middle of this week." That will leave the former England coach's personal terms to be agreed. But Hoddle says: "I'm sure that won't be a problem."

The Wolves manager's long term future at Molineux has never been certain since he signed a six-month contract in December.
But Hoddle said: "I need to know answers to key questions and hopefully, that will be the case by the middle of this week.
"What happens if we go up? What happens if we don't? There's a few issues that we have already cleared away.
"The next 12 months for Wolves are absolutely critical. The club is at the crossroads. There will be no more parachute money and we need to know what the short-term and long-term plans are.
"Then we can talk about the group of people I want around me and the contracts. But I'm sure that won't be a problem.
"There's no reason at this moment that I can see why we cannot get a positive conclusion. Any suggestion that I am hanging on for other options is ludicrous."

Hoddle also made it clear that he has enjoyed the growing signs of support from fans in recent weeks.
"It was nice to hear them singing my name," he said. "Mind you I was worried because the last time they did that, Coventry equalised! But maybe an 18-game unbeaten run has given them a little bit of a nudge."

Vio Ganea has been forced to pull out of tonight's reserves match because of a kidney problem.
He has only recently returned to reserve action having missed the entire season with a cruciate injury. He is, however, expected to be fit to play for the second string when they travel to face Middlesbrough on Friday.

George Ndah is also missing from tonight's match after it was decided to give him an extra few extra days working at his rehab programme instead. Wolves are hoping that he too will be fit to play on Friday.

Carl Cort returned to training this afternoon at Compton and Paul Ince is having round-the-clock treatment in a bid to be fit for Sunday's final game of the season at home to Sheff Utd.

Wolves under 18s came back from a two goal deficit to take a point from Man City at Compton Park on Saturday.

Jon Taylor gave Wolves the lead with a header after 20 minutes from Steve Gleeson's corner.
But City equalised when Wolves lost possession in midfield and they went ahead just before half time after another mistake, this time in defence.
Twenty minutes into the second-half City got a third when one of their strikers headed in. But the Wolves lads showed a great work ethic and refused to admit defeat and they got their reward.
Tom Stewart pulled a goal back with a well struck free-kick from the edge of the City box a quarter-of-an-hour from the end. Five minutes later Liam Hughes got the equaliser when he shot home from 10-yards after good work from Steve Gleeson.

Glenn Hoddle has warned there "needs to be a change of mentality" at Wolves before he commits his future to the club.
Under the former England manager, Wanderers have suffered just one defeat in 23 league games and came from behind to win 2-1 at play-off contenders Reading.

Nicky Forster had put the Royals ahead but Wolves were deserved winners with goals from Leon Clarke and Rohan Ricketts.

Now attention will turn to whether Hoddle will sign a new contract to remain at Molineux when his six-month deal comes to an end following next Sunday's final game of the season at home to Sheffield United.
He said: "At one stage we had decided to keep contract talks back until the season had ended. But once it became clear that mathematically we couldn't make the play-offs we brought them forward.
"There are one or two things we need to get out of the way, mainly about the infrastructure at the club.
"There needs to be a change of mentality but talks are going well and I am waiting for the board to come back with things I want and need.
"If they do that then I expect to discuss the contract after the last game of the season has taken place next Sunday.
"I have really enjoyed my time at the club and they are a great set of fans. They started chanting my name today which worried me. The first time they did that was when we were playing Coventry and we immediately conceded a goal."

Hoddle saw Wolves come from behind to stretch their unbeaten league run to 17 games.
"We controlled the midfield and they never really got to grips with Seyi George Olofinjana.
"I told them in the team talk that Reading would have to change the way they played to cope with him and they did that late in the game."