News Index

Archived News:

31st May 2006

Pro-Zone Dropped

Wolves will not use the computerised performance analysis system Pro-Zone next season.
The system was introduced by manager Glenn Hoddle and featured in all of last season's pre-match preparations and post-match debriefs.
"We have to make cutbacks and this is something we've decided to sacrifice," said chief executive Jez Moxey.
"We remain supporters of it but in not opting to use Pro-Zone the club will save in the region of £100,000."

30th May 2006

Ince To Sign New Deal This Week

Wolves are hoping to move closer to an agreement with veteran midfielder Paul Ince this week.
The club are planning talks with the club captain and his representative to discuss a new contract for the 38 year old, whose current deal is set to expire at the end of next month.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said on WOW: "We are going to try and move the situation forward this week.
"I'm hoping to speak to Paul's agent today and the manager will be speaking to Paul himself over the next few days."

The Guvnor publicly stated towards the end of last season that he wanted to play on for another term.
In the last programme of the 2005/06 season, he said: "If I felt I'd let the team down last season then I would have knocked it on the head. But I felt I did OK and see no reason why I can't continue playing.
"If the club wants me, then I am fully prepared to give it another year to help Wolves get to where they should be."

27th May 2006

Gyepes Planning Christmas Return

Wolves defender Gabor Gyepes has started the difficult road back to recovery and is hoping to be back before Christmas.
The Hungarian international suffered a severe knee injury in March as he damaged cruciate ligaments, medial ligaments and also dislocated his left knee against Sheffield Wednesday.
The 24-year-old told the Express and Star: "The physios have told me my first target is Christmas, but whether that's playing football or just being back in full training we will have to wait and see.
"I felt I had a good season and played well, but I know I can play much better," he added. "It's difficult to be positive all the time because being injured can see your mood go up and down. But my doctor and the physios are very positive, so I have to remain positive because I want to try to come back early."

26th May 2006

Lescott Bid Rejected

Wolves have confirmed that earlier this week they received an offer for defender Joleon Lescott, but the Board rejected it. 
Jez Moxey said on WOW: "I can confirm that we received a bid for Joleon earlier this week and it has been rejected.
"Due to the nature of any transfer discussions, I am unable to discuss the size of the bid and the club involved."

24th May 2006

Last Friendly Announced

Wolves have revealed the last friendly of their pre-season warm-up, against Swansea in their new Liberty Stadium.
The match is on Saturday 22nd July with a 3pm kick-off, and will be Wolves first visit to the new stadium.

Although Swansea could get promoted to the Championship next season as they play Barnsley in the League One play-off final at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday, the respective managers, Glenn Hoddle and Kenny Jackett, were both in agreement that the friendly should go ahead.

23rd May 2006

Another Friendly

Wolves have announced they will be playing a friendly with Kidderminster Harriers at the end of July, which will be the final match of the club's pre-season warm up.
The game at Aggborough is on Monday 31st July, with a 7.30pm kick-off.
There is one more friendly to be announced to complete the pre-season schedule.

22nd May 2006

Transfer Rumors

Crewe midfielder Kenny Lunt could be on his way to Molineux, according to boss Dario Gradi.
Gradi has offered his 26-year-old captain a new contract at Gresty Road but believes staying in the Championship may be in the player's best interests.
He told Crewe's official website: "If Glenn Hoddle is telling Kenny that he wants him to play in central midfield in his first team next season at Wolves, then I have to turn around to him and advise Kenny that is the best move for his career."
A host of clubs including Crystal Palace, Leicester and Southampton are being linked with the player who was one of Crewe's best performers this season as the Railwaymen were relegated to League One.

Mikkel Bischoff says he is "very interested" in a permanent move to Molineux, but the problem is Wolves do not seem as keen.
The defender spent a period on loan at Molineux in the 2004/5 season and is now keen on a permanent switch having been released by Manchester City.
Bischoff told the Birmingham Mail: "If Wolves wanted to come in, of course I would be interested. I enjoyed my time there very much and made some very good friends at the club.
"They are a good club who I would be very interested in joining."
But, Wolves have denied expressing any interest in the 24-year-old, dismissing the story as press speculation.

20th May 2006

Rosa Signs New Deal

Hungarian international Denes Rosa has signed a new three year deal at Molineux.
The midfielder originally joined Wolves on a short term contract last January. Wolves had an option to sign the 29 year old for a further two years but have added a further 12 months to that.
Rosa made six starts and four substitute appearances for Wolves last season and scored two goals.
He said on WOW: "I am very happy that I have been able to agree a new contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"I was aware of interest from other clubs but I have enjoyed my time at Wolves and was keen to stay.
"I look forward to being part of a team that pushes for promotion next season."

19th May 2006

Silas Next To Leave?

Portuguese midfielder Silas looks set to leave Molineux in the summer.
The 29-year-old's current deal is due to run out in June and although Wolves have the option of extending it for another 12 months, chief executive Jez Moxey is expecting him to be released.
He was signed for £1million from Uniao Leiria in the summer of 2003 and managed just five starts and nine substitute appearances for Wolves.
Silas has not kicked a ball for Wolves since February 2004 after joining Maritimo and then Belenenses on season-long loans.
Moxey said: "The option for the manager to sign Silas for next season is there.
"But at this stage, I'd say it's highly unlikely that will happen."

18th May 2006

Another Friendly Announced

Wolves have announced another pre-season friendly against League One side Tranmere Rovers.
The game will take place at Prenton Park on Tuesday 18th July with a 7.45pm kick-off.

17th May 2006

Olofinjana Going To Train In Norway

Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana will rejoin former club Brann Bergen this summer in a bid to ensure he's fit for Wolves.
He will return to Norway later this month to train with his old team mates as he continues the quest for full fitness following his long standing back injury.
Olofinjana believes training with Brann, who are already half a dozen games into the new Norwegian season, will be better for him than doing gym work on his own at Molineux.
And the 25-year-old is hoping training full time with a team preparing for competitive games will mean he will return to Wolverhampton ready for the pre-season.

"I've spoken to my old club Brann and they've agreed that I can go over and train with them," said Olofinjana.
"They are in full training already because their league season is underway and I feel this is a good chance to get my fitness up.
"I didn't play too many games last season and this is an opportunity to get myself fully fit and try to make sure I'm ready for when our pre-season starts.
"I'm ready to step up my training, and although I'm going to take things slowly and not rush things I feel I can step things up."

Olofinjana has been troubled with the back problem for a year, affecting his form during the first half of last season and restricting him to only 14 appearances.
He was finally diagnosed with having a cracked bone in his back when he reported for African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria in January.
Rest and rehabilitation has since been the order of the day for Wolves' £1.7m signing, who is now on the road to recovery.

"It has been a very frustrating time but I feel I am making some progress now," he added.
"I've got to the stage where I'm able to do things I couldn't do a few months ago. There's still a bit of pain but that's something I've got to get used to.

16th May 2006

Frankowski Not In Poland World Cup Squad

Wolves striker Tomasz Frankowski will not be playing in the World Cup with Poland this summer after failing to be named in the national squad, even though he was the country's leading scorer in qualifying rounds.
He hasn't scored for Wolves since he joined in January and it would seem that his lack of goals, along with a slight groin injury, has hampered his chances of a trip to Germany.

Poland national coach, Pawel Janas said: "Tomasz is exhausted and shattered and to make matters worse he picked up a minor injury on Sunday (in a friendly against the Faroe Islands).
"He has not scored for so long and that is something he is having trouble coming to terms with.
"He is having a crisis and I hope and I trust he can rebuild his shattered confidence.
"But I don't think that by the time of the World Cup he will come back to his best form."

Transfer News

Cardiff manager Dave Jones appears to have lost out on the chance to sign Wolves midfielder Colin Cameron.
Jones signed the former Scotland star, 33, during his time in charge at Molineux, but Coventry have already offered Cameron a two-year deal.
Cameron's agent, Jim McArthur, said: "We're waiting to hear from Cardiff, but we cannot wait forever." 

Wolves midfielder Kevin O'Connor has signed a one-year contract at the club and has the option of extending it by a further 12 months.
The 20-year-old, who has yet to make his first-team debut for Wolves, was sent on loan to Stockport in March and scored one goal in seven appearances.
His contribution helped the League Two outfit beat relegation to the Conference by three points.
He also played 16 times for Wolves' reserves last season.

15th May 2006

Fixture Update

Wolves have confirmed more friendlies for this summer.
Details of further fixtures are expected to be announced before the end of the week.

10th July 2006 Hednesford Town, Keys Park, 7.30pm kick-off.
11th July 2006 Telford Utd, Bucks Head, 7.30pm kick-off.
15th July 2006 Burton Albion, Pirelli Stadium, 3pm kick-off.
26th July 2006 Crewe Alexandra, Gresty Road, 7.30pm kick-off.
29th July 2006 Aston Villa, Molineux, 3pm kick-off.

12th May 2006

Transfer News

UEFA Cup winners Sevilla have joined four Premiership clubs in the race to sign Wolves defender Joleon Lescott, who may be sold to generate transfer funds.
They have joined Everton, Newcastle, Man City and Aston Villa in the hunt for the 23-year-old centre-back.
Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle has been told he will have to operate on a tight budget this summer after the end of the club's 'parachute payments' following relegation from the Premiership two seasons ago.

Midfielder Colin Cameron has rejected a contract offer from Wolves and is now being linked with a move to Coventry.
He is one of the players Glenn Hoddle is keen to keep, but he has been forced to offer him a deal on reduced terms due to the financial situation at Molineux.
"Colin's turned down Wolves' offer," Cameron's agent Jim McArthur told skysports.com. "It seems like he'll be leaving as it's their final offer."
Cameron is not short of admirers and Coventry boss Micky Adams has stepped in with an offer of his own.
"I've spoken to Coventry and they've offered a two-year deal," added McArthur. "Colin is interested as it's a good contract." 

11th May 2006

Friendly Announced

Wolves have announced they are playing Crewe Alexandra in a pre-season friendly at Gresty Road on Wednesday 26th July, with a 7.30pm kick-off.
Crewe were relegated to League One this season so they won't be meeting in the League next season.
Admission for the game is £14 for adults, £11 senior citizens, £6 for 12 to 16-year-olds and £3 for under 11s.
Wolves will be confirming the full pre-season programme next week.

10th May 2006

Ince and Cameron Offered New Deals

Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle has offered out-of-contract midfielders Paul Ince and Colin Cameron new deals at Molineux.
Ince, 38, had been contemplating retirement at the end of the 2005-06 season but has now decided to play on.
Hoddle decided against his plans to release Cameron after the Scot impressed over the final five games of the season following his return from a brief loan spell at Millwall. 

No League For Wolves Reserves

Wolves have announced they will not be entering a team into a formal reserve league next season.
The decision was made because of changes to the Barclays Premiership Reserve League, which no long allows non top-flight teams to participate.
It was also influenced by more young players tol be involved with the first team squad, next season.

Other Midland clubs are also likely to drop official reserve games, with Derby County and Leicester City having already announced their intention not to participate.

Jez Moxey said on WOW: "We expect that next season more of our young professionals will be either involved in the first team squad or will be gaining first team experience out on loan. Given that there is also a 28-game Academy league programme to fulfil, we felt there was a danger of overplaying our youngsters if we also entered a reserve competition.
"This approach worked successfully for Derby County last season and other Midland clubs are likely to take this course. Leicester have already said they will not play in a reserve league.
"We will be looking to arrange fixtures with these clubs and top-flight sides who have expressed an interest in playing more fixtures than the revised Premier League schedule allows them. This gives our players the chance to learn and develop at times that suit our first team fixtures, rather than having to fulfil regular commitments.
"Reserve team coach Terry Connor will continue to be involved in the coaching of the club's young pros and will take responsibility for arranging friendly games. It is likely that these matches will take place either AT Molineux, AFC Telford United or the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.
"We realise that there are many fans who enjoy watching reserve games and we look forward to welcoming them to these friendly matches. Dates and times will be publicised on our website and in the local press."

8th May 2006

Hoddle Switches Agent

Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle has dramatically ditched his agent of 28 years.
Hoddle has ended his career-long association with Dennis Roach and switched to Jerome Anderson's SEM company, a decision already being viewed in the press as an attempt to hunt down a new opportunity this summer.
Last week Hoddle was linked with a move to Charlton, but Charlton chairman Richard Murray's "thanks but no thanks" response gave Hoddle a graphic reminder of his declining appeal to Premiership bosses.

SEM confirmed that his fortunes will now be handled by the high-profile Anderson, Chairman & Chief Executive of the company, a further signal of the priority being given to Hoddle's career.
And after being told of the severity of the cutbacks facing him at Wolves, the speculation is that Hoddle may have concluded his chances of reviving his career are best served elsewhere.
Hoddle has endured a torrid campaign at Molineux where his team have failed to deliver on the talked-up promotion promise.
Over the final weeks of the season, some fans began to express their growing dismay at Wolves Champion ship failings with chants of "Hoddle Out" and "Hoddle for England."
Nevertheless, he survived an end-of-season review of the campaign at last week's report to the directors at a board meeting in London.
Hoddle was said to have mounted an impressive case for a fresh chance at that meeting in the face of an increasingly hostile public.

Away Kit On Sale

Wolves new white away strip nicknamed the white wolf went on sale today.
There are several ways to buy one online at http://shop.wolves.co.uk Wolves online shop, call into the club shop at Molineux or the Dudley Street store or call Wolves Direct on 0870 442 0123.

5th May 2006

Four Players Out

Wolves have announced that they will not be offering new contracts to Darren Anderton, Stefan Postma, Maurice Ross and Vio Ganea. The current deals for all four expire at the end of June.
Kenny Miller (to Celtic) and George Ndah (retirement) have already left.
Paul Ince, Denes Rosa, Colin Cameron and Mark Kennedy are also out of contract this summer, however, the club is to enter into negotiations with those players.

There was good news for Academy youngster Stephen Gleeson, he has signed a professional contract at Molineux.
The 17-year-old midfielder signed a three-year deal this morning, following in the footsteps of Mark Davies, Daniel Jones, Mark Little, Chris Cornes, Wayne Hennessey and Martin Riley who have all signed pro contracts under Glenn Hoddle.
Dublin-born Stephen has made 16 appearances in the reserve team this season, and has scored four goals.

3rd May 2006

Hoddle Is Staying

Wolves have ended weeks of debate among fans and the media and announced that:

Following Tuesday's board meeting, Glenn Hoddle will continue as manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.
During a frank and honest discussion at the board meeting, Glenn clearly explained the reasons behind this season's disappointing results and out-lined how he will approach the difficult challenge of re-building the squad as a result of the club's need to operate within a reduced playing budget.

"It's no secret that the Board and Glenn are disappointed with the team's failure to secure automatic promotion or a play-off spot, especially as everyone was well aware of the likely financial restraints for next season if we didn't achieve promotion," said chief executive, Jez Moxey.
"That said, Glenn is a proven manager and the board feels confident that he has the skills needed to re-build the squad over the coming season.
"During the meeting, we clearly articulated that the loss of the Premiership parachute payment means that there will be a reduced budget for next season. Glenn accepts this and is now looking at how best to shape his squad with the money available.
"We will sit down with out-of-contract players and back-room staff shortly to discuss what this means to their futures. This aside, a reduced budget will necessitate a re-definition of the club's approach to player acquisition and inevitably lead to more opportunities for younger players from inside and outside the club.
"Throughout this process, the club needs the support of its fans. Most clubs go through a period of re-building at one time or another. Our time is now and we need the fans to understand the realities of working within a tighter budget whilst sharing our optimism about the development of a younger first team squad that will compete as hard as possible in next year's Championship."
from www.wolves.co.uk

Reserves Draw

Wolves reserves drew their final home game of the campaign 2-2 with Leeds reserves.

In the 23rd minute Wolves took the lead. Bennett won possession on the right and sent over a pinpoint cross that was helped on by Stephen Gleeson to Stewart who made no mistake with a low shot from 12-yards.
Just four minutes into second-half Leeds drew level. Jonathan Howson was tripped by Rafferty 25-yards out in a central position and Ricketts curled the free-kick around the wall and beyond the dive of Carl Ikeme.
They then went ahead in the 68th minute. Dan Harding fired in a cross from the left and Ricketts headed against the foot of the near post before bundling the rebound over the line.
But Stewart gave Wolves the point they deserved when he headed past Wilberforce six minutes from the end after Gleeson had floated a free-kick into the box.

Wolves Reserves: Ikeme, Little, Rafferty, Gleeson, Craddock, Riley, Bennett, Salmon (Hughes 85), Stewart, Frayne (Ferran 68), Jones.
Unused Subs: Hennessey, Taylor, Askey.
Yellow Card: Jones.
Leeds Reserves: Wilberforce, Camfield (Bayly 60), Harding, Hird, Madden, Walton, Griffiths, Einarsson, Howson (Ameobi 73), Ricketts, Parker (Brown 79).
Unused Subs: Rose, Serrant.
Attendance: 207.

2nd May 2006

White Wolf Unveiled

Wolves have unveiled the White Wolf, it's the new away kit for next season. The new white strip was launched alongside news that both the current club sponsor, Chaucer Group Limited, and the current kit manufacturer, Le Coq Sportif, have both agreed to extend their contracts for a further two years.

Jez Moxey said on WOW: "We are pleased to extend our relationship with Chaucer and Le Coq Sportif. Both companies have proved that they want to work with Wolves and feel that the club has a strong future.Their commitment reflects the optimism within the club as we close the door on a disappointing year and start to look positively towards a new season.The new away kit is a great design and I'm pleased that it continues to feature the Chaucer logo."

The away kit nick named the White Wolf goes on sale Monday 8tth May but can be pre-ordered from the club shop or on-line from tomorrow. Adults shirts cost £40, Junior shirts £30.

1st May 2006

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle was naturally delighted with the win, which confirmed his side would finish in seventh place in the table.
"I thought we just about deserved it, even though it got a bit nervous towards the end. There was a lot of quality out there, especially in the lead-up to the two goals, and I am very happy to finish the season on a high note."

As for the 80th-minute sending-off of midfielder Colin Cameron for two bookable offences, he added: "Colin is adamant that he got a bit of the ball and it wasn't a particularly bad challenge, but to be fair to the referee, he had been warned a few minutes earlier after committing another foul, so I suppose we can't have too many complaints."

Hoddle is now expecting a busy summer, with the club having to decide how best to cope with a downturn in income following the end of the Premiership parachute payments.
There are currently nine senior players who will be out of contract at the end of June, including goal scorers Rosa and Kennedy, and the Wolves boss doesn't know yet whether he will be able to keep them.
"It will be determined by the finances of the club and how things are going to be run going forward," he said. "There will be big changes, there is no doubt about that. How big they will be, we're not too sure until we sit down and discuss the future next week.
"It's a question of discovering what the implications are for not getting the parachute money. Until we know that, we can't decide which players will be re-signed."

As for his own future, Hoddle added: "It's as clear as a bell. I've got a 12-month rolling contract, and there is a lot of clarity when you have got that. I don't see why I should not be manager here next season. No one has told me any differently."