News Index

Archived news:

29th June 2007

Smoke Free Molineux

From www.wolves.co.uk: In line with new government legislation, Molineux, the Dudley Street store, Academy Dome and Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground will all be 'smoke free' from Sunday 1st July.

The changes have been introduced to improve the overall environment for non-smokers and reduce the potential health hazards to those who smoke and those forced to inhale passive smoke. As a sporting institution, it is only right that Wolves embraces these changes as they are designed to improve the health and well-being of people visiting Molineux.

So, from Sunday, week-day visitors and fans attending matches will no longer be able to smoke once they pass through the entrance doors or turnstiles. External provision has been made for smokers and further information is available within Wolves 'smoke free' policy.

This restriction covers all corporate areas, terraces, concourses and toilets. Therefore, fans are requested not to attempt to smoke within the ground once the season commences. Those found smoking who refuse to acknowledge the legislation or repeatedly flout the law will be ejected and possibly banned.

Anybody wanting to receive a copy of Wolves 'smoke free' policy should contact info@wolves.co.uk.

28th June 2007

Gobern Signs New Deal

Lewis Gobern has agreed a new two-year contract to stay at Molineux.
The winger's deal was due to expire, but he has opted to pledge his future to Mick McCarthy's side until 2009.
He made 12 appearances last season, but failed to feature in 2007 after his campaign was curtailed by hamstring trouble.
Gobern admits he was not aiming to quit Molineux and is happy to have resolved his contract situation.

Reserve Fixtures

Wolves have released the reserve fixture list for the 2007/08 season.
Eight of the opposition teams are Midlands based only Bradford City, Huddersfield Town and Oldham Athletic any significant distance away from Wolverhampton.
The season begins with an away fixture at Walsall whilst the first three home games will be played at Molineux.
It is expected that most of the remaining home games will be played at AFC Telford.

27th June 2007

Doog's Funeral

Derek Dougan's funeral will take place at St Peter's Church, Wolverhampton at 1.00pm on Thursday 5th July.
A large number of family, friends and official guests are expected to attend and Wolves will be represented by senior members of staff.
Wolves plan to mark his passing at a future game.
The striking legend died on Sunday after suffering a heart attack.

Morgan Reassures Fans

26th June 2007

Murray To See Specialist

Keeper Matt Murray is due to see a specialist tomorrow and is hoping for a favourable report on his broken shoulder.
He injured it in training prior to the end of season play-offs.

Murray said on WOW: "I don't want to get carried away but there has been a massive improvement in my shoulder during the last few days.
"These are exciting times at the club and from talking to some of the lads over the last few days, like me they can't wait to come back in to training and get started next week.
"We have lost some great characters in Carl Cort, Michael Oakes and Jackie McNamara. But new players will be coming in - we've already signed Matt Jarvis - so expectation levels are going to rise.
"It will be a difficult league as usual, but I think that we will be up there amongst the favourites.
"The fans were unbelievable last year and I'm positive they will be right behind us again.
"Some games they didn't get the results they wanted even though we played entertaining football. But the supporters helped when things didn't go well by staying right behind us.
"The squad is still young and relatively inexperienced and new players will be coming in so things have got to gel. But, hopefully, we are going to be in for a good season."

25th June 2007

Fixture Update

Wolves first game of the season against Watford on 11th August is going to be shown live on Sky.
The kick-off at Molineux has been moved to 5.20pm.
More matches to be shown on Sky are expected to be announced soon.

24th June 2007

Wolves Legend Dies

Derek Dougan, the former Northern Ireland and Wolves striker, has died at the age of 69.
Born in Belfast, Dougan started his career with Distillery before getting his first taste of football in England with Portsmouth.
He went on to play for Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Peterborough United and Leicester City before joining Wolves in 1967.
During a successful spell at Molineux, Dougan scored 123 goals for Wolves and was also part of the team which won the 1974 League Cup.
Dougan was also chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association and was noted as being an outspoken figurehead of the organisation.

On the international scene, Dougan made his debut for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup finals and spent 15 years in the national setup.
He scored eight goals in 43 appearances for his country and linked up well with Manchester United legend George Best.
A Wolves spokesperson said: "We are very saddened to hear of the death of one of the most talented players ever to wear a Wolverhampton Wanderers shirt."

21st June 2007

Takeover Delay

Steve Morgan's takeover of Wolves has been delayed by legal technicalities but Wanderers chief executive Jez Moxey is confident the deal will go through.
Morgan is buying 100% of president Sir Jack Hayward's shares for a £10 payment, with the condition that £30m is invested in the Championship club.

Moxey said: "It is taking a bit longer than we envisaged for the legal teams to finalise the documentation.
"But there are no fundamental problems with the deal - it will happen soon."

However, hold-ups mean that the plan has been temporarily scuppered - with no new timeframe set.

Moxey added: "We appreciate supporters are waiting for the takeover to be officially confirmed and we hope to be able to do that in the very near future.
"Until then I would ask everyone to remain patient."

20th June 2007

Wolves Bid Rejected

Wolves have had an offer rejected by Burnley for striker Kyle Lafferty.
Clarets manager Steve Cotterill revealed on Tuesday that Wolves had enquired about the Northern Ireland international's availability.
Though the question was given short shrift, Wolves have gone back in with a firm bid for the 19-year-old.
The offer has been rejected by Burnley, with chairman Barry Kilby insisting Lafferty, who is under contract until 2010, is not for sale.

"Wolves have been back in touch regarding the availability of Kyle," Kilby told the club's official website.
"I had an in initial chat with (Wolves chief executive) Jez Moxey last week when they first expressed an interest and we told them he was not for sale.
"Wolves have made an official offer for the player, which we have rejected immediately.
"Kyle is very much a part of our plans for the future and I reiterate that he is not for sale."

First New Signing

Wolves have made their first summer signing, Gillingham winger Matt Jarvis for an undisclosed fee.
Jarvis rejected a new deal at Gillingham and was chased by several clubs but decided to move to Molineux.
He turned down a £650,000 move to Nottingham Forest in March, while Stoke appeared to be favourites to sign the 21-year-old.
But he has now agreed a two-year deal, with the option of an extra 12 months, with Wolves after the two clubs settled on a fee, rather than let the figure be decided by a tribunal.
Gills chairman Paul Scally revealed several months ago that he thought Jarvis had already lined up his next club, but the youngster admits Wolves interest came about only recently.

18th June 2007

Kightly Signs New Deal

Wolves winger Michael Kightly has signed a new four-year contract at Molineux. The 21-year-old came on loan last November from Grays Athletic and then signed a two and a half year contract in January and quickly become a fans favourite.

Kightly said on WOW: "I have said from day one that I'm happy here and would sign a longer contract if I was offered one.
"The discussions on personal terms went well and now I can look forward to another four good years here.
"I knew it was a big club when I first arrived but, with the stadium and set up here, I feel it is one of the best in the League.
"The ambition is to kick on and get into the Premier League and I want to be a part of it and play at the highest level.
"The way the fans have treated me has been unbelievable and I want to show some loyalty to them and help the club get up.
"We had a good chance with the squad we had last year and with a couple of additions then I think our chances will be even better.
"I'm settled in the area which is a big part of things, and have been happy staying in my apartment. But, in the next couple of months, I'll be looking for a house to settle down in now that I have the stability that the new contract has given me."

14th June 2007

2007/08 Fixtures

Wolves are at home to Watford for the opening day of the 2007/08 season on Saturday 11th August.
Wolves play West Brom at The Hawthorns at the end of November, then home in March.
I am not allowed to list the League Matches on here so click here for Wolves Official Fixtures/Results.

13th June 2007

Carling Cup Draw

Wolves were first out of the hat in this morning's Carling Cup draw, and they will be playing Bradford City at Molineux in the first round.
Bradford were relegated to League Two at the end of the season. The date has yet to be confirmed but it is likely to be on Tuesday 14th August with a 7.45pm kick-off.

12th June 2007

Eastwood Update

Southend chairman Ron Martin has admitted for the first time that the club could sell star striker Freddy Eastwood.
A host of clubs have been linked to Eastwood for many months, but the Shrimpers relegation from the Championship means Southend's battle to keep hold of the 23-year-old is made even harder.
Wolves have already had a bid turned down this summer and they look ready to make a fresh offer, and Martin admits he could now sell.

"We are reluctant sellers but at the same time we don't want to keep a player who isn't happy here," Martin told the Southend Echo.
"I wouldn't say Freddy was unhappy but like every footballer he wants to be at the highest level he possibly can.
"There has been continued interest in Freddy which is what you would expect because he only has a year left on his contract.
"The offers so far though have not been cost affective from our point of view.
"We know Freddy can be instrumental in helping us get back up into the Championship but then so could the money and you can never say never."

Meanwhile, Martin remains optimistic that Gary Hooper will remain at Roots Hall.
"I've met with his agent again and talks are continuing," said Martin.
"Gary is part of the future for this football club."

11th June 2007

Friendlies Update

Wolves have announced the kick-off times for their seven pre-season friendlies which includes a two match tour of Ireland.
The first of the Irish fixtures, against Bray Wanderers on July 18, has a 7.45pm start whilst the game against Bohemians the following Sunday, July 22, kicks-off at 3pm.
Before the squad departs for Ireland the pre-season warm up begins on July 14th with a game against Michael Kightly's former club Grays Athletic, which starts at 3pm.

On returning to England, Wolves play a further three away games, against Doncaster Rovers on July 25th (7.30pm KO), Cheltenham Town on July 28th (3pm KO) and Northampton Town on July 31st (7.45pm KO).
The home meeting with Reading, on August 4th, kicks-off at 3pm.

8th June 2007

Eastwood Not For Sale

Southend chairman Ron Martin has warned Wolves off making a move for striker Freddy Eastwood.
Eastwood's future at Roots Hall has been the subject of intense speculation for some time with a number of top clubs believed to be chasing his signature.
Southend's relegation from the Championship has fuelled rumours that Eastwood could be on his way this summer.

Wolves have expressed an interest in Eastwood, but Martin has told them the prolific striker is not for sale and he is hoping to tie the player down to a new contract.
"I have told Wolves that Freddy is not for sale," Martin told the Southend Echo.
"I have been very consistent on this matter and it doesn't matter how much they bid because we won't be selling him.
"We are aware of Freddy's contract situation and we will be in talks with him very soon about a contract and will be putting a proposal to him."

Lowe Out On Loan

Wolves defender Keith Lowe is set to join Port Vale on a season long loan.
Lowe came up through the youth Academy and has 12 months left on his Molineux contract.
Vale manager Martin Foyle said: "Mick McCarthy says Keith has got bags of talent and he would only loan him out as he feels that in another year Keith will go back to Wolves and really do something."

He went on loan at Cheltenham last season and did not feature for Wolves first team.
He made his Wolves debut in the Carling Cup in August 2004, his first league game came a month later.
The following season he went out on loan to Burnley, QPR and then Swansea where he won a LDV Trophy winners medal.
He returned to Wolves at the end of that season to play in three of the last four games.

Also on the move is striker Carl Cort, his contract at Wolves ended this summer and he has signed a two-year deal with Leicester at the Walkers Stadium.

6th June 2007

Takeover Update

Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward expects Steve Morgan's takeover of the Molineux club to be completed within a fortnight.
Sir Jack last month agreed to sell the club to the Cheshire-based businessman for a nominal £10 although Morgan has also promised investment of £30million.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said: "As is the case with most transactions of this nature, there is a complicated legal process to follow and lawyers for both parties have been working hard since we announced this exciting news on May 21.
"Sir Jack and Steve have agreed the deal and there are no issues of concern.
"We simply need to ensure the detailed legal work is completed to everyone's satisfaction and this is taking a little longer than anticipated.
"We fully appreciate supporters are eagerly waiting for this new chapter in the club's history to begin and it will not be long before Sir Jack and Steve will attend a press conference to signify completion.
"Everyone is excited about the takeover and I know Steve is really looking forward to getting down to business at Molineux to begin turning his ambitions for Wolves into reality."

4th June 2007

Hennessy's First Full International

Wolves youngster Wayne Hennessey is likely to be given the chance to claim the Wales goalkeeping role on a permanent basis.
The 20-year-old made his first full appearance for his country in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Cardiff, and produced an outstanding display in the 0-0 draw.
Now boss John Toshack is expected to retain the 6ft 7in goalkeeper for the August 22 friendly in Bulgaria and then the next Group D qualifier on September 8 when leaders Germany come to the Millennium Stadium.
Anglesey-born Hennessey has battled back from a lengthy knee injury to finally make his play for a regular role for Wales, having been pinpointed by Toshack and under-21 boss Brian Flynn as a likely candidate when he was just 17.

Toshack said: "We certainly think he has a lot of potential, I agree with (former Wales number one) Neville Southall on that, big Nev has already said the lad could be Wales' goalkeeper for a long time."
Toshack has been forced to throw Hennessey into first-team action because of injury to Danny Coyne and a succession of problems with his other goalkeepers.

Kightly To Show Loyalty

Wolves winger Michael Kightly, who has recently been linked with Aston Villa and Everton, has revealed he will sign a new deal by the end of the month.
Weekend reports suggested the former Grays player could move to the Barclays Premiership - but Kightly is hoping to sign another contract at Molineux this summer.
He told www.expressandstar.co.uk: "I'm not looking to sign for Aston Villa or Everton - I feel I owe the supporters and the manager at Wolves a big debt for the chance they gave me," said Kightly.
"Speculation is just part and parcel of football, but there is nothing in this.
"I've said on numerous occasions I want to sign a new contract and I can't see any reason why it won't happen in the next few weeks.
"Jez Moxey (Wolves chief executive) spoke to my agent this morning and I'll be happy to sign - my aim is to be in the Premiership with Wolves.
"We've not spoken about the length of the contract yet, but I'm keen to sign - whether it is four years or an even longer deal."

Mick McCarthy led Wolves to the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs this season - but local rivals West Brom ended their hopes of a move up to the top flight of English football.
But Kightley added: "Hopefully signing the deal will show I'm committed to the club and want to play a big part next season - and put an end to the speculation.
"We have a talented squad and the players that we're looking to bring in will hopefully give us a really good chance next season."

1st June 2007

New Away Kit

Wolves have unveiled the new official change kit for the 2007/08 season, it's navy blue with Wolves "old gold" and white trim.

The shirt is made from 100% polyester interlock fabric, with hexagonal style fabric detail, similar in shape to the Wolves crest.

There are "old gold" cut and sew panels to the side and back of the shirt together with white fabric piping detail.

Both the official Wolves crest and Le Coq Sportif logo are embroidered onto the left and right of the shirt front and printed in the centre is the logo of Chaucer, who are also delighted to be sponsoring Wolves for the fourth season.

Unique features on this kit are the Wolves website address www.wolves.co.uk featured on the back neck of the shirt, and an official rubberised badge of authenticity just above the bottom hem on the front.

The kit was the preferred choice of both Mick McCarthy and the Fans Parliament earlier this year, when they were asked to assist in the design and selection processand will go on sale at 9.00am on Friday 8th June at the Molineux and Dudley Street retail stores.

Pre orders are now being taken at both stores and on line at www.wolves.co.uk.

Modelled by Wolves star players Mark Little and Andy Keogh, the kit has once again been manufactured by Le Coq Sportif who are in their fourth season as the official kit supplier at Wolves.