News Index

31st July 2002

Ince Update

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has said that talks are progressing with Paul Ince.
He said on WOW: "We have had more talks with Ince's agent in the last 24 hours and are talking on a daily basis".
"I think it is fair to say that we have had meaningful dialogue but we are not there yet."
"We are making progress and we want to bring this to a conclusion sooner rather than later because the season is rapidly approaching. I hope to see further progression some time next week."

Team News

Both Kevin Cooper and Ludo Pollet have slight injuries and will miss out on tonight’s friendly with Cardiff.
Cooper has a blister on his foot, he has gone with the squad to Cardiff but he won’t be playing.
Pollet pulled out of training yesterday as a precaution after he felt a strain behind his knee. He hasn’t gone to Cardiff but will be back training on Friday. Both players should be fit for the Newcastle friendly.
The squad that travelled to Ninian Park includes French trialist midfielder Ferdric Brando.
The full squad for Cardiff is: Oakes, Murray, Irwin, Connelly, Camara, Naylor, Lescott, Butler, Clyde, Cameron, Rae, Ingimarsson, Newton, Brando, Sturridge, Ndah, Blake, Miller, Proudlock.

30th July 2002

Transfer Update

Wolves young striker Colin Larkin has decided to join Mansfield Town for £125,000 plus extras.
The 20-year-old former Republic of Ireland youth international will sign subject to a medical at Field Mill tomorrow after agreeing a three-year contract.
The initial fee has built-in add-ons, which are likely to include more money after a certain amount of games and Wolves have included a large sell-on clause into the contract.

Chief executive Jez Moxey has confirmed Wolves interest in midfielder Paul Ince and says that talks are still ongoing with defender Marc Edworthy.
Jez said on WOW: "I can confirm that we have now had some initial discussions with the player and his agent Steve Kutner to see whether we can reach an agreement on Paul joining us."
"Dave Jones has stated his interest in the player and I am hoping to have more meaningful conversation with Steve and Paul in the very near future. And we are also still in negotiation with Marc Edworthy and his agent.
"Having said this, we are still working to move on some of the players the manager feels are surplus to requirements in order to make room for incoming players."

29th July 2002

Ticket Update

Tickets will be available on the turnstiles for this Saturday’s friendly with Newcastle. You can also buy your tickets online if you visit the official site WOW. But if you want the season ticket holder’s £2 discount, you have to buy your ticket no later than Friday, the ticket office will be open until 7pm. No discounts will be given on matchday.

28July 2002

Ince Awaiting Offer

Former England midfielder Paul Ince has had talks with Wolves boss Dave Jones and is awaiting a firm offer from Molineux. Ince was earning £2.5 million a year at Middlesbrough before they gave him a free transfer, he is willing to take a £40,000 a week pay cut if he joins Wolves who will pay him £10,000 a week a maximum salary of £500,000 a year with guaranteed bonuses if he helps them into the Premiership.
The 34 year old has received other offers from Italian side Como and Greek giants AEK Athens and Man City have also shown an interest in him.
His agent Steve Kutner said: "Paul has been in contact with Wolves and has spoken to Dave Jones."
"He is willing to take a substantial pay cut and is excited at the prospect of teaming up with his old Man Utd pal Denis Irwin".
Ince was also seen watching Wolves at Stockport on Saturday, Chief executive Jez Moxey insists Ince was at the game of his own accord.

27th July 2002

Stockport 0-0 Wolves

New Wolves signing Denis Irwin made his debut in a 0-0 draw this afternoon, Mohamed Camara came  closest to scoring when he hit the woodwork in the 42nd minute from 30 yards out, and Joleon Lescott saved  Wolves conceding in the 11th minute when he cleared off the line.

Stockport: Jones (Gotselphan 45), Briggs, Challinor, Clare, Palmer (McLachlan 60), Beckett (Byrne 85), Goodwin (Hardiker 65), Welsh (Ellison 65), Thomas, Gibb, Burgess (Ross 73).
Unused subs: Clark, Lambert, Eames.

Wolves: Oakes (Murray 45), Irwin (Connelly 71), Camara (Naylor 63), Ingimarsson, Lescott, Butler (Pollet 52), Rae (Farrari 63), Miller (Blake 45), Sturridge, Cameron, Cooper (Newton 45).
Unused subs: Proudlock, Clyde.

26th July 2002

York Recall Keeper

York City have recalled goalkeeper Russell Howarth from his Molineux trial after an injury to their senior keeper Alan Fettis. But Howarth is apparently refusing to play in City’s testimonial game against Sunderland tomorrow afternoon.
York manager Terry Dolan said: "He wants to play for Wolves but I think he’s getting advice from the wrong people."
"We will not let him play another game for Wolves until the situation is sorted out and it will be sorted out when they come up with a deal that is acceptable."
"They have had long enough to make a decision on him."
Chief executive Jez Moxey said: "York’s chief executive called me to explain the situation and, after speaking to Dave about it, we sent Russell back.
"We are continuing to talk about the possibility of doing a deal with York but it has to be the right decision for all parties concerned."

Team Announced

Wolves have announced the team for Saturday's friendly against Stockport. New signing Denis Irwin is set to make his first start for Wolves and Peruvian midfielder Jean Farrari is included in the 20 man squad.
The full squad is: Oakes, Murray, Connelly, Irwin, Camara, Naylor, Pollet, Lescott, Butler, Clyde, Rae, Farrari, Cameron, Ingimarsson, Cooper, Newton, Sturridge, Blake, Miller, Proudlock.

25th July 2002

Transfer News

Boss Dave Jones has confirmed Wolves have accepeted an offer from Second Division Mansfied Town for striker Colin Larkin.
He said on WOW: "The deal has been agreed with Mansfield. It's a good one for the club and all that needs to be done now is for Colin to agree personal terms.
"The boy has slipped down the pecking order with the likes of Blakey, Deano, Proudlock, Miller and Ndah all in front of him.
"There will be a sell-on clause written into the contract but it's all now down to Colin so we will have to see what happens."

Wolves midfielder Carl Robinson has signed a three-month contract at Portsmouth with a view to a longer deal after turning down an offer of a new two-year contract at Molineux.
He was signing a three-year deal at Fratton Park but failed a medical, and now has 12 weeks to prove his fitness before signing the original deal.
Harry Redknapp said: "Carl is a superb midfielder and we have done brilliantly to get an international player of his quality on a Bosman".

Kidderminster 0-2 Wolves

Wolves beat  Kidderminster Harriers last night with Two goals from young striker Adam Proudlock.
His first came in the 39th minute, Larkin squared to Proudlock who scored from six-yards out.
His second was a penalty two minutes from the end after Sean Parrish had handled a cross.

Kidderminster: Brock, Smith, Stamps (Joy 76), Ayres, Hinton, Williams, Bennett (Doyle 76), Ducros, Broughton, Foster (Lewis 68), Parrish.<BR>Unused subs: Shilton, Henriksen, Corbett.

Wolves: Howarth (Murray 45), Coleman, Camara (Naylor 45), Farrari, Connelly (Flynn 65), Clyde, Branch (Vincent 85), Melligan, Proudlock, Ndah (Watson 45), Larkin. <BR>Unused subs: Jones, Talbott, Gobern, Walters.

24th July 2002

Worthington Cup Draw

Wolves have been drawn away at Swansea in the first round of the Worthington Cup. The match will be played on Wednesday 11th September with a 7.45pm kick-off to be shown live on Sky. 

Another Live Game

Wolves have had another match chosen to be shown live on Sky, the match against Stoke City will still be played on Saturday 19th October but will have a 5.35pm kick-off instead of 3pm.
It's Wolves first trip to newly promoted Stoke's Britannia stadium.
*Update* Wolves have had another fixture changed for live Sky coverage, Preston's visit to Molineux has been moved to Sunday 8th September with a 1.05pm kick-off.

23rd July 2002

Irwin To Sign

Wolves have announced they will be signing Denis Irwin this morning. The former Manchester United full-back who is out of contract after 12 years at Old Trafford will sign a one year deal at Molineux.
Boss  Dave Jones said on WOW: "I’m pleased to have picked up such an accomplished player whose pedigree is second to none."
"The experience he will bring to the squad is unprecedented. It was a scoop to pick him up with so many other clubs chasing him. He is going to be of great benefit to the club. He is without doubt a top professional."
Chief executive Jez Moxey added: "We hope the fact that Denis has been involved with winning so many honours over the years will be of benefit to our efforts this season."
"Dave was keen to bring Denis to Molineux not only for his experience and undoubted quality but also because he can play at left or right back and comes to Wolves from a club with a winning culture.
"Everyone knows we have been looking for someone to fill the gap left by Kevin Muscat and in Denis we have found an excellent replacement."
There will be a press conference at 11.30am.

22nd July 2002

Quack Sacked

Wolves have parted company with club doctor Peter Ackroyd, Chief Executive Jez Moxey confirmed the news but no reason was given.
It's thought the reason could be that Wolves were advised that Mark Kennedy would be fit by the start of the new season if he rested the groin injury which forced him to miss the end of last season and the World Cup.
But the winger will miss the start of the season as he has to undergo surgery to repair the problem after a fresh scan revealed that he still had a slight tear in his groin muscle.

Transfer News

Wolves boss Dave Jones is stepping up his search for new signings and will almost certainly try and sign trialist Marc Edworthy this week.
The right-back played well for three-quarters of last night's 1-0 defeat against Maritimo, Jones is hinting at one other signing at least.
He said: "I have targets in mind. Our squad isn't that big and we have lost three senior players since the end of the season and suffered a couple of long-term injuries on top."
"I'm after players and, hopefully, there will be one or two in to strengthen us." They are expected to be Bosman free-transfer men for now, although on-trial York keeper Russell Howarth, who impressed in training in Portugal if not having much chance to shine in matches, would cost a fee as he¹s under 24.

Wolves have announced Mansfield Town have lodged a bid of £135,000 for young striker Colin Larkin.
The 20-year-old is 12 months into a three year contract and spent most of the last season on-loan at Kidderminster Harriers to gain some first team experience.
Boss Dave Jones said on WOW: "I can confirm that we've received a bid for Colin. Clearly we have to properly look into the matter and I shall deal with it when I return to my desk tomorrow."

Maritimo 1-0 Wolves

Wolves lost the second and last match of their Portugal tour by one goal last night.
Sturridge had a goal disallowed on 12 minutes for off-side and Cooper had a good attempt saved on the half-time whistle. Oakes kept the sides level with an excellent save on the half-hour mark.
Half-Time: Maritimo 0-0 Wolves.
Maritimo took the lead when substitute striker Quim lobbed Oakes on 50 minutes. Wolves had chances to equalise through Cooper and Rae but Maritimo held out for a narrow victory.
Full-Time: Maritimo 1-0 Wolves.

Maritimo: Nelson (Gilmar 45), Albertino (Limo 45), Ezequias (Olim 73), Zeca (Pepin 45), Dinda (Wenio 62), Jaques (Junior 45), Alan (Fabio 62), Gaucho (Quim 45), Briguel (Soares 45), Kenedy (Sergio 45), Mitchell (Richardson 73).
Unused subs: Fernando, Adriano.

Wolves: Oakes (Howarth 54), Edworthy (Connelly 66), Naylor (Camara 45), Ingimarsson, Lescott, Pollet (Butler 45), Newton (Ndah 45), Rae, Sturridge (Proudlock 70), Miller (Clingan 79), Cooper.

21st July 2002

Team is Announced

Wolves have announced the probable team for tonight's last friendly in Portugal against Maritimo, Nathan Blake is out with a sore stomach and Colin Cameron with a stiff Achilles.
The starting line-up is: Oakes, Connelly, Naylor, Lescott, Edworthy, Ingimarsson, Rae, Newton, Sturridge, Miller, Cooper. The rest of the squad will be used at some point during the match.

19th July 2002

Sporting Lisbon 5 - 1 Wolves

Wolves last night lost the first match of the pre-season tour of Portugal.
The home side took the lead after 5 minutes at their academy ground, then with only 19 minutes gone Kevin Cooper was sent off for allegedly saying something to referee.
At half-time it was still 1-0 to the hosts.
Sporting scored their second in the 59th minute, Quaresma’s shot hit Ludo Pollet to take a wicked deflection and leave Oakes completely wrong footed.
In the 68th minute Sporting won a controversial penalty, Butler clearly won the ball from Barbosa but the ref pointed to the spot, Niculae converted the spot-kick.
Just 3 minutes later they got their fourth goal, Rui Bento with a 25-yard shot which went in off the far post.
Wolves pulled one back in the 78th minute, Rae fed Miller in the home box but he couldn't get round the keeper, luckily the ball broke to Shaun Newton who scored from eight-yards out.
Five minutes later Tonito scored Sporting's fifth of the night, the midfielder’s first attempt was saved by Oakes but he scored when the ball rebounded to him.

Sporting: Santos (Tiago 45), Santamaria (Quiroga 45), Pepe (Hugo 45), Prates (Beto 59), Diogo Tonito 45), Martins (Paulo Bento 59), Tello (Rui Jorge 59), Danny (Rui Bento 45), Filipe (Ronaldo 45), Fernandes (Niculae 45), Quaresma (Barbosa 59).
Unused Sub: Nelson.

Wolves: Oakes, Edworthy (Connelly 45), Naylor (Camara 65), Clingan (Newton 32), Pollet, Butler (Ingimarsson 71), Cooper, Rae, Blake (Ndah 56), Cameron (Proudlock 82), Sturridge (Miller 45).
Unused subs: Howorth, Lescott.

18th July 2002

Kennedy Injury Update

Wolves winger Mark Kennedy has returned from seeing a specialist in Belgium and now faces a difficult choice of whether to have an operation on his groin injury.
Boss Dave Jones today confirmed the player's absence from around the first eight games of 2002-03 as the club deliberate over whether to send him for surgery.
Manager Dave Jones explained explained on WOW: “We’ve got to decide on what action to take for Mark. It will either be a minor 20 minute operation or letting him have more rest.
“Surgery looks like giving him a higher chance of success, rather than rest, because that doesn’t appear to have worked as yet.
“We will be discussing the situation with Mark and the medical team before deciding which course of action to take.”
Kennedy missed out on playing for Ireland in the World Cup this summer because of the injury and didn't go on the tour of Portugal with the Wolves, instead stayed behind to seek specialist advice.

16th July 2002

Another Fixture Change

As expected Wolves first home match of the season against Walsall has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday 14th August with a 7.45pm kick-off. This is because of Wolves first game of the season was moved to the Sunday for live coverage on Sky.

15th July 2002

Two Trialists Leave

Former Birmingham City players, Tresor Luntala and Danny SonnerTwo who have been on trial and training with Wolves during the start of pre-season have moved on. The pair were available on ‘Bosman’ free transfers and spent the last two weeks training with the Wolves squad at Cosford.
But neither have been chosen to go on the pre-season tour of Portugal.
Young French midfielder Tresor Luntala has gone to Grimsby for a trial.

Nationwide Set For Another Cash Blow

The News of the World reported yesterday that the Nationwide League's 72 clubs are about to receive another massive financial blow as a second deal between their ruling body and a cable firm heads into crisis, the clubs could see £35m from NTL go down the drain.
The League made an agreement with the firm through Premium TV two years ago, which meant clubs would receive £65m over five years, but with NTL on the brink of collapse it's thought the deal could fall through.
NTL took over the League's internet operations but is now deep in financial difficulties and seeking bankruptcy protection in America.
The next payment deadline is July 19th and clubs aren't expecting to receive anything but are waiting until then to publicly making their views known.

14th July 2002

Tour News

18-year-old Academy star Sammy Clingan has been included in the 20 players going to Portugal on Monday for Wolves pre-season tour.
The midfielder was impressive in the reserves and youth football last season and was praised by assistant boss John Ward following his performance in Saturday’s friendly at Kettering.
Irish international winger Mark Kennedy is has been forced to stay behind again suffering from the niggling groin injury that ruled him out of one of Saturday’s friendly games.
Boss Dave Jones said on WOW: "Obviously we are disappointed that Mark won’t be making the trip but whilst we are away he will be seeking further medical advice on the problem."
The squad will be training on Monday morning before departing for Heathrow where they will catch an early evening flight to Lisbon.

The full squad going to Portugal is: Nathan Blake, Paul Butler, Mohamed Camara, Colin Cameron, Sammy Clingan, Sean Connelly, Kevin Cooper, Marc Edworthy, Russell Howarth, Iver Ingimarsson, Joleon Lescott, Kenny Miller, Lee Naylor, George Ndah, Shaun Newton, Michael Oakes, Ludovic Pollet, Adam Proudlock, Alex Rae and Dean Sturridge.

13th July 2002

Friendly Results

*(T) = Trialist

For match reports see the Official Wolves site WOW

12th July 2002

First Pre-Season Friendly Teams

Wolves have announced the teams for tomorrow's first pre-season friendlies.
Boss Dave Jones is taking Russell Howarth, Ken Coleman, Mo Camara, Paul Butler, Joleon Lescott, Tresor Luntala, Colin Cameron, Ivar Ingimarsson, Dean Sturridge, George Ndah, Kevin Cooper.
Subs: Michael Oakes, Adam Proudlock, JJ Melligan, Mark McChrystal, Patrick Flynn, Jimmi Jones, Chris Slater to .
Assistant manager John Ward is taking Matt Murray, Sean Connelly, Lee Naylor, Ludo Pollet, Simon Ford, Alex Rae, Graham Ward, Sammy Clingan, Nathan Blake, Kenny Miller, Shaun Newton.
Subs: Lewis Solly, Michael Branch, Colin Larkin, Mark Clyde, Matthew Watson, Nick Clark, Marlon Walters to Kettering Town.
Fans can pay on the door at both games which kick off at 3pm.

Another Fixture Change

Wolves have had another game chosen to be broadcasted live on Sky, their home home game against  Preston on Saturday 7th September, it will now be a 5.35pm kick-off. But the game could be postponed because of Euro 2004 qualifying matches.

Transfer News

Walsall have today confirmed that Darren Bazeley has signed for them as cover for Ian Brightwell.
The defender/midfielder’s Molineux contract was cancelled by mutual consent with a year remaining on the deal.
Bazely will link up again with Colin Lee who he played under at Molineux.

Portsmouth have announced that Carl Robinson has agreed terms with them and is likely to arrive at Fratton Park over the weekend. Robinson was Wolves longest serving player after working his way up to the first team from the Youth Academy.

New Campaign Message

Wolves players have unveiled a giant billboard poster in the city centre this morning, showing their commitment to the new promotion campaign.
The 40 feet long, ten feet high gold and black poster reads: 100% commitment, 100% effort and 100% determination, and is endorsed with the signatures of the first team squad at the junction of Stafford Street and Cannock Road (adjacent to Wolverhampton Ring Road).
Chief executive Jez Moxey said on WOW: "The club wanted something unusual and high profile to reflect publicly the feeling inside the camp – everyone’s commitment here is stronger than ever for the new season ahead."
"It’s a bit of fun but it also has a serious message. Our fans are showing us 100% support as usual - they have bought over 16,000 season tickets so far, the highest number since 1997."
"We wanted something visible to show how we feel and also kick start an advertising campaign for the new home shirt which will have the theme of ‘100% Pure Wolves’."
"It’s the first time the club has used billboard advertising and we hope the message is well received."

To see a picture of the poster visit the Official Site by clicking here.

11th July 2002

Bazeley's Contract Cancelled

Darren Bazeley has had his Molineux contract cancelled by mutual consent. There was one year left but he is now a free agent. Earlier in the week Bazeley had criticised Dave Jones for not picking him in the squad at the end of last season, saying his injury was not as bad as the Wolves boss made out.

Sonner On Trial

Wolves have given a trial to Birmingham midfielder Danny Sonner, the 30-year-old Northern Ireland international played just 15 League games for Blues last season, all under former boss Trevor Francis and all before December. He was released by new boss Steve Bruce and according to one Blues fan I spoke to he is talented but lazy and got boo's from the crowd if he was brought on!
Sonner is the fifth player Jones has given a trial to that is available on a free transfer.

10th July 2002

Fixture Change Confirmed

Sky have confirmed that Wolves opening game of the season at Bradford City will kick off at 4.30pm on Sunday the 11th to be shown live.
This change could affect Wolves first home game against Walsall which is now almost certain to be put back 24 hours until the Wednesday evening but this has to be confirmed.

9th July 2002

Lescott Signs New Deal

Wolves 19-year-old defender Joleon Lescott has signed a new five year contract, keeping him at Molineux until 2007. Lescott came up through the Wolves Youth Academy and made his first appearance for the first team in the summer of 2000 and has since become a first-team regular making 90 appearances.
Lescott said: "I'm really happy to have signed and that the club has the confidence in me to carry on what I've been doing for them."
"What happened at the end of last season was a bitter disappointment for everyone connected with Wolves. Now, hopefully, we can get it right - that would be the icing on the cake for me."
Boss Dave Jones said: "I'm very pleased because Joleon can play a big part in the future of this football club. This is an excellent deal for both the player and club."

8th July 2002

Opening Game Shown Live

Wolves first game of the season has been scheduled for live Sky coverage on 10th August, subject to police permission. The West Yorkshire Police have voiced concerns over the timing of the away match at Bradford, which would have a 5.35pm kick-off on the opening day of the season, as they are not keen on having any games kicking off after 5pm. Negotiations will continue between all parties concerned and it is hoped that an amicable agreement will be reached in the near future.

Boss Is Back

Dave Jones has returned to the training ground this morning after being in hospital with pneumonia, he gave a teamtalk which he did have planned for last Monday.

Chief Not Happy With Deal

Wolves Chief executive Jez Moxey isn't happy about the Nationwide League's £95m deal with Sky.
It is understood that Wolves club officials have been angered by the way the contract was completed without any consultation from the Football League.
With £2m set to be wiped off the club's budget, clubs are believed to be receiving around £500,000 as opposed to £2.7million.
Jez said: "We are very pleased that the Football League are back in partnership with BSkyB."
"They are genuine football people and great broadcasters and concerns there may be regarding the deal are not a reflection on them."
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan said: "The fact we've gone from £2.7m to £500,000 is a concern."
"The dynamics of the deal do not make financial sense. There has to be change and I believe these guys should go."
Jez will join representatives of all First Division clubs in London on Wednesday lobbying the headquarters of Carlton and Granada, who are being taken to court for the non-payment of £189.5m from the ITV Digital deal.
 

7th July 2002

Ward Wanted

Wolves assistant manager John Ward will be a frontrunner when Watford start the interviews for the manager's job at Vicarage Road next week.
Ward is believed to be on Watford's shortlist along with Peter Taylor and Steve Coppell. But at the moment he is enjoying more responsibility at Molineux while Dave Jones's is recovering from pneumonia.
Ward refused to comment on the Watford link and is on a rolling one-year deal at Molineux.
Watford chief executive Tim Shaw has hit back at claims that both Taylor and Coppell turned down the chance to become the club's new manager.
Shaw insisted neither candidate had rejected being primed for the Hornets hotseat and said the club are preparing to interview candidates soon.
 

6th July 2002

Sky To The Rescue

Sky TV yesterday sealed a £95 million deal to show Nationwide League matches over a four year agreement, which could save a lot of clubs from extinction.
Matches starting next month will be shown from all three divisions on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons on Sky's Sports subscription service followed by highlights on terrestrial TV.
The Football League is continuing to sue ITV Digital owners Carlton and Granada, after the collapse of ITV Digital owing the Football League £178 million. The case will be heard in the High Court on July 26th.

5th July 2002

Sir Jack To Float Wolves

Wolves supremo Sir Jack Hayward has revealed when Wolves win promotion to the Premiership he will let fans buy shares in Wolves.
Hayward said that he intends to float 25 per cent of the club on the stock market, but only when Wolves finally secure their place in the top flight.
He said: "I would love to float 25 per cent of the shares to fans on favorable terms but it would be immoral to do it at present."
"But I am sure the time will come when we will be in a position to offer them a stake in the club. It has always been my ambition to let supporters have a piece of the action."

Boss Recovering

Wolves boss Dave Jones was allowed to leave hospital today and could be back at Molineux as early as Monday. Jones was admitted to hospital last weekend suffering from pneumonia and it was thought he could be out of action for at least ten days.
Chief Executive Jez Moxey said: “I am delighted that Dave has been released from hospital. He is said to be recovering well and we look forward to seeing him back at Molineux on Monday, if he is well enough, but we will not know that until at least Sunday night.”
Club secretary Richard Skirrow visited Dave Jones last night and reported the boss to be in good spirits. "He looked much better, was up and about and wanted to know everything that's been going on at the club. He was also grateful for all the get well messages he's received from supporters." 

4th July 2002

Transfer News

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has dismissed suggestions that Lee Naylor will be joining Southampton as part of a swap deal for Kevin Davies as "speculation".
He went on to say: "There is no basis for it and we have had absolutely no approach from anyone, least of all Southampton, about any of our players."
Carl Robinson has been linked with a move to Portsmouth the midfielder became a Bosman free agent on Monday.
Former Coventry defender Marc Edworthy is having a trial at Molineux. The 29-year-old's contract expired at the end of last season. Edworthy could fill the gap left by Muscat's move to Rangers.

3rd July 2002

Fans Vote Overwhelmingly For ITV Boycott

Football Fans Union Press Release: Wednesday 3 July 2002

The Football Fans Union poll shows irrefutable support of a boycott of ITV adverts during non-football broadcasts.
The Football Fans Union today announced that fans have decided on the next step of the 'Can the Commercials' campaign by voting convincingly in favour of including non-football transmissions in the boycott of ITV adverts. The first target, proposed by many fans, is ITV's coverage of the British Grand Prix.
Over 3,000 fans took part in the poll, with 99% voting for the extension of the boycott. Nearly 18,000 fans have pledged their continued support for 'Can the Commercials', whose World Cup campaign culminated in 81% of the audience deciding to boycott ITV's coverage of the World Cup Final in favour of the BBC.
"'Can the Commercials' has always been about the fans, and they have now decided on the future course of the campaign. Supporters from around the country have voted massively in favour of intensifying the boycott of ITV adverts by broadening its target" commented Alex Burmaster, Campaigns Director of the Football Fans Union.

"Although the tournament is over, the campaign continues to gather pace, and will now focus on boycotting adverts during other ITV transmissions, with Sunday's British Grand Prix in pole position."

ROUND 12: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX 
Sunday 7 July 2002 12.00 - 15.20 

Fans can vote for or against at www.The-FFU.com

The 'Can the Commercials' campaign launched in May, calling all football fans to join together to boycott ITV in protest against Granada and Carlton's role in the ITV Digital fiasco.
The campaign has the backing of footballing authorities, including the Football League, and fans up and down the country.

"Well done for setting up this campaign. Keep it going! So long as you manage to get the message across to football fans up and down the country I'm sure they will give you their full support. Carlton and Granada have treated football fans with utter contempt and they need to be hit where it will hurt them the hardest - in their pockets!! Jim Martin, Scunthorpe United fan

"I have forwarded it to everyone on the mailing list of the Dubai Chelsea Supporters Club, and I "signed up" immediately. The nearest football club to me when I was growing up was Aldershot FC, which also happened to be the first Football League team ever to be declared bankrupt and it was wound up. I remember it happening very vividly and it was a sad day for football fans in the area. It meant a lot to the town when they were shut down, so I wish you the very best of luck with your campaign." Tim Ansell, Dubai Chelsea Supporters Club

"This is a great campaign. I just wonder why you stop at asking fans to boycott the adverts during football matches. How about switching off ALL of the advertising that Carlton and Granada air, that should shake them up. Good Luck to you all." Colin Harley

New Shirt

Fans are not happy with the newly designed home shirt, we were supposed to have voted for shirt 'B' pictured below. But when the picture of the new shirt was released the design seems to have changed with a new club logo, the only positive thing I've heard said about the new shirt is that Joleon Lescott is still wearing a Wolves shirt! The new shirt is available to buy on August 2nd or Wolves are auctioning one on QXL with all profits from the sale going back to Molineux, so you could own one by the 12th July.
Vote on the main page about the new design.

2nd July 2002

Fans Vote On Next Phase Of ITV Boycott

Football Fans Union Press Release: Tuesday 2 July 2002

The Football Fans Union polls supporters ahead of next phase of 'Can the Commercials'
The Football Fans Union today announced fans will determine the next course of action of the 'Can the Commercials' campaign. Football fans can vote online for or against the boycott of ITV adverts during non-football broadcasts.
The World Cup 'Can the Commercials' campaign was a great success, with fans demonstrating strong support to save the English game through boycotting ITV and following the tournament on the BBC.
Fan support for the campaign led to 81% of the audience choosing to boycott ITV's coverage of the World Cup final and opt for the BBC instead. Approximately 7.9 million viewers watched the final game of the tournament on the BBC - compared to the 1.9 million who followed the match on ITV.
Alex Burmaster, Campaigns Director of the Football Fans Union said: "We are thrilled with the response from fans during our World Cup campaign. Now the tournament is over, it is vital that football fans everywhere continue to maintain pressure on Carlton and Granada in the build-up to the ITV Digital high court case this month. 
"Almost 17,000 fans have now pledged support to the 'Can the Commercials' campaign, for the World Cup final and beyond. For the next phase, fans can tell us if they would boycott ITV adverts during non-football broadcasts. They can vote online now and decide the next course of action. The polls will close on Wednesday at 5pm and the results will be announced on Thursday!"

Fans can vote for or against at www.The-FFU.com

The 'Can the Commercials' campaign launched in May, calling all football fans to join together to boycott ITV in protest against Granada and Carlton's role in the ITV Digital fiasco. 
The campaign has the backing of footballing authorities, including the Football League's David Burns, football clubs and fans up and down the country.

"I urge football clubs and fans everywhere to support the 'Can the Commercials' campaign that seeks to help those clubs who may face extinction because of the actions of Carlton and Granada in the ITV Digital dispute. It is great to see fans organising themselves across the country behind such a positive campaign and hopefully this sense of solidarity will force Carlton and Granada to pay the money still owed to the clubs. We must never underestimate the huge contribution football clubs make to their local communities and economy and I truly hope this campaign becomes a successful example of fan power." Ivor Caplin, Member of Parliament for Hove

"I am fully supportive of the work being done by the Football Fans Union to give fans a chance to voice their disapproval over Carlton and Granada's actions. This is something the fans can do to help while The Football League pursues Carlton and Granada through the courts to reclaim the £178.5 million that is due to our member clubs." David Burns, Chief Executive - The Football League

"The PFA is pleased to support your campaign and use all its endeavours to support the Football League in its maintenance of its contract with ITV Digital and to protect the financial welfare of all clubs in the football league." Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive - The PFA

"The League Managers Association is more than happy to support and endorse your excellent campaign which urges the honouring of contractual agreements." John Barnwell, LMA Chief Executive 

Transfer News

Wolves defender Lee Naylor could be part of a big-money swap deal with Southampton striker Kevin Davies coming to Molineux.
Naylor lost his place in the side to Mohamed Camara and was criticised by Dave Jones for accepting his fate too lightly.
Boss Dave Jones worked successfully with Davies at The Dell in the late 1990s and sold the striker to Blackburn for £7.5m in 1998. But he flopped at Ewood Park and returned south on a free transfer in 1999-2000. He started only ten games in 2001-02 and scored just one goal.

Grimsby central defender Simon Ford has joined Wolves on trial, the highly rated 20-year-old is out of contract and would cost compensation if he joins.

Wolves are already being linked with Paul Ince after he rejected a new 2 year contract at Middlesborough, he's thought to be an ideal replacement for Carl Robinson.

The New Sponsor Is....

The long wait is over Wolves have announced that the new club sponsor is Doritos for the next 2 years. The deal is thought to worth around £1.5 million depending of the success of Wolves is the biggest in the clubs history.

1st July 2002

Wolves First Signing

Wolves have announced their first summer signing, Icelandic International defender/midfielder Ivar Ingimarsson on a bosman free transfer from Brentford. The 24 year old has joined the Wolves squad for pre-season training today.
When Ivar joined Brentford he was playing as an attacking midfielder but then successfully switched to a central defensive role. He first played in England when he joined Torquay United on loan from IBV Vestmannaeyjar in October 1999, before Brentford paid £150,000 to IBV for him a month later.
Ivar played in every match for Brentford last season before they lost to Stoke in the Second Division play-off final at Cardiff and was Voted Player of the Year.

Wolves are having some interest shown in transfer listed striker Michael Branch. But no formal approach has yet been made.

Boss In Hospital

Wolves boss Dave Jones has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia, he's expected to be there for two to three days for treatment then return home to rest for the rest of the week. He felt unwell when he got back from his holiday and found out on Saturday he had the illness.

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