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31st July 2007

Northampton 0-3 Wolves

Wolves beat League One Northampton 3-0 at the Sixfields Stadium.

Wolves took the lead after 22 minutes, Charlie Mulgrew put Keogh through on the overlap and Ward sidefooted home the low driven cross that followed, from six-yards out.
Keogh made it two after 31 minutes, he sent Dunn the wrong way from the penalty spot after he had been felled by Mark Hughes in the home area.
In the final minute, Eastwood raced into the box onto a pass from Rob Edwards, he looked as if he was going to be crowded out but after cutting inside a defender, he turned to lash a shot into the net to make it three.

Northampton: Dunn, Crowe, Jackman, Johnson, Dolman (May 57), Hughes, Henderson (Aiston 57), Burnell, Larkin (Quinn 67), Kirk (Howe 67), Gilligan (Dyer 74).
Unused Subs: Taylor, Thorogood.

Wolves: Hennessey, N. Collins, Gray (Clapham 59), Olofinjana (Henry 59), Breen (capt) (Craddock 59), D.Ward (Edwards 59), Kightly, Potter (Gleeson 72), Keogh (Bothroyd 59), Elliott (Eastwood 59), Mulgrew (Jones 72).
Unused Sub: Lumley.

Attendance: 2,258.
Referee: A. Woolmer.

Davies Has Op

Wolves midfielder Mark Davies has undergone knee surgery.
The 19-year-old had initial cartilage operation on the joint a year ago but reported more problems this month and once needed a clean-up procedure.
Wanderers physio Barry Holmes said: "Mark has been feeling some pain but the small operation he has had seems to have done the job.
"He has made progress over the last few days and we aim to next week increase the amount of work he does with us."

30th July 2007

Jarvis Out Of Season Openers

New signing Matt Jarvis is set to miss the start of the season through injury.
The winger damaged his hip in last week's friendly against Bray Wanderers.
Boss Mick McCarthy said on WOW: "Matt will be out for a short while. He's got a hip flex problem and needs some treatment, maybe a short course of injections, to sort it out.
"The reality is that I'd rather be cautious now and have him for the long term rather than rush him back and lose him.

28th July 2007

Holyhead Hotspur 0-7 Wolves Xl

A Wolves side featuring five first team players proved too strong for League of Wales side Holyhead Hotspur beating them 7-0.
The Anglesey team were celebrating the redevelopment of their stadium but Wolves, featuring the likes of Mark Little, Jamie Clapham, Denes Rosa, Daniel Jones and Jemal Johnson treated the match as anything other than a party occasion.

Clapham took a return pass from Matthew Bailey before finding Rosa who converted from close range for the first goal after 23 minutes.
Liam Hughes made it two after 44 minutes with a confident finish after a good run and centre from Jemal Johnson.
Hughes struck again just into the second half, rounding the keeper after taking a through pass from Rosa in the 46th minute.
On 72 minutes Hughes completed his hat-trick with a bullet header from a Danial Jones corner.
Jones got onto the scoresheet himself after 75 minutes with a thumping shot from 22-yards.
In the 60th minute Martin Riley ghosted in on the blind side and hit a low shot into the net to make it 6-0 after another Jones corner.
David Ijaha rounded off the scoring in the 85th minute after Clapham had set up the chance.

Wolves: Lumley, Little (Dunleavy 85), Riley (Batth 84), L Collins, Clapham, Rosa (Melbourne 85), Salmon (E Bennett 45), Bailey (Ijaha 82), Jones (Williams 85), Johnson, Hughes (K Bennett 82).

Attendance: 430.
Referee: B. Lawler.

Cheltenham 1-3 Wolves

Wolves beat Cheltenham 3-1 in their friendly at Kidderminster's Aggborough stadium, moved there because of the floods.

Wolves took the lead in the 28th minute when Kightly's crossfield pass picked out Stephen Ward who cut inside before drilling a shot against the foot of the post. The loose ball fell to Elliott who lashed it into the roof of the net for his first goal for the club.
Ten minutes later Kightly got the second, he finished a good move involving Keogh, Ward and Darren Potter whose shot was blocked with the ball breaking to the former Grays man who made no mistake from ten-yards.
Three minutes later Cheltenham pulled a goal back when John Finnigan found Lindegaard who had beaten the offside trap and was completely unmarked in front of goal to leave Matt Murray with no chance.
After 53 minutes Neill Collins moved upfield to bullet home a close-range header from Kightly's corner for Wolves third.

Cheltenham: Higgs, Gill, Ridley, Bird (Connolly 73), Duff, Wylde, Lindegaard, Finnigan, Finnigan, Vincent, Gillespie (Reid 59), Yao (Ledgister 73).
Unused Subs: Brown, Puddy, Gallinagh, Gill, Manship.

Wolves: Murray (Hennessey78), N. Collins, Mulgrew, Olofinjana (Henry 59), Breen (Craddock 64), D.Ward (Gleeson 78), Kightly, Potter, Keogh, Elliott (Eastwood 59), S. Ward (Gray 54).

Attendance: 1,673.
Referee: A.M. Penn.

27th July 2007

O'Connor Going Out On Loan

Wolves midfielder Kevin O'Connor is in talks over a proposed loan move to League One side Gillingham.
O'Connor is expected to join the Gills until January 2nd.
Irishman O'Connor, 21, has managed just three appearances for Wolves under boss Mick McCarthy after being laid low by a long-term sciatic nerve problem.

26th July 2007

Wolves Reserves 0-0 Brighton

Wolves reserves drew their first pre-season friendly 0-0 with Brighton in driving rain at Compton Park.
Brighton fielded their full first team squad whilst Wolves included new signing Stephen Elliott along with three of the club's young professionals. Michael Gray who signed for Wolves on Wednesday, was named as a substitute.

Wolves: Hennessey, N. Collins (Clapham 63), Little, Bailey (Rosa 72), Craddock, Edwards, Bennett, Salmon, Elliott (Riley 78), Bothroyd (Johnson 45) (Hughes 63), Jones (Gray 78).
Unused Sub: Mimms.

Brighton: Gay (Kuipers 70), Whing (Mayo 45), Rents, El-abd (Cox 45), Butters (Elphick 45), Lynch (Hammond 45), Robinson (Elder 45), Mullen, Forster (Gatting 45), Revell (Savage 35), Fraser.
Unused Subs: Loft.

Referee: S. Dorr.

25th July 2007

Doncaster 1-0 Wolves

Wolves lost their pre-season friendly against Doncaster this evening, a penalty in the 8th minute the only goal in the match.

Charlie Mulgrew conceded the penalty when he pulled back Hayter. The striker took the spot kick himself and although Murray guessed correctly by diving to his left, he just failed to get his fingers to the ball.

Doncaster: Sullivan, O'Connor (Green 27), Roberts (Nelthorpe 71), Greer, Lockwood (capt), Wilson (McDaid 65), Woods (Griffith 77), Wellens (Noble 81), Stock (Hird 71), Hayter (Dyer 65), Guy (Coppinger 71).
Unused Sub: Smith.

Wolves: Murray, Henry (capt), Mulgrew, Olofinjana (L. Collins 45), Breen, D. Ward, Kightly, Eastwood (Jones 71), Keogh, Gleeson, S. Ward.
Unused Subs: Bailey, Hennessey, Bennett, Hughes.

Attendance: 2,959.
Referee: E. Ilderton.

Cheltenham Friendly Update

This Staurday's friendly against Cheltenham will now take place at Kidderminster's Aggborough Stadium, because of the flooding that has hit the Oxford and Gloucestershire area.
Cheltenham's Whaddon Road stadium hasn't been hit by the floods, but the water supply has been cut off because of the major problems with the pumping station at Tewkesbury.
Wolves supporters will be accommodated in the away end at Aggborough where admission is set at £10 adults and £5 concessions.

Squad Numbers

Wolves have announced the squad number for next season:

1 Matt Murray
2 Darren Ward
3 Neill Collins
4 Seyi Olofinjana
5 Gary Breen
6 Jody Craddock
7 Michael Kightly
8 Karl Henry
9 Andy Keogh
10 Jay Bothroyd
11 Stephen Ward
12 Rob Edwards
14 Darren Potter
15 Mark Little
16 Mark Davies
17 Matt Jarvis
18 Stephen Gleeson
19 Stephen Elliott
20 Charlie Mulgrew
21 Daniel Jones
22 Lewis Gobern
23 Freddy Eastwood
30 Carl Ikeme
31 Wayne Hennessey
33 Michael Gray
34 Martin Riley

No numbers have been given to the players that are transfer listed - Tomasz Fankowski, Jemal Johnson, Denes Rosa and Jamie Clapham.

New Signing

Wolves have signed former Blackburn defender Michael Gray, he has signed a one-year deal at Molineux after being released by Blackburn earlier in the summer.
Boss Mick McCarthy is a big fan of Gray having worked with the full-back during his time in charge at Sunderland.
Gray admitted the chance to work with McCarthy again proved a big factor in his decision to join Wolves.

Gray said on WOW: "Mick McCarthy is a big part of me wanting to come here.
"As soon as I'd finished at Blackburn he was the first to call me up about my situation and he asked me to keep him informed.
"It's nice to hear from a manager who really wants you and when he calls and tells you that then you know it's there for you.
"Obviously, having worked with him in the past I know what he's all about and what his coaches are about. He is one of the most honest guys you could ever wish to meet.
"I know it's a very young squad here and hopefully I can pass on some of my experience to the younger lads just like Jody Craddock and Gary Breen have been doing. Of course I know them both well from our days at Sunderland.
"I've played at Molineux several times and there is always a great atmosphere there. The last time was a few years ago with Sunderland.
"It's nice to go and play in a big stadium and be involved with a club with a big following that are passionate about their team. I'm looking forward to it."

Mick McCarthy added: "This is a good signing for us. Michael is experienced but still very fit and still hungry for success."

Michael began his career at Roker Park as a trainee with Sunderland and in 12 years with the Wearside club he went on to make 410 appearances for the Black Cats before switching to Blackburn in January, 2004.
He played 73 times for Rovers and whilst on the books of the Lancashire club spent a short time on loan at Celtic. There were also two separate loan moves to Leeds and he spent the last six weeks of last season at Elland Road.
In 1999, Michael was capped three times for England.

24th July 2007

Pre-Season Update

Wolves friendly against Cheltenham on Saturday is under threat because of all the rain.
Their stadium Whaddon Road, has escaped the severe flooding that has affected many parts of Gloucestershire but the stadium is in danger of seeing its water supply run dry.
At the moment the game is still scheduled to go ahead (kick-off 3pm) but this could change, so check back here or the Official site WOW before travelling.

A reserve match has been added to the list of pre-season fixtures, they will be playing Hereford United at Edgar Street on Wednesday 1st August, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

22nd July 2007

Bohemians 1-1 Wolves

Wolves drew 1-1 with Bohemians in heavy rain, Wolves wearing their new blue change strip for the first time.

Striker Darren Mansaram gave Bohemians a 6th minute lead, he looked to be offside when he took a pass from Mark Rossiter on the right wing, but he was allowed to continue and after cutting into the box he slotted an angled shot past Murray.
In the 79th minute Wolves drew level with Stephen Ward directing a header beyond the dive of Gallagher after another cross from Keogh.

Wolves: Murray (Hennessey 45), Little (Edwards 45), L. Collins (Mulgrew 45), Olofinjana (Potter 45), N. Collins (D. Ward 60), Craddock (Breen 60), Kightly, Gleeson (Henry 45), Elliott (Keogh 56), Bothroyd (Eastwood 56), Jones (S. Ward 45).
Attendance (estimated): 500 Wolves fans.

19th July 2007

Elliot Signs

Republic of Ireland international Stephen Elliott has completed his move to Wolves from Sunderland.
Wolves have paid an undisclosed fee for Elliott, who has signed a three-year contract at Molineux.
The striker linked up with his new club on their pre-season trip to Ireland earlier in the week and Sunderland have confirmed the deal has now gone through.
Elliott scored 22 goals in 88 appearances during his time at The Stadium of Light and was signed for the club by his new Wolves manager Mick McCarthy.
Last season, though, the forward started just 15 games in the Championship as Sunderland clinched a return to the top flight.
He chipped in with five goals, including a late equaliser for The Black Cats at Wolves in November.

18th July 2007

Bray 0-4 Wolves

Wolves beat Bray Wanderers 4-0 in Kieran 'Tarzan' O'Brien's testimonial match, Jay Bothroyd and new signing Freddy Eastwood getting the goals.

The first goal came in the 62nd minute when Eastwood took a pass from Bothroyd and prodded the ball home with the aid of a deflection from 15-yards.
Shortly afterwards Bothroyd laid a pass off for Michael Kightly who confidently found the net but was ruled offside.
Bothroyd made it 2-0 in the 70th minute with a marvellous 30-yard strike - his angled chip sailing over the head of the stranded O'Connor.
Two minutes later Bothroyd struck again clinically finishing from just inside the box after Kightly had skipped past two challenges and laid off a perfect square pass.
Kightly was inches away from getting on the scoresheet himself with a 25-yard lob that beat O'Connor all the way but hit the bar and bounced to safety.
Ten minutes from the end Eastwood got his second when he picked the ball up on the edge of the 'D' and took a couple of paces before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Wolves: Murray, Edwards (Little 70), Mulgrew (L. Collins 80), D. Ward N. Collins 60), Breen (Craddock 60), Potter (Gleeson 60), Jarvis (Kightly 60), Henry, Keogh (Bothroyd 60), Eastwood, S. Ward (Jones 60).
Unused Subs: Hennessey, Olofinjana, Mimms.
Attendance (estimated): 3,500.

17th July 2007

Elliott Set To Sign

Wolves are poised to sign Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott.
The Republic of Ireland international made just 15 starts for The Black Cats in last season's Championship and Roy Keane appears ready to let him leave.
Elliott has flown to Ireland to join Wolves on their pre-season tour and is expected to finalise a move to Molineux on Wednesday.

"I signed him as a youngster at Sunderland so I know a lot about him and what he is capable of," said Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.
"He's a good footballer, he's always a threat up front and he gets goals.
"I want competition for places all over the park and we've really got it now up front."

Injury Update

Wolves winger Lewis Gobern and midfielder Mark Davies have pulled out of the club's pre-season tour of Ireland due to injury.
Gobern has picked up and ankle knock while Davies is struggling to shake off the knee problems which he suffered with last season so manager Mick McCarthy has decided to leave the pair at home.
Club physio Barry Holmes said: "It is better for Lewis to stay behind and have some intensive treatment to try to get him ready for the next match after the squad return from Ireland.
"Mark has been experiencing some pain in his knee so he is staying to train at Compton and has been booked for a scan.
"We will know more about his situation and make an assessment then."

14th July 2007

Grays 0-0 Wolves

Wolves began their pre-season with a goal-less draw at Gray's Athletic.
Kick-off was put back 15-minutes because of a serious accident on the M25 which delayed a number of away supporters many of who missed most or all of the game.
Watching from the directors box was Sir Jack Hayward and Wolves owner-in-waiting Steve Morgan.
Two Gray's ex-players Michael Kightly and Freddy Eastwood, were introduced to an appreciative crowd before the start and there was also a minute's applause to mark the death of Derek Dougan.
Boss Mick McCarthy fielded a different side for the second-half with just Wayne Hennessey staying on the pitch.

Wolves First-Half: Hennessey, Little, L. Collins, Gleeson, Craddock), Breen, Gobern (Bennett 28), Potter, Keogh, S. Ward, Jarvis.
Wolves Second-Half: Hennessey, Edwards, Mulgrew, Olofinjana, D. Ward, N. Collins, Kightly, Henry, Bothroyd, Eastwood, Jones.
Unused Subs: Mimms, O'Connor, Hughes, Salmon, Bailey.
Referee: F. Graham.
Attendance: 2,172 (430 Wolves supporters).

13th July 2007

McIndoe Joins Bristol City

Bristol City have signed Wolves winger Michael McIndoe for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with the Ashton Gate club after failing to become a first-team regular at Molineux.
He joined Wolves from Barnsley on loan in November 2006 and then made the move permanent in January 2007.

11th July 2007

Murray Update

Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray is hoping for a return to action during the club's pre-season tour of Ireland.
Murray missed Wolves Championship play-off's last season after suffering a shoulder fracture during a training session.
But now the 26-year-old is back in harness and could return between the sticks when the Wolves squad visit Ireland for a two-game tour later this month.
Murray said: "The consultant is happy but wants me to wait another couple of weeks before risking landing heavily in a game.
"But I am doing everything the other goalkeepers are doing in training and I am looking at the Ireland trip to get back playing."

Another Friendly Announced

Wolves have added another pre-season friendly, a Wolves XI will travel to Wales on Saturday 28th July to play in a special celebration match to mark the opening of the newly redeveloped Holyhead Stadium, home of Holyhead Hotspur (KO 3pm). A more senior Wanderers side travel to Cheltenham on the same day.

Wolves opened the Holyhead ground in the early 90s, when Graham Turner took the first team two years in succession to Anglesey for pre-season training. The week long trips culminated in good quality opposition teams from Wales playing a Wolves side which then included Steve Bull, Andy Mutch, Andy Thompson and Mike Stowell amongst others. The great Billy Wright and fellow director Jack Harris also travelled with the squad.

Manager Mick McCarthy has agreed to send a squad of players to the island once again, as the stadium is being further developed to meet League of Wales standards.
The new opening sees a weekend of celebrations starting on the previous evening, Friday 27th July, when a Sportsman's Dinner is being held in Holyhead. Academy manager, Chris Evans has been invited to be principle speaker at the dinner. Holyhead is Chris' home town and Hotspur his first club.
Wolves supporters travelling for the game can pay on the gate, where only a nominal entrance fee will be charged. The Holyhead Stadium is situated on Kingsland Road, Holyhead, LL65 3UE and is adjacent to the Holyhead Leisure Centre.

9th July 2007

Fans Parliament Postponed

Wolves have announced they have decided to postpone Tuesday's meeting of the Fans' Parliament so that a new date can be arranged once Steve Morgan's takeover is concluded.
Steve Morgan is keen to meet the Fans' Parliament; the voice of the fans, therefore the club felt that it would be best for all concerned to wait until the deal was concluded before holding the next meeting so that Steve could attend and listen directly to the views of those that matter - the supporters.
All members of the Parliament were notified of the postponement last week and a new date will be posted on WOW as soon as the takeover is finalised.

6th July 2007

Eastwood Signs

Freddy Eastwood has expressed his delight after clinching a move from Southend to Wolves.
There was some doubt about whether the transfer would go ahead earlier in the week when Southend denied Wolves' claim that a deal had been agreed.
Charlton were rivals for Eastwood's signature but a move to Wolves was eventually confirmed after The Addicks decided to look elsewhere.
Eastwood insists that once he heard of Mick McCarthy's interest in him, there was only one place that he wanted to be.
The striker has already linked up with his new team-mates for pre-season training and is looking to take the Championship by storm next season.

He said on WOW: "Since Wolves first came in for me I knew it was going to a good move for me," he told the club's official website.
"Charlton were in and out but I'm delighted to be here to be quite honest.
"It did seem to go on a bit at the end but I feel that I've made the right decision.
"I came up for talks with the gaffer and I just felt at home straight away. I think it's going to be a good challenge for me.
"When we played here last year we got beat but it was a great atmosphere. I think I will settle in easily here and hopefully I'll soon start banging in the goals."

5th July 2007

Farewell To A Legend

From www.wolves.co.uk: Wolverhampton bade farewell to Derek Dougan at a packed St Peter's Church in the city centre this afternoon.
Family and friends of the striker were joined by club officials including manager Mick McCarthy, some of his former team-mates along with some of the game's greats.

Gold and black clad supporters surrounding the entrance to the Church burst into applause as the funeral cortege arrived. Derek's coffin was in gold and black with the club's logo and a number 10 on either side along with the name 'Doog'.
The service began with a recording from 'Les Miserables' called 'Bring Him Home' and, after prayers there was an introductory tribute from BBC television's Nick Owen before the congregation sang 'Abide With Me'.
Derek's niece, Josephine Long gave the reading and then the congregation sang 'Oh Danny Boy' before further tributes from former Wolves skipper Mike Bailey, former Stoke City star Terry Conroy and Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

More participation followed with the crowd singing along to 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Then Derek's partner, Merlyn Humphreys read a moving tribute before Nat King Cole's wonderful rendition of 'Unforgettable' filled the church. Merlyn announced it was one of the Doog's favourites.
After a short speech and introduction from Derek's son Nicholas, his other son Alexander sang a self penned song 'Praise The Lord'.
Another reading and the sermon was followed by an anthem from the St Peter's Choir and then the hymn 'Lord of all hopefulness'.
After the Commendation and Farewell, the coffin was carried from the church to the sound of Brian Kennedy singing 'You Raise Me Up'.
Hundreds of supporters assembled at Molineux as the cortege halted briefly before making its way to Bushbury Crematorium for a private family service.

Manchester United legend Denis Law said of the Doog: "He was a terrific player and I never liked it when he was in the opposition side. He was too good and it's so sad to see him go. I feel for his family and friends."
Phil Parkes, so often the goalkeeper in Derek's eight years with Wolves, said: "He was a larger than life character and the turn out today proves his popularity.
"As a player he was one of the greats but the camaraderie he brought to the dressing room was priceless. It was fantastic having him around."

Another of Derek's long-time team-mates, John McAlle, added: "I spent eight years with him at Wolves and have many fond memories.
"I still smile about when he used to miss the occasional 'sitter'. He would look directly at the supporters and they would all shout back 'Unlucky Derek'. Then he'd turn to us (the players) and we'd do the same - 'Unlucky Derek'. That was the man's charisma.
"It took me six years to finally pass him on a run in training. He was a very fit man. And he was always laughing, joking and encouraging you. He will be sadly missed."

Amongst the guests were Pat Jennings, Sammy Nelson, Johnny Giles, Denis Law, Billy Bingham, Martin O'Neill, Graham Williams, Chico Hamilton, Ron Wylie, Gordon Taylor, Terry Conroy, Brandon Batson, Mickey Evans and Chris Nicholl.

Former Molineux players in attendance included Les Wilson (who had flown in from Canada for the service), Dave Wagstaffe (who acted as a pall bearer) Jim McCalliog, John McAlle, Derek Parkin, Phil Parkes, Mike Bailey, Geoff Palmer, Mel Eves, Malcolm Finlayson, former manager Sammy Chung, Frank Munro, Terry Wharton, Barry Powell, John Holsgrove, Dave Burnside, Ernie Hunt, Martin Patching, Bobby Thomson, Gerry Taylor, Gordon Cowans, Peter McParland and, of course, The Doog.

*Thanks to Kevin Bray for the picture*

4th July 2007

Doogs Funeral Update

The funeral service of Wolves legend Derek Dougan will take place at St Peter's church at 1pm tomorrow (Thursday).
The cortege will leave Jennings & Sons Funeral Directors in Horseley Fields at around 12.40pm and, at the Bilston Road island, will turn right onto the ring road before turning left into Broad Street.
The procession will then travel along Lichfield Street before accessing the church through Lich Gate.
Following the service the funeral will travel along Stafford Street and then onto the ring road to Waterloo Road where it will come to rest outside Molineux for a final farewell.
Upon leaving the ground, the cortege will travel to Bushbury Crematorium where a private family service will be held.
Derek's family have requested that any fans planning to line the route of the procession, wear their Wolves shirts as a tribute as the goal scoring legend makes his final journey.

Transfer Update

Wolves have announced they have agreed a deal to sign Southend star Freddy Eastwood.
They had a bid accepted for the striker on Wednesday and have now agreed personal terms with Eastwood on a four-year deal.
The former West Ham trainee will move to Molineux in the coming days after scoring 62 goals in 129 appearances for The Shrimpers.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey told the club's official website: "We are delighted to report that following discussions, and a medical, with Freddy at Molineux today, we have now agreed personal terms. Freddy will sign a four-year contract.
"The formalities of this transfer should be completed within the next few days."

Wolves reportedly tabled a £2million bid for Eastwood, but have failed in another approach for Leicester City striker Matty Fryatt.
Foxes boss Martin Allen has confirmed that the offer from Molineux fell well short of Fryatt's valuation.
"We have turned down an offer from Wolverhampton Wanderers for our striker, Matty Fryatt," Allen told the club's official website. "The offer was nowhere near high enough."

3rd July 2007

Ward Signs For Wolves

Wolves have signed Crystal Palace defender Darren Ward for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old moves to Molineux on a three-year-deal.
Ward fell out of favour with Palace boss Peter Taylor, finding first-team opportunities restricted last season, but still managed to make 69 appearances for The Eagles since his switch from Millwall in 2005.
Since making the move, Ward has spoken of his desire to perform for his new club, and has hailed the various factors that drew him into joining the side.

"I'm really hungry to move on this season and to do well," he said.
"I think I was attracted by everything to do with Wolves. The set-up, the training ground, the ground itself where I've played a few times, the size of the club and Mick, who's done very well wherever he's been."

Players Back For Training

The players returned to Compton Park this morning for pre-season training.
The early part of the day was taken up with medical tests before some light stretching exercises on the training field began in the afternoon
Mick McCarthy explained on WOW: "The lads had a weigh in followed by strength, stability and body fat tests this morning.
"They are all in great shape. Kunle (Odetoyinbo) is an excellent fitness coach and the players look to have stuck to the programmes he gave them for the summer.
"The approach to pre-season training has changed a lot - it's more scientific now and not all about how far and how fast you can run.
"And it's important that you don't overdo it with the players to make sure that they don't pick up any early injuries.
"It's always good to be back and catch up with things and to see people again.
"We have a young squad here and they are very enthusiastic. For them, playing in games is the most enjoyable thing and the next most enjoyable is training."