News Index

Archived News:

31st August 2007

Team News

Stoke: boss Tony Pulis is set to reshuffle his defence, with Carl Dickinson coming in at left-back and Clint Hill moving to the centre.
Hill will partner on-loan Manchester United youngster Ryan Shawcross as fellow loanee Jody Craddock is ineligible to face his parent club.

Wolves: goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is expected to replace Graham Stack.
Jay Bothroyd will have a fitness test on a thigh injury while Stephen Ward and Stephen Elliott are doubts.

Transfers Update

Milton Keynes Dons boss Paul Ince has bolstered his strikeforce with the signing of Jemal Johnson from Wolves.
The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract and for an undisclosed fee.
American-born Johnson moved to England at the age of five and came through the ranks at Blackburn before a switch to Wolves in August 2006.
He struggled to make an impact at Molineux and was loaned out to Leeds, and had not featured for Wolves this season before his move.

Tomasz Frankowski has had his contract with Wolves terminated by mutual consent.
The former Polish international striker left Spanish club Elche to sign on at Molineux for £1.4mil in January 2006.
He was described by then manager Glenn Hoddle as being 'the final piece of the jigsaw'. However, in 17 appearances during the remainder of that season (five as a substitute), he failed to find the net.
Despite being named as Poland's Player of the Year, his lack of goalscoring form at club level resulted in a shock omission from his country's squad for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.
After making just one appearance in the Carling Cup, Tomasz spent almost the whole of last term on loan at Tenerife. He arrived back in Wolverhampton for this year's pre-season training with 12 months left on his contract.
He has not figured in games at any level since as he is suffering from a knee and groin injury.
In cancelling Tomasz's contract before the transfer window closes at midnight tonight, the player, 33, is now a free agent and would be allowed to join another club before the next window opens.

Goalkeeper Graham Stack's loan from Reading to Wolves has been extended for a further four months.
The original loan was for just one month but both club and player were happy that it be extended until the January transfer window.

29th August 2007

Match Reaction

Manager Mick McCarthy says Wolves got what they deserved in Tuesday's League Cup defeat by Morecambe at Molineux.
Extra-time goals from Jon Newby and Garry Thompson gave the Shrimps a 3-1 win and a place in the third round.
"The exit is deserved, we were out-fought and out-played. It's not often I can say this but we were out-grafted," McCarthy fumed.
"When the third goal went in we looked a shambles. That has brought us down to earth. We deserved to be booed."

28th August 2007

Wolves 1-3 Morecambe

43mins: Yellow card, Edwards.
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Morecambe.
46mins: Wolves substitution, Potter on for Gleeson.
54mins: Yellow card, Baker.
59mins: Morecambe substitution, Hunter on for Allen.
61mins: Wolves goalkeeper, Stack fouls Twiss penalty for Morecambe.
61mins: Yellow card, Stack.
62mins: Goal, Baker scores from the spot.
62mins: Wolves substitution, Kightly on for Bennett.
72mins: Morecambe substitution, Blinkhorn on for Twiss.
81mins: Wolves substitution, Rosa on for Mulgrew.
83mins: Baker fouls Keogh, penalty given.
84mins: GOAL, Keogh equalises from the spot.
85mins: Morecambe substitution, Newby on for Sorvel.
Full Time: Wolves 1-1 Morecambe, match going into extra-time.
92mins: Goal, Newby puts Morecambe ahead.
101mins: Yellow card, Lewis.
103mins: Yellow card, Adams.
105mins: Goal, Thompson gets Morecambe's third.
Half Time, Extra Time: Wolves 1-3 Morecambe.
Full Time, Extra Time: Wolves 1-3 Morecambe.

27th August 2007

Team News

Wolves: in-form striker Freddy Eastwood looks set to start, but Jay Bothroyd (thigh), Stephen Elliott (foot), Stephen Ward (ankle) and Michael Gray (groin) are all doubtful.

Morecambe: boss Sammy McIlroy has no fresh injury or suspension concerns, striker Matty Blinkhorn (hernia) could well play a part.

Hennessey Signs New Deal

Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has signed a new two-year deal which will keep him at Molineux until June 2010.
The 20-year-old Welsh international, who signed his first professional contract in April 2005, came through the Wolves youth academy.

26th August 2007

Match Reaction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy watched his side come from behind to beat Blackpool 2-1 at Molineux - but admitted his side had "got away with murder".
The Tangerines, who suffered their first defeat in 14 outings, had taken a second-half lead through Gary Taylor-Fletcher but wasted a glorious opportunity to make the score 2-0 when the unmarked David Fox fired over from 12 yards.
And the visitors, who were promoted out of League One last season after a play-off final victory over Yeovil, were made to pay for their profligacy as Wanderers striker Freddy Eastwood turned the tables with a brace.

But an unhappy McCarthy said: "I feel like Dick Turpin after getting away with highway robbery. I cannot think of one thing we did better than Blackpool - apart from putting the ball in the net.
"Passing, tackling and defending - they were better than us all over the park but we have come away having won the game. We have got away with murder and I bet the cops will be coming to see me on Monday morning.
"We were absolutely rubbish. But last season we battered West Brom when they came here and we lost.
"And we battered Birmingham but lost that game too.
"The difference was West Brom had Diomansy Kamara and Kevin Phillips and Birmingham had Nicklas Bendtner, goalscorers who will punish you.
"And now we have Freddy Eastwood. His goals speak for themselves and it is goals which win games."

25th August 2007

Wolves 2-1 Blackpool

30mins: Yellow card, Potter.
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Blackpool.
51mins: Goal, Taylor-Fletcher gives Blackpool the lead.
53mins: Yellow card, Olofinjana.
54mins: Wolves substitution, Collins on for Gray and Henry on for Potter.
58mins: Blackpool substitution, Jorgensen on for Taylor-Fletcher.
62mins: Yellow card, Southern.
64mins: Blackpool substitution, Parker on for Barker.
67mins: Wolves substitution, Bothroyd on for Ward.
69mins: GOAL, Eastwood equalises for Wolves.
75mins: Yellow card, Barker.
78mins: GOAL, Eastwood gets Wolves second and his 4th in 3 games.
83mins: Blackpool substitution, Vernon on for Burgess.
Full Time: Wolves 2-1 Blackpool.

24th August 2007

Team News

Wolves: striker Freddy Eastwood will face a late fitness test on a groin problem but Gary Breen should be ok.
Charlie Mulgrew remains on the casualty list with an ankle injury while winger Matt Jarvis has yet to complete his recovery from a thigh muscle tear.

Blackpool: Ian Evatt is their only doubt with a hamstring injury, with Kaspar Gorkss likely to continue.
Keigan Parker and Scott Vernon are hopeful of replacing Ben Burgess in their forward line.

23rd August 2007

More Internationals

Boss Mick McCarthy has praised the performances of Wolves Welsh duo Wayne Hennessey and Freddy Eastwood.
The pair put in impressive displays last night to help their country to a 1-0 win in a friendly against Bulgaria in Bourgas.
Freddy got Wales' goal late in the first half whilst Wayne pulled off a string of saves to prevent the hosts getting back into the game.

Mick said on WOW: "To score on your debut is fantastic and I'm delighted for Freddy.
"The one way to get accepted when you are new to the team is to put the ball in the back of the net.
"Wayne continues to get better and better and keeping a clean sheet in international football is an achievement.
"It's all part of his education because you have to concentrate for long spells when you are playing at international level."

22nd August 2007

Internationals

Wolves players have enjoyed a successful start to the international programme with Michael Kightly's debut for England under 21s and Stephen Gleeson netting twice for the Republic of Ireland under 21s.
Kightly was delighted to be named from the start by Stuart Pearce for the 1-1 draw with Romania at Ashton Gate, Bristol, and said on WOW today: "I thought I did okay and didn't feel out of place.
"I think I was always going to play 45 minutes after playing 90 for Wolves on Sunday but Stuart Pearce said I should look after myself and he didn't see why I couldn't be in the next squad as well."It wasn't as high tempo as I'm used to at Wolves. Romania sat back and that meant I had to get used to a different style of playing but there were a few new players in, so it was a learning experience for a lot of us.
"I didn't do myself any harm and hope to be involved in the next games now - away to Montenegro and Bulgaria in early September."

Gleeson scored twice in Ireland's game against Germany in Furth, his goals opened up a 2-1 lead by mid-way through the second half, only for a late German equaliser to deny his team victory.
It was the young Molineux midfielder's first game at this level after he made his club debut at Easter and then his bow in the senior Irish team on their end-of-season tour of the USA.

Also last night, Charlie Mulgrew, having made a quick recovery at the end of last week from an ankle problem, played the first 66 minutes in central midfield in Scotland's 1-0 under-21 victory over the Czech Republic at Falkirk.

21st August 2007

Friendly Draw

Wolves drew 1-1 with Telford United at the New Bucks Head in a friendly arranged after the reserve match with Walsall was postponed as a mark of respect for Anton Reid.

On 53 minutes Liam Hughes made the breakthrough for the visitors, Scott Malone had burst along the left before finding Johnson whose shot was blocked by Young, but the keeper couldn't hold on to the ball and Hughes ran in to convert with a low shot from eight yards.
Telford striker Justin Marsden levelled the score in the 69th minute when he took a pass from Cornes and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Telford: Young, Durrell (Jagielka 45), Wood (Turner 56), Teesdale (capt), Pacey, Khela, Adams (Fitzpatrick 83), Rodgers (Vermiglio 45), Lewis (Moore 74), Marsden (Birch 74), Cornes.
Unused Sub: Reynolds.

Wolves: Stack, Bailey, Malone (Batth 63), Salmon, Riley, L. Collins, Wardle (Hemmings 74), O'Connor (capt), Johnson, Hughes, Rosa (K. Bennett 83).
Unused Sub: Lumley.

Attendance: 401.
Referee: M. Granda.

20th August 2007

Clapham Loan Completed

Leeds have completed the loan signing of Wolves defender Jamie Clapham.
The 31-year old full-back is now contracted to Elland Road until 30th September.
Clapham was unable to sign in time to feature in Leeds' 4-1 home win over Southend on Saturday, but he has trained with his new team-mates.
The former Tottenham, Ipswich and Birmingham player insists the 15-point deduction Leeds incurred for going into administration during the pre-season was not an off-putting factor in his move.
"I'm here to play football for the next five weeks and I'm looking forward to it," Clapham told Leeds' official website.
"At the moment it's 15 points off the top, and hopefully by the end of September we'll be in the positives points-wise."

Reserve Match Postponed After Tragedy

Wolves reserve match at Walsall tomorrow night has been postponed as a mark of respect for Anton Reid, the Saddlers apprentice who died today.
The 16-year-old collapsed and passed away during a training session this morning.
Speaking on behalf of Wolves, chief executive Jez Moxey said on WOW: "Everyone here has been shocked to hear this devastating news. It is a dreadful loss and we send our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Anton, and all his colleagues at Walsall."

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said it did not take a scientist to work out Freddy Eastwood's goalscoring ability after the striker inspired a 3-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.
The impish Eastwood, recruited from Southend last month in a £1.5million switch, netted in the 14th minute of his first Coca-Cola Championship appearance for the Molineux club.
And after Wade Small equalised on the stroke of half-time, Eastwood produced a delightful pass which allowed Michael Kightly to restore the visitors' advantage in the 48th minute.
Wolves substitute Jay Bothroyd applied the coup de grace in the 90th minute but it was Eastwood, a Romany gypsy who lived in a mobile home in Essex during his time at Southend, who deserved the plaudits.

But McCarthy said: "I've not been clever signing Freddy Eastwood.
"He's a good player - everyone knew that.
"Forget all this astute signing nonsense. He's a good player and I expect him to make and score goals.
"His partnership with Andy Keogh is still a bit of a work in progress and it will take time for them to gel."

But McCarthy also felt moved to praise Bothroyd after he replaced Eastwood in the 87th minute before producing a neat finish to put the seal on an impressive win.
Bothroyd was dropped for the midweek win against Bradford after an abject display in the home defeat to Watford last weekend.

McCarthy said of the former Arsenal trainee: "It was a great response from Jay Bothroyd after some vicious criticism from me last week, which was absolutely justifiable.
"To be fair to Jay, he's knuckled down this week. He wants to play for the club and he wants to play for me.
"He enjoys being here and he's responded in the right way.
"We all know that if we've got a man of substance then we've got a good player - and that's what I want."

19th August 2007

Sheff Wed 1-3 Wolves

Kick-off delayed until 1.45pm because of traffic congestion on the M1.
14mins: GOAL, Eastwood gives Wolves the lead.
20mins: Sheff Wed substitution, Clarke on for Jeffers (injured).
26mins: Yellow card, Olofinjana.
33mins: Wolves substitution, Collins on for Breen.
45+4mins: Goal, Small equalises.
45+5mins: Yellow card, Gray.
Half Time: Sheff Wed 1-1 Wolves.
48mins: GOAL, Kightly puts Wolves back ahead.
55mins: Yellow card, Potter.
68mins: Wolves substitution, Henry on for Potter.
76mins: Sheff Wed substitution, O'Brien on for Whelan (injured).
87mins: Sheff Wed substitution, Hinds on for Lunt.
87mins: Wolves substitution, Bothroyd on for Eastwood.
92mins: GOAL, Bothroyd gets Wolves third.
Full Time: Sheff Wed 1-3 Wolves.

18th August 2007

Team News

Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws may have to do without influential midfielder Marcus Tudgay.
Tudgay faces a late fitness test on his shoulder injury, but striker Francis Jeffers returns.

Wolves defender Charlie Mulgrew has been ruled out after he picked up an ankle knock.
But Gary Breen has returned to full fitness after a minor groin injury and striker Freddy Eastwood is in line for a full league debut.

17th August 2007

Fixture Update

As expected Wolves trip to The Hawthorns has been put back a day to Sunday 25th November, with a 12 noon kick-off.
Wolves will still have more than three days of recuperation as they don't play their next game (home to Colchester) until the Wednesday evening.

Internationals

Michael Kightly was yesterday named by Stuart Pearce in his England under-21 squad for Tuesday's friendly against Rumania at Ashton Gate, and the right-winger described himself as 'over the moon' at the call-up.
He is thrilled to have graduated to a level that was beyond his dreams 12 months ago.

Kightly said on WOW: "The only time I have been in an international squad before was when I played for the England non-League team in a game against Forest Green.
"The Barnet manager, Paul Fairclough, was in charge and I did okay but obviously this is quite a big step-up and I'm overwhelmed to be honest.
"I watched quite a bit of the under-21 European Championships from Holland in the summer and there are a lot of good players in the squad.
"Hopefully I can play some part in the match and stake my claim to being called up again in the future."

Michael, competing for a place with the likes of Theo Walcott, James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor, learned of his selection by watching Sky Sports News yesterday on the players' day off.
"I had a phone call from the club shortly afterwards as well and had been told by the gaffer a few days earlier that Stuart Pearce had been on the phone asking about me," he added.
"That was a big boost although the only advice to me was to keep doing what I had been doing.
"Of course I remember Stuart as a terrific left-back and I'd rather be playing for him now than against him! It's a great honour to be selected by him."

Michael is one of many Wolves players on international duty next week. Andy Keogh, Stephen Elliott and Darren Potter are in the Republic of Ireland squad to visit Denmark, Stephen Gleeson is in the Irish under-21 party to go to Germany, Wayne Hennessey and Freddy Eastwood will be in Bulgaria with Wales and Seyi Olofinjana is in the Nigeria squad to face Macedonia.

Transfer News

Leeds United are expected to sign Wolves defender Jamie Clapham on a month's loan, reports BBC Radio Leeds.
But the 31-year-old may not sign in time to make his debut against Southend at Elland Road on Saturday.
Clapham has made 29 senior appearances since joining Wolves from Birmingham City last summer.
He came through the youth ranks at Tottenham, where he had loan spells at Leyton Orient and Bristol Rovers before a five-year spell at Ipswich.

Also gone out on loan is central defender Jody Craddock who has joined Stoke City on an initial one-month loan.
The former Sunderland man, who scored an early contender for Molineux Goal of the Season in Wednesday's Carling Cup victory over Bradford City, links up with the Potters in time for their televised Saturday teatime home game against Charlton Athletic.
But Craddock won't be allowed to play for them against Wolves when the two clubs meet at the Britannia Stadium the weekend after next.

16th August 2007

Carling Cup Draw

Wolves will be at home again in the second round of the Carling Cup to League new boys Morecambe who caused a major shock on Tuesday evening when they beat Preston 2-1 at Deepdale.
Although the clubs have not previously met in a competitive fixture, they did in a pre-season friendly prior to the start of Wolves' Premier League campaign in 2003, which Wolves won 6-1.

Match Reaction

Boss Mick McCarthy said after the match: "They made it difficult by playing 4-5-1 and our passing game in the first half wasn't as slick as I would have liked,2 said manager Mick McCarthy.
"But in the second half we upped the temp and they couldn't match us.
"Then we went and conceded and made it nervy for ourselves at the end. We should have killed it off and not been anywhere near that.
"This wasn't a second string team. They were all first team players except for Elliott Bennett and I thought he did very well.
"The signs are that Freddy is getting there.
"He looked tired at the end but that's a legacy from his injury last season. He needed that 90 minutes and showed glimpses of what he's about.
"And his goal was followed by a spectacular strike from Jody Craddock."

15th August 2007

Wolves 2-1 Bradford

29mins: Yellow card, E. Bennet.
30mins: Wolves substitution, Clapham on for Mulgrew (injured).
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Bradford.
45mins: Wolves substitution, Ward on for Bennett.
46mins: GOAL, Eastwood gives Wolves the lead on his full debut.
49mins: GOAL, Craddock volleys in Wolves second.
55mins: Yellow card, Henry.
65mins: Watford substitution, Rhodes on for Daley and Ndumbu-Nsungu on for Conlon.
77mins: Goal, Nix pulls one back for Bradford.
Full Time: Wolves 2-1 Bradford.

14th August 2007

Team News

Wolves: Kevin Foley is expected to go straight into Wolves squad after completing his signing from Luton on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Wolves could also hand a debut to £1.5m striker Freddy Eastwood.

Bradford: keeper Donovan Ricketts faces a late fitness test on a foot injury suffered against Macclesfield.
With Peter Thorne still sidelined with a hip injury, loan signing Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu could spearhead the attack alongside Barry Conlon.

Foley Signs

Wolves have completed the signing of right-back Kevin Foley from Luton.
The 22-year-old Irishman has agreed a three-year contract at the Coca-Cola Championship club after joining for an undisclosed fee.
Foley said: "I've been at Luton since I was nine so this is a bit strange. But being a professional footballer is a short career and you have got to take your chances when they come."

13th August 2007

Defender Set To Sign

Luton have agreed to sell Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender Kevin Foley to Wolves for an undisclosed fee.
The right-back will join Wolves on a three-year deal, subject to a medical in the next 24 hours.
Foley, 22, progressed through Luton's youth policy and has made more than 150 appearances since his debut in 2002.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said: "Kevin is a young, bright, attacking full-back who will give us added competition for places. He is hungry to do well."

12th August 2007

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was livid as he blamed defensive blunders for the two late goals that gifted a 2-1 win to Watford at Molineux.
Seyi Olofinjana put the hosts ahead at the interval and the lead lasted until the closing minutes, when two late efforts gave Watford victory.
First Jordan Stewart's free-kick took a deflection to draw the scores level and then Neil Collins fouled Steve Kabba, allowing Marlon King to covert from the spot.

McCarthy said: "We made a stupid tackle 25 yards out and one of my players turned his back to the ball and it was deflected into the net.
"He should have jumped and got it in the face. It doesn't hurt that much. What we did was unacceptable because we were winning the game.
"Then there was a rash challenge from Neill Collins that gave Watford an extra-time penalty. There was no need for it and it has cost us."
The manager continued: "We should have seen the game out and kept on scrapping. We were in front after a piece of terrific football that led to the goal from Seyi Olofinjana that should have been the defining moment in the game.
"I'm sure new owner Steve Morgan, being the man he is, knows everything is not going to be rosy. But I certainly don't think he would have expected that twist of fate."

11th August 2007

Wolves 1-2 Watford

46mins: GOAL, Olofinjana puts Wolves ahead.
Half Time: Wolves 1-0 Watford.
48mins: Watford substitution, Henderson on for Priskin.
69mins: Wolves substitution, Edwards on for Breen (injured).
74mins: Wolves substitution, Bothroyd on for Elliott.
77mins: Yellow card, Williamson.
81mins: Watford substitution, Kabba on for Smith.
87mins: Goal, Stewart equalises from a free-kick.
94mins: Penalty, Collins brings down Kabba.
95mins: Goal, King scores from the penalty spot.
Full Time: Wolves 1-2 Watford.

10th August 2007

Team News

There will be a tribute to Derek Dougan before tomorrow's game against Watford, the club plans a minute's applause for the former striker who sadly passed away in June aged 69.

Wolves: will start with Wayne Hennessey in goal following Matt Murray's cruciate knee ligament damage.
Matt Jarvis has a torn thigh muscle and will be out for the rest of the month while Mark Davies (knee) is also out.

Sir Jack Keeps Wolves British

Departing owner Sir Jack Hayward would never have handed over Wolves to a foreign investor.
With Russian Roman Abramovich in charge at Chelsea, the American Glazer family running the Old Trafford boardroom and further US investment at Liverpool, Icelander Eggert Magnusson at West Ham and controversial former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra having bought control at Manchester City, Hayward fears England's national game is selling its soul.

The 84-year-old confirmed Wanderers had attracted interest from potential overseas investors after he announced in September 2003 he was ready to hand control to anyone who could convince him they had Wanderers' best interests at heart.
But on Thursday, after having pumped £50million of his personal wealth into the Black Country club and waiving £38million in loans owed to him by Wolves, Hayward sold his stake to Cheshire-based property magnate Steve Morgan for a nominal £10.
Morgan promised a minimum £30million investment and has since transferred the money to the club's bank account but after a 17-year tenure Hayward will return to his home in the Bahamas taking only that £10 from the deal.

And Hayward said: "Hand over the club to a foreigner? Oh no, I could never have done it.
"We do not want someone like an ex-Thailand prime minister running the show - this is an English club in an English city with great English traditions.
"That is why I like Steve Morgan, because he is British, although it would have been preferable he had been born in Wolverhampton.
"There was some interest from that lot who are in at West Ham now. We had them up for half a day, but the sandwiches we served at lunch were even worse than they usually are and I think that frightened them off.
"Even if someone from abroad had offered me the same package as Steve had done, I would never have sold to a foreign interest simply because we do not want to go the same way as so many clubs in Great Britain."

Meanwhile, Morgan said he intended to establish Wolves as a Premier League force, but not at the cost of excessive borrowing.
He said: "When you look at a lot of the big clubs, with the exception of Roman Abramovich at Chelsea, they are financing their spending through borrowing.
"But I think there has got to be another tactic, there has got to be another way and that is why we are investing in young, exciting and hungry players.
"And Mick McCarthy is exactly the right manager for this club and to be working with those players because he has got a great eye for spotting young talent.
"If we can get out of the Championship, which will be no mean feat by the way, my vision is to see this club established once more in the top flight of English football."

9th August 2007

Loan Keeper Brought In

Reading goalkeeper Graham Stack has joined Wolves on a one-month loan deal.
Mick McCarthy has moved quickly to bring in Stack after receiving news that Matt Murray could be sidelined for six months with a knee injury.
Third-choice Carl Ikeme is still two or three weeks from returning, meaning Wayne Hennessey is the only other option for McCarthy.

Morgan Deal Completed

From WOW: Steve Morgan is officially the new owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers, his arrival at Molineux bringing to an end the 17-year tenure of Sir Jack Hayward.
The Cheshire-based businessman takes charge today, having finally completed the protracted legal work necessary for the £10 'sale' of the club.
In keeping the promise he made to supporters four years ago to step aside for the right person, Sir Jack has taken the unprecedented step of gifting the shares of Wolverhampton Wanderers (1990) Ltd, the club's holding company, to Mr Morgan's Carden Leisure, for £10 in return for a £30 million investment into the business. All of the £30m will be used for the benefit of Wolves. None will go to the Hayward family.
It is intended that the new capital, over a period of time, will be used to help re-establish Wolves as a Premiership club.

Team manager Mick McCarthy will remain, as will chief executive Jez Moxey.

Steve said: "It is my great privilege and pleasure to succeed Sir Jack as the new owner of this famous old club and I thank him sincerely for his trust in me. I will work tirelessly alongside Jez and the Board, the backroom team and Mick and the players to do my very best for Wolves.
"We will continue to build on the current strategy of steadily and progressively developing a team of young, hungry and talented players, that has seen the acquisition of players such as Matt Jarvis, Stephen Elliott and Freddy Eastwood during the summer.
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to play my part in re-establishing Wolves as one of the top teams in the land. The loyal fans of this great club deserve nothing less."

Sir Jack purchased Wolves in 1990 for £2m and has since invested £50m of his personal wealth into the club. He announced his intention to step aside in September 2003. A number of parties subsequently expressed interest but, in Steve Morgan, Sir Jack feels he has finally found someone who not only has the best interests of the club at heart but also has the resources necessary to take over the responsibility for returning the club to its former greatness.

Sir Jack says: "We didn't want to go the way of so many clubs in Great Britain and hand over to foreign investors. This is an English club in an English city with great English traditions. We wanted someone that would fully appreciate what Wolves means to the club's fans.
"Now, I am very happy to be handing over to Steve Morgan, a football fanatic who is ready to invest £30 million into the club and has made it plain that his ambition is to see Wolves into the Premier League, become a permanent fixture in that League and regain their original place with the other great clubs in this country."

In recognition of his unique commitment to Wolves and to ensure his experience is not lost, Sir Jack will remain Life President and be available to the club to provide whatever support they require. Sir Jack's grandson Rupert Hayward, a lifelong Wolves fan, has joined the board, which now consists of Steve Morgan (Chairman); Jez Moxey (Chief Executive); and local businessmen and Wolves fans John Bowater; John Gough and Kevin Threlfall.

Steve Morgan was the founder and former Chairman of UK house builder Redrow plc before selling a majority shareholding in 2000. He is now Chairman of the privately owned Bridgemere Group of Companies, Harrow Estates plc, one of the UK's leading contaminated land specialists and Salamanca Finance plc, one of Eastern Europe's leading development finance companies.

A massive football fan, Steve was born and grew up in Liverpool and has followed Liverpool F.C. since childhood. In 2004, he came close to buying a controlling interest in the Club.

Where's My Money??!!

Sir Jack Hayward was humorous and mischievous to the end today as he passed control of his beloved Wolves to Steve Morgan.
The outgoing owner and former chairman, who has been named an honorary life president, described it as 'a great day' and predicted a 'fantastic' season for the club.
But he complained when he was presented by Steve with the infamous £10 handover 'price' that the note was behind glass in a mounted frame! He then took possession of two enlarged copies of old-fashioned unframed £5 notes.
In return, he passed on the 1 WFC vehicle number plate, complete with Union Jack, but said: "You're not having the car as well!"

Sir Jack also joked: "It would have been preferable if Steve had been born in Wolverhampton but he has recently had a heart transplant - all the way from Liverpool to Wolverhampton - and it has been very successful. So much so that we now don't mention Liverpool at all in his presence.
"Seriously, he struck me straightaway as a super chap who knows football a lot better than me and he will be very good for Wolves. He has already ploughed his money in ahead of his big tranche and got on very well with Mick (McCarthy) and Jez.
"I think we're in for a great new era. He wants us to get into the Premier League, stay there, which is something I failed to do, and be one of the top six clubs in the country, up with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and that other team.
"It wasn't at all difficult to hand over to him. It might have been difficult with some of the others who came out of the woodwork but I liked him the moment I met him. We've both come from impoverished backgrounds.
"It has all been resolved satisfactorily and I think we're in for a fantastic season. I wish him and the club the best of luck."

Sir Jack bought Wolves for £2m in May, 1990, and revealed in September, 2003, that he was willing to hand the club over to an individual or group who would promise major investment into the club.
Steve was revealed in mid-May as the owner-in-waiting and has attended several of the club's games already, both last season and during the build-up to 2007-08.
Wolves have spent several million pounds in the meantime - an outlay that Sir Jack would have met had today's deal not been completed for any reason.

O'Connor Has Loan trial

Rotherham manager Mark Robins will not be pursuing his interest in Wolves midfielder Kevin O'Connor.
The 21-year-old had been having a trial at Millmoor and played in a reserve-team game for the Millers but Robins has decided against making Wolves an offer for the player.
However, Robins has not ruled out the possibility of taking another look at the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international in the future.
He said: "I am grateful to Mick McCarthy for letting him come but we are not going to pursue that one right now but it may crop up again further down the line."

8th August 2007

Press Conference Called

Wolves have called a press conference for tomorrow lunchtime to announce the official takeover of the club by Steve Morgan.
With the legal paperwork finally completed, Steve will attend the media briefing with Sir Jack Hayward, chief executive Jez Moxey and manager Mick McCarthy.

Murray Out For Six Months

Wolves have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Matt Murray could be sidelined for six months.
It was initially thought that the goalkeeper would be out for just a few weeks, after picking up a knee injury in training.
But an exploratory operation has now confirmed the severity of the problem, and Murray is set to have reconstructive surgery later in the month.
The 26-year-old, who suffered a similar injury earlier in his career, will be replaced in the Wolves side by Wayne Hennessey for this weekend's season opener against Watford.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said: "It is a blow to us and a major disappointment for Matt.
"He had a great season last year and was really looking forward to the new one.
"Fortunately, we have an excellent young goalkeeper in Wayne Hennessey who can step into the team and do well for us."

McCarthy is now likely to step up his search for another goalkeeper, with third-choice Carl Ikeme still recovering from a knee operation of his own.

7th August 2007

Fixtures Update

Wolves match at Cardiff has been put back 24 hours from Tuesday 23rd October to Wednesday 24th October with the same 7.45pm kick-off.
This is in line with a new policy for the 2007/08 season, agreed yesterday between Championship clubs, which automatically moves games to a Wednesday evening if one of the competing teams has played on the previous Sunday. Cardiff have a scheduled TV game at Southampton prior to the Wolves fixture.

The new ruling will only apply if clubs are able to give a minimum of 28 days notice of the change. Therefore, in the event of, for example, an FA Cup match being selected for TV on a Sunday, the short notice period means the rule will not apply and clubs will be have to both agree to a 24 hour postponement.
This has previously been the policy for all requests to change midweek games from Tuesday to Wednesday, and often led to claims that the team that played their weekend game on Saturday would have the advantage of an extra day to recover.

Also being moved from Saturday 8th March to Sunday 9th March is the Black Country Derby, with a 12 noon kick-off.
This is because West Midland Police policy requires derby games at Molineux be played at this time.
The new Championship ruling on midweek games that follow Sunday fixtures means Wolves will be contacting Preston to ask that the game at Deepdale be put back by 24 hours to Wednesday 12th March.
It is expected that Wolves trip to the Hawthorns in November will also be rescheduled, for a Sunday 12 noon kick-off. Therefore, the following Molineux match against Colchester has already been moved to Wednesday 28th November.

6th August 2007

McCarthy Warns Bothroyd

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy insists he will not tolerate any further shows of disrespect from Jay Bothroyd.
The striker angered McCarthy by gesturing to his manager after scoring in Saturday's 3-2 friendly defeat to Reading.
Bothroyd was immediately substituted and, while saying the matter has been put to bed, McCarthy confirmed he does not want to witness a repeat.
"I won't have it," McCarthy told the club's official website.
"Jay said he didn't gesture to me, but I felt it was aimed in my direction. I'll not have that level of disrespect.
"I treat people with respect and I expect that back.
"I don't care where we are in the League, how many points we've got or what my circumstances are, I will not accept that from anyone. But it's over now."

Breen Named As Captain

Gary Breen has been named as the new club captain by boss Mick McCarthy.
The defender is about to start his second season at Molineux and takes over the arm band from Jody Craddock.
He said on WOW: "It's a fantastic honour to captain a club like Wolverhampton Wanderers."To be truthful, the squad we have is self motivating so there isn't too much need for ranting and raving on the pitch.
"We have a very young squad here and if ever they need any advice or encouragement from me, then they will get it."

4th August 2007

Wolves 2-3 Reading

Wolves lost 3-2 to Premiership Reading at Molineux in their final friendly of the pre-season, two former Molineux men Ivar Ingimarsson and Seol played for Reading.

In the 14th minute Wolves took the lead, Olofinjana rose to power a header into the net following a precision right-wing cross from Gary Breen.
But three minutes later Reading equalised after a mix up between Neill Collins and Wayne Hennessey allowed Stephen Hunt the easiest of tasks of slotting into an empty net.
Against the run of play Reading took a 32nd minute lead when Bryn Gunnarsson ran onto James Harper's through ball and slotted past Hennessey.
Seconds before the interval Wolves were dealt a blow when Hunt's shot, which was covered by Hennessey, struck Kitson leaving the keeper with no chance and giving the score line a totally flattering look for the visitors.
On 84 minutes Jay Bothroyd pulled one back when he held off a challenge before hitting a low shot into the net.

Wolves: Hennessey, N. Collins, Gray (Mulgrew 59), Olofinjana (Henry 78), Breen (capt), D. Ward (Edwards 59), Kightly, Potter, Keogh (Eastwood 65), Elliott (Bothroyd 65) (Gleeson 85), S. Ward.
Unused subs: Mimms, Little, Craddock, Bennett, L. Collins, Clapham.

Reading: Hahnemann (Federici 45), Murty (capt) (De La Cruz 45), Shorey, Duberry (Bikey 54), Ingimarsson, Gunnarsson (Cisse 59), Seol (Doyle 45), Lita (Oster 59), Kitson (Long 54), Hunt (Convey 61), Harper (Cox 67).

Attendance: 7,216.
Referee: T. Bates.

Jones Goes Out On Loan

Northampton boss Stuart Gray has signed midfielder Daniel Jones from Wolves in a loan deal running until January.
"Daniel is a player I know all about having been at Wolves with Glenn Hoddle when we gave him his senior debut," Gray told the club's website.
"He is a big strong lad with a lot of pace and will give us some power going forward, which is what we need."
Jones is 21 and Gray added: "He can operate wide on either flank and that will add to our options

3rd August 2007

Murray Waiting On Tests

Wolves keeper Matt Murray is waiting on test results to confirm the severity of a knee injury.
The 26-year-old sustained the injury during a training session at the club's Compton base and will not be risked in Saturday's friendly with Reading.

Boss Mick McCarthy said: "Matt will not be available for the Reading game for purely precautionary reasons.
"We have had to get him checked out and are now waiting for the doctor's test results to come back but hopefully, it will be nothing major.
"Will he be ready for the start of the start of the season?
"I'm not even thinking about that because we have to see what the doctors and the physios say once they have got their heads together."

1st August 2007

Hereford 2-3 Wolves

Wolves beat League Two team Hereford United 3-2 at Edgar Street, twice having to come from behind.

Hereford took the lead after just 90 seconds, Gareth Ainsworth crossed from the right and Theo Robinson climbed to power a header past Wayne Hennessey.
Three minutes later Wolves were level with Jay Bothroyd holding off a defender to turn and cross for Elliott Bennett to head home the equaliser.
But Hereford quickly regained the advantage after 5 minutes when Ainsworth smashed home a close range shot from a cross from Steve Guinan.
Wolves drew level again after 36 minutes, when Brown failed to gather a free-kick from Bennett and Bothroyd rammed the ball into the net from just six-yards out.
Wolves moved into the lead for the first time with 69 minutes gone, Jones was the scorer with a header that Brown got his hands to but couldn't keep out after Karl Henry had curled a cross in from the right.

Hereford: Brown (Lewis 75), Hutchinson (McCombe 71), Campion (Rose 61), Taylor (Smith 61), Beckwith, Broadhurst (capt) (McClenahan 54), Ainsworth, Donnelly (Diagouraga 12) (Gwynne 75), Guinan (S. Johnson 61), Robinson (Benjamin 61), Easton.

Wolves: Hennessey, Little, Clapham (L. Collins 73), Gleeson, Edwards, Craddock (capt), Bennett (O'Connor 73), Henry, Eastwood (Hughes 86), Bothroyd (J. Johnson 73), Jones (Bailey 87).
Unused Subs: Riley, Mimms, Salmon, Mulgrew.

Attendance: 1,213.
Referee: S. Bratt.

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