News Index

Archived News:

30th October 2007

Davies Returns With A Goal

Wolves midfielder Mark Davies has marked his return to competitive action by scoring on his comeback for the reserves.
The 19-year-old has suffered with a spate of injuries and illness this year and has not featured for the first team at all this season - his last appearance coming in April against Crystal Palace.
Yet he came through unscathed as a second-half substitute for the second string, replacing Freddy Eastwood against West Brom reserves at The Hawthorns.
His impact was immediately felt as he seized upon a rebound to score and help his side to a 3-3 draw.

28th October 2007

Match Reaction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy cited the penalty miss as a key moment.
He said: "We started very well and were far and away the better side and won a penalty.
"Certainly the fact that we didn't score from the spot had a big effect on the game.
"Ipswich took their chances and Alan Lee stayed on his feet and did what a good striker does.
"Their two up front caused more trouble to us than our two did to them which was why I made a change at the interval and withdrew Freddy Eastwood."

McCarthy was also left to rue his side's failings at the other end of the pitch.
"It was awful defending to let Pablo Counago score the second - I don't know how he got through," he said.
"Once it was 2-0 the exertions from earlier in the week started to become evident and some players were running on empty.
"We caused our own downfall by giving Ipswich opportunities to score."

Wolves captain and centre-half Jody Craddock missed the second half with an ankle injury.

27th October 2007

Ipswich 3-0 Wolves

5mins: Ipswich keeper Alexander brings down Kightly, penalty given.
7mins: Eastwood takes the penalty and Alexander saves it.
32mins: Yellow card, Lee.
42mins: Goal, Lee gives Ipswich the lead.
Half Time: Ipswich 1-0 Wolves.
46mins: Wolves substitution, Jarvis on for Eastwood.
46mins: Wolves substitution, Little on for Craddock.
52mins: Goal, Counago gets Ipswich's second.
70mins: Ipswich substitution, Roberts on for Clarke.
74mins: Wolves substitution, Keogh on for Kightly.
81mins: Ipswich substitution, Haynes on for Lee.
88mins: Ipswich substitution, Bruce on for Counago.
90+1mins: Goal, Haynes gets Ipswich's third.
Full Time: Ipswich 3-0 Wolves.

26th October 2007

Team News

Ipswich: have been boosted by the surprise news that Tommy Miller has shaken off an ankle injury.
A scan revealed that Miller had strained ligaments but he and Richard Naylor, who has recovered from a foot injury, have been named in the squad.

Wolves: chasing a fourth consecutive win, will be without midfielder Darron Gibson (thigh), Stephen Elliott and Micky Gray (both hamstring).
Striker Andrew Keogh sustained a knock at Cardiff but should play.

McCarthy Tried To Sell Bothroyd

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy admitted he tried to sell striker Jay Bothroyd before the transfer window closed in August.
Bothroyd's career at Molineux looked over but he has forced his way back into McCarthy's plans and scored two goals this term.
"I told Jay in no uncertain terms he could leave and tried to get him to go as far back as the Watford game," said McCarthy.
"I think he spoke to Hull and I gave him permission to talk to them.
"He didn't want to go, though, and knuckled down. Fair play to him, if he plays like he is, I can't leave him out."

25th October 2007

Bennett Joins Crewe On Loan

Wolves teenager Elliott Bennett has joined League One side Crewe Alexandra on a one-month loan.
The 18-year-old winger has appeared for Wolves first team against Bradford City and Morecambe so far this season.
"We had come to an agreement with Wolves about another player, Lewis Gobern," Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland told his club's website.
"But his injury was worse than first feared, so Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said he had an alternative in Elliott."
Crewe currently have a number of key players out with injuries.

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy revealed how some half-time tinkering had helped his side overturn a 2-1 deficit to beat Cardiff 3-2 in the Championship at Ninian Park.
Michael Kightly opened the scoring for Wolves in the 13th minute but Cardiff hit back with a Robbie Fowler penalty in the 25th minute before going ahead four minutes later with a superbly worked Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink strike.
But they never looked comfortable and once Kightly equalised there was only going to be one winner amd Skipper Jody Craddock duly obliged with a 73rd minute header and Cardiff were down and out.

McCarthy was delighted with the victory that lifted his side into third place in the division.
"I feel much better after this win because we have been well beaten on our last two previous visits," he said.
"We started well with an early goal but gave away yet another penalty and their second goal was of Premier League standard.
"I changed it a bit during the interval and we were better balanced after the break. We competed well and our second-half display fully merited the victory.
"Now we have to make the journey home before preparing ourselves for another long trek (to Ipswich) on Saturday."

24th October 2007

Cardiff 2-3 Wolves

13mins: GOAL, Kightly puts Wolves ahead.
24mins: Kightly fouls Ledley, penalty given.
25mins: Goal, Fowler levels from the spot.
29mins: Goal, Hasselbaink purs Cardiff ahead.
Half Time: Cardiff 2-1 Wolves.
46mins: Wolves substitution, Ward on for Gibson.
50mins: Wolves substitution, Eastwood on for Keogh.
66mins: GOAL, Kightly makes it level.
67mins: Cardiff substitution, Thompson on for Fowler.
70mins: GOAL, Craddock heads Wolves back into the lead.
74mins: Cardiff substitution, MacLean on for Hasselbaink.
83mins: Cardiff substitution, Sinclair on for Ledley.
Full Time: Cardiff 2-3 Wolves.

23rd October 2007

Team News

Cardiff: are set to be without striker Steve Thompson who rolled his ankle in training last week.
But Darren Purse could be in line to start as the Bluebirds look to tighten up their defence.

Wolves: boss Mick McCarthy will have Irish forward Stephen Ward available who was out with tendonitis.
Stephen Elliott and Micky Gray (both hamstring) are likely to remain sidelined for a further two to three weeks for the Molineux side.

Bennett Set For Crewe Loan

Crewe Alexandra are assessing a loan bid for Elliott Bennett after injury scuppered a move for Wolves team-mate Lewis Gobern.
The League One club are looking to add to their midfield and had lined up a deal for Wolves youngster Gobern.
However, injury has ruined any prospect of an immediate deal and Crewe have now turned to Gobern's colleague Bennett.
The teenager will train with Crewe this week with a view to linking up with the club on a loan basis.

"We asked Wolves about Lewis, but he is taking longer than expected to recover from his injury," technical director Dario Gradi told Crewe's official website.
"Mick (McCarthy) then recommended Elliott to us and told us that he is good enough.
"We have agreed to have a look at him and he will train with us for a week with a view to signing him on loan."

Bennett made his debut for Wolves in the Carling Cup against Bradford City earlier this season and also played in the second round defeat to Morecambe.

21st October 2007

Match Reaction

Mick McCarthy said after the match: "I'm delighted for Jay Bothroyd. He's had lots of barracking from me.
"We know he can get goals but he's done more of the other side of the game today. He's worked hard.
"Karl Henry has had a fantastic week with signing his new contract and getting a goal.
"He's had to work hard to prove again what a good player he is after getting a nasty injury towards the end of last season, so I'm pleased for him.
"Those who score the goals always get the plaudits but managers and coaches also appreciate clean sheets. Wayne made a fantastic save and Darren Ward - who has had his nose put out of joint being left out of the team - came back and played well.
"This was an important result because it sets us up nicely for what is going to be a tough week going to Cardiff and Ipswich.
"We can make up a lot of ground this week - or lose it. We mustn't get carried away and must prepare for both games as well as we do normally."

The Wolves boss added he was amazed Charlton boss Alan Pardew claimed his side were "roughed up" by the home side.
McCarthy said: "I think it is lovely that another manager has said we've roughed them up."
He then went on to claim players were not "bruisers" but expected Cardiff to be trying to rough them up on Wednesday, along with a number of other clubs before the season is out.

20th October 2007

Wolves 2-0 Charlton

36mins: Charlton substitution, Sodje on for Powell (injured).
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Charlton.
46mins: GOAL, Bothroyd gives Wolves the lead.
64mins: Yellow card, Gibson.
70mins: Charlton substitution, Todorov on for Ambrose (injured).
71mins: Charlton substitution, Thomas on for Bougherra.
85mins: GOAL, Henry gets Wolves second.
88mins: Yellow card, Semebo.
88mins: Wolves substitution, Jarvis on for Bothroyd.
Full Time: Wolves 2-0 Charlton.

19th October 2007

Team News

Wolves: could recall out-of-favour striker Freddy Eastwood from the bench in place of Stephen Elliot, who has a hamstring injury.
Stephen Ward hopes to be fit for the clash, but it is touch and go whether he will recover from tendonitis.

Charlton: Matt Holland is out for three weeks after tearing a calf muscle, having just returned from knee surgery.
Captain Andy Reid needs a check-up and winger Lloyd Sam is suspended. Chris Powell covers for Ben Thatcher (knee).

Henrys Signs New Deal

Wolves midfielder Karl Henry has signed a contract extension at Molineux, keeping him at the club until 2011.
The 23-year-old, who joined the club at the start of last season, missed the latter part of last campaign after suffering a spleen injury.
He spent the summer regaining his fitness ahead of the new season.
Boss Mick McCarthy said on WOW: "He was due to get a new deal at the end of last season then got a nasty knock and had to earn it again."

17th October 2007

Jarvis Wants Debut

Wolves winger Matt Jarvis is closing in on a debut appearance following his lengthy stint on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old made a summer move to Molineux from Gillingham after attracting the eye of Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, but he has yet to make his debut after sustaining a serious injury in pre-season. But, the youngster is now eyeing a first-team spot after successfully coming through his rehabilitation.
Jarvis said on WOW: "I've been in full training for the last two weeks and I've also got two reserve games in," .
"Now all I can do is to carry on working hard and, hopefully, a first-team chance will come along sooner rather than later."

16th October 2007

Ward Injury Update

Wolves striker Stephen Ward is facing an uphill battle to be fit in time for the visit of Charlton on Saturday.
The Irishman has been struggling with tendonitis in his knee all season and has been having painkilling injections to enable him to play.
The injury finally took its toll in the last league game against Coventry on October 6th and he had to be replaced after 20 minutes.
Ward will now undergo a week of intense treatment in an attempt to be fit for Saturday.

Ward said on WOW: "The injections were really painful but I'm glad they are out of the way now.
"The doctor thinks this should solve my problem and I feel like I'm on the road to recovery.
"I haven't ruled myself out of the weekend but it's a case of take each day at a time."

15th October 2007

Eastwood Denies Rift

Wolves' out-of-favour striker Freddy Eastwood has denied reports that there is a rift between himself and manager Mick McCarthy.
Eastwood has not started a match for a month and has been told by McCarthy he needs to improve his work rate if he wants to displace Andy Keogh and Stephen Elliot in attack.
But the Welsh international remains committed to the Molineux outfit.
He told the Express and Star: "People try to say I've fallen out with the gaffer but it's not true.
"He just felt he needed to change things around. I think I should be playing but I won't be going to see him and shouting about it.
"He told me that if I want to get back I'll have to work harder on the defensive side of my game. I just need to knuckle down."

12th September 2007

McCarthy Reacts To Toshack

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy believes international managers like John Toshack should get on with their own job - and leave their club colleagues to do theirs.
McCarthy has reacted to Toshack's reported frustration at a lack of first-team action for Wales strikers Freddy Eastwood and Robert Earnshaw by reminding him of the "unwritten rule" that it is best to mind your own business.
McCarthy, speaking from his own experience of managing the Republic of Ireland, added his voice to that of Derby boss Billy Davies - the first to be taken aback at Toshack's remarks about Rams forward Earnshaw who, like Eastwood at Molineux, has been used sparingly so far this season.

"This debate about me not picking Freddy is not worrying me in the slightest," said McCarthy.
"When I had quite a successful spell as an international manager with Ireland, I had an unwritten rule that I would never comment on what league managers did.
"They pick their team - and I pick mine."

Toshack, set to pick either Eastwood or Earnshaw alongside fit-again Craig Bellamy in Wales' Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and San Marino, has sought to defuse any tension.
"I must emphasise I was not being critical of any club manager," he said.

11th October 2007

Injury Update

Stephen Elliott is on his way back to Wolverhampton having been injured whilst on international duty.
The Wolves striker pulled his hamstring in training with the Irish squad, who are preparing for European qualifiers with Germany and Cyprus.
Physio Barry Homes said on WOW: "We had a call from the Irish party to say that Stephen had damaged his hamstring.
"He's already had a scan to confirm the diagnosis and we will assess his situation when he arrives back with us at Compton - hopefully sometime tomorrow.
"We will know more then."

Matt Jarvis is ready to show Wolves fans just what he can do.
The summer signing from Gillingham has yet to make a competitive start for Wolves after injuring his hip in pre-season. But, after successfully coming through Tuesday's reserve game, Matt feels he's now on track for his debut.

Lewis Gobern was delighted to be back in action again after missing the start of the campaign with an ankle injury.
The midfielder played 75 minutes of Wolves reserve game at Nuneaton Borough and is now targeting next week's match at Shrewsbury to build up his match fitness.
Lewis strained his ankle ligaments in the pre-season game against Grays.

9th October 2007

Gibson Wanted On Loan

Wolves are hoping to sign Man Utd midfielder Darron Gibson on loan during the international break.
The Republic of Ireland man, 19, is currently recovering from a toe injury.
However, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is hoping to complete a three-month deal in time for their next Championship game, against Charlton on the 20th October.

Olo Signs New Deal

Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has signed a new contract at Molineux until June 2011.
The Nigerian international repeated that he has ambitions to play in the Premiership and is very positive about Wolves getting there this season.
Seyi, who will travel to the African Nations Cup in January, says he is pleased the deal has finally been done. His current deal would have expired this season.

He said on WOW: "I fancy us to go up this year and I want to be a big part of it.
"I had no doubts whatsoever about signing.
"I want to play in an environment where I am liked and made to feel welcome. I have family living here. I can't ask for any more.
"I didn't want to go away to the African Nations Cup, then come back and have all the speculation.
"So I'm glad it's all done and dusted."

8th October 2007

Hennessey Injury Update

Keeper Wayne Hennessey has not joined up with the Welsh international party, who are to take part in European qualifiers against Cyprus and san Marino, but is at Compton this morning for treatment on his injured hip.
He was substituted in Saturday's game against Coventry after colliding with Robbie Simpson.
The 20-year -old was taken to hospital for an X-ray, which revealed there was no serious damage. It is hoped that a couple of week's treatment will see him fit to re-take his place for Wolves after the international break.

Molineux physio Barry Holmes said on WOW: "We took Wayne off to hospital as a precaution and were pleased to be told that nothing was broken. His hip and pelvis is very sore though, so he hasn't joined up with Wales.
"We are hoping it settles down quickly and that during the two week break we can get him fit for the Charlton game."

Two other players, Michael Gray and Stephen Ward, also left the field suffering with injuries during the Sky Blues game.
Barry added: "Stephen continues to have problems with patella tendonitis and was brought off as a precaution. With the break in games and treatment we hope it will settle down.
"Michael pulled his hamstring and is in this morning for assessment.
"We put him on crutches as a precaution but he's walking ok now.
"We will send him off for a scan in the next 24 hours and we'll know more about the extent of the injury then."

7th October 2007

Match Reaction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insisted his side's barely deserved 1-0 win over Coventry at Molineux was just reward for their hard work.
A fine header by substitute Neill Collins three minutes into stoppage time gave saw Wanderers triumph in an ill-tempered derby clash with the Sky Blues.
Only a few seconds remained when Michael Kightly crossed from the right after his corner had been cleared back to him, and Collins nodded powerfully past Andy Marshall from close range.
It was a goal Wolves hardly warranted after another toothless performance on a day when Coventry, who started in fifth place, held the edge.

"I don't think we've had a good team performance and we've nicked a goal," admitted McCarthy.
"But that's three clean sheets out of four now and we defended well.
"I haven't got the best squad of players in the world but I get every last drop out of them and, if I can keep saying that, I will be happy."

Wolves had some excuse for their laboured display as they were forced into two defensive substitutions in the first half-hour.
Left-back Michael Gray went off with hamstring trouble to be replaced by Collins, then Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was caught in a robust challenge with Robbie Simpson and departed with what appeared to be a hip injury that might make him doubtful for international duties over the next fortnight.
Six players were booked in a game dominated by defence but Wolves were left happy at climbing five places.
Their only chances of the first half came when Andy Keogh finished weakly and man of the match Kightly worked himself superbly into position for a left-foot shot that Marshall saved well.

6th October 2007

Wolves 1-0 Coventry

20mins: Wolves substitution, Collins on for Gray (injured).
22mins: Yellow card, Doyle.
24mins: Yellow card, Borrowdale.
29mins: Wolves substitution, Stack on for Hennessey (injured).
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Coventry.
46mins: Wolves substitution, Eastwood on for S Ward.
55mins: Yellow card, Misfud.
64mins: Yellow card, Breen, for entering the field of play without permission.
69mins: Yellow card, Henry.
75mins: Coventry substitution, Kyle on for Adebola.
83mins: Yellow card, Kyle.
89mins: Coventry substitution, Best on for Simpson.
94mins: GOAL, Collins heads in to give Wolves the 3 points.
Full Time: Wolves 1-0 Coventry.

5th October 2007

Team News

Wolves: manager Mick McCarthy is set to name an unchanged line-up against Coventry, with out-of-favour striker Freddy Eastwood missing out.
Stephen Ward is expected to start after recovering from a sore knee but Lewis Gobern (hamstring) is sidelined.

Coventry: Gary Borrowdale and Jay Tabb are slight doubts after they suffered knocks against Blackpool in midweek.
David McNamee and Kevin Thornton are likely to deputise if required, but Julian Gray (knee) is still out.

4th October 2007

Gobern Injury Update

Wolves midfielder Lewis Gobern is on the comeback trail following his long term hamstring injury.
The 22-year-old winger played in a practice match against the Academy and hopes to make an appearance for the reserves sooner rather than later.

He said on WOW: "I felt a bit tired by the end, although it was only an hour or so, and I am looking to stack up the games over the next two or three weeks.
"I hope to be involved against Nuneaton and then in the reserve game against Shrewsbury the following week because it's all about stepping up my fitness."

He made 12 appearances for the first team last season but has suffered various injury set backs since December.

Gobern added: "It was very frustrating to shake off one injury and then pick up another so soon.
"As a winger you rely on your explosive pace which puts a strain on your body.
"It's not a position you can easily play with an injury."
 

3rd October 2007

Match Reaction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has warned striker Freddy Eastwood will have his work cut out getting into his starting line-up despite watching them draw a blank at Leicester tonight.
Wanderers' leading scorer was left on the bench for a third consecutive game and had to wait until the 67th minute to make his entrance - a move which received the biggest cheer of the night from the travelling support in the 0-0 draw at the Walkers Stadium.
The man he replaced, Stephen Elliott, had his side's best two chances but failed to convert on both occasions - the first when put clean through by Seyi Olifinjana after half an hour before failing to connect with Michael Kightly's ball across the face of goal moments before half-time.
But when asked if Eastwood would soon be restored to the starting line-up, McCarthy insisted the Wales international, who has scored four times this season, would first have to prove himself better than the first-choice pairing of Elliott and Andy Keogh.

McCarthy said: "If he plays like that when he came on then no.
"He's not been starting because Andy Keogh and Stephen Elliott have been a different class.
"I believe they are the better partnership at the moment."
"How do they get in the team? Train brilliantly, play in the reserves brilliantly and be better than the players that are in the team.
"Don't be parasites, don't wait for somebody to play badly, make a mistake or get injured.
"My best XI will be out on the pitch to begin with and anyone who wants to change that they will have to play damn well and train damn hard."

The draw was Wolves' second point on the road in three days but McCarthy believes he could just as easily have been celebrating six.
He said: "I always look at points away as a good point. What's the point looking at it as anything else? "We mullered Plymouth all over the place, we got a point but we should have had three.
"I think we were the better side tonight, we have got a point, but we did lose it a bit when they had a couple of chances at the end.
"We have had three really good performances and not really had the tally of points we should have had."

2nd October 2007

Leicester 0-0 Wolves

Nothing to report in the first half.
Half Time: Leicester 0-0 Wolves.
66mins: Wolves substitution, Eastwood on for Elliott.
73mins: Leicester substitution, Cort on for Kishishev.
83mins: Leicester substitution, Campbell on for Fryatt.
92mins: Wolves substitution, Collins on for Ward.
Full Time: Leicester 0-0 Wolves.

Traffic Warning

Police are warning Wolves fans travelling to Leicester for tonight's match that the M6 has been closed between junction 4a and 3, because of a major traffic incident.
The advice from the police is that supporters use the A5 via Tamworth and Hinckley.

Murray Injury Update

Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray hopes to be back in first-team action before the end of the season.
Murray tore a cruciate ligament in his left knee in pre-season training and need an operation.
The 26-year-old had only just recovered from a broken shoulder sustained at the end of the last campaign.

He said on WOW: "I'm aiming to be back in training around February time and hopefully be playing a reserve game in March.
"If I'm fit again and people think I can help the team then it would be great to be back in, but I'm under no illusions because I know it will be very difficult.
"Six months is what people think a cruciate takes these days, but you can get little setbacks here and there.
"It's just a case of trying to get back into training when you're always going to a bit rusty, and then there's obviously going to be a very good goalkeeper in front of me as well."

1st October 2007

Team News

Leicester: boss Gary Megson will pick from an unchanged squad for Wolves' visit, though he has hinted at changes.
With Mark De Vries having joined Leeds, Megson could revert to 4-4-2, with Ian Hume and Matty Fryatt up front.

Wolves: boss Mick McCarthy must decide whether to recall Freddy Eastwood to his side after leaving the striker on the bench for the last two games.
Stephen Ward is also pushing to start after shaking off a sore knee, with no other new injury problems for McCarthy.