News Index

Archived news:

29th November 2004

Sturridge Backs Redknapp & Smith

Wolves striker Dean Sturridge said Harry Redknapp and Jim Smith would be the right men to guide the Molineux club back to the Premiership.
The duo have been tipped to succeed Dave Jones and Sturridge said: "They have had great times, they know the game and what they want from players.
"Their teams play with lots of pace and passion, show a lot of character and put the opposition on the back foot.
"Those are exactly the qualities you need to get out of this division."

Sturridge, who played under Smith at Derby, added: "We all know Harry's reputation and qualities. His CV is exceptional.
"To do what he has done at Portsmouth is fantastic."
 

28th November 2004

Match Reaction

Wolves caretaker-boss Stuart Gray felt his side could have taken all three points from the game.

He said: "Overall I thought we had the better chances in the game and when you score three goals away from home you expect to win the game.
"I'm disappointed with the defending. Sometimes it's the second ball you have to defend and unfortunately on a couple of occasions we didn't do that.
"All credit to the boys because they stuck at it and deserved a draw, maybe even a win."

Commenting on his uncertain future amid speculation surrounding the manager's job at Molineux, Gray added: "I've been asked to take charge and I'll continue to do that until I'm told different.
"My preparation now is to get the players ready and organised for Reading next week, until told different.
"I can't praise the players enough. They've been fully focused and their attitude has been spot-on."

Seyi George Olofinjana gave Wolves a seventh-minute lead, receiving a right-wing cross from Mark Clyde inside the area and his shot bounced up off the turf and beat Paddy Kenny.
Leigh Bromby hit United's equaliser in the 28th minute with an emphatic finish after chesting down an Andy Liddell corner.
Carl Cort struck the woodwork with a shot on the turn before putting Wolves back in front a minute later (50). Colin Cameron delivered a low cross from the left and Cort swept the ball home at the far post.
It was 2-2 in the 53rd minute when Paul Thirlwell struck a fine volley which Michael Oakes got a hand to - but could not keep the ball out.
Paul Shaw put the home side ahead for the first time in the match in the 72 minute, controlling a cross from Liddell before beating Oakes with a neat finish.
But Joleon Lescott rescued a point for the visitors three minutes from time.
Mark Kennedy's free-kick was flicked on by Olofinjana and Lescott fired home with ease. from sportinglife.com

27th November 2004

Sheff Utd 3-3 Wolves

7mins: GOAL, Olofinjana puts Wolves ahead.
28mins: Goal, Bromby equalises.
Half Time: Sheff Utd 1-1 Wolves.
50mins: GOAL, Cort puts Wolves back ahead from Cameron's cross.
53mins: Goal, Thirlwell pulls Sheff Utd level again.
72mins: Goal, Shaw gives Sheff Utd the lead.
75mins: Wolves substitution, Miller on for Sturridge.
76mins: Sheff Utd substitution, Beckett on for Gray.
79mins: Sheff Utd substitution, Montgomery on for Tonge.
81mins: Wolves substitution, Seol on for Cameron.
87mins: GOAL, Lescott equalises from Kennedy's free-kick.
Full Time: Sheff Utd 3-3 Wolves.

Sir Bobby?

Newspapers are reporting this morning that Sir Bobby Robson has been offered the job as Wolves boss, with a two year deal. But chief executive Jez Moxey has denied the reports saying they won't be announcing the new boss in the next 48 hours and the reports are "way off the mark".
"A number of candidates are still under consideration," said Moxey.
Robson also moved to rubbish the reports.
"The speculation is this morning's press is utter nonsense," said Robson.

Gary Megson has decided to pull out of the race for the Wolves manager job, he thinks it would be Mission Impossible as he used to manage rivals West Brom.
He said: "I lost my first three games when I was at West Brom. If that happened to me at Wolves, they would be burning the stands down."
Megson had applied for the post as part of an agreement with Albion chairman that when he left The Hawthorns he had to go for any job in the top two divisions.

26th November 2004

Team News

Sheff Utd: boss Neil Warnock has confirmed Paul Shaw will return to the squad.
The striker was rested last week against Derby with Danny Cadamarteri partnering Andy Liddell in attack and new signing Luke Beckett on the bench.
Blades boss Warnock has plenty of options up front as Beckett proved his sharpness by opening his account for the club in the reserves this week.
Warnock, who has no new injury or suspension problems to deal with, could be tempted to recall midfielder Michael Tonge to the starting line-up.
Tonge came on as a substitute against the Rams after shaking off an ankle injury.

Wolves: duo Carl Cort and Lee Naylor must prove their fitness ahead of the trip to face Sheffield United at Bramall lane.
Striker Cort and left-back Naylor will both face late tests on knee problems sustained during last week's 1-0 Molineux defeat to Coventry.
But right-back Keith Lowe has bounced back from a calf strain and fellow defender Mark Clyde has returned to contention following an ankle injury.
Midfielder Paul Ince is expected to be absent, though, while he recovers from an operation to remove an in-growing toenail.

25th November 2004

Redknapp Linked

Harry Redknapp has fuelled speculation that he could be the next Wolves boss after his shock resignation from Portsmouth. He admitted that one club has already been in touch with him, although he refused to say which.

Redknapp said: "Wolves are a great club. A bit like Pompey. Everyone said it was a sleeping giant that wouldn't wake up, but Wolves already have.
"Dave Jones did a great job in getting Wolves into the Premiership, but unfortunately they went down.
"But they have great support, a terrific stadium and it's a great job for somebody."

Dave Jones was sacked on the 1st November and Wolves have held off naming a successor, leaving Stuart Gray in caretaker charge, but they have been watching the situation at Fratton Park closely.
The way Redknapp revived Pompey took them into the Premiership and kept them up there will not be lost on Wolves as they seek an instant return to the top-flight.

Striker Boost

Wolves have been boosted with the news that striker Vio Ganea could play again this season.
The Romanian suffered cruciate ligament damage during Wolves' pre-season trip to Norway and it had been feared that he would miss the whole of the current season.

But, Wolves physio Barry Holmes has now confirmed that the influential forward could make an ahead-of-scheduled return.
Holmes said on WOW: "We would be looking at getting Vio involved in training in the New Year, probably around February time.
''As long as he continues to progress well then I see no reason why Vio couldn't take part in some games before the season is out.
''Once back on track then we are hopeful of him training fully again come February.
''If all went well we'd be looking at weeks rather than months from that point."

Meanwhile, fellow striker George Ndah is to visit Germany to be treated by sports injury specialist, Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt, in a bid to recover from a problematic calf strain.

24th November 2004

Manager Update

Sir Bobby Robson is the latest out of work manager to be linked with the vacancy at Molineux, Robson is reported to have applied and been interviewed for the job.
But Chief executive Jez Moxey has denied the speculation Sir Bobby Robson is the leading contender
He wrote in his programme notes for the Coventry match: "We want someone with gravitas, someone who has experience of dealing with international players as well as at club level, and someone who has experience of having won things."
But Moxey said on Wednesday: "Other people might read that and make up their own mind but they might well have put two and two together and got five.
"Until the interview process is completed I'm absolutely not going to be drawn on names."

23rd November 2004

Lowe Signs Professional Contract

Wolves 18-year-old Academy graduate Keith Lowe signed his first professional contract today at Molineux.
The defender who broke through into the first team at the start of the season, has signed a three and a half year deal.
He said on WOW: "It's brilliant, I'm really pleased to sign. I never imagined anything like this was going to happen.
"I knew my Academy contract was up at the end of the season but I had no inkling that I was going to be playing in the first team. My family are all Wolves supporters and my mum and dad are so pleased for me. It's all a bit of a dream come true.
"I think I've done quite well and I've tried to take it all in my stride. The crowd has been behind me all the way which makes it a lot easier for me."
Chief executive Jez Moxey added: "Keith deserves this new contract. He has shown a maturity above his years since he made the breakthrough into the first team and he is a tremendous prospect who can play a big part in the in the club's future."

Reserves Draw

Wolves and Middlesbrough reserves drew 0-0 yesterday at the Bucks Head, with Matt Murray the star of the show for the second reserves match in succession with some outstanding saves.

Wolves Reserves: Murray, Clyde, Rafferty (Taylor 84), Gleeson, Bjorklund, Townsend, Stewart, M. Davies, Clarke, Musson, Fitzpatrick.
Unused Subs: Ikeme, Askey, Hughes.
Middlesbrough Reserves: Nash, Reiziger, A. Davies, Doriva (Wheater 69), Bates, Cooper, Peacock, Morrison (Reed 69), Nemeth (Craddock 69), Wilson, Kennedy.
Unused Subs: Knight, Grounds.
Yellow Card: Wheater.
Attendance: 782.

22nd November 2004

Manager Update

Wolves chairman Rick Hayward has said it could be another week before they will be in a position to name the new manager at Molineux.
He says there is still a lot of hard thinking to be done before a successor is appointed to the sacked Dave Jones.
Which means caretaker boss Stuart Gray could be in charge for a fifth game when Wolves play Sheff Utd on Saturday.

Hayward said: "I do not know at the moment who it is going to be. Who we want and who we get are two different matters.
"Having said that, we are determined to do everything by the book. I don't think we will be in a position to name our new man this week."

21st November 2004

Match Reaction

Caretaker Wolves boss Stuart Gray has admitted the 1-0 home defeat by Coventry might have put paid to his hopes of securing the managerial post on a permanent basis.
Gray has presided over two wins and two defeats since assuming control in the wake of Dave Jones' sacking, the latest reverse coming after Gary McSheffrey scored the only goal of the Molineux.

"If we played Coventry again and perhaps got that little bit of luck, I might have been talking about a victory," he said.
"But it didn't turn out that way and it may be that the result changes the thinking in the boardroom.
"Managers are in the results business and at the moment, there are lot of good managers who are out of work - as well as a lot of good ones who are already in work - who would want the job at this club.
"But I have thrown my hat into the ring as well and had a very good discussion with the chairman, the content of which will remain private and confidential.
"I still have 18 months to run on my contract here and until I'm told otherwise, I'll continue to prepare the team.
"And no, I don't think the off-field uncertainty is affecting players.
"They're professionals after all, they're paid to play football."

Gray had seen Wolves enjoy most of the possession against Coventry, only to be undone by McSheffrey's sucker punch on the hour.
And he said: "We had plenty of possession but possession's only an advantage if you turn it into goals.
"I thought we could easily have gone in 2-0 up at half-time but then they got the first goal and after that we were always playing catch-up and trying to break down Coventry's two banks of four.
"But I was disappointed with our movement in and around the box.
"There weren't enough people going in there to attack crosses and committed enough to risk getting hurt to score a goal." from sportinglife.com

20th November 2004

Wolves 0-1 Coventry

There was a minutes silence before kick-off in memory of Emlyn Hughes.

Nothing to report from the first half.
Half Time: Wolves 0-0 Coventry.
47mins: Wolves substitution, Kennedy on for Naylor (injured).
61mins: Goal, McSheffrey gives Coventry the lead.
64mins: Wolves substitution, Seol on for Lowe.
68mins: Wolves substitution, Andrews on for Olofinjana.
81mins: Coventry substitution, Barrett on for McSheffrey.
Full Time: Wolves 0-1 Coventry.

19th November 2004

Team News

Wolves: Mark Clyde, Colin Cameron and Mark Kennedy are all back in contention ahead of Wolves match with Coventry.
But Mikkel Bischoff, Paul Ince and Rob Edwards are on the casualty list, as are strikers George Ndah and Vio Ganea.

Coventry: striker Stern John (ankle) faces a late fitness test while on-loan Bolton defender Florent Laville has reported a groin problem.
Midfielder Tim Sherwood remains on the sidelines after complications connected to his Boxing-Day leg break.
 

18th November 2004

Injury Update

Midfielder Colin Cameron is set to return to full training on Friday after he visited a top osteopath in Paris yesterday.
Phillipe Boxiel has been the osteopath of the French national team for the last 13 years and he also treats a number of international stars across a variety of sports.
Physio Barry Holmes, who accompanied the midfielder to France, said on WOW: Colin has been struggling to shake off the uncomfortable pain he is suffering in his lower back and groin and he travelled to Paris for some manipulative therapy from the specialist.
"He will be doing some light training today and will join in with the squad for a full workout tomorrow with a view to being available for the game with Coventry on Saturday."

17th November 2004

Emlyn Hughes's Funeral Today

Wolves goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms will represent Wolves at today's funeral of former captain Emlyn Hughes.
He was Emlyn's first signing when he became player-manager of Rotherham "He did well for me - he took me from Halifax as a 17-year-old and help me get established in the game," says Bobby on WOW.
"I was very sad to hear of his death. He was a great character and an inspirational figure for young players."
The service will also be attended by members of the Wolves Former Players Association. John Richards, John McAlle, Geoff Palmer, Mel Eves and Colin Brazier have all travelled to be at Sheffield Cathedral.

There will be a minute's silence at Molineux before Saturday's home game against Coventry in memory of Emlyn, who captained Wolves to League Cup glory during his two-year stint at the club between 1979 and 1981.

Manager Update

Wolves chairman Rick Hayward has done an about-turn on suggestions that Gary Megson is unlikely to be appointed the club's new manager.
The Molineux chief suggested on Monday evening that it would be very unlikely that former West Brom manager would be considered for the Wolves post.
Hayward stated that Wolves supporters would show their displeasure at the appointment, thus giving a clear indication that Megson's chances of landing the Wolves job were remote.

However, Hayward has now stated that no candidate has been ruled out for the manager's position and that Wolves are determined to hire someone that can restore success to the struggling Championship side.

Hayward said on WOW: "We are determined to appoint the right man for the job.
"Obviously, we listen to the opinions of our supporters, and a section of them have voiced an objection to one possible candidate - hence my comments last night.
"But what I should have added is that taking supporters' views into account doesn't mean that their opinions will necessarily be decisive when the board come to make a decision.
"We would not rule anyone out if we genuinely thought that that person had the best chance of bringing success to Wolves."
 

16th November 2004

Fixture Update

Wolves home match against Sunderland has been moved forward to Friday 4th February for SKY TV live coverage. The game was originally due to be played on Saturday 5th February at 3pm. The match will now kick-off at 7.45pm.
Wolves' home reserve clash with local rivals West Brom, which was postponed due to the rearranged first team match with Millwall, has now been rescheduled for Tuesday April 12, 2005 with a 7pm kick-off.

Reserves Lose

Wolves reserves lost 1-0 to Liverpool's reserves in front of a capacity crowd at Telford. The roads around the Bucks Head were clogged by supporters trying to get a glimpse of England midfielder Steven Gerrard who was making a comeback for Liverpool after seven weeks out with an ankle injury.
Kick-off had to be delayed for 15 minutes and many fans didn't get in at all as the gates were locked with over 6,000 people inside - a new record since the ground was redeveloped.

Mellor grabbed the winner for Liverpool 10 minutes from the end when Michael Townsend's clearance hit Stephen Gleeson and dropped into the path of the visiting striker who made no mistake from 12-yards.

But their was two good things to come from the game for Wolves, the great performance of keeper Murray and 82 trouble free minutes for Mark Clyde as he returned to the action for the first time since the beginning of October when he suffered an ankle injury.

Wolves Reserves: Murray, Clyde (Taylor 82), Rafferty, Andrews, Bjorklund (Fitzpatrick 45), Townsend, Gleeson, Stewart, Clarke, Musson, France (Riley 9).
Unused Subs: Hennessey, Askey.
Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Raven, Warnock, Henchoz (Smith 45), Whitbread, Potter, Partridge, Welsh, Mellor, Foy, Smyth (Gerrard 45) (Mannix 90).
Unused Subs: Willis, Wilkie.
Attendance: 6,280.

15th November 2004

Injury Update

Wolves captain Paul Ince is having a minor operation today. He's undergoing surgery for an in-growing toenail and is expected to be out of action for two weeks.

Loan defender Mikkel Bischoff has returned to Manchester City having been ruled out for three months with a shoulder injury.
He dislocated his shoulder in Saturday's game at Rotherham and will be assessed by City's medical team today. They may decide he needs minor surgery to repair damaged ligaments or Mikkel may be advised just to rest.
Wolves are now unlikely to want to pursue taking Bischoff on a long term loan to the end of the season, as this would have to be arranged before 31st December when Bischoff will still be recovering.
But, the option remains for Mikkel to return to Molineux for a further four weeks when he is fit as a player is allowed to be with a club for 93 days on a short-term loan basis.

14th November 2004

Match Reaction

Wolves caretaker-boss Stuart Gray was full of praise for his side's second-half efforts.

"In the first half our final ball let us down and their goal knocked us sideways," he said.
"But we dominated after the break and we worked hard for each other. (Ki-Hyeon) Seol did very well after he came on and Kevin Cooper caused Rotherham problems down both flanks with his goal giving us a big lift."

Asked about his own position at the club Gray said: "All I am doing is preparing the team for the next game. I have not been interviewed for the job and I am not on the short-list. The only way I am going to get the job is if we keep winning games."

After taking the lead in the 36th minute, Rotherham's luck held until the 21 minutes from full-time when Pollitt was left rooted to the spot by Cooper's shot from outside the box.
And 10 minutes later Seol's trickery won the day for Wolves. He beat Stockdale and slid the ball across the face of the goal for Carl Court to turn into the empty net leaving Rotherham rooted at the foot of the table still without a win.

13th November 2004

Rotherham 1-2 Wolves

36mins: Goal, Rotherham take the lead, McIntosh heads in from Sedgwick's corner.
Half Time: Rotherham 1-0 Wolves.
54mins: Wolves substitution, Seol on for Newton.
69mins: GOAL, Cooper scores to level the score.
74mins: Rotherham substitution, Monkhouse on for Butler.
79mins: GOAL, Cort scores to give Wolves the lead.
84mins: Wolves substitution, Clarke on for Miller.
90mins: Wolves substitution, Craddock on for Bischoff (injured).
Full Time: Rotherham 1-2 Wolves.

12th November 2004

Team News

Rotherham: manager Ronnie Moore is set to name Martin Butler and Andy Monkhouse in his squad for the game against Wolves at Millmoor.
Monkhouse, who came through a midweek reserve-team game after recovering from a thigh strain, could possibly be named in the starting line-up, while Butler, who contracted hepatitis and has not played this season, may make the bench.
Defender Chris Swailes will miss out as he serves a one-match ban after being cautioned five times.

Wolves: defender Mark Clyde has been ruled out of the Millmoor clash after suffering a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury.
Clyde, who sustained ligament damage while training with the Northern Ireland squad last month, was forced to pull out of a planned comeback game with the reserves on Wednesday after the problem flared again.
Rob Edwards also remains on the casualty list while continuing his rehabilitation from an ankle operation.
Strikers George Ndah and Vio Ganea are still missing.

10th November 2004

Reserves Win

Wolves reserves have won their first game of the season with a 5-0 victory over Everton reserves at Telford.

Wolves took the lead with just four minutes gone, Clarke took a return pass from Seol and fired an angled left-foot shot across Everton keeper Iain Turner and into the net.
Wolves got their second in the 29th minute through Andrews who picked a loose ball up in the centre circle and skipped past a couple of tackles before firing a low shot beyond Turner's dive from just outside the area.
One minute later Clarke chased a through ball from Seol into the area where he was upended by Turner. The referee decided against sending off the keeper who was booked and then Clarke smashed the penalty past him for Wolves third.
Just before half-time Clarke completed his hat-trick when he smashed the ball home after taking a through ball from Mark Davies.
Clarke struck again just after half-time (47mins), this time with a firm header that left Turner helpless after Seol had crossed from the right.

Wolves Reserves: Murray, Townsend, Rafferty, Andrews, Bjorklund, Craddock, Seol, Davies (Riley 78), Clarke (Stewart 88), Musson, France (Gleeson 65).
Unused Subs: Hennessey, Taylor.
Yellow Card: Andrews.
Everton Reserves: Turner, Wynne, Fox, Bosner, Gerrard, Phelan (Boyle 61), Hopkins, Harris (Tie 61), Vaughan, Anichebe, Naysmith.
Unused Subs: Gallagher, Wright, Hughes.
Yellow Card: Turner.
Attendance: 359.

9th November 2004

Legend Emlyn Hughes Dies

Former England, Liverpool and Wolves captain Emlyn Hughes has died at the age of 57. He had been fighting against a brain tumour in recent times, but finally lost his brave battle when he passed away in Sheffield on Tuesday morning.

He was known as 'Crazy Horse' and was one of the best players of his generation, captaining both his club and country with great distinction.
Bill Shankly signed Hughes and he went on to play 665 times for Liverpool and won four league titles and two European Cups at Anfield.
Finally leaving Liverpool in 1979, Hughes completed the full set of domestic medals by lifting the League Cup with Wolves in 1980 - the same year he was awarded the OBE for his services to sport. 

The lively centre half was also a great servant to his country, receiving 62 England caps, and captaining the side 23 times.
Hughes picked up the Footballer of the Year award in 1977, a tribute to the influence of the Barrow-in-Furness-born star.

Ince Not Ready For Management

Paul Ince has ruled himself out of the Wolves manager's job, insisting that he wants to concentrate on playing.
The combative midfielder is a firm favourite at Molineux, and had inevitably been linked to the job after Dave Jones was dismissed.
But he believes that the job has come too soon for him as he looks to continue his career on the pitch.

"Going into management appeals to me," said Ince, "but not at the moment.
"All I want to do now is keep on playing and concentrate on getting back into the team."
 

8th November 2004

Academy Draw

Wolves Academy under 18s drew 2-2 with Stoke City at Compton Park on Saturday.
Striker Gareth Musson gave Wolves the lead with a header after a good cross from Elliott Bennett ten minutes after half-time.
Stoke equalised after a corner hadn't been properly cleared and then they took the lead after Wolves had lost possession in midfield.
But five minutes from the end Gareth got another, this time after a Jonathan Taylor centre, to level the score at 2-2

Clingan Loaned For Extra Month

Midfielder Sammy Clingan's original month long loan ended on Sunday but he will now be staying with Chesterfield until 8th January. He has so far played six times and scored two goals.
The 24 hour recall rule applies and to avoid being cup tied he will not  take part in Saturday's FA Cup first round tie, when Chesterfield travel to Scunthorpe.

7th November 2004

Match Reaction

Stuart Gray paid tribute to his Wolves battlers after they secured him a much-needed 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the end of a difficult week at Molineux.
Mikkel Bischoff secured Wolves' first win in three attempts after Kevin Cooper had broken the deadlock from the penalty spot and David Johnson hooked in an equaliser from close range.

Caretaker boss Gray admitted: "It has been a disastrous week for us regarding Gillingham, what happened to Dave Jones and then Sunderland.
"I said I'd settle for a 1-0 win because I think it was just a case of getting three points on the board.
"But all credit to the players because it was a fantastic performance. We just couldn't get the third goal to kill them off.
"Mikkel was all at sea in the first half and came in to apologise for his performance. His best touch was actually his headed goal."

Wolves will draw up a short-list of potential successors to Jones this week, with the home crowd making it quite clear that Gary Megson - who departed bitter rivals West Brom two weeks ago - would not be welcomed by some fans.
Gray has not applied formally for the position and last night played down his interest in the role.
He said: "My brief was to take temporary charge and I've not applied for the job.
"They know where I am, they've got my CV on record. It's a very attractive job and I expect there will be some top names wanting it.
"They're decisions that are taken out of my hands. I told the players they can't be affected by what happens in the boardroom.
"Do I want the job? I'm just going to keep straight batting that and try to enjoy this win." from sportinglife.com

6th November 2004

Wolves 2-1 Notts Forest

15mins: Yellow card, Louis-Jean.
18mins: Cort pulled back in the area by Dawson, penalty given.
19mins: GOAL, Cooper scores from the spot.
25mins: Goal, Johnson levels the score.
43mins: GOAL, Bischoff heads Wolves back into the lead from a corner, his first goal for Wolves.
Half Time: Wolves 2-1 Notts Forest.
45mins: Forest substitution, Perch on for Louis-Jean.
66mins: Yellow card, Evans.
68mins: Yellow card, Thompson.
72mins: Forest substitution, Commons on for Nowland.
83mins: Wolves substitution, Sturridge on for Miller.
84mins: Forest substitution, Jess on for Thompson.
89mins: Yellow card, Lescott.
Full Time: Wolves 2-1 Notts Forest.

5th November 2004

Team News

Wolves: caretaker manager Stuart Gray has no fresh injury or suspension concerns.
Defensive duo Mark Clyde and Rob Edwards remain on the casualty list as they recover from ankle problems, while striker George Ndah also remains sidelined by a long-term thigh injury.
Fellow forward Vio Ganea has also been ruled out with cruciate knee ligament damage.

Forest: Manager Joe Kinnear has resigned himself to losing Andy Impey to injury for Nottingham Forest's clash with Wolves.
Impey sustained a knee injury during the Reds' 2-2 midweek draw with Rotherham at the City Ground, and although more tests are needed to confirm the severity of the midfielder's injury, Kinnear has confirmed Impey will play no part at Molineux.
Striker Gareth Taylor will also be absent as he serves the final game of a four-match suspension but defender Jon-Olav Hjelde has recovered from a calf niggle.

Mulligan Stays Out On Loan

Wolves young striker Gary Mulligan is staying on loan at Rushden & Diamonds for another month. The Dublin-born youngster originally joined the Nene Park outfit for an initial four-week period.
Mulligan has played four times for the League Two side, scoring one goal in the process.
As yet Rushden do not know if the 19-year-old will be able to play against Bradford in the FA Cup, they play them on 13th November, and Wolves may not want the youngster cup-tied.
 

4th November 2004

Reserves Lose

Wolves reserves lost 3-0 to Blackburn Rovers yesterday at Morecambe's Christie Park.
Blackburn took the lead through Gallagher in the 49th minute. Their second came in the 55th minute after a foul by Bjorklund on Johnson in the Wolves box. Gallagher sent Murray the wrong way from the spot.
In the 78th minute they got their third when Murray kicked the ball straight to Johnson as he attempted to clear leaving the Rovers striker with the easiest of tasks in rolling the ball home.

Blackburn Reserves: Drench, Douglas, Taylor, Harkins (Nolan 83), Fitzgerald, Bruce, Donnelly, Thompson (Hodge 71), Gallagher, Johnson, Pedersen (Morgan 67).
Unused Subs: Yelldell, Derbyshire.
Yellow Card: Harkins.
Wolves Reserves: Murray, Little (Taylor 84), Rafferty, France, Bjorklund, Townsend, Stewart (Fitzpatrick 75), Davies, Clarke, Gleeson (Riley 67), Musson.
Unused Subs: Hennessey, Askey.
Attendance: 278.

3rd November 2004

Manager's Job Applications

Chief executive Jez Moxey has revealed there has been significant interest in the manager's job at Molineux.
He said on WOW: "We are literally sifting through papers and CV's that have been sent by people who are interested in applying for the job and I have to say that we have some pretty good candidates already.
"What we are now going to be doing is trying to set up some meetings where we can start the interview process.
"We said all along that we want the manager to be in place as soon as possible but that may take time. As always in this difficult position, finding the right person is the most important thing not necessarily doing it in a quick manner."
He also outlined the criteria the board of directors will be looking for when selecting a replacement for Jones.
"We want somebody who can motivate our players and bring tactical skills to us which will give the football we play a style that befits our reputation and our history and what our supporters want to see.
"We want to have a team that is going to play attractive football, although the most important thing is a man who is going to bring wins - that's what it's all about.
"The criteria is quite long but the ultimate is getting someone who will get our team to win more than it loses."

Match Reaction

Wolves caretaker-manager Stuart Gray presided over the club's 3-1 defeat at Sunderland and then admitted he and the players had to take some responsibility for the sacking of manager Dave Jones.
Wolves had led at half-time through Kenny Miller but a strong second-half fightback from the Black Cats saw Liam Lawrence net twice and Stephen Elliott once as they stole the show with fine individual performances.
Just four wins all season had left Wolves languishing in 19th place in the table after Saturday's morale-sapping defeat at Gillingham and forced chairman Rick Hayward to end Jones' reign at Molineux.

"I think that us as staff, and players, must accept responsibility for Dave losing his job," admitted the former Southampton chief.
"The most important thing I've said to the players is that they've got to stand up and be counted.
"But I think their external pressures are not something the players are in control of.
"The only thing they are in control of is what they do on the training ground and when they cross that white line."

Gray admitted Wolves had been overpowered by a rampant second-half display by the Black Cats, although he drew encouragement from his side's display in the opening 45 minutes.
"Goals affect confidence and there was suddenly a bit of belief and the performance was 100% better than last Saturday against Gillingham," said Gray.
"Things have been a bit low, but our performance during the first half was very encouraging.
"In the second half, we gave the ball away a bit too cheaply and the goals they scored we didn't put enough pressure on them. from sportinglife.com

2nd November 2004

Sunderland 3-1 Wolves

18mins: GOAL, Miller gives Wolves the lead.
45mins: Yellow card, Olofinjana.
Half Time: Sunderland 0-1 Wolves.
45mins: Sunderland substitution, Bridges on for Stewart.
57mins: Goal, Lawrence equalises.
68mins: Goal, Elliott gives the Sunderland the lead.
76mins: Wolves substitution, Sturridge on for Cooper.
79mins: Yellow card, Newton.
80mins: Goal, Lawrence gets his second.
83mins: Wolves substitution, Ince on for Cameron.
87mins: Sunderland substitution, Brown on for Elliott.
90mins: Sunderland substitution, Carter on for Arca.
Full Time: Sunderland 3-1 Wolves.

1st November 2004

Gobern Out On Loan

League One Hartlepool have signed Wolves youngster Lewis Gobern on a months loan. The 19-year-old is highly-rated at Molineux although he is still make the breakthrough into the first team.
Pools boss Neale Cooper is delighted to add the right-sided midfielder to his squad for the next month.
Gobern is set to go straight into the Hartlepool squad for Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy clash with Carlisle.

Team News

Sunderland: Liam Lawrence should keep his place in Mick McCarthy's starting line-up after replacing Dean Whitehead for Saturday's 2-0 win over Brighton, in which he scored one goal and made the other.
Carl Robinson will play on with a broken nose, having decided to delay an operation to reset it until the end of the season, while McCarthy has confirmed that Jeff Whitley will start despite being substituted at the weekend.
Whitley had already been shown the yellow card against Brighton so McCarthy opted to substitute him to save him from a potential dismissal.

Wolves: caretaker boss Stuart Gray is able to recall top scorer Kenny Miller alongside former Newcastle striker Carl Cort, after the Scotland international missed the trip to Kent through suspension.
With Mark Clyde still struggling with an ankle injury, youngster Kenny Lowe should keep his place at right back with Mark Kennedy continuing to fill in on the left side of defence.
Former Sunderland defender Jody Craddock replaced Mikkel Bischoff after an hour at Gillingham and is back in contention for a starting role.

Jones Sacked

Wolves have parted company with manager Dave Jones after a poor start to the season.
They were one of the pre-season favourites for promotion after relegation from The Premiership last term, but they have struggled in The Championship and have won just four of their opening 15 games, collecting just 17 points in the process.

Matters reached a head after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Gillingham - who played the majority of the game with just ten men - which sparked the club's board into action.
Chairman Rick Hayward is reported to have met Jones on Monday morning to inform him of the decision to terminate his contract.
The former Southampton boss joined the Black Country outfit in January 2001 and led the club to The Premiership via the play-offs last season.

Paul Ince is likely to be amongst the front-runners to replace Jones, although Gary Megson, Micky Adams and John Gregory are also likely to be in the shake-up for the Molineux hot-seat.

There will be a press conference at 12.00 today at Molineux.

Dave Jones Record: Played 187, Won 75, Drawn 60, Lost 52.

Rick Hayward said on WOW: "This is not a happy day by any means. There have been a lot of telephone calls and discussions between the board and sadly Dave Jones has been relieved of his duties.
"Stuart Gray has taken over as acting manager and hopefully things will improve.
"I was quite bullish at the end of the season and said that we would bounce back and monies were made available to strengthen the team.
"We have had bad injuries but that is behind us now and, after the disappointment on Saturday, we decided that we had to act.
"It was (the Gillingham game) that was very disappointing and I know that the players can do a lot better than that. They have not done Dave Justice.
"It's sad that it's come to this but we must move on and hopefully do better.
"We will be looking for a new manager - hopefully someone who can take us up at the end of the season."
When asked by a member of the press if he felt sad, Rick replied: "Dave taught me a lot. He is a great guy and a good friend.
"But this is business. The buck stops with me. We are 19th in the table and that just isn't good enough. How long do you wait? We felt that we couldn't wait any longer."

Chief executive Jez Moxey  described Saturday's defeat to a ten-man Gillingham was 'the straw that broke the camel's back', but said the final decision wasn't made until this morning.
He said on WOW: "We have always said we (the board) wouldn't discuss matters in the immediate aftermath of a game, so we agreed to talk on Sunday.
"Those conversations went on late into the evening and then continued again at the crack of dawn.
"The final decision was made early this morning. I called Dave and asked him to come in to see us.
"We have been talking to Dave for a long time and he understood our concerns.
"He was obviously very disappointed but I think he realised that we gave him as much time as we could.
"We have all enjoyed working with Dave and the promotion he achieved to the Premier League will be forever etched in our memory. That is an achievement I really want to stress.
"But we are in a results orientated business and we are only just above the relegation zone, so we couldn't just sit on our hands and do nothing.
"Dave did have a lot of bad luck with injuries earlier on in the season but the amount of investment we have put in the team means we should be challenging for promotion.
"Our squad is peppered with internationals and we should not have a record of won four, draw five and lost six."
On the subject of a severance package for the manager, Jez added: "Dave's departure will be handled with due recognition for what he did for this club.
"I don't envisage there being any problems with reaching a settlement."