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31st December 2000

Team News

Burnley: Clarets boss Stan Ternent hopes to have three key players fit to face Wolves as he looks to end a run of four consecutive league defeats.
Steve Davis, Ian Cox and Andy Payton are all receiving treatment in a bid to get them fit, with top scorer Payton the most doubtful.

Wolves: look to be unchanged for the trip to Turf Moor, for there match with Burnley which looks set to go ahead despite the weather.
Ward was delighted with the three points against Stockport yesterday at Molineux, and with no fresh injury worries, he looks set to keep faith with those players.
Ward recalled Michael Branch for the Stockport game and fielded three attackers, and he is expected to do likewise at Turf Moor.
Burnley have been formidable at home this season, but their form has stuttered recently and they have lost their last four games.

Nash Recalled

Stockport County have been given permission by the Football League to recall Carlo Nash from his loan spell with Wolves.
Stockport's first choice keeper, Lee Jones, was injured during yesterday's match at Molineux.
Nash was on Wolves bench and the Hatters reserve team keeper Andy Dibble still not 100% following a hand injury, County's boss Andy Kilner has had to recall Nash despite him being only one month into a three month loan spell.
In a statement released by Wolves, the club stated: "The Football League have ordered that Nash can return to Edgeley Park even though he has spent less than a month on loan at Molineux."
Nash looks likely to go straight into the squad for Stockport's game against league leaders Fulham on New Years Day.

30th December 2000

Wolves 3-2 Stockport
Match Report by Tony Lewis

Wolves were cruising 2-0 after Proudlock had put us ahead then an own goal from Wiss, but just before half-time Wolves gave a way a penalty which Nicholson scored, that was Michael Oakes first touch on the ball for a long time when he got it out of the net! Then just after a great strike by Michael Branch restored our 2 goal lead.
Stockport got the only goal of the 2nf half just before the final whistle.

WOLVES: 3

OAKES, MUSCAT, NAYLOR, ROBINSON, POLLET, LESCOTT, DINNING, ANDREWS, NDAH, PROUDLOCK, BRANCH

SUBS: OSBORN (85), SINTON, GREEN, NASH, CAMARA (90)

CARDS: Yellow: Proudlock Red: None

STOCKPORT: 2

JONES, NICHOLSON, FLYNN, CLARK, WOODTHORPE, GIBB, COOPER, WISS, WILBRAHAM, SMITH, MATTHEWS

SUBS: DIBBLE (12), MAXWELL, BRYNGELSSON, CLARE, BREBNER (57)

CARDS: Yellow: Nicholson, Clark Red: None

Game On

Wolves game with Stockport County will go ahead, after an 11.30 pitch inspection, thanks to the magnificent efforts of the Molineux groundstaff who worked through the night clearing snow from the playing surface. Down the road at Villa Park there match has been postponed, which just goes to show what a good job the Molineux groundstaff have done.

Bassett Talks with Wolves

Dave Bassett has said he's had talks with Wolves about the vacant managers job, but his appointment is by no means a certainty. He believes he's on a short-list of four or five, which certainly will include David Jones and probably Steve Bruce and Stuart Baxter.
Molineux directors have also met other candidates and are unlikely to make an announcement until after this weekend's games against Stockport and Burnley.
56-year-old Bassett is thought to have met a deputation from Wolves' boardroom in the last couple of days confirmed: "I have had a talk with them, but not an out-and-out interview".

29th December 2000

Team News

Wolves: Neil Emblen is still struggling to shake off his knee ligament problem.
Darren Bazeley is in hospital after undergoing knee surgery, striker Robert Taylor is still not 100% fit after his calf problem.
Simon Osborn, was on the bench against Preston and came on as a sub, but is also not yet fully match-fit.
Temuri Ketsbaia is fit again and ready to help Wolves see off the challenge of Stockport County at Molineux.

Stockport: will be without Karim Fradin (calf) and Kent Bergersen (foot) but former Loughborough University student Rob Matthews is expected to play despite twisting his ankle against Grimsby.

Bazeley Out for a Month

Darren Bazeley will be out of action for at least a month after he has been forced to undergo surgery on a knee injury he picked up in Wolves 1-0 over Sheffield Wednesday. He was forced to bow out of the action in the 82nd minute and he was missing from the squad, who lost 1-0 to Preston on Boxing Day.
Bazeley has had the operation on his knee and he could be sidelined for Wolves next six games.

Allardyce Claims Dismissed

Bolton Wanderers have dismissed newspaper reports linking there manager Sam Allardyce with the vacant managers job at Wolves as 'laughable'.
The Bolton boss, who was born in just a few miles from the Molineux ground in Dudley, and supported Wolves as a boy, was linked with the vacant Wolves managers job in the press on Thursday.
However, the link has been totally dismissed out of hand, with a club spokesman commenting: "It's just laughable.
"It must be a very quiet day on the sports desks."

28th December 2000

Allardyce a Target

Wolves are reportedly targeting Bolton boss Sam Allardyce to fill their vacant manager position.
The Sun newspaper claims the Molineux club are ready to offer Dudley-born Allardyce a four-year contract, worth Ł500,000 a year.
But when the sum of Ł15million is revealed as the transfer kitty that Allardyce will be given the story becomes a little less believable .
This report comes just two weeks after former boss Mark McGhee slammed the club for not investing any 'new' money in players since his days in charge over two years ago.
Wolves would obviously be hoping that Allardyce would like the challenge of reviving his boyhood club, but with Bolton currently sitting a clear second in the First Division after winning five consecutive games, the former Notts County boss would have to think hard about leaving the Reebok Stadium.

27th December 2000

Search to Speed Up

Jez Moxey has said he is going to speed up the search for a new manager following the angry demonstrations after the game on Boxing Day at Molineux.
The chief executive claimed last week that the club would not be rushed into an appointment but the scenes at Molineux after the 1-0 defeat could signal a change of heart and a quick appointment may now be the answer.
Moxey is still adamant that they have a strong list of candidates.
He said: "We are only interested in talking to people who genuinely want to work for Wolverhampton Wanderers."

26th December 2000

Wolves 0-1 Preston

WOLVES: 0

OAKES, MUSCAT, NAYLOR, C ROBINSON, POLLET, LESCOTT, DINNING, ANDREWS, NDAH, PROUDLOCK, SINTON

SUBS: OSBORN(69), BRANCH(62), GREEN, NASH, CAMARA(78)

CARDS: Yellow: Robinson, Muscat, Ndah Red: None

PRESTON: 1

LUCAS, ALEXANDER, JACKSON, GREGAN, EDWARDS, ANDERSON, RANKINE, APPLETON, McKENNA, S ROBINSON, MACKEN

SUBS: MURDOCK(48), MURPHY(52), LUDDEN, MOILANEN, CARTWRIGHT(84)

CARDS: Yellow: Alexander, Macken, McKenna Red: None

Ward asks for Quick Decision

Caretaker boss John Ward has asked Wolves to make a quick decision on the new manager, he said "I hope this win doesn't extend any complacency in getting it done. Whoever it's going to be it needs to be looked at quickly for the sake of the club"

25th December 2000

Team News

Wolves: John Ward will be hoping for the return of Tony Dinning (hip) Simon Osborne (ankle) and Neil Emblen (knee) after all 3 missed the 1-0 win at Sheff Wed
Michael Branch could be recalled to partner George Ndah up front

Preston: Striker Bjarki Gunnlaugsson is doubtful due to a groin strain and Tepi Moilanen is deputising again in goal for David Lucas in goal.

24th December 2000

Bully Playing Again?

Wolves idol Steve Bull may have to take it easy over Christmas after being told he could be drafted into action over the festive period.
Bull was forced to quit the football at Molineux in July last year because of a serious knee injury, and is now on the coaching staff at Nationwide Conference side Hereford Utd, managed by former Wolves boss Graham Turner.
The Edgar Street outfit are facing a testing Christmas programme with three games in seven days, and that could stretch their playing resources.
So the former Wolves striker has been in discussions with Turner and may be persuaded to return to the action.

23rd December 2000

Sheff Wed 0-1 Wolves

A very bright first half from Wolves playing a 4-4-2 formation, with them seeing a couple of goal mouth chances, and two penalty appeals turned down, young midfielder Keith Andrews played very well with some good passes through to the forwards. Wolves were rewarded just before half-time with a free kick from Kevin Muscat. A goal-less second-half saw John Ward's team take 3 points from his first game in charge. After alot of pressure from Sheff Wed in the last five minutes.

SHEFFIELD WED: 0

PRESSMAN, QUINN, HARKNESS, WALKER, HASLAM, HENDON, COOKE, BROMBY, MORRISON, SIBON, EKOKU

SUBS: A LESCOTT, HAMSHAW(74), DI PIEDI(67), O'DONNELL(43), STRINGER

CARDS: Yellow: None Red: None

WOLVES: 1

OAKES, MUSCAT, NAYLOR, ANDREWS, J LESCOTT, POLLET, BAZELEY, ROBINSON, NDAH, PROUDLOCK, SINTON

SUBS: GREEN, NASH, TUDOR(82), BRANCH(73), CAMARA

CARDS: Yellow: Andrews, Muscat Red: None

22nd December 2000

Team News

Sheffield Wed: Aaron Lescott may miss out on a family battle with Wolves defender Joleon by being left on the substitutes bench.
Wednesday are without the suspended Ashley Westwood and the injured Andy Booth, a summer target for Wolves and scorer on the opening day at Molineux.
Alan Quinn and Gerald Sibon are available after bans.

Wolves: John Ward's caretaker job starts at Hillsborough with the absence of three key midfielders.
Tony Dinning and Neil Emblen were both injured in the defeat by Birmingham on Sunday. Dinning has a hip injury while utility man Emblen picked up a knee knock. Simon Osborn missed that game with an ankle injury.
Andy Sinton may return against one of his former clubs for a first senior start in nearly two months. Fellow midfielder Keith Andrews may make his first league start after being recalled from a loan spell at Oxford.
Striker Robert Taylor was clearly unfit in the Birmingham game and his inclusion again is a doubt given Temuri Ketsbaia's return to fitness.

Sami Goes Home

Wolves have allowed striker Sami Al Jaber to return home to Saudi Arabia to visit his seriously ill father.
The Saudi international has been given compassionate leave and will miss Saturday's match against Sheffield Wednesday.
Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We were very sorry to hear Sami's sad news and have agreed he should return home over the holiday period." Al Jaber is on a five-month loan from Al Hilal, but has made only five first team appearances.

Another Manager Linked

Former Huddersfield boss Steve Bruce is now being linked with the vacant manager's job at Molineux.
Bruce was sacked by Huddersfield two months ago and is eager for a return into management, and is reportedly ready to apply for the position vacated by departing Colin Lee.

Ticket News

No tickets for Wolves v Preston NE will be available on Boxing Day, Preston NE have sold out of their allocation of tickets.
The ticket office at Molineux will be open from 9.00am till 1.00pm on Saturday and then from 9.00am till 12 noon on Sunday for home supporters wishing to purchase tickets for the Preston match.

The other holiday game, on Saturday 30th December, is against Stockport County and for that fixture non season ticket holders can purchase one adult and one junior ticket for Ł19.00. The offer applies to the lower tier of the John Ireland Stand only.

Season ticket holders can purchase a junior ticket for Ł5.00 if they transfer their season ticket seat to one in the John Ireland lower tier.

All tickets must be purchased in advance and the offer ends at 5.00pm on Friday, 29th December.

For Wolves FA Cup trip to Nottingham Forest on the 7th January, the Travel Club are charging just Ł6.00 for the journey for adults or juniors.

Other offers include match ticket and travel for adults at Ł20.00 and match ticket and coach travel for juniors for Ł12.00.

21st December 2000

Manager Job Update

Dave Bassett has said that he has had no contact, as yet, with Wolves concerning the vacant managerial position, and that him leaving Barnsley at the same time was a coincidence.

Former Wolves favourite Kenny Hibbitt has stated that he would like to take the vacant job at Molineux.

Walsall boss Ray Graydon is tight-lipped over speculation linking him with Colin Lee’s former post.

Kidderminster Harriers boss Jan Molby and Hartlepool manager Chris Turner have ruled themselves out of the running for Colin Lee’s former post.

Andrews Recall

John Ward Wolves caretaker manager has recalled midfielder Keith Andrews from his loan spell at Second Division Oxford United.
The youngster did have his one month loan spell extended by a further month after a successful spell with the U's.
He scored just one goal in his time at the Manor Ground, on his debut against Swansea.

20th December 2000

Leeds Land Keane

Ex-Wolves striker Robbie Keane is returning to England, Leeds Utd have signed him on loan from Inter Milan until the end of the season with a option to make the move permanent for a transfer fee of Ł12m at the start of the 2001/2002 season.

Basset Favourite

Dave Bassett is favourite for Wolves vacant managers job. He is free to apply for the Molineux post if he wishes following his departure from Barnsley.
Bassett has won a staggering seven promotions in his six-club, 20-year career in management.

Dave Jones has spoken for the first time since he was linked with the Molineux post, of his desire to get back into football with Wolves also Stuart Baxter who has been heavily linked with the vacant Wolves job has confirmed that he is still thinking over a job in Spain's Primera Liga.
Jan Molby has admitted being curious about speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Wolves but insisted: "I'm happy at Kidderminster."

But the Wolves board say they won't be rushed into a decision after reports said they will be filling the vacancy within 48 hours.

Youth Team Through

Wolves youth team beat Stoke City 2-0 in a third round replay and now continue to the next phase of the FA Youth Cup for a home tie with York City. The date is yet to be confirmed, in the New Year.

Wolves team: Kerr, Coleman, Gilmore, Clyde, Bampfield (Morrow 87), Ward, Danks, Towers (Fitter 45), Clarke (Jones 89), McGrane, Downes.

Unused subs: Solly, Clingan

Goal Scorers: McGrane(15), Danks(54)

Butler Bid Fails

Wolves have failed in there bid to sign Sunderland's Paul Butler at the end of his months loan. He will now return to the Stadium of Light after he missed the last game of his loan period on Sunday against Birmingham with a ankle injury.
The fee had been agreed with Sunderland and a three-and-a-half year contract had been sorted with Butler before Colin Lee was sacked as the club's manager on Monday night. Butler is unwilling to make a permanent switch to Wolves while the club search for a new manager.
Caretaker boss John Ward said: "It won't happen. I have spoken to Paul's agent and I fully understand his position. He does not want to go ahead with the move when there is a temporary manager in charge."

19th December 2000

Bully Wants The Job (from www.westmidlands.com)

Wolves legend Steve Bull today declared: "I want to be the next Wolves manager."
The record-breaking striker insisted he is ready for the challenge after last night's sacking of Colin Lee.

"It's a big job and there will be a lot of pressure attached to it," said 35-year-old Bull.
"But I'd be lying if I said I didn't fancy it. There are a lot of experienced managers out there on the dole who will also want it. But I'd give it my best shot.
"Although I've officially retired from playing I know most of the players inside out and if I can't motivate them then who can?

Wolves' position in the table doesn't look healthy but we're only midway through the season and there is still time to turn things around." Former England international Bull, who combines part-time work at Molineux with a coaching role at Conference club Hereford, is under no illusion about the size of the task awaiting the next boss.

"The expectancy at Wolves is unbelievable. The club want things done instantly," he said. They might need someone more experienced than me but you don't know until you try.
"I know I'm not experienced on financial matter or transfers but there is usually someone else at the club to do all that.
"In my eyes the manager is there to motivate the players on and off the pitch. I think I can do that."

Bull described the timing of Lee's dismissal as a "shock" but backed his old boss to bounce back in the New Year.

"I thought Wolves would give him until after Christmas to see if he could sort some results out," he said.
"But Colin is big enough and strong enough to bounce back. He'll take it on the chin and I know he'll get another job somewhere else. He wasn't just a manager to me - he was also a friend."

Odds on Tipton-born Bull landing the job he covets are 33-1.

Insulted Saudi's

Wolves have been accused of 'insulting' Saudi Arabia by failing to play Sami Al-Jaber in a League game, and were warned that football relations between two countries could be damaged if the striker continues to be left out in the cold before the end of his five-month loan arrangement on January 24.

The claims came from Prince Khalid, a key official at Al-Jaber's club, Al-Hilal.
"If he'd gone to the Premier League I'd have said nothing," said Prince Khalid.
"But Wolves are only a First Division side, they're not doing very well, they play midfielders in attack, and leave Sami on the bench.
"All we ask is that he be given a chance. And, if they don't want him, let him come home.
"Sami was the first player from our country to be allowed to move abroad, he is our best player, and I put my head on the line to persuade people here to let him go, as we felt it would be for Sami and his country's benefit.
"But now they have seen the way he has been treated, it could stop other players being given their chance.
"For the sake of our two countries having good relations in the future with regard to football, this situation needs sorting now.
"It has put a dent in our whole football system."

Since international clearance came through in mid-September Al-Jaber's only full appearance is the Worthington Cup second round, first leg, defeat at Grimsby.
He then went on Asian Cup duty for a month before returning late in October with a groin injury that kept him out for several weeks.

Ward Wants Job

Wolves caretaker boss John Ward has confirmed he is a contender for the permanent job. He said "I see myself as a good manager"

Applicants Applying Already

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has said that the Molineux phone has been consistently ringing with candidates wishing to take on the vacant manager's position.
Colin Lee was dismissed on Monday evening, although Moxey had wanted to do it earlier, and Wolves hero Steve Bull, former Southampton boss Dave Jones, and Joe Kinnear, currently at Oxford, are among the front-runners beating a path to Molineux.
Moxey explained that the decision had been taken after the derby defeat at Molineux on Sunday, and chairman Sir Jack Hayward, who lives in the Bahamas, and other directors had taken part in a conference phone call.
"We spoke with all the directors on the phone on Sunday," said Moxey. "I wanted to inform Colin Lee of our decision on Monday morning, but unfortunately he had already departed to watch a reserve game, so I had to wait until he returned before I told him."
"We are very confident that we will find a suitable candidate, someone who understands the huge expectations at the club. We have no one in mind, and we will advertise, but candidates have already rung up to put their names forward.
"We are all very sorry for Colin, because he is a thoroughly decent bloke. But there is no disguising the fact that we have not had a good campaign. Five wins, eight draws, and 10 defeats is not good enough. It's relegation form."

Lee's Sacked

Colin Lee's contract at Wolves has been terminated after a meeting between the manager and the chief executive Jez Moxey last night.
The decision comes after a post-match meeting of the club's directors at Molineux yesterday, which included telephone contact with chairman Sir Jack Hayward at his home in the Bahamas, and further calls between the chairman and the directors today. The difficult but unanimous decision of the board was to terminate Colin's contract with immediate effect.
Already Ex-Southampton boss Dave Jones has been tipped for the job.
Jones, who was replaced as Southampton manager last January in order to prepare his defence for a series of sex abuse charges, alongside ex-Wimbledon boss Joe Kinnear.
Lee's assistant, John Ward, has been asked to take temporary charge of team affairs, and he could be another contender for vacancy.

18th December 2000

Reserves Win

Wolves reserves won their first game in eight when they came from behind to beat Preston North End at Deepdale.

Preston NE Reserves	1
Barry-Murphy (15)
Wolves Reserves	3
Epesse Titi (73), Larkin (85), Tudor (87)
Attendance: 37

Dinning Injury Update

Wolves midfielder Tony Dinning, who was stretchered off the pitch 30 minutes into the derby game with Birmingham with a hip injury after a collision with Blues defender Jerry Gill, is facing a race against time to be fit for the busy Christmas period.
Following the game, Colin Lee said he thought that the striker would probably have troubling walking for the next couple of days . He said: "The hip is very sore and his muscles went into spasm. He will be under treatment all week. And all we can do is keep our fingers crossed he will be fit for the important games we have coming up"

Butler Transfer Still On

Colin Lee has insisted that all is well with Paul Butler's permanent transfer to Wolves, after there were rumours over the weekend that the transfer of the highly-rated defender had hit problems when he wasn't in the Wolves team against Birmingham.
But the 28 year-old defender was forced to sit out the last game in his month long loan-spell, through an ankle injury.
The Wolves boss is hoping the transfer will be completed before the busy Christmas period.

Sami Bid Rumours

Reports suggest that United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain are preparing a move for striker Sami Al-Jaber.
Hamas Al-A'Amri, football co-ordinator for the UAE side has reportedly confirmed an interest in the Saudi hitman, currently in the middle of a loan deal with Wolves, due to expire in January.
The 28 year-old has been limited mainly to substitute appearances in his time at Molineux and if the signing of Paul Butler is completed on a permanent basis, it may be that there is no more money available for the permanent signing of Al-Jaber. That would open the way for Al-Ain who are reportedly keen to come to agreement before the start of their GCC club championship early in the New Year.

17th December 2000

Wolves 0-1 Birmingham City

After a very bright start Tony Dinning was stretchered off with a knee injury, the match was very slow to start with the ref blowing for every little push. Adebola put Birmingham ahead with there first proper shot on goal, after a suspected hand ball by Burchill. Wolves had a better second half with more opportunities but didn't take advantage of them, with Ndah getting a yellow card for complaining to ref about being fouled. Wolves fans started to walk out before the end as another 3 points were lost.

WOLVES: 0

OAKES, MUSCAT, NAYLOR, EMBLEN, POLLET, LESCOTT, BAZELEY, DINNING, NDAH, R TAYLOR, C ROBINSON

SUBS: KETSBAIA(31), BRANCH(66), PROUDLOCK, NASH, CAMARA(53)

CARDS: Yellow: Ndah Red: None

BIRMINGHAM: 1

BENNETT, JENKINS, PURSE, M JOHNSON, EADEN, BURROWS, SONNER, HUGHES, BURCHILL, ADEBOLA, LAZARIDIS

SUBS: S ROBINSON, GILL(25), MARCELO(90), POOLE, A JOHNSON(66)

CARDS: Yellow: Purse Red: None

16th December 2000

Lee Didn't Want to Sell Ade

Wolves manager Colin Lee has spoke out on one of Molineux's biggest talking-points by revealing he would rather have kept Ade Akinbiyi than sell him.
The Wolves manager took the unusual step of ringing Radio WM shortly after the club's chief executive Jez Moxey had spent an hour answering listeners' questions last night.
Lee said there were certain things he wished to clarify, revealing: "I was not totally agreeable with the conditions under which Ade Akinbiyi was sold"
"The chairman (Sir Jack Hayward) felt that the money was acceptable and it was his decision."
When asked if he would rather have kept the striker, Lee added: "Yes, 100 per cent."

Transfer Problems

Wolves attempts to sign on loan defender Paul Butler on a permanent contract is hanging in the balance on the eve of his final loan appearance for the club.
Sunderland are demanding a fee of around Ł1.5 million but Wolves are refusing to go over the Ł1m mark for a player they maintain is valued at around Ł850,000.

Fixture Update

Wolves' reserve game against Preston NE on Monday afternoon, has now been switched from Bamber Bridge to Deepdale, because of the pitch condition. The Avon Insurance Premier League fixture will still kick-off at 2.00pm.

A Plea For Peace (www.wolves.co.uk)

Wolves manager Colin Lee has made a plea for peace following the crowd disturbances that marred the last derby game between Wolves and Birmingham City.
There was trouble before and after Blues' narrow victory - David Holdsworth's header the deciding factor in a contest that saw two home players red carded.
The boss said: "I was concerned last season at Birmingham. We'd played in a highly competitive game that I felt was a good and exciting one.
"Unfortunately it was spoiled by the things that went on before and afterwards.
"A big message to everyone is let's come and enjoy the game and, regardless of the result, let's go away and be in one piece to enjoy Christmas and the rest of our lives.
"Last season someone ended up in a coma and we don't want that to happen again. There's going to be a lot of children here, and a lot families here, so let's just enjoy the game."

15th December 2000

Surgery For Stowell

Wolves keeper Mike Stowell is going to have keyhole surgery on his ankle next week after more problems following an operation on the joint earlier in the season when he had some bone spurs shaved off.
The ankle hasn't healed properly since the first operation and after a visit to a specialist, it was decided to take a closer look to discover exactly what the problem is.
Physio Kevin O'Leary says: "Until we know the extent of Mike's injury, we won't know how long he'll be out for.
"We're hopeful that it's nothing too serious and that a little 'cleaning-out' of the joint will sort things out."
Mike Stowell says: "I was hoping that the last operation would be the end of the problem but, whilst the ankle is nowhere near as painful as it was, I'm still struggling.
"I'm just hoping that they can get it sorted out next week and that I'm not going to be out for too long."

14th December 2000

Diary Update

Wolves 3rd round FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest will be taking place on the Sunday 7th January.
Notts County's delayed 2nd round tie with Wigan Athletic threw the date of the trip to Forest into doubt because if Wigan won that would leave County with a League fixture with Luton Town at Meadow Lane on the day Wolves were due to play at Forest's City Ground.
The Nottingham police won't allow two games in the City on one day so it would have meant one of the matches being put back for 24 hours.
As County and Wigan drew their cup tie on Tuesday evening, meaning more confusion, Wolves and Forest decided to solve the situation by naming Sunday, 7th January as the date of the City Ground meeting. It will kick-off at 3.00pm.

Butler Signing?

There have been reports that on Loan defender Paul Butler's permanant move to Molineux could have hit problems because Sunderland Boss Peter Reid wants the full price for him. Jez Moxey was trying to get him at a reduced price from the Ł1 million asking price, but Reid was in no rush to sell anyway as Butler has done a steady job when called upon at the Stadium of Light and is not one of his top earners.
The manager will do business with Wolves, but not at the sort of cut-price levels Moxey is thought to be aiming for at present.
Moxey is finding Sunderland formidable negotiators, although Wolves, technically, could have until a week on Friday to see through a permanent deal.
Butler's month's loan expires with the derby game against Birmingham on Sunday, Wolves then have a week before visiting Sheffield Wednesday the following Saturday.

Players Returning for Derby

Temuri Ketsbaia, Robert Taylor and Neil Emblen all look set for a return to the Wolves line-up for Saturday's derby game with Birmingham City.

Temuri Ketsbaia's cartilage problem came on gradually over the course of several games, but a small operation and three weeks rehab appear to have cured the condition, Sunday's match might be a little early to see Temuri back in action, but it doesn't stop him hoping for a derby day return

Robert Taylor looks likely to return to Wolves starting line-up for the Derby on Sunday.
The striker has been limited to just four starts because of a string of niggling injury problems. But he got played a full 90 minutes in Wolves reserves 1-1 draw at Huddersfield on Monday.

Neil Emblen is returning to his preffered role in defence after several matches as a striker alongside George Ndah, he wants to return to defence because he feels it suits his style of play.

13th December 2000

Hoping To Be Fit

Despite being carried from the pitch with an ankle injury last weekend after a fifty-fifty challenge with Huddersfield's Ben Thornley, Simon Osborn is still hoping to be fit enough to face Birmingham on Sunday.
It looked bad for the midfielder as he was carried from the pitch by physios from both clubs, but the damage turned out to be severe bruising which is responding to treatment fuelling his hopes of a full recovery for the derby game with Birmingham City.

12th December 2000

Reserves Draw

Huddersfield Town Reserves took the lead six minutes after half-time when Danny Schofield scored with a header to a Michael Senior corner. But Lee's experienced line-up (including Nash, Lescott, Al Jaber, R Taylor and Branch) battled hard and equalized with just 15 minutes left with a brilliant curling 25 yard free-kick from French defender Mohammed Camara.

Huddersfield	1
Schofield (51)
Wolves	1
Camara(75)
*Attendance: 121*

11th December 2000

Green Bid?

Another promising player looks set to be leaving Wolves as Cardiff City look poised to make a move to sign Ryan Green, and Colin Lee has revealed that he's received two offers for his younger players.

One of Wolves other young stars, defender Keith Andrews has signed a contract to keep him at Molineux until 2003.
The 20 year old has just completed a month on loan with Oxford United, and he will now be returning for a second month at the Manor Ground.
The defender has yet to make a start for Wolves but has been a regular for the reserves, and Colin Lee said: "Keith has done well at Oxford and I hope a further spell on loan will help him continue his development."

Another Injury

Wolves are anxiously checking on the fitness of midfielder Simon Osborn after he ended Wolves unhappy weekend on crutches.
The experienced midfielder suffered an ankle injury mid-way through the second half of the shock 3-0 defeat at Huddersfield and could be out for several weeks.
He went down mysteriously just outside his own penalty area and manager Colin Lee said: "He hurt it quite badly

Sedgley's Off

Wolves are to part company with the injured utility man Steve Sedgley by paying up on the remainder of his contract, they are on the brink of a settlement covering the remaining seven months of his deal.
The 32-year-old, ruled out for several months by the further major knee surgery he had in the autumn, lives in North London and is reluctant to keep travelling to the West Midlands for treatment and rehabilitation.
He still hopes to play again and will eventually seek a club closer to his home.

Terms Agreed

Terms have now been agreed with on-loan Sunderland centre-half Paul Butler and his agent, but a transfer fee still has to be settled with the Premiership club.

10th December 2000

3rd Round FA Cup Draw

Wolves have drawn Nottingham Forest away in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, to be played on either 6/7th January

9th December 2000

Huddersfield 3-0 Wolves

A very bright start from George Ndah saw him with a couple of chances but the scores stayed level at half-time. Just after the break Huddersfield scored through Ndlovu, then 86 and 90 minutes they scored another 2. A disappointing game where Wolves continuously gave the ball away and couldn't keep possession.
Match Report to Follow

HUDDERSFIELD: 3

VAESEN, HEARY, JENKINS, GRAY, ARMSTRONG, BALDRY, HOLLAND, IRONS, SMITH, GALLEN, NDLOVU

SUBS: FACEY(79), GORRE, VINCENT(75), MARGETSON, THORNLEY(5)

CARDS: Yellow: Jenkins, Baldry Red: None

WOLVES: 0

OAKES, MUSCAT, NAYLOR, OSBORNE, BUTLER, POLLET, BAZELEY, DINNING, NDAH, BRANCH, ROBINSON

SUBS: TAYLOR(61), NASH, AL JABER(70), LESCOTT(77), CAMARA

CARDS: Yellow: None Red: None

Fixtures Update

Wolves New Year's Day game at Burnley will kick off at the earlier time of 1pm, because of a request by the police. The Travel Club coaches will now depart from Molineux at 9.30am.

The postponed FA Youth Cup third round replay against Stoke, which was called on the 5th because of a water-logged pitch, has been confirmed for Tuesday 19 December. Kick off at Molineux will be at 7pm. Admission will cost Ł3 adults, Ł1.50 concessions.
The original game ended in a scoreless draw on Monday 27th November.
The winners of the replay will be playing either Huddersfield or York, who play their third round game next week. This fourth round fixture will be played in January at Home.

8th December 2000

Keeper On Loan

Wolves have signed Stockport keeper Carlo Nash on a three month loan.
Nash will provide back up to Michael Oakes, after Mike Stowell was ruled out with an ankle injury which may require surgery and Wolves only other professional keeper Matt Murray having recently undergone cruciate reconstruction, youth team player Aaron Kerr had been on stand-by for a place on the bench at Huddersfield tomorrow.
Wolves manager Colin Lee said "We desperately needed cover because it would have been a big responsibility to hand to young Aaron, Carlo is an experienced keeper and I'm sure he will come in and do a good job for us while Mike sorts out his problem."
Nash, 27, will join the team at their hotel later this evening

Team News

Huddersfield: Lou Macari has defensive problems as the Terriers look to build on their first win in 20 games against Crewe last week.
Chris Lucketti is out until the New Year, while Jon Dyson misses out as he serves a one-match suspension for collecting five yellow cards.
Jamie Vincent and Chris Beech are also sidelined by ankle and achilles injuries respectively.

Wolves: Midfielder Neil Emblen is rated doubtful for Wolves after suffering a back injury in the 2-0 win over Barnsley at Molineux last weekend.
Striker Robert Taylor is approaching full fitness following his calf problems and played a full match for the reserves in midweek.
Despite an ankle injury Mike Stowell is again expected to be on the bench, as manager Colin Lee has been unable to sign a keeper on loan.

Wright Shirt Makes Ł2,500

Buyers from across the globe flew in for an auction at Ludlow Racecourse and competed against strong home interest from footballs fans.
Wolves legend Billy Wright's shirt that he was wearing in an England-France clash in 1955 went for Ł2,500 at auction.
England captain Wright exchanged shirts with French footballing legend Raymond Kopa, who scored the only goal from the penalty spot as France won 1-0 in Paris.
The shirt was among dozens of items at a Mullock Madeley sporting auction.
Other lots included Wolves programmes, the referee's whistle from the 1956 European Cup final and a 1930s cricket bat signed by Australian and England players.

7th December 2000

No Keeper Yet

There was no sign of Colin Lee signing a goalkeeper today as he returned for training following his players' day-off yesterday.
The manager is said to have failed in a bid to land Blackburn's Alan Kelly on loan, the former Sheffield United and Republic of Ireland star remaining reluctant to swap third-choice status at Ewood Park with sitting on the substitutes' bench at another First Division club.
But former West Brom keeper Alan Miller, who has returned to the Ewood Park following a loan spell in the Premiership at Coventry, could become another possible line of inquiry.

Niestroj Interest

Spanish side Las Palmas have shown an interest in the permanent signing of Wolves defender Robert Niestroj.
The German Niestroj who is on loan with Heralkis Salonica wants to stay with the Greek side, but they and Wolves haven't reached an agreement and Las Palmas' interest makes things even more complicated.
Salonica are thought to have agreed a two year contract with the player himself. We await developments.

6th December 2000

Ketsbaia Xmas Return

Temuri Ketsbaia could be fighting for first team football after recovering earlier than expected from knee surgery.
He is due to rejoin training with the first team next week then is likely to play in the reserves' away game against Huddersfield on Monday and could even be considered for the Molineux derby clash against Birmingham a week on Sunday.

Diary Update

Last nights FA Youth Cup third round game against Stoke was called off and is now set to be re-arranged.
The game at Molineux was called off because of the heavy rain which also affected several games in the LDV Vans Trophy at grounds around the country.
Both clubs are now looking for a new date for the game but have not yet come to an agreement.

5th December 2000

Award

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Sami Double but Reserves Loose

Wolves resrves lost again last night 3-2 to Preston NE reserves, to make it 7 games without a win, Sami Al Jaber scored twice to boost his chances of a first team place, and Robert Taylor completed a full 90 minutes.

Wolves	2
Al Jaber (18, 73 pen)
Preston NE	3
Hunt (69), O'Neil (71), King (87)
*Attendance: 447*

Please Help

Hi,
I am a Burnley FC fan and I'd like to ask for help from you and your fans.

I have built an online petition for the benefit of and asking for the fair treatment of innocent fans. There has been a storm brewing in Burnley over the revocation of three fans Season Tickets. However the Club's board did allow them to pay on the day from now on. No refunding of money's paid for the revoked tickets of course.
Their crime? Two young lads placed their flag on the stand. A Steward ripped it off the stand and the two lads were escorted from the stadium to be told that their season ticket's were to be revoked.
A 58 year old man who was sitting next to them but in no way related to them was so shocked by their treatment that he protested directly to the steward. In the next home game. That 58 year old man was escorted by a steward out of the stadium to be told that his season ticket had also been revoked for protesting.
Three fans who have paid their hard earned money to watch their beloved club and they are treated in this way.
I am sure it happens at clubs up and down the country. For this reason we intend to gather as many signatures as possible and present it to Burnley FC, the F.A. the Football League and the other 91 league clubs.

I hope your fans can see it in their heart to support this issue.

Even our greatest rivals fans (Blackburn Rovers) have offered support to the cause.

Here is the link. Please sign!
http://www.petitiononline.com/zackery/petition.html

Thanks for your time and effort
Pete

4th December 2000

Permanent Butler?

After there recent good form Wolves will this week attempt to see through the purchase of Sunderland centre-half Paul Butler, who is now two-thirds of the way through his month's loan at Molineux.
The 28-year-old has already done enough to convince Lee to chase him permanently and so Manager Colin Lee and chief executive Jez Moxey are to open negotiations with their Stadium of Light counterparts with a view to wrapping up a deal likely to be worth almost Ł1m.

Stowell Out Again

Mike Stowell has again suffered an ankle injury, which troubled him for a large part of last season. So Colin Lee is now urgently searching for goalkeeping cover because Matt Murray just had an operation to reconstruct his cruciate, there is no cover for Michael Oakes.
The veteran Wolves keeper is expected to have a scan on the injured joint later this week after consulting a specialist.

Reserves in Action

Wolves reserves are playing against Preston at Bilston tonight, and stirkers Robert Taylor and Sami Al-Jaber will be looking to impress Wolves boss Colin Lee, so they can get back into the first team.

Stiker Search Back On

Wolves boss Colin Lee will be stepping up his hunt for a striker this week after the total collapse of his move for Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi because of what he described as the outrageous cash demands by the player's agent.
Lee thought he had the signing Kuqi in the bag in time for their weekend game with Barnsley and in the match programme it announced that Wolves fans would be getting their first look at the striker.

2nd December 2000

Wolves 2-0 Barnsley

A solid Wolves defence and goals from Robinson and Dinning gave Wolves three points this afternoon at Molineux. Robinson gave Wolves the lead in the first half after Miller the Barnsley keeper failed to control a cross from Dinning and Robinson found the back of the net.
Full Match Report

WOLVES: 2

OAKES, MUSCAT, NAYLOR, EMBLEN, POLLET, BUTLER, BAZELEY, DINNING, NDAH, OSBORN, ROBINSON

SUBS: BRANCH(69), LESCOTT, AL JABER, STOWELL, CAMARA(80)

CARDS: Yellow: Ndah Red: None

BARNSLEY: 0

MILLER, WARD, CHETTLE, BARKER, MORGAN, NEIL, O'CALLAGHAN, BARNARD, SHERON, DYER, RIPLEY

SUBS: THOMAS(37), SALLI(27), CORBO, JONES(69), WALKER

CARDS: Yellow: O'Callaghan, Dyer Red: None

Loan Deal Problems

The loan signing of Finnish international Stefki Kuqi, has developed problems on Friday. It was hoped that the long term deal between Wolves and Kuqi's parent club in Finland, Jokerit, would be done in time for today's match with Barnsley.
But an agent became involved, at a time when Colin Lee says everything was going along smoothly, and then problems started to arise.

Colin Lee Said "We'd agreed with his club to pay quite a large loan fee which would have been taken off an agreed purchase price for the player.
"That was pretty straight forward but, as I say, an agent appears from nowhere and all of a sudden there's a complication in the deal and it looks, at the moment, as if it might not happen."

1st December 2000

Team News

Wolves: For the third successive Friday, Wolves manager Colin Lee appears to be on the verge of signing a striker on loan.
Haavard Flo and Temuri Ketsbaia are injured and Michael Branch has been nursing a tight hamstring. Sami Al Jaber and Robert Taylor returned to reserve-team football only last week after a lengthy absence through international commitments and injury.
To add to his woes, Lee could be deprived of Andy Sinton, who suffered a calf injury in midweek.

Barnsley: Dave Bassett could add three players to his squad for the trip to Molineux, including new signing Janne Salli, a Finnish international defender.
Midfielders Robbie van der Laan and Matty Appleby are also in contention after appearing for the reserves in midweek.

Contracts Signed

Wolves left-back's Lee Naylor and Mohamed Camara have both signed new contracts at Molineux.
England under 21 international Naylor has signed a new deal that extends his contract with Wolves until June 2005.
Camara, 23, who has been on-loan since the start of the season from Le Havre, has signed a two and a half year contract.
His club will be entitled to an initial fee of Ł50,000, plus Ł50,000 when the Frenchman makes 25 appearances.

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