News Index

31st July 2000

Branch Injured

Wolves only striker Michael Branch has picked up a hamstring injury during the friendly with Aston Villa, he is currently under treatment at Molineux.
Colin Lee not wanting to take the risk of Branch aggravating the injury, substituted the striker after 36 minutes.
Colin Lee will be hoping that Branch will be fit for next Saturday's visit of Southampton to Molineux.

Lee Completes New Deal

Wolves manager Colin Lee will sign a new contract at Molineux this week.
Also his assistant John Ward and coach Terry Connor have agreed new terms with Wolves.
Lee confirmed: "I expect to get everything completed during the next seven days."
Lee revealed that the new deals were roll on contracts, the same as those signed by players including Scott Taylor and Steve Sedgley.
Chief Executive Jez Moxey said: "We have always made it clear we wanted Colin and his backroom team to stay at Molineux.
"He assured us he was happy before the team went away on their pre-season trip to Ireland."

Colin Lee has also said that Wolves will not be panic buying any players. After the departure of Ade Akinbiyi the club are left with only Michael Branch.
Lee said: "If we start the new season with what we have then so be it. I intend to do my homework before making any decisions."
"We are after players who will be good for this club, and it could take time."

30th July 2000

Wolves sign Camara

Wolves have reportedly signed Mohammed Camara from Le Havre (Liverpool's Titi Camara's cousin) on a three-month loan with a view to a permanent transfer, he impressed Wolves management on the pre-season tour of Ireland.
The player is a left-back and it remains to be seen if he could push his way into that part of the first team if he continues to impress.

Good Result for Mike

Although Aston Villa beat Wolves 2-0 it was a good day for Mike Stowell as a crowd of over 11,000 turned out to pay tribute to him in his testimonial game at Molineux this afternoon. Wolves played in there new away strip but most attention was on Steve Bull who made a one off appearance for this game.

Wolves: Stowell, Muscat, Naylor, Robinson (Green 73), Pollet (Epesse-Titi 81), J.Lescott, Bazeley (Sedgley 62), McKinnon (Osborn 62), Bull (Emblen 23), Branch (Proudlock 36), Sinton (Taylor 62).
Unused subs: Oakes, Tudor, Simpson, Andrews.

Aston Villa: Enkleman, Delaney, Wright (McGrath 73), Barry (Standing 81), Ehiogu, Samuel, I. Taylor (Hendrie 45), Joachim, Dublin (Walker 45), Merson (A.Lescott 70), Thompson (Stone 45).

Unused subs: Cook, Bewers.

29th July 2000

Booth Transfer Off

Negotiations between Wolves and Sheff Wednesday's Andy Booth have reached an end with the striker leaving Molineux without signing, personal terms could not be agreed so Wolves could miss the chance of signing the striker for £700,000 after he cost Sheff Wednesday £2.8 million in 1996.

Jez Mozey said on the Official Wolves site, www.wolvesfc.co.uk:
"Andy Booth won't be joining Wolves. We were not prepared to smash our wage structure to sign him," said Jez Moxey.
The Chief Executive added: "We had agreed a fee with Sheffield Wednesday and offered Andy a three year deal with very good terms - but he turned it down flat.
"We weren't prepared to go anywhere near the money that he wanted and so the matter is now closed.
"Colin and I are currently negotiating with other players but it is difficult. We're having to be patient and I hope the supporters can be patient too because, hopefully, deals will be concluded in the coming weeks.
"What we won't do is be rushed into making signings that we may regret at a later stage."

Robbie Goes for Talks

Ex Wolves ace Robbie Keane has gone to Italy to have talks with Inter Milan, after they raised there offer to £13 million. Coventry boss Gordon Strachan says it's one of the worst moments of his spell at Highfield Road loosing a talent like Keane.
Hopefully Wolves included a sell on fee when they let Robbie go to Coventry for £6 million last year.

New Away Strip on Show

Wolves have confirmed there new away strip will be played in for the first time at Mike Stowells testimonial on Sunday against Aston Villa.

28th July 2000

£12 Million Robbie

It has been reported that Inter Milan are preparing a £12 Million offer for ex-Wolves striker Robbie Keane, Keane joined Coventry at the start of last season from Wolves for £6 million and returned to Molineux earlier this week in a pre-season friendly, he scored the winning goal after just 3 minutes on the pitch. Gorden Strachan has said that Coventry will do everything they can to hold on to the striker.

Jones Joins Chesterfield

Mark Jones Wolves' reserve striker, has joined Chesterfield on a free transfer. He completed the move to Saltergate on Thursday afternoon. He only appeared in the Wolves first team 5 times all comming on as a substitute. There is a sell-on clause in his contract.
A Wolves supporter since his childhood, Jones had looked likely to be linking up with former Molineux youth coach Chris Turner, now the manager at Hartlepool.

Meanwhile German midfielder Robert Niestroj, who returned to the club after a spell on loan with Nurembourg last season, is back in his homeland having a trial with a Greek club currently touring there.

Leitch Leaves

Also on the official Wolves website www.wolvesfc.co.uk, Wolves have denied media reports that they are chasing Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Danny Sonner who is available as a Bosman signing.
Chief Executive Jez Moxey said: "There is no truth in the speculation linking us with Danny."
Another Wednesday man linked with Wolves is striker Andy Booth and Jez added: "He is just one of many players the club has been looking at." 

27th July 2000

Full £5 Million to Spend

The Molineux board has been told Colin Lee that he can have the full £5 million from the sale of Ade Akinbiyi to buy much needed new players. After a Molineux board meeting before last night's friendly against Coventry, the manager was assured he can spend the full amount.
Lee had feared a large chunk of the cash would be put on one side to help ease the club's forecasted losses of £6 million for the coming season. 
"We intend to see the revenue raised from the sale of Akinbiyi is put back into the team just as the £6 million raised from the sale of Robbie Keane was a year ago," said Jez Moxey.
The Wolves chief executive, while thanking Akinbiyi for the contribution he made to the club, promised supporters exciting new signings are on the way.

Problems finding new Striker

Wolves have said that new signings are on there way to Molineux, but replacing Ade Akinbiyi is proving to be difficult.
Chief Executive Jezz Moxey said "We now intend to see the revenue from Ade's transfer put back into the team. It's patently obvious that we are missing the strength and goals that ade gave us.
We know Micheal Branch needs support but we're going to find it difficult to find a replacement"

French Talks Start

Wolves have started talks with French defender Epesse Titi, who was one of four trialists on show last night at Molineux as Wolves lost 1-0 to Coventry. After the game John Ward confirmed that Wolves are now negotiating to get the defender on the books.
Wolves are also considering making an offer to Scott Leitch, formerly of Swindon, but the club want to take a further look at Ray McKinnon and Coffi Fiawoo before making a final decision regarding their futures.
Colin Lee missed the game against Coventry because he was watching Le Havre play in France. Lee was looking closely at Yugoslav striker Miladin Becanovic and French defender Mohammed Camara.

26th July 2000

Legend to Play

Steve Bull is going to make one last appearance for Wolves at Mike Stowell's testimonial against Aston Villa on Sunday, he last played in the famous gold and black in a game against Bradford in May 1999.
Bull promised Stowell he would play in his big game, and he intends to honour his pledge to the long serving Molineux keeper.
Bull said: "I am flattered that Mike still wants me to play. But I will have to be sensible with my knee because I don't want any more problems.
The former England striker was forced to retire from playing because of a damaged knee, but during his Wolves career he scored 306 goals in his 11 years, his final goal for Wolves was in the outing against Bury in September 1998.

Transfer Cash

Wolves are set to net £300,000 from former striker Jason Roberts' £2million move from Bristol Rovers to Black Country rivals West Brom
Roberts was allowed to leave Molineux to join Rovers two years ago after he failed to make an impact in forcing his way into the first team picture. However, the club put a clause in the deal which enabled them to recoup 15 per cent of any sell-on which means this £2million deal means the Molineux coffers will be swelled by a handy £300,000.

25th July 2000

Personal Terms Agreed

Ade Akinbiyi is likely to complete his £5 million move from Molineux to Filbert Street on Tuesday afternoon after agreeing personal terms with Leicester City. Akinbiyi's brief stay at Wolves was full of action he signed in September 1999 for £3.5 million breaking Wolves transfer fee, and made 40 league and cup appearances scoring 15 goals including 1 hat-trick, he missed 4 games through suspension after head butting Nottingham Forest's Tony Vaughan.

Collymore Linked Again

For the second year running Stan Collymore has been linked with a move to Wolves, with Ade Akinbiyi going to Leicester Colin lee is looking for a experienced goal scorer to replace him. Collymore had pledged to get back into the England squad after a couple of seasons of hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Another trialist has arrived at Wolves. French striker Koffi Fiawoo from FC Lorient will be coming under the scrutiny of Colin Lee and John Ward over the coming week.
Also new faces Scott Leitch and Epesse Titi will be on show when Wolves take on Coventry at Molineux on Wednesday night says Colin Lee.
The two players turned in impressive performances when they joined the action in Wolves' short tour of Ireland and now they will get their chance against Premiership opposition.

24th July 2000

Oxford in the Cup

Wolves have been drawn with Oxford Utd in the first round of the Worthington cup. The first game of the two legged tie will be at Molineux on Tuesday, 22nd August with the return at The Manor Ground on either the 5th or 6th September.

Striker Set to Sign

The signing of Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson is hoped to be completed inside the next 48 hours. Lee has been hot on the trail of the Rangers hit man for some time and his acquisition will be funded by the £5m sale of Ade Akinbiyi to Leicester. That's if Akinbiyi signs for the Foxes after having one or two problems agreeing personal terms with The Filbert Street outfit.
The Finnish international striker has already had transfer talks with Wolves and sources inside the club say the deal should be in the bag in time for Johansson to face Coventry in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

23rd July 2000

Move on Brink of Callapse

Ade Akinbiyi's £5 million transfer to Leicester City was on the brink of callapse last night over wages. The striker is asking for £20,000 a week but Leicester are only willing to pay £10,000 a week and after failing to agree terms with Leicester boss Peter Taylor Akinbiyi left Filbert Street saying "We are a long way apart" He also added "There'll be no problem walking away if the Leicester side isn't right"

22nd July 2000

Wolves Awarded £200,000

Wolves have won a compensation case against Man Utd over the signing of one of there youth players. 17 year old striker Daniel Nardiello signed for Man Utd last summer having previously been on the books at Molineux. The payment could rise to more than £1 million depending on appearances.

Wolves have issued the following statement:

Manchester United may have to pay up to £1 million plus to Wolves as compensation for the signing of one of Molineux's promising young players.

The Premier League Champions have been ordered today by a Football League Appeals Committee to pay Wanderers £200,000 immediately as compensation for the signing of Daniel Nardiello, a former schoolboy registered with Wolves.

The true cost of their recruitment of the 17 year old striker from Stourbridge, West Midlands, could rise even further if he plays in Unitedıs first team.

Wolves will be entitled to further payments of £150,000 a time if Nardiello goes on to play five, 15, 25 and 40 first team matches. A further £250,000 will be payable if the youngster plays in a UEFA/FIFA competitive international fixture.

Wolves' chief executive Jez Moxey says: "I am delighted with the verdict of the tribunal. I hope this sends out a message to predator clubs that they can not get away with cherry-picking the outstanding young talent being developed at Wolves without significant financial consequences."

Wolves Youth Academy Director Chris Evans adds: "Daniel Nardiello was the jewel in the crown of our schoolboy development programme and was developed by our technical coaching staff to national levels of excellence.

"Wolverhampton Wanderers are significantly investing in a youth development programme that is achieving considerable successes, and only last season sold Robbie Keane for a British transfer record fee for a teenager of £6 million to Coventry.

"We as a club have been denied our right to develop Nardiello to our first team and were therefore totally justified in taking this action and we are delighted by the Committee's decision.

"I hope this result serves as a warning to all clubs with envious eyes that it is our intention to develop outstanding players for this club and no other."

Nardiello was developed over a three year period at Wolves' Centre of Excellence, and succeeded in achieving a scholarship at the FA National School at Lilleshall, when aged 14.

The young player's outstanding talent was rewarded with England international schoolboy honours at under 15 and under 16 level.

On graduating from the National School two years later, Nardiello joined Manchester United in July 1999 and achieved considerable success in his first year at Old Trafford.

A striker, with a prolific goalscoring record, Nardiello was elevated from United's under 17s team and acquitted himself well in their under 19 side.

If he leaves Old Trafford in the future for a fee in excess of the amount paid to Wolves, Wanderers will be entitled to 15% of the excess.

Issued by the Wolves Press Office, 21 July, 2000

Ndah given All Clear

Wolves striker George has been told to rest a week then he should be ok to return to training after a scan has shown there is no cartilage damage to his knee. He returned early from the Wolves Irish pre-season tour and has only played 4 first team games since joining Wolves for £1 million last October and suffering a broken leg.

21st July 2000

Another Striker Named

Colin Lee has named another replacement for Ade Akinbiyi and is lining up a bid for Yugoslav striker Milan Bokanovic. Hopefully one of these targets will soon put pen to paper to save Wolves having another terrible start to this season like they had last season after the sale of Robbie Keane.
Akinbiyi is set to complete a £5m move to Leicester and Lee is keen to sort out a replacement as soon as possible. The powerful striker, Bokanovic is rated at £1m by his French club Le Havre and is desperate to leave them. It is reported that Wolves have opened talks with the player about the possibility of him coming to Molineux and teaming up with his former teammate Ludovic Pollet.

Colin Lee is also set to offer contracts to on-loan Epesse Titi and Scott Leitch.
The boss has been having a good look at both players on the club's pre-season tour of Ireland and has been impressed with both the attitude and work rate of both players.
Leitch is available on a Bosman free after captaining Swindon last season. The 24 year old Epesse - the cousin of Liverpool's Titi (hopefully not another relationship like Harvard Flo and his cousin!) is also thought to be available on a free and the French defender - who has been looking for a club in England for some time is hopeful of obtaining a contract after being recommended to the club by Ludovic Pollet.

20th July 2000

New Target Named for Wolves

Another player has been named as a target for Wolves, Reading's £1 million rated midfielder Darren Caskey, according to reports. Wolves and Wimbledon are locked in a battle to sign him, Colin lee wants the ex-England under-21 star to bolster his midfield.
Caskey signed for Reading from Tottenham in January 1996 for £700,000 pounds and has scored 23 goals for Reading from midfield last season but is out of contract next summer and is yet to agree a new deal.
Reading manager Alan Pardew is desperate to keep Caskey and has said that he is not for sale but the Second Division side would find it hard to accept a big money offer with the Royals losing £200,000 pound a month.

Also reports say that Wolves are still trying to sign Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson and have made a £2 million pound offer for the player. The money will be available once Ade Akinbiyi's move to Leicester is finalised.

New Captains Announced

Colin Lee has announced who is taking over the captaincy following the departure of Keith Curle. Club captain is Simon Osborn and Kevin Muscat has been appointed as team captain.

No Goals At Cork

Wolves were held 0-0 in there second match of there pre-season tour in Ireland. Cork City's new manager is ex Wolves player Derek Mountfield. It was a sunny evening and both teams had plenty of chances to break the deadlock but never finished some nice moves.

Cork: Mooney, O'Halloran (Napier 45), Delaney (Horgan 75), Daly, R.O'Brien, Freyne (Caulfield 66), Cahill, Hartigan (Flanagan 45), Herrier, Morley, C.O'Brien.

Unused subs: O'Rourke, O'Donogue, O'Conner.

Booking: O'Halloran (foul-33)

Wolves: Oakes, Muscat (Green 51), Naylor (Camara 51), Robinson, Pollet (Osborn 84), Titi (Lescott 51), Bazeley (Ulfstein 68), Osborn (Andrews 76), Leitch (Emblen 51), Branch (Taylor 53), Sinton (Simpson 40).

Unused sub: Murray.

Booking: Taylor (foul-86)

Referee: A. Kelly (Cork)

19th July 2000

Ndah Returns

Goerge Ndah and Ade Akinbiyi are flying back to the Midlands ahead of this evenings match with Cork City on the Wolves pre-season tour of Ireland. Akinbiyi, of course, heading for Leicester to tie up his move to Filbert Street and there is concern over George Ndah's knee injury which has not responded to treatment.

New Targets

Rumours are starting already on targets for Colin Lee to spend the money from the sale of Ade Akinbiyi, which has yet to be finalised. Akinbiyi still has to agree personal terms with Leicester, but Andy Booth from Sheffield Wednesday has emerged as a early target. Lee was also being linked with a move for Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson, but the fee for the Finn has put him out of reach.

18th July 2000

Wolves Accept Foxes Bid

Wolves have accepted Leicester City's £5 million bid for Ade Akinbiyi, the move will be completed when Ade agrees personal terms with the Filbert Street Club. He is expected to fly back from Ireland and begin contract discussions. Jez Mozey Wolves Chief Executive said "We have accepted Leicester's £5 million valuation plus a sell on fee"

Midday Deadline

Today Leicester City have given Wolves a 12 o'clock deadline to decide on there offer of £5 million for Ade Akinbiyi. New Foxes boss Peter Taylor insists he must hear by noon today or he will call off the hunt for Ade: "We have given Wolverhampton Wanderers until 12 noon today to agree to the offer or it will be withdrawn with immediate effect," he said.

I will update this story as soon as any more information is released.

Winning Start

Wolves have won there first match of the Irish Tour beating Waterford 2-0, goals from Robinson and Titi in the second half. Teams were:

Waterford: Devine (Fennelly 71), Scully, Fitzgerald (O'Brien 45), Reynolds (Waters 45), Breen, Cashin (Goodwin 66), Kirby (Dunphy 52), Quigley (Maher 45), Maroney (Watson 45), Griffin, Rea (Whittle 45).

Wolves: Oakes, Green, Camara, Leitch, Ulfstein, Titi, Taylor (Andrews 73), Osborn (Robinson 66), Emblen, Branch (Sinton 71), Simpson (Lescott 52).

Unused subs: Stowell, Muscat.

17th July 2000

Wolves Announce £5 Million Bid For Akinbiyi (Story From www.wolvesfc.co.uk)

It has been announced on the Official Wolves Website that Wolves have received a £5 million bid from Leicester City for striker Ade Akinbiyi. The East Midland club had made an earlier bid, for an undisclosed figure, which was rejected.

Chief Executive Jez Moxey says: "Leicester have been very persistent in their approaches to us for Ade.

"This is a significant sum of money and we have told officials at Filbert Street that we will give it the consideration it merits.

"Both the manager Colin Lee and the player have been informed and we are planning to spend an appropriate amount of time considering the offer.

"We have, this morning, made bids of our own for two players - one of which is for a seven figure sum. So there are many factors for us to take into account."

Akinbiyi, who joined Wolves last September and scored 16 goals for the club, is currently with the Wolves squad on a pre-season tour of Ireland.

15th July 2000

More Akinbiyi Sale Rumours

There are more stories about the sale of Ade Akinbiyi, now Premiership Tottenham are reported to be interested in him, but there has been no official confirmation of any sale unless they receive a large enough offer. A player has been linked as a replacement for Ade and reports from Scotland indicate Wolves are preparing a £2m bid for Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson.

14th July 2000

New Squad Numbers

Colin Lee has released the Wolves first team squad numbers:

1. Michael Oakes
2. Kevin Muscat
3. Lee Naylor
4. Carl Robinson
5. Ludovic Pollet
6. Neil Emblen
7. Darren Bazeley
8. Simon Osborn
9. Ade Akinbiyi
10. Michael Branch
11. Andy Sinton
12. Mike Stowell
14. George Ndah
15. Steve Sedgley
16. Scott Taylor
17. Paul Simpson
18. Ryan Green
19. Joleon Lescott
20. Keith Andrews

13th July 2000

Bull Takes Coaching Role

Wolves legend Steve Bull has decided to accept the part time senior team coaching role, that was offered to him by his former boss Graham Turner at Hereford United.
But his priority will be the ten hours he dedicates to public relations work at Molineux.
Bull will benefit from the vast experience of Turner who was manager at Wolves when the club captured the Sherpa Van Trophy along with the Third and Fourth Division titles.
Steve is eventually hoping to get a full time job as an assistant manager or a coach on his his way to his ultimate aim of being a manager himself.

Three Defenders at Molineux

There were three more trialists at Molineux for training, and Colin Lee has a view to adding them to his squad for next season.
The three defenders are Mohammed Camara from Le Havre and Episse Titi from Bordeaux were recommended to the boss by Ludovic Pollet, and Egil Ulfstein is a Norwegian from FC Brann.
All three will be accompanying Wolves on the pre-season tour of Ireland along with Scott Leitch who is also spending a couple of weeks training with the squad.
Lee said: "Obviously I'm thinking of signing all three, otherwise they would not be here."

Dorigo Snubs Wolves

Former England defender Tony Dorigo has rejected a move to Molineux in favour of joining Second Division Stoke City.

Dorigo, 34, said: ""I talked to John Rudge and found him and the club very friendly and honest. They reached the play-offs last year and have brought a few new players in since then. There is an obvious ambition which will suit me very nicely."

Sedgley Signs Contract

On Wednesday evening Steve Sedgley signed a new contract at Molineux, for a year with the club holding the option of keeping the player for a further 12 months. He originally joined Wolves from Ipswich in July 1997, for a £350,000 fee plus Mark Venus who made the move to Portman Road as part of the deal. Steve sedgley's contract ran out at the end of June.

Colin Lee said: "I'm very pleased that Steve has re-signed. With Keith Curle moving on, it was important we signed someone who could play in that position. Steve performed in a variety of positions last season and was an important player for us."

Chief Executive, Jez Moxey, added: "We are pleased that Steve is going to continue his association with us. Colin Lee sees him as a valued member of his squad."

12th July 2000

New Face at Molineux

The out of contract Swindon Town captain Scott Leitch is spending a fortnight training with Wolves under the watchful eye of Colin Lee.
The Scottish midfielder will then travel with the first team squad to Ireland for the three pre-season friendlies.
Leitch, who is 30, moved to Swindon from Hearts in March 1996. He has turned down a new deal with The Robins because he doesn't want to play Second Division football.

The Wolves boss said on the Wolves Official Website: "Scott is a tough tackling midfielder and we'd like to give him the chance to show what he can do."

11th July 2000

Another Offer for Ade

Birmingham City have made a bid in excess of £3million for Wolves striker Ade Akinbiyi.
Wolves have already turned down a bid of more than £4 million for him from Leicester City this week so the Blues are facing disappointment in their pursuit of Akinbiyi.
Wolves new Chief Executive Jez Moxey has not ruled out selling top striker Ade Akinbiyi.
Moxey said: "There isn't a player in the world who is unavailable, provided the price is right."
But he stressed that at the present time the Molineux outfit were not looking to cash in on their Nigerian international hitman.
Wolves paid a club record £3.5 million to sign him from Bristol City last September and they now value him well in excess of £5 million after he scored 16 goals last season.
If Wolves did agree to sell him, it is unlikely that they would consider a sale to one of the teams who will be their arch rivals in the battle for promotion next season.

Wolves Target Dorigo

Wolves and Stoke City are both trying to sign Derby County's Tony Dorigo, the defender is currently out of contract and available on a Bosman free-transfer. The former England left-back's contract at  Pride Park ran out at the end of last season.

10th July 2000

More Targets??

Two more targets have been linked with Colin Lee as he gets down to the job of building a Wolves team capable of winning promotion.
The Wolves manager has been hit by the loss of 36-year old skipper Keith Curle who has opted to join Sheffield United.
But it is to the city of Sheffield that Lee is looking to sign possible replacements.
The Blades' Lee Sandford has emerged as a player on the manager's summer shopping list, along with Wednesday's Lee Briscoe.
Lee is keen to get at least one new face into his squad before they fly off next weekend for their pre-season tour to Ireland.
Moves in the transfer market are expected inside the next seven days.

Lee Has to Play Youngsters

Wolves first team is so desperately short on numbers that Colin Lee has been forced to draft in the highly promising youth team trio Gordon Simms, Joleon Lescott and Ryan Green  for Wolves pre-season tour to Ireland.
Central defenders Simms and Lescott have yet to play at first team level but could be being lined up to replace the departed Keith Curle, while full-back Ryan Green has just 45 minutes first team experience under his belt.
Lee said: "I will be including the three in the party for Southern Ireland.
I may be adding others aswell - it depends on what I see when the players report back for pre-season. I certainly have an open mind on the subject."
He added: "It's a great chance for some of the youngsters to show me what they can do."

8th July 2000

Taylor Signs

Wolves Midfielder Scott Taylor has ended fears that he could be moving to Wolves' Division One rivals by signing a new deal at Molineux.  Blackburn and Bolton were thought to be about to swoop for the 29-year old after negotiations with the player and his agent seemed to stall.
But Taylor has now signed a new one year deal (with a further one year option) and will report back to the club for pre-season training on Monday.
Wolves Chief Executive Jez Moxey said: "Scott didn't get everything that he wanted, but by signing the contract that he did, it shows he is totally committed to the club."

Bully for Bulls?

Steve Bull could link up with Graham Turner again to take up a coaching role at Hereford United.
Bull rejected an offer from Wolves to coach the club's under-14s and now Turner, who brought the legendary hitman to Molineux from WBA, has approached Bull to do some coaching with the senior side at Edgar Street.
Turner said: "Steve wants to get into management and we've talked about him taking a few sessions with us and gaining experience with senior players and generally having an involvement with Hereford United.
He added: "I know that if he came in with his enthusiasm for football, and with his status in the game, he'd certainly help us."
Another Molineux old boy, Phil Robinson, recently joined Hereford as player-coach after leaving Stoke City.

7th July 2000

Big Cheque for Ade

Colin Lee has responded to the transfer stories of Wolves star striker Ade Akinbiyi. He said it will take a very big cheque to persuade Wolves to part with Akinbiyi. Lee admitted: "I am a realist and I know every player has his price.
"But it would have to be an offer that simply could not be refused to tempt us to even consider selling Ade."
Wolves paid £3.5million to Bristol City for the Nigerian international and, says Lee, he is vital to their promotion plans.
The Wolves manager added: "I have no plans at all to sell Ade. How could I replace him for what we paid?
"My squad is small enough as it is and Ade is my main scorer having grabbed sixteen goals last season."
He concluded: "I am confident that Ade, Michael Branch and George Ndah will be a formidable force in the coming season."

6th July 2000

Lee Needs To Add To Squad

Colin Lee says his number one priority is to bring a new central defender into Molineux.
It was thought that Lee was prepared to give the chance of first team football to teenage reserve Joleon Lescott.
But, while hinting that Lescott could be in his plans for the coming season, he is determined to get an experienced hand to replace Keith Curle.
The Wolves skipper has opted to join Sheffield United after four years at Molineux leaving Lee with a gap to plug in his defensive wall.
Neil Emblen has already indicated he does not like playing as a central defender which leaves Lee after a new man to partner Ludovic Pollet.

5th July 2000

Youngster to Get Chance

Joleon Lescott looks certain to get the chance of replacing Keith Curle at the heart of Wolves defence.
Colin Lee is aware that any attempts to bring new players to Molineux will be difficult and he is looking to develop his youth team by giving some of them a chance in the first team.
And with Curle now at First Division rivals Sheffield United, Lescott will get the chance to prove he is ready to move into the senior side.
Lee admits that he has a number of promising young players at Molineux, who will make an impact in the future. But he maintains that the bulk of these are not yet ready for first team football, with Lescott being the one exception.
And, when Wolves embark on their pre-season tour of Ireland the teenager will be given his chance alongside regulars Ludovic Pollet and Neil Emblen in the heart of Lee's defence.

Players Returning

There has been a few players returning to Molineux this week, even though they are not due back until next Monday. The players Matt Murray and George Ndah were back along with Ade Akinbiyi, Mike Stowell, Seamus Crowe and Mark Jones. Also, Shane Tudor and Michael Branch, both of whom had operations to repair hernias in May, were there for the training session too.

Popular Primus

Wolves apparent target Linvoy Primus is being lined up for a move from Reading to Swansea, should any Wanderers deal not go through.
The former Luton Town defender is currently out of contract having turned down the offer of staying at Reading, and has expressed his desire to play at a higher level.
This makes Wolves the obvious leading contenders for his signature, and Primus, a strong and dependable defender, would be seen as an ideal replacement for Keith Curle.
But with Swansea seemingly losing Matthew Bound to Bristol City, they too have seen Primus as an ideal contender to replace their out-going defender.
Reading are resigned to losing the player and it is only a matter of time before he signs for another club, be it Wolves or Swansea.

4th July 2000

No Plans to Sell Ade

Wolves Chief Executive Jez Moxey has quickly responded to rumours that Ade Akinbiyi could be bound for Filbert Street.

He said: "Colin Lee is delighted to have someone of the calibre of Ade Akinbiyi in his squad."
"There are no plans to sell him and we are looking forward to starting the season with him. I've heard the rumours but they are without foundation."

Peter Taylor the new Leicester manager, has money to spend following the sale of Emile Heskey to Liverpool for £10 million.

Curle Goes To Sheffield Utd

On Monday Keith Curle signed for Sheffield United on a free transfer. The Wolves captain was with Wolves for four years, he joined The Blades as a player/coach at Bramall Lane under United's manager, Neil Warnock.
The 36 year old defender said on the official Wolves website: "I'm leaving a great club but I couldn't turn down the opportunity of a job that involves coaching while I am still playing."

The move will come as a disappointment for Colin Lee who will have find a replacement and seek out a new captain for the side. Lee returns from holiday this week. 

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Jez Moxey has quickly reponded to rumours that Ade Akinbiyi could be bound for Filbert Street.

He said: "Colin Lee is delighted to have someone of the calibre of Ade Akinbiyi in his squad.

"There are no plans to sell him and we are looking forward to starting the season with him. I've heard the rumours but they are without foundation."

New Leicester manager, Peter Taylor, has money to spend following the sale of Emile Heskey to Liverpool.

Interest in Jones

Chris Turner, a former youth team manager at Molineux, is hoping to sign Mark Jones one of the youngsters he coached at Wolves.

The striker has only played in five first team games for the team he has supported since his childhood, all of them after coming on as a substitute.
His last appearance was at Sheffield United last autumn and, following a season that was ruined by a persistent knee injury, Colin Lee has given him a free transfer though he was offered a short term contract to help him get back to full fitness.

3rd July 2000

Curle On His Way

Wolves have lost their battle to hang onto experienced skipper Keith Curle who looks set to join Sheffield United today.
The 36-year-old former England defender has opted to move out of Molineux and join the Blades on a two-year contract.
Curle had maintained he wouldn't be making a decision on his future until manager Colin Lee had returned from his family holiday.
But he has notified new Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey of his decision to quit the club.
"There is definitely no going back, Keith has made his decision," confirmed his agent Lorraine Gates.
"This is very good career move for him because he will be able to do something Wolves cannot give him," she added.
Curle, who joined Wolves four years ago from Manchester City for a £650,000 fee, will become player-coach at Bramall Lane.

The loss of influential skipper Keith Curle could now see boss Colin Lee swoop for Reading's unsettled defender Linvoy Primus.
Curle's quicker than expected Molineux exit means that the importance of bringing in a new central defender takes on greater significance.
Lee has already expressed an interest in 26-year-old Primus who is available on a free transfer from the Royals. However, he faces stiff competition for the highly-rated defender from a clutch of clubs including Southampton, Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Chesterfield's Ian Breckin is also another name on Lee's shopping list but money will have to be paid out to secure his services.
Another problem for the boss is who will take over the captain's armband following Curle's departure.
Kevin Muscat could be the surprise choice. Although the Australian has hit the headlines in recent years because of disciplinary problems, he has cleaned up his act of late and could be the now deemed mature enough to handle the skipper's role.

Interest in Ade??

Teamtalk have reported on there Website that two premiership clubs are interested in signing Wolves Striker Ade Akinbiyi, Leicester City have made a firm enquiry and West Ham have expressed an interest. But nothing has been officially confirmed yet by Wolves.

1st July 2000

New Contract Offer For Sedgley

Wolves Midfielder Steve Sedgley has been offered a new contract by the club after his career at Wolves appeared to be at an end. Details of the contract have been sent to the player's agent and it's hoped that talks can be held next week.
Sedgley and Scott Taylor were both out of contract at the end of the season and manager Colin Lee was hopeful that he could retain the services of both.
The club's new Chief Executive, Jez Moxey, had held talks with Sedgley's agent on Tuesday and he met Taylor's representative at Molineux on Friday.