I like to go to the football.  Often I just sit in the car, but sometimes I go to the match.  I also watch football when it's on television, but only if it's Wolves or England. 

Here are my thoughts on any matches I happen to see.  I must admit that sometimes I get distracted from the main action of the game and talk about myself more than the match, but the way I see it, there's a lot of people already writing about these games, and a lot less people writing about me, so it's only right that I should redress that imbalance a bit.

20th September 2008: Preston North End vs. Wolves (1-3)
What to say?  A mightily impressive win away from home against a form team, but at the cost of possible three game bans for today's hat-trick scorer, Iwelumo, and for Wayne Hennessey.  Very disappointing on a day when we should be celebrating going three clear at the top.  Still, with Iwelumo already having been out for two games and Keogh and Vokes providing impressive replacements, I'm backing Wolves to weather it.  We'll just have to hope that things will continue in a similar vein and we don't need a goalkeeper too much!

16th September 2008: Wolves vs. Crystal Palace (2-1)
A very valuable 3 points in a hard fought game.

13th September 2008: Charlton vs. Wolves (1-3)
Just back from Charlton.  Another great game - when did we last see a goal difference like that!  I'll admit I was a little nervous when not only was Iwelumo replaced by Keogh at the last minute, but Ward and Collins kept their places in the team.  I may have been complimentary about Ward's performance last time but that seemed only as a last resort stop-gap.  I was happily wrong.  Ward again produced a fine performance.  The wingers were kept quieter, but Henry and Jones were mighty impressive in the middle.  Ebanks-Blake has to be still classified as a 'simmering fire' so far this season, but calmly put away a 61st minute penalty and Wolves never looked back.  Sam Vokes and Dave Edwards were both more than impressive off the bench, with Vokes scoring twice.  It's still early days, but Wolves are setting the pace for a change.   

30th August 2008: Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest (5-1)
As I emerged blinking into the Wolverhampton sunshine after a week of overcast skies in 'The North', I was delighted to see Wolves put on such a dazzling display.  It doesn't get much better than this (although Wolves could have scored more) - top of the table and scoring freely.  Kightly and Jarvis again stood out on the wings but this was, especially in the first half, a stunning team performance.  Forest may have lost their way after the first goal, but that's because Wolves never really let them find it.  Michael Kightly says that the team is 'hungry'.  This does seem a little sad (do we need to have a word with the chef?), but if this is the result, I for one won't be sending them any food packages.

Stephen Ward made an even odder choice for left back than he did as a winger, but well done to him for putting in a creditable display in the circumstances.  With the international break we've now got two weeks to benevolently smile down on the world from the top of the league.  See you at Charlton.

26th August 2008: Rotherham vs. Wolves (0-0 - Wolves lose 4-3 on penalties) LEAGUE CUP
As Wolves take their traditional 4th round exit to lower league opposition, a timely reminder perhaps not to get carried away.  This was in large parts a second string team, but we deserved no better than this result.

23rd August 2008: Ipswich vs. Wolves (0-2)
I was at Ipswich last year to watch the dismal 3-0 loss, so what a difference it makes to see this scoreline.  It was good to see Ebanks-Blake get is first goal from open play, and super-sub Edwards really proved his worth with the second.

16th August 2008: Wolves vs. Sheffield Wednesday (4-1)
Having thrashed Burnley 4-1 ast week, it's Wednesday's turn to take a drubbing.  It's great to see Wolves finally having the confidence and the team to score a few of the goals they threatened last season.  Iwelumo and Ebanks-Blake seem to offer the striking partnership McCarthy has been searching for for the last two seasons.  But it's not just about them - the whole team played (after the first 15 minutes, it must be admitted) with skill and confidence.  But we've seen that before - the important thing is that in this game it was rewarded.  Long may it continue.

12th August 2008: Wolves vs. Accrington Stanley (1-1 - 3-2 after extra time) LEAGUE CUP
Wolfie is so embarrassed by this result that he briefly passed out and has now started talking about himself in the third person.  All credit to Accrington Stanley, but Wolves must do much, much better than this at the weekend.  Really there's only one thing to say:

9th August 2008: Plymouth vs. Wolves (2-2)
New season, same old game.  In the reverse fixture to lest season's closer, Wolves started this season in much the same patchy form as they finished the last.  In grim conditions (believe me, I know, I was sitting in the front row, and have been wringing myself out for the last two days), Kightly shone, but too few others followed his lead.  The defenders seemed confused and got caught out on a few occasions, being culpable in both goals.  Still, the team showed good character and, at times, great skill to get back into the game twice.  Kightly would have won it single-handedly if he could - Plymouth had no answer to his fantastic runs - and bringing on Vokes and Iwelumo successfully changed the game, although Wolves had already been looking more threatening for a period before the changes were made.  Well done to Vokes, the 18-year old from Bournemouth who scored with almost his first touch in the Championship.  So, an average performance on a miserable day, but hints that we can at least look to the future with a smile. 

4th May 2008: Wolves vs. Plymouth (1-0)
A disappointing day.  Plymouth offered nothing but Wolves ineptitude in front of goal (and not just today) means we miss the play offs by 0 points and 2 goals.  Elokobi played well, but he and Jarvis continuously got bogged down on the left.  Ebanks-Blake couldn't get involved and had a stinker and let's not even talk about Keogh who was having one of his 'aaaagh, I've got to score a goal from six feet out' striking days.  Kightly put in a performance that probably wouldn't have been tolerated in others, so all in all, it wasn't our day.  Of course, it's close enough that two more goals today and perhaps we could look back on the whole season in a much rosier light, but close is not good enough.  Not too far from it though, so I expect a few changes next season - in the right places PLEASE - and then perhaps we'll have a team capable of winning (I mean the league, but winning games would be a good start).

I thought I'd make a bit of a splash for the game, so here I am in full superhero attire.  I enjoyed dressing up, but didn't get the same reaction from the kiddies I saw - it was almost like there was something a little alarming about a Wolfie dressed head to foot in rubber.

26th April 2008: Coventry vs. Wolves (1-1)
With no one making any real progress in the battle for the last play off spot, it goes as they say in footballing cliche, down to the wire.  Wolves missed a fine opportunity to put themselves in pole position but as it is after a nerve-wracking game, all we can do is win and hope.  I think we've shown enough in recent weeks to win it, barring some terrible luck, and lets hope the nerves are getting to Crystal Palace and Watford in the coming week.

22nd April 2008: Wolves vs. Cardiff (3-0)
Much, much better - the result at least, if not the performance. Let's wait and see what happens on Saturday.

19th April 2008: Wolves vs. Ipswich (1-1)
Absolutely fuming.  Yet again a moment of poor concentration in the dying seconds of the game has cost Wolves two vital, and probably deserved, points, and quite possibly a place in the play offs.  The way this season has gone, I choose to believe that anything can still happen, but today that's not easy.

29th March 2008: Charlton vs. Wolves (2-3)
Wolves look to be beginning to specialise in a certain brand of edgy attacking football.  Another edge of the seat performance, and this time we got the win - thanks in a large part to two brilliant strikes from Ebanks-Blake, one of them a clear contender for goal of the season.  The whole team deserves credit though.  Despite a poor patch in the second half (and many thanks to Hennessey for keeping us in it), overall, Wolves were good for the win.  The fact that we nearly threw it away in the 92nd minute, only to snatch victory back in the 93rd, made for a great game, especially for the TV audience, but I can't help hoping we do it the easy way next time.  So, we're up to sixth place, and with six games left, the majority of games against teams in contention, the play-offs are ours to grasp or throw away.  There will be disappointment on the way, but the team looks to be coming together at just the right time, and I think we'll make it.  Whatever happens, I'm off to enjoy the warm glow for the moment.

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22nd March 2008: Wolves vs. QPR (3:3)
Eventful.  Entertaining.  Frustrating.  Again, we attacked well, without scoring goals when we should have, and defended badly.  The game seemed to be trying to match the changeful weather around Molineux - one minute bright sunshine, the next a violent snowstorm - one minute flowing football, the next minute Sunday League defending.  Again, we let the away team get ahead having started ourselves with 20 minutes of pressure on goal and nothing to show for it.  We fell to pieces and to be fair, could have conceded again, but after Keogh brought things level just before half time Wolves should have gone on to win.  A bizarre penalty for QPR a few minutes into the second half (Neil Collins adjudged to have handled the ball) gave them the lead, but the referee, coming in for a little stick from the home fans (!), gave an equally unlikely penalty to Wolves to level the score.  Again, from there, there should have been only one winner, but QPR we able to do with their one shot and 3 minutes of possession what Wolves couldn't manage for all their energy and trying.  The team deserved credit for keeping fighting right to the end, and Keogh's second in the 95th minute secured what could turn out to be a vital point.  We should have all three points, but given that we so nearly lost, I'll take that for now.

And look, I haven't even mentioned Eastwood once.  Perhaps that's as it should be.

Comment by: WorldWideWolfie, on 3/23/2008 3:12:41 PM

Look I also have an exciting new comments facility. Go on, show me you love me!

Comment by: Pete, on 3/29/2008 8:00:44 PM

Great win today. Great 2nd goal, Brilliant save and a Fantastic winning goal. C'mon you WOLVES!!! worldwidewolfie rules!!

Comment by: WorldWideWolfie, on 4/2/2008 7:39:07 PM

Yes, brilliant win. Still smiling after a few days. Also, you're not in my immediate family (adoptive, of course) and you've posted a comment - I am shocked and pleased ;)

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18th March 2008: Wolves vs. Scunthorpe (2-1)
It was touch-and-go at times, and Wolves made their usual heavy weather of it at home, but here we are, one point off the play-offs with a game in hand over many of our rivals.  Things could be better, but it's a long time since Wolves ever did anything the easy way, so let's just enjoy the win.  At least I can look forward to next week's visit to Molineux with some kind of anticipation.

15th March 2008: Burnley vs. Wolves (1-3)
Three goals - terribly lucky, but I'll take them.  The miracle is still on (just!)

23rd February 2008: Crystal Palace vs. Wolves (0:2)
A very good result, if average game, lifted by two top strikes.  Michael Gray had another impressive game on the wing (much like his games in defence, only now with the bonus that someone else is doing some defending), topped off by an amazing strike in the 75th minute.  Kevin Kyle's last minute goal was nearly as impressive.  I didn't think he had it in him, and I'm glad to be proved wrong.  The result was marred by what looked like a nasty concussion to Henessey after a collision with the Palace forward (note to journalism students: this is not high quality reporting - didn't see and can't be bothered to go and look up who it was).  Obscurely, this didn't result in a booking when a similar incident in which George Elokobi the other end earned him a yellow card.  Granted, neither deserved it, but a bit of consistency in refereeing would have been nice.  Elokobi, looked very effective and solid; so solid, in fact, that the Palace players mainly just bounced off him.  I was impressed.

9th February 2008: Wolves vs. Stoke (2:4)
Foolishly, at half time I thought we should win this one.  I mean, apart from the attacking and the defending we really were the better team.  We're really getting that passing the ball round midfield and putting in ineffective crosses down to a T.  That said, two goals should have been enough - how we had the best defensive record in the Championship up to that point is something of a mystery.  Again, a top game from Michael Gray who, particularly in the first half, combined brilliantly with Jarvis down the left.  I just wish that he'd remember sometimes that he plays defence. 

Moving on to me, I have been stung by recent criticism of my lack of pictures of the cultural highlights of Wolverhampton (apparently those pebbledash houses just don't count), here I've taken a lovely shot of the outside of Molineux.  Also I didn't take a picture inside because I was in the South Bank and feared someone might eat me.

29th January 2008: Wolves vs. Sheffield Wednesday (2:1)
Yay! Wet myself when Ebanks-Blake scored in injury time.

26th January 2008: Watford vs. Wolves (1:4)
Thought we might struggle in this one.  Just shows what I know.  Next Saturday will be a different matter, and Watford are bound to field a stronger team, but I'm looking forward to it already.

19th January 2008: Scunthorpe vs. Wolves (0:2)
More like it.  It's been an awful long time since we scored two in the Championship, even if against second from bottom Scunthorpe.  Two goals from the new boys Edwards and Ebanks Blake.  Will give everyone some much needed confidence.

12th January 2008: Wolves vs. Crystal Palace (0:3)
What are we going to do?  Poor, poor result despite some decent play.  Perhaps we need another striker to join the six first team forwards we already have.  By the law of averages, one of them should be able to score now and then.  I'm still backing Wolves to pull out of this terrible run and carry on up if we can just get a bit is luck in the next couple of games.  Time will tell.

5th January 2008: Wolves vs. Cambridge (2:1) FAC
So nearly went horribly wrong, but Michael Kightly inspired a second half comeback to save Wolves' blushes.  Delighted to be in the hat for the next round.

29th December 2007: Norwich vs. Wolves (1:1)
Frankly, I'm shocked.  This is the first time of many Norwich have failed to lose when I've watched them.  Having not been to a game for a while I was slightly horrified to hear MM seemingly hailing this post-match as some kind of wonder-performance.  Have things got that bad?  I fear they have.  Still, leaving aside past form, an ok result, and an ok performance - and as such, Mick may have got carried away with the way it stood out from the recent dross.

1st December 2007: Wolves vs. Preston (1:0)
A third successive home one-nil win. Again average performance, but up to third in the table and three points off the lead.  The performances will need to pick up if we're to stay there (or improve!), but, for the moment, I'm happy to keep taking the points.

28th November 2007: Wolves vs. Colchester (1:0)
Poor game, by all accounts, but three points. Glad for the win, and glad I wasn't there. 

25th November 2007: West Brom vs. Wolves (0:0)
I'll definitely take that, especially given the penalty save, and we can improve on it next time.

10th November 2007: Wolves vs. Barnsley (1:0)
Good result, need to score more. Enough writing.

6th November 2007: Southampton vs. Wolves (0:0)
Given Wolves recent history against Southampton, a scoreless draw away could well been seen as a source of jubilation.  Southampton, to be fair, looked poor though, and after the game it was quite disappointing that we couldn't do better.  At least there were a few shots on goal, and some solid defending, leaving aside Henessey's brainache moment of picking up a back pass.  The resulting free kick from eight yards out could have gone anywhere, but luckily didn't go in the goal.  I look quite excited in this picture, but I'm not quite sure why.

26th October 2007: Ipswich vs. Wolves (3-0)
After the mid week heroics of a 3-2 away defeat of Cardiff, and the early disappointment of a missed penalty, this Wolves team looked lacklustre at best.  As you can see from the picture, I didn't even manage to get out of my bag for the completely un-gripping finale.  Appropriately though, Ipswich was a black hole.  To be fair, Wolves started the brighter team, and when Kightly was brought down in the box, Wolves looked set to continue marching on, and Mick was a genius.  By the time Eastwood had taken one of those stupid 'clever' penalties that gave the keeper every chance to save (which he duly did) in the fifth minute, the cracks started to show.  The cracks grew, and by the end, Wolves were 3 nil down, and no one had any idea why Mick even bothered turning up.  A bad day, but I'm sure we can shake it off.

29th September 2007: Plymouth vs. Wolves (1:1)
The usual result as Wolves visited Argyle.  Numerous wasted chances in front of goal proved more costly than last week.  All credit to Mick for what he's achieved with the team, but it's a very risky strategy to keep a proven goal scorer like Freddie on the bench when Wolves' flaws in attack are so clear.

22nd September 2007: Wolves vs. Norwich (2:0)
More like it!  Just as Southampton have always been a bit of a bogey team for Wolves whenever I'm in attendance, so, in recent years, have Wolves proved for Norwich.  There won't be many worse teams visiting Molineux this season.  That is to take nothing away from the Wolves performance, however.  It is perfectly fair to say that two sendings off for Norwich in the second half had absolutely no impact on pattern of play.  A thoroughly energetic team effort, with only the pile of missed opportunities to take the shine off the day.  It should have been more.  Congratulations to Keogh for his first goal of the season.  A fine strike, and I look forward to seeing him start knocking in some of the easier ones too.  I would still prefer to see Eastwood start to Elliot, who ran a lot but to no great effect, but we'll leave that one for another day.  Special mention to Kevin Foley for good game and a fine goal.

Here I am in front of the vastly ill-matched teams.  It's interesting to remember that last time these two teams met, it was Wolves who finished with nine men.  Of course, we won that one too, anyway.

18th September 2007: Hull vs. Wolves (0:1)
Boo!  Lose that useless Scot who keeps giving away penalties.

15th September 2007: Sheffield United vs. Wolves (3:1)
Hmm.

1st September 2007: Stoke vs. Wolves (0:0)
A decent enough result, if uninspiring.  I did listen to this one on the radio, but kept getting distracted by shiny things.

25th August 2007: Wolves vs. Blackpool (2:1)
A stark contrast to last week.  If there's one thing I enjoy more than a stylish win, it's a thoroughly undeserved one.  Wolves severely lacked a consistent goal scorer last season, and today Freddie shows exactly what that can be worth.  Three points in this case.  Can't rely on that every week though.

19th August 2007: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Wolves (1:3)
I was thoroughly pleased to be in attendance at this one.  Wolves dominated the game and were thoroughly good value for the win.  Olofinjana had one of his good days, and Keogh made all the running again, having a big part to play in all three goals (he just needs to start putting them in himself now).  Michael Gray had a fine game on the wing - unfortunately he's a defender and was lucky not to be punished for getting caught out of position on a couple of occasions.  Kightly looked back to his form of last season, and Eastwood staked a very good claim to make the starting line up from now on.  Potter again looked a little shaky, but overall, a good performance from the team, which helped to keep the fans relaxed: Another waterlogged day in Sheffield was met by armbands bouncing around the away end and a host of water-related puns, 'You might as well swim home', perhaps being my personal favourite.

11th August 2007: Wolves vs. Watford (1:2)
Oh, the pain.  Wolves were made to pay for sitting back on a 1:0 lead.  To be fair, Watford looked at least good for the draw, but to lose it with the last kick of the game on penalties if just downright unfair (sob).

14th July 2007: Grays Athletic vs. Wolves (0:0) - pre-season friendly
Not a spectacular scoreline, although Wolves did drag a couple of very good saves out of the Grays keeper in the first half.  It's too early to read anything into the result or performance, and that has to be a good thing because no one looked too special.  Darren Ward stood out, and did everything that was required of him confidently, and there are good signs that he could do the same against league opposition.  The other new boy, Matt Jarvis, didn't show much in the 45 minutes he played.  I had a nice day in a relaxed atmosphere and in the sun and, in truth, the players seemed to too.  Here's hoping that they start to take things up a few notches as the pre-season progresses.

16th May 2007: West Brom vs. Wolves (1:0 - 4:2 on aggregate)
A heartbreaking way to end a fine season, but Wolves were always second best on the day.  There are always ifs, and had more been made of a good period of dominance in the first game, perhaps the story might have been different today.  But Wolves let goals in and missed chances because for all the effort the players put in, the team isn't quite good enough to get promoted.  Yet.  So as this season ends not on a bang but a whimper, there are still lots of fine memories to look back on.  The future starts here.

13th May 2007: Wolves vs. West Brom (2-3)
I haven't been sleeping more than 20 hours a day because I've been so nervous and excited about this game.  The result was disappointing, although the performance wasn't.  We could, and probably should, have scored more.  We certainly should have conceded less, and both Breen and Craddock will know they HAVE to do better on Wednesday.  20 year-old Wayne Hennessey looked strong enough making his debut in this massive game, and the shocking loss of Murray to a broken shoulder 24 hours before the game could have cost Wolves far more.  We are far from the only home team to go behind, so there's everything still to play for.  Last week the team showed the spirit to come back very strong after going one behind in the first two minutes.  So, on Wednesday we're behind right at the start again, and must react accordingly.  I'd cross my fingers if only I had some.  Eeek.

6th May 2007: Leicester vs. Wolves (1-4)
And there we have it.  Wolves end the season with their biggest win in an historically tough fixture, setting up a semi-final date with West Bromwich Albion (who?).  Keogh even scored a penalty.  If I was nervous before the start (and believe me, I was) conceding a poor goal only two minutes in sent me scurrying to hide behind the sofa.  But there was always a feeling in the air that this was Wolves' day, and so it proved.  Whether it will prove to be their season remains to be seen, but either way, they can all be enormously proud of what they've achieved from such an inauspicious start.  But the season ain't over yet, so I'm saving the celebrations til there's really something to celebrate.

28th April 2007: Wolves vs. QPR (2-0)
Not a top performance in the first half but the boys did exactly what they needed too, and well done everyone for keeping the nerves at bay.

22nd April 2007: Wolves vs. Birmingham City (2:3)
Desperately disappointing result, but a fantastic performance that deserved more.  And would have got more were it not for McIndoe's tapped effort in stoppage time helping Wolves maintain their 100% penalty miss record for the season. 

14th April 2007: Crystal Palace vs. Wolves (2:2)
Today was hot, hot, hot!  Wolves continued to look seriously wobbly in defence.  Oh, for one of the clean sheets we were so good at for a while.  Two top class goals by Bothroyd weren't enough and after Mark Little got sent off for a second yellow just before half time it was pretty much a case of hanging on in the unseasonable heat.  A win would have been good (when wouldn't it?), but this could be a vital point come the end of the season.   

Here I am at the delightful (and sweltering) Selhurst Park. After the sending off of Mark Little, a good point away from home was something to celebrate.

7th April 2007: Sunderland vs. Wolves (2:1)
I couldn't make it to this one.  By all accounts Wolves were pretty out of it in the first half but kept going and battled well against a superior Sunderland side.  A disappointing outcome (if expected) which sees Wolves out of the play offs for the moment but not yet out of the race, with Preston and West Brom on an even more serious wobble.  Hull on Monday will be crucial.

31st March 2007: Wolves vs. Southampton (0:6)
We'll put this one down as an aberration, for the moment at least.  At half time I was wondering how we could possibly be 3-0 down, thinking the scoreline was at best unfair.  But it's hard to argue with 6-0 to be honest.  We created enough, and Kightly even contrived to miss a penalty, but the defence was a shambles, even before we were left with three at the back.  But Molineux is a different place and, as the chants of 'we're going to win 6-5' segued seamlessly into 'we're going to win 7-6' to reflect the changing scoreline, the play-off dream still seemed very much alive if only everyone could continue to believe.  So it is much to everyone's credit that it was 'Ring of Fire' that echoed round the stadium, rather than the Benny Hill theme tune, which might have been more appropriate.  Not our day today, and let's hope Mick heeds the wake-up call.

11th March 2007: Wolves vs. West Brom (1:0)
1:0, 1:0.  Couldn't be happier.  In fact, I think we should enjoy that again...

3rd March 2007: Luton vs. Wolves (2:3)
Five wins in a row!  Three goals in a game!  A win coming from behind!  The signs are good.

24th February 2007: Wolves vs. Leeds (1:0)
A well-deserved win for a Wolves side gaining confidence all the time.  In the first half Leeds looked at times exactly like a side at the bottom of the table, and their lack of ambition - time wasting from almost the first minute - was astonishing given their need for points.  But although Rob Edwards hit the post, Wolves just couldn't get a goal in the first half despite heavy pressure.  There were good performances all round, with Potter and Kightly outstanding.  Even then, Leeds squandered a couple of fine chances themselves and with Kightly being denied a nailed-down penalty I began to worry that this might not be Wolves's day.  But it was, and Molineux went crazy when Kightly scored from just outside the box in the 76th minute - partly out of relief that the Referee had seen sense and ignored the fact that one of the Leeds fans had seen fit to throw a spare ball onto the pitch in an attempt to stop play a few seconds before.  The tempo from Leeds picked up considerably after that and Wolves allowed themselves to be under more pressure than the rest of the game suggested was warranted, but it's the points that count and Wolves have them.  Still in eighth on goal difference, but only four points from the top, promotion is very much within reach while Wolves continue to both play well and ride their luck.  Whether the the luck will continue remains to be seen.

Here I am in the second half. It was end to end stuff in the last 15 minutes, and perhaps more tense than it needed to be for Wolves.  I think I let it get to me a bit.

30th January 2007: Norwich vs. Wolves (0:1)
Now, that's more like it.  A battling performance and a result which was all the sweeter for perhaps being undeserved - on the basis of a first half battering at least, which gave Matt Murray ample opportunity to remind us that he is the best goalkeeper in this division by a country mile.  We could have conceded four or five in the first half were it not for some first class saves.

But Wolves came out battling in the second half, and Kightly scored a good goal after Henry's shot bounced off the post.  Breen's sending off a few minutes later made the final 30 minutes extremely uncomfortable.  What looked at the time like a dive on replay looked like a well-timed professional foul which potentially again kept the goal out the back of the Wolves net - although Murray looked as though he might have been able to handle the threat alone.

From then on it was pretty much solid defending although on one of the few occasions when the ball made it down the Norwich end, Keogh was denied what looked to be a clear penalty shout.  If it was tense up to that point, the combination of McNamara being sent off for a second yellow on 90 minutes and the announcement of no less than 5 minutes injury time put the tension through the roof.  The referee, who to be fair, up to that point had had a absolutely terrible game, compounded his multiple sins by playing in excess of that.  Still, Norwich could find no way through, and Wolves scored perhaps their best - and luckiest - (and that's to take nothing away from a really determined performance) -  three points of the season with 9 men against 12.  I went home a very happy Wolfie.  If you want to take a look at my video of the end of the game, check it out here happy, as I say.

28th January 2007: Wolves vs. West Brom (0:3)
I missed out on a fair bit of beauty sleep (not that you'd notice it from the pictures) to get up at six to get to the game for a noon kickoff.  Wolves had a so-so first half but conceding a goal so close to half time was a blow.  Even when Wolves let in another just after the break I still believed that they could have pulled things level.  Unfortunately they didn't believe the same and a day that started noisily ended with a whimper.

Here I am at the start of the second half, still hopeful of the miracle that wasn't to be. Perhaps the brightest spot of the day was the chance to get closer to big Wolfie and Wendy.

16th January 2007: Oldham vs. Wolves (0:2)
Yay! Wolves may not have done it in style, but the score looks good and next stop the Baggies.  Let's show 'em how it's done.

13th January 2007: Stoke vs. Wolves (1:1)
While this is a good enough point it is disappointing to concede so late in the game and even more disappointing to be in tenth.  Mick claims the players aren't distracted by the possibility of a Souness takeover, but I wonder that they shouldn't be absolutely terrified.

6th January 2007: Oldham vs. Wolves (2:2)
Wolves scored two in a good 20 minute spell, but didn't do enough to overcome good lower league opposition.  I'd like to see a good cup run so lets hope we can show a bit more determination in a more difficult away fixture.

1st January 2007: Wolves vs. Barnsley (2:0)
Hurrah.

30th December 2006: Colchester vs. Wolves (2-1)
With me in attendance, this patchy - sometimes inspired, sometimes dismal - Wolves team managed to hit a poor patch.  This was far from a good performance, and although Colchester's second from Chris Iwelumo on the stroke of half time came from a clear handball, Wolves were still justifiably beaten by a competent team backed by confident home support (as they should be, racking up their 11th straight home win with this game).  While the ironic chants of 'We've had a shot on goal' which greeted Davies's 70th minute strike may have been slightly unfair (it was probably our second shot of the game, after all), this was not one to look back on with joy.  Neil Collins's consolation goal in injury time offered little consolation.  With a strange sense of deja vu, I have to say that, just as last year, our main problem is scoring goals.  Lot's hope activity in the transfer window is more fruitful than last time around.

Layer Road was a pretty compact ground, and I'm glad I didn't have to join the thousand people at half time who had to share two toilets.  It was good to get up close to the action though.

26th December 2006: Derby County vs. Wolves (0:2)
A great improvement on Saturday and a very good result against a team in fine form.

23rd December 2006: Wolves vs. Norwich (2:2)

16th December 2006: QPR vs. Wolves (0:1)
A win! A win!

9th December 2006: Wolves vs. Leicester (1:2)
I was in attendance for this one and was therefore pretty cold and pretty miserable.  Both teams were poor, and Wolves especially so in the first half, but ultimately we should not have lost the game.  Gobern looked good again, so it is something of a mystery why Wolves tried so seldom to attack down the right.  Other than that, Clapham had a stinker, Bothroyd did well, but it tells a lot about the game that Murray was probably the most attack-minded player, with perhaps the best attacks coming on the counter after his throw outs.

2nd December 2006: Southend vs. Wolves (0:1)
The margins between winning and losing and being the greatest or the worst team on the world are often slim in football.  Today Wolves just fell into the first camp.  Not a convincing victory, but a victory nonetheless, and therefore we're going up and Mick is a genius (until next week).

28th November 2006: Wolves vs. Crystal Palace (1:1)
Should have done better.

24th November 2006: Wolves vs. Sunderland (1:1)
Wolves put on a good show for the cameras and we're very unfortunate to concede at the end for a draw.  Deserved more.

21st November 2006
I'm just taking a few minutes out from Wolves to laugh at Man United.  Hehe.

18th November 2006: Birmingham vs. Wolves (1:1)
Hey hey.  Wolfie's going out to celebrate.

11th November 2006: Hull vs. Wolves (2:0)
I just can't be bothered.

4th November 2006: Wolves vs. Southend (3-1)
A good result, if against the bottom of the table team.  The first time Wolves have scored three this season, and takes us back into the top six.  Wolves are in a better position than the same time last season, but an attendance of 17,904, nearly 4000 down on last season's lowest attendance, doesn't suggest confidence from the fans.

1st November 2006: Southampton vs. Wolves (2-0)
In the grand scale of things, two hours isn't a great distance to travel for a game, but it seemed like too far today.  A deep apathy was evident among team and fans alike, and while Southampton hardly deserved any reward for their performance, Wolves deserved it less.  Ultimately all that divided two teams who misplaced passes about as often as they found their mark was some sloppy defending and two good finishes.

Wolves didn't show any qualities that would have convinced even the most partial observer that they will achieve this season, and I spent the end of the game in a bag, weeping onto my shiny new shirt.  However, despite all the evidence, I'll probably recover from my apathy in time for next Saturday.  Whether the team will do the same remains to be seen.

28th October 2006: Wolves vs. Sheffield Wednesday (2-2)
Typical that on one of the few days Wolves can muster more than one goal, the opposition have to do the same.  Not a good result, but positive from Leon Clarke.

22nd October 2006: WBA vs. Wolves (3-0)
It pains me to write it.  Still in the top six in the table, though, and for the first season for a long time, exceeding expectations  (My sad attempt at positive spin on a terrible result).

17th October 2006: Wolves vs. Coventry (1-0)
Another good result.  Good to keep a clean sheet again, but it would be good to see the team taking a few more of their chances.

14th October 2006: Wolves vs. Colchester (1-0)
Back to winning ways.

30th September 2006: Cardiff vs. Wolves (4-0)
The less said the better.  An unfortunate sending off for Gary Breen started Wolves off badly, but can't quite be blamed for conceeding four.

23rd September 2006: Wolves vs. Stoke (2-0)
See that! Two goals! In one game!  Despite a shaky start (the ball barely left the Wolves half for the first quarter of an hour), well-taken goals from Leon Clarke and Seyi Olofinjana, and a host of chances in the final minutes meant that Wolves were well worth the win.  A late sending off for Stoke was followed by a fairly substantial collapse, and it is hard to see what threat Davies saw from his opponents when he decided to keep the ball in the corner in injury time.  A promising if patchy performance leaves me wondering if Wolves quite have enough to it keep winning enough this season, but Mick doesn't seem to have got too much wrong so far.

This was my first game of the season, I had a great time in the front of the Steve Bull stand, and I hope you enjoy these pictures of my day.  And thanks to the fat Stoke fan who refused to wave back at me. So hurtful.

In Wolverhampton	At the Mol	Potter's corner, leading to Wolves' second goal
Celebrating	And chilling out	It's a long way back to Brighton

16th September 2006: Barnsley vs. Wolves (1-0)
Even less fantastic.

12th September 2006: Wolves vs. Derby (0-1)
Less fantastic.

10th September 2006: Leeds vs. Wolves (0-1)
Bloody fantastic!  Boothroyd's late wonder strike came from nowhere.  We can't keep winning games like this, but put a massive smile on my face.  How I laughed.

26th August 2006: Wolves vs. Luton (1:0)
Hurrah!

23rd August 2006: Carling Cup: Chesterfield vs. Wolves (0:0 AET - Chesterfield win 6-5 on penalties)
Disappointing, but not very.

19th August 2006: Burnley vs. Wolves (0:1)
I was on holiday, so: 'No comment'.

11th August 2006: Wolves vs. Preston North End (1:3)
Disappointing.  Disappointing because of the result, but more disappointing because of the dismal and uninspired performance except for very small patches.  With a promising start and a good individual goal by Bothroyd again, albeit one Preston shouldn't have let through, the signs looked good.  But a 23rd minute strike from David Nugent seemed to knock all the stuffing out of Wolves, and they never really got back in the game, and the lack of quality throughout the team was very evident on the day.  Craig Davies debut was disappointing, and I really would like to see Frankowski given a chance in a formation that might suit him.  That said, it's a third game in seven days for team where a lot of players are short on match fitness, and there's a long, long way to go this season.

8th August 2006: Wolves vs. Ipswich (1:0)
Top result.  A super strike from 25 yards out by new boy Jay Bothroyd, was enough to win the game, despite Cort's sending off for a raised arm, against which the club will not be appealing.  Ipswich had a goal disallowed for a dubious offside, but a deserved win.  Attendance 19,199.  Expect this to rise if the results, or perhaps more importantly, the performances, continue in this vein.

5th August 2006: Plymouth vs. Wolves (1:1)
A decent result.  By all accounts Wolves we second best for much of the game, but a sound start to the season.

31st July 2006: Wolves Transfer Latest
Heeding my advice of yesterday, Wolves have added to the squad in a burst of activity today.  20 year-old striker Craig Davies has signed on a season-long loan from Italian Serie B side Verona.  I know nothing about him, but apparently Northampton were very impressed when they had him on loan.  I'm not sure this is enough to go on, but let's hope he settles in well.  Wolves have kindly provided us with a picture of the lad (right).  I'm not sure this is the way he would want to be introduced to us, but here I am reproducing it again.  Also set to sign is Jamie Clapham, ex-Birmingham City defender, who, it seems, has impressed in his trial.  Welcome to them both.

In addition, 23 year-old Karl Henry, who has turned down a new deal at Stoke, made a very good impression at Saturday's friendly against Villa, and has declared himself keen to play for his home town club.  Sign him up, I say.

Also today, a shake up in the board, with chairman Rick Hayward and the frequently absent Paul Manduca stepping down, to be replaced by two local businessman and long-term season ticket holders, with more additions expected in the near future.  Positive news.

30th July 2006: The Wolfie Pre-season Round up
With 4 days to go til the start of the season, I thought it was time for me to look back at an eventful pre-season for Wolves.  With one manager unexpectedly resigning, and another coming in with only two weeks until the first game of the season, how have Wolves fared, and what kind of shape are they looking in for the new season?

Ok, the first question, how have they done?  Results have been as follows:

Away vs. Hednesford Town 4-0 win
Away vs. Telford United 0-0 draw
Away vs. Burton Albion 0-1 loss
Away vs. Tranmere Rovers 2-2 draw
Away vs. Swansea City 1-1 draw
Away vs. Crewe Alexandra 2-0 win
Home vs. Aston Villa 0-3 loss

Not competitive games, but not inspiring!  So how are we going to do in the coming season.  The most obvious point of note is the extreme thinness of the squad.  Let's take a look at all the ins and outs:    

Out		In
Ioan Ganea	Out of Contract	Jay Bothroyd	Out of Contract
Maurice Ross	Out of Contract	Guilherme Finkler	Juventude
Stefan Postma	ADO Den Haag	Gary Breen	Out of Contract
Mark Kennedy	Crystal Palace
Ki-hyeon Seol	Reading
Colin Cameron	Coventry City
Joleon Lescott	Everton
Darren Anderton	Out of Contract
Kenny Miller	Celtic

This doesn't look good on the face of it.  So, who's left in the squad?

1   Michael Oakes
2   Mark Clyde
3   Lee Naylor
4   Seyi Olofinjana
5   Gary Breen
6   Jody Craddock
7   Jackie McNamara
9   Carl Cort
12  Rob Edwards
15  Denes Rosa
16  Mark Davies
17  Leon Clarke
20  Matt Murray
21  Tomasz Frankowski
22  Lewis Gobern
23  Keith Lowe
24  Gabor Gyepes
25  Daniel Jones
26  Mark Little
28  Rohan Ricketts
29  Kevin O'Connor
30  Carl Ikeme
31  Wayne Hennessey
33  Martin Riley
34  Stephen Gleeson
37  Chris Cornes
      Jay Boothroyd

With eight of last season's regulars leaving, by my calculation, 17 of those remaining have any first team experience above one game or so.  Almost exactly enough players to play the game an fill the bench, but not enough to allow for injuries or to adequately cover all positions (especially not if we're going to aim for quality rather than simply bodies on the pitch!).  It seems that some of the ex-academy youngsters have shown some promise, but they're mainly going to need to learn and build up experience slowly.  I still hope that a couple more players will bolster the squad, and that against the odds, Wolves will be able to make things click, and challenge for promotion, but the odds look to be on the side of a year to rebuild.  Still, who want's to think like that - my money's going on a finish in fifth and a sunny victory in Wembley in May.

1st July 2006: England vs. Portugal (0-0 Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
England go out on penalties.  Same old, same old.  Rooney sent off and then a good performance from 10 men, although Lampard remained dismal.  I was impressed by Hargreaves' energy and running right to the very end, and I think England deserved to win, especially considering the passionless performance from Portugal.  Very, very disappointing, but if you miss three penalties out of four, you are likely to lose.  I recommend everyone to have a listen to Boothby Graffoe (download 'Please don't let me down again') and laugh through the tears!

25th June 2006: England vs. Ecuador (1-0)
England have made it through to the quarter finals, still without having putting in a fully convincing performance.  A very good free kick from Beckham was enough to see England through.  Although Ecuador did show some threat and, in truth, had (and missed) the best chance of the first half, much bigger challenges are still to come.  The question throughout was less about the opposition than whether England would be able to get it together enough to put the ball in the back of the net.  Some good movements came to nothing.  Frank Lampard's terrible form in front of goal continued, as he (along with everyone else) clearly became increasingly frustrated by his wayward shooting.  Nevertheless, he can do it, and let's hope he recovers his game before it's too late for England.  On a more important note, as you can see, I got behind the team by changing my colours for the day.  This just does highlight, however, that I really do need a shirt more particularly tailored to my own individual needs, as if you look closely you will see that this is nt a very good fit for me.

20th June 2006: England vs. Sweden (2-2)
I didn't particularly enjoy watching this rather patchy England performance.  Joe Cole had a good game (although perhaps he could leave out the dancing whenever he gets the ball) and scored a fine goal.  It was extremely disappointing to concede such a poor goal in extra time, and throughout Robinson tended to stand back and wait for things to hit him rather than claim balls.  Hopefully Michael Owen's injury will not prove too serious.  The only remaining question is: What is Theo Walcott there for?  If he can't be trusted to play in this game, when will he play?  Still, bring on Ecuador on Sunday - England have topped the group.

15th June 2006: England vs. Trinidad and Tobago (2-0)
Phew!  A bit of a close one.  I really enjoyed the last 10 minutes, and was relieved to see Gerrard do what we know he can with a fantastic final goal in the 91st minute, following a good head in by Crouch in the 83rd.  Still disappointed in Frank Lampard's inability to get a shot on target.  I'm not going to talk about Michael Owen today.  Could have been really bad, and I'm expecting more in the next round, but Rooney's back, Lennon did well and WE'RE THROUGH.  So, today, overall, I'm happy, although this consistent lack of draws is really beginning to make me feel a bit dizzy. 
Commentary Watch:  The first England game on ITV.  I really have nothing to say.  Southgate clearly can't quip like Lawrenson.

14th June 2006: The Wolfie World Cup Round up
I wouldn't want you to think that I only watch England games.  In the spaces between lying around in bed and my cultural activities, I have caught some of the other teams in the competition.  I was very impressed with the Czech Republic (although equally unimpressed by their opponents, the USA).  I very much enjoyed Sweden's draw with Trinidad and Tobago, not only for the result, but for a real committed performance from many of the Trinidad and Tobago players.  I missed Poland and Ecuador, but I'm sure that Poland will be regretting leaving Tomasz Frankowski behind - ok, so he's failed to score in any of his 19 appearances for the club - but his performances and record prior to succumbing to the Wolves/Hoddle international career curse like so many before him, should still have earned him a place.  Don't think the rest of the games were very interesting, although France's draw with Switzerland was amusing for a couple of minutes afterwards.

10th June 2006: England vs. Paraguay (1-0)
Well, England's first game of the World Cup could have been a lot more convincing, but a win was what was needed and a win is what we got.   Should have got a second goal early on, and then we really let them keep attacking, but made it to the end without conceeding, and that's the main thing.  I'll stick with my prediction that Owen will come good, although it's looking a little shaky after that.  Certainly his substitution didn't improve anything.  Now I'm off for a sit down because I tend to get a bit unnerved when matches don't end in a draw (preferably 1-1).
Commentary Watch: Mark Lawrenson gets poetical.  On Robinson dashing all-yellow outfit: "it's like a giant banana running at you".  Precisely.

3rd June 2006: England vs. Jamaica (6-0) With the football season over, I'm looking forward to the World Cup.  Here is a picture of me with Fanimal.  We got on well before the game but then he kept shouting in my ear which annoyed me a bit.  It was a good game, and you can't complain about a 6-goal margin, whoever the opposition.  A great final goal by Crouch to compensate for a terrible penalty miss.  Overall there were some good performances and I'm sure Michael Owen will do well for England.  The downside of the game was that penalty miss, the second in two games, but this game was a good way to lead into the World Cup.  More from England, and from me (and Fanimal) next Saturday. Commentary Watch: A little painful.  On England's 6-1 victory over Iceland: "But was it Iceland or was it Tesco?".  Groan.

Preparing for the game

30th April: Norwich vs. Wolves (1-2)
I really enjoyed my first ever trip to see the Wolves.  I’ve sat in the car before but being a little agoraphobic, I haven’t done more that that before.  But I thought, last game of the season, why not?

I like travelling in the car because I can wave at people through the window.  Most of the time they don’t notice, but when they do, they always seem mightily impressed to see a Wolfie who can wave.  I feel very special.  I especially like waving at opposition fans.

I didn’t like being shoved in a carrier bag to go round Morrison’s on the way to the ground, but apart from that, I travelled in style.  I was a bit upset when some children described me as a ‘teddy bear’, but they probably don't know any better.

As for the game, not much to say about the first half.  Typical Wolves fare (or what I’ve seen of it from the tv!), enlivened by a fantastic finish from Rosa on the stroke of half time.  There were quite a few people shouting, but I didn’t understand much of it.  Some of the Norwich supporters at the end of the ground spent lot of time waving at us, but I didn’t really know why.  I thought that was nice of them, though.

The second half was really exciting (nearly wet myself at one point) and I got to wave at Lee Naylor.  Bit disappointed he didn’t wave back.  Top goal from Kennedy, and luckily the comedy mix-up at the back which led to Norwich’s goal and the bizarre sending off of Colin Cameron didn’t stop us winning.  After the game lots of the players threw their shirts into the crowd.  I wanted to get one, but I didn't manage but afterwards I thought that it wouldn't have fitted anyway.  All in all a good day out. 

Here’s a few of my pictures:

Picnicking before the game	Soaking up the atmosphere	After the game