Craddock

...now browsing by tag

 
 

The Talented Mr Craddock

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Having had a bit of a whinge yesterday about a certain Mr. Keogh, I wanted to redress the balance and prove that I’m not a whining southern Wolfie.

When I look at the Wolves squad looking for someone who deserves a bit of praise, Jody Craddock’s is the first name to spring to mind.  He’s been written off time and time again, but has bounced back every time better than before.  He is a great example of a player who has genuinely improved throughout his career.

I remember sitting in the Steve Bull Stand (or was it the John Ireland Stand back then?) towards the end of Wolves’ first Premier League season as the chap behind me repeatedly moaned ‘he’s got a clubfoot that ******* Craddock’.  Our Jody’s reputation was not high at that point and I really did not think then that six years later Wolves fans would be almost united in singing his praises.  So singing his praises generally entails singing ‘He used to be s**** but now he’s alright’, but we all know we mean a lot more than that.

Not only does he seem an all-round nice chap, but he’s a talented artist too (check out his Craddock-Art website).  At 35, he’s not going to be playing regularly too much longer, but while he keeps playing like he is I couldn’t be happier.  I’d like to write more as there’s much more to say, but duty calls.

Take a bow, Mr. Craddock.

Actually, couldn’t sign off without one final reminiscence about the appearance of a certain Mr Craddock as both Mr January and Mr February in my 2008 Wolves Calendar (read all about the terrible ‘dilemma of whether to complain or to look at Jody Craddock topless for two months‘).  Moody shot shared below.

DSC_1121

Post to Twitter

Point’s the Point: Fulham 0-0 Wolves

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

Another solid defensive display against an uninspired Fulham side.

A large and loud Wolves contingent had filled the away end and taken over much of the ‘neutral’ Putney End of the ground, but there was little in the match to get the pulse racing. On a beautiful sunny day in south west London, the neutral stand made a refreshing change: Although the vast majority were behind the Old Gold, there was a fair smattering of actual neutrals or Fulham scarves cohabiting very amicably. Perhaps this can only be achieved at a relatively trouble-free (fan-free?) club like Fulham, but it was good, and I would be happy to see more of it.

There was probably less to say about the game than the crowd. Wolves made a habit at times last year of a certain gung-ho ’score one more than you’ approach to games. This season, for obvious reasons, couldn’t be more of a contrast, as Wolves adopt more of an ‘if we’re not going to score, nor are you’ line.

It’s immensely satisfying to see the defense shored up this year with an unexpectedly brilliant central defensive partnership. Craddock was fine again, this time against Zamora, Berra was sound and Zubar continues to impress on the right. He was tough defensively, survived a couple of hard tackles, and willing to get involved in the attack when possible. Elokobi had one of his best days, so an all round impressive defensive display.

It is clear, however, that our attacking options will need a serious shot in the arm in the transfer window. Kevin Doyle didn’t see a great deal of the ball with the midfield failing to create much of note, but managed a couple of shots wide of target. Edwards, otherwise fairly quiet, also saw a shot go (some distance) over the bar. Jones was disappointingly quiet, given recent performances. Jarvis, also not living up to recent form, and then Jones repeatedly failed to deliver corners which cleared the first defender.

Guedioura came on to little effect for the last 15, closely followed by Milijas, who put himself about a bit and worked hard to get the ball forward, but without having much more impact than anyone else.

Zamora came closest for Fulham, seeing a good strike sail past Hahnemann and off the outside of the post in the second half.

Other than that, neither keeper was seriously threatened as the game played itself out to a quiet stalemate and a good point on the road to Premier League survival for Wolves.

It would be nice to feel a great deal more secure, as even with only three games remaining, the table can be changed a great deal with a few lucky/unlucky results, but I’d rather be us than Hull.

Post to Twitter

Proving we can win: Wolves 2-1 Bolton

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

It wouldn’t be a Wolves win without a nervy finish but, that aside, finally a result that matched the performance and vice versa.

‘Stealth Craddock’ managed to thump in a goal in the third minute from what looked like a suspisciously off side position, but no one at the club was about to spurn that piece of luck. Wolves went on to dominate in the first half, with Milijas in particular in fine form, but went in only one goal to the good at the break.

Bolton raised their game in the second, but it was Wolves who got the crucial next goal, with an absolute stunner from Milias from 30 yards out. Cue a Bolton revival and a certain degree of panic evident in the Wolves defensive ranks. However the team held on for those all important three points against fellow strugglers, ahead of trips to Spurs and Manchester United.

A good all round team performance, and an impressive return to the starting lineup for Stephen Ward.

Post to Twitter

One of them days: Wolves 1-4 Arsenal

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Disappointingly, I have been proven right in my audacious prediction of an Arsenal victory.

Wolves started so promisingly and really took the game to Arsenal in the first 20 minutes, but in truth didn’t threaten the Arsenal goal seriously despite looking the better team. However after an unlucky own goal from Zubar, there was only one team in it.

The second was arguably another unfortunate own goal – this time from Craddock. Mick did say before the game that he wouldn’t mind if Craddock happened to get another two goals after the heroics at Stoke last week. With a consolation goal in the 86th minute, it seems that he did, if not in the desired manner.

I have made much in recent weeks of the impact Kightly and Ebanks-Blake will have once they’re back in the team.  We have seen very little evidence of this so far, although perhaps against Arsenal is not the best time to make these judgements.  In truth, no one impressed.  Milijas looked a threat on set plays, but too casual the rest of the time.  Doyle and Edwards perhaps stood out most, if only because they were the last to give up the fight.  Craddock put in another praiseworthy performance, but was always likely to be outclassed by arguably the best in the country at the moment.  Berra was fine except for the enormous lapse of leaving Craddock completely alone at the back for Arsenal’s second.  Wolves can take a few lessons from this game, not least that the tiniest lapse is likely to lead to a goal.

Chelsea at Stanford Bridge next.  Ho hum.

Post to Twitter

Fair Point: Stoke 2-2 Wolves

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

It’s beginning to look like the Hoddle days – all these draws.  Of course nothing could be further from the truth, because Hoddle was bumbling around with an over-priced, over-paid team in the Championship, and McCarthy has assembled a lean Premiership outfit, albeit one still nervously close to the drop zone, with far less resources that the majority of teams in the League.

A draw away against Stoke is a decent outcome for the team after going 2-0 down in a poor first half, although frustratingly a result that, like the last two games, could easily have been three points to the Wolves.

It was irritating to see an otherwise fine Christophe Berra with his arms wrapped around the opposition in the penalty area again – he’s going to give away more penalties if he carries on; but fantastic to see Milijas coming on at half time and having the impact that we’ve all been hoping, and even more fantastic to see Jody Craddock getting a couple of goals.  Craddock has been a fantastic professional for Wolves for many years now so I would never be surprised to see him giving his all, but I am both surprised and delighted to see him playing so darn well at this level.  Following on from two games playing full tilt with several stitches in his head, this man is rapidly becoming a Wolves legend.  I keep fearing he’s going to be found out in this league, but he hasn’t been so from now on I remain silent on the matter.

And the final word goes to Mick McCarthy, always great value in interviews, who professed himself not bothered how far offside Craddock’s first goal was: “We’ve had a few go against us this season and I’ve accepted them with good grace; it’s about time someone else had to.” And so say all of us.

Post to Twitter

Mustn’t grumble: Wolves 1-1 Aston Villa

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

A decent result (and another correct prediction by me, I must modestly point out). A somewhat below par Villa side were matched by a solid if unspectacular Wolves.

The game started with a bang, with Villa having a decent chance and Doyle being incorrectly denied a penalty in the first three minutes, but rapidly fizzled out. Wolves were again solid in defence, with Zubar making another good impression following on from last week’s debut. A mention for Craddock, Wolves’ only survivor from the last Premier League squad, who is looking infinitely better this time around.

It would have been good to see a little more creativity going forward, and several more shots. However, Wolves showed great character to get a goal back after going one down with less than 10 minutes left.

And finally, great to see: 1) Ebanks-Blake with his first goal, and 2) Wolves actually be given a penalty.

Post to Twitter

Darn: Everton 1-1 Wolves

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

How disappointing it is to have been right. (about the result, at least, if nothing else). On any other occasion a fine result, having so nearly taken all three points it was a blow to concede with only two minutes to go. Still, let us be content with a point and an assurance that Wolves early promise against some of the better teams in the league can continue, and even bring it’s modest reward.

So Kightly didn’t live up to the hype, but should get a little time to play himself back into form. Ebanks-Blake looked stronger and had a couple of near misses. Hennessey continued his impressive early season form – for me a significant improvement in terms of judgement from last season (now cue jaw dropping Calamity James moment vs Villa). Zubar looked like he might have been worth the money afterall. Doyle was fantastic and made his route one goal very easy, although I’m sure a few could have missed it. Henry was solid, and Edwards continues to impress me greatly with his hard work, if not always finesse. Craddock and Berra will have won over – or perhaps kept – plenty of fans, again having very good games. The only real weak link, sadly, was Elokobi. He’s strong and has his moments, but the curse of the inconsistient left back seems to continue.

And let’s spare a thought for Stefan Maierhofer who, I accept, came on with a lot to prove and some heavy tackles but managed to pick up two yellow cards while his opponents got off with, on the first occasion grabbing his foot as he stood up to walk away, and on the second, grabbing his neck as he walked away. Both bookable offences in their own right, surely.

Post to Twitter

On the dilemma of whether to complain or look at Jody Craddock topless for two months

Tuesday, January 1st, 2008

Happy Christmas etc. A new year, everything else pretty similar to before (well, the football continues to be low class, anyway).

I’ve been away for a while so have a lot to tell you. So, ok, first of all, as you can see, I’ve been getting into the Christmas spirit and branching out in choice of costume – don’t worry though, I kept the footie kit on underneath, so cannot accept responsibility for Wolves’ distinctly below par festive performance. I was at Norwich (report and pictures to follow), and apparently that was distinctly good compared to other games, so wasn’t sorry to miss the rest of the dross.

Also on a seasonal theme, I was delighted (I think) to receive a Wolves charity calendar for Christmas (the one with (tasteful?) pictures of scantily-clad players, but then somewhat disappointed to find out that Mr January – Olofinjana – is absent, leaving me with the choice of either waiting another month before I start marking down my hectic schedule of appointments or looking at Jody Craddock topless for two months running. A dilemma.

Post to Twitter