Wolves secure their first opening day win in 12 years, and with sufficient style to bode well for the future. David Jones picked up where he left off at the end of last season, with some intelligent, creative play, a few chances and a brilliant volleyed freekick. Fletcher, also, in particular looked like a fine acquisition, even nicking a goal from a few inches out on his debut.

Van Damme, playing on the wing, looked more comfortable than many a foreign import on their Premiership debut. Ward continued to confound my ingrained negative expectations by producing a solid performace at the back and some good moments going forward.

Stoke new boy, Kenwyne Jones, looked sharp until picking up an injury from a hard but fine tackle from Craddock. That seemed to be the end for Stoke for the first half, but amidst the celebrations, that first quarter of an hour in which Stoke were able to threated and Jones managed comfortable outpace and out muscle the usually sturdy Berra to get a shot rebounding off the crossbar should strike a note of caution for the future.

Stoke picked up in the second half, denying Wolves the luxury of one of those rare comfortable finishes. A win, however, is a win, and sees Wolves in the top four!

The Scarf

Going through my few possessions the other day I came across an old scarf of mine, which I thought I’d share with you.  I hope you enjoy the image of Dave Jones, knitted into this fashionable accessory.  Obviously it’s a bit big for me, but I do like to look at it, and maybe chuckle just a little.  I was very disappointed that Glen Hoddle never sat for his portrait in wool.  I wonder whether oversight may have been part of the problem with last year.  Then again, I think there might have been more to to than that.