Irish Wolves and Opposition Irish

[theworm2345]

Watched the Wolves match up to Liverpool's 2nd...they really are atrocious. Have to feel for Mick he is working with basically a Championship team.

[Murfinator]

Micks been sacked, will be interesting to see what the implications of that are for the Irish lads. Have to feel Ward in particular is very much a favourite of him who may not figure with a different coach.

[DannyInvincible]

Surprised they got rid of him after all he's done with Wolves.

A Wolves fan I know had this to say:


Thanks for everything Mick! achieved more for this club than most.

[theworm2345]

I'd imagine a Yorkshire man such as himself would immediately go in to the running for the Leeds job. Not at all surprised by this move but certainly disappointed...as I've noted before he really had a Championship calibre team aside from Fletcher, Johnson, and maybe a couple of others on their day...and yes I do realize that includes quite a few of our players but Doyle and Hunt have been trending downwards and its hard to judge Foley and Ward as they're just a part of a defence that hemorrhages goals.

[Olé Olé]

Mick's a good manager with a proven record at championship level. Given the manager merry-go-round in that division, he's bound to be sought after. Leeds would be a fairly good option and Wiki seems to think he was a Leeds fan.

The names being linked with this job would be quite alarming for any Wolves fan: Curbishley, Warnock, Bruce. I can't imagine any doing a better job thank Mick. They really would need someone who can organise a defence and get the best out of players. Plus, I'm not quite sure how receptive the dressing room would be given that, as hard-nosed as Mick can be to the media, I can't remember him criticizing a player. Normally he's singing the praises of Doyle, Fletcher, Jarvis etc. And they're mostly Mick's signings. Players like Ward, Jarvis and Kightly owe quite a lot to Mick McCarthy given the level they were at prior to him signing them (Bohs, Gillingham, Grays). I'm not sure who, but some Wolves player recently gave him their full backing.

[Stuttgart88]

I have felt for ages that Mick has been too loyal to Hennessy in nets (just as Paul O'Shea felt he was too loyal to one of his CBs). Hennessy is a talented kid for sure, as evidenced by some great saves but he is far too prone to soft goals. I'd prefer a keeper who makes no errors to one who mixes wonder saves with dumb errors. I think Hahnemann got a good run in the team last year and stabilised things a bit. MIW?

[Closed Account]

I have felt for ages that Mick has been too loyal to Hennessy in nets (just as Paul O'Shea felt he was too loyal to one of his CBs). Hennessy is a talented kid for sure, as evidenced by some great saves but he is far too prone to soft goals. I'd prefer a keeper who makes no errors to one who mixes wonder saves with dumb errors. I think Hahnemann got a good run in the team last year and stabilised things a bit. MIW?
I've never played in goal, so I'd take my criticism of Hennessey with that in mind, but I've been keeping an eye on him since the Carling Nations Cup last year.
Fahey lined up the free kick, and Hennessey took up one the worst positions I've ever seen for a free kick. Since then, there have been countless goals conceded by Wolves where, if his footwork/positioning/decision making had been a little better, the chance mightn't of even arisen. It's come to a stage where it looks like people are taking more shots than usual because they recognise he's not in the best position. Usually results in a diving save that should never of come about. I don't think he's beyond improving but he'd learn a lot from going back to being an understudy to someone senior.

[theworm2345]

Somewhat unbelievably, Lee Clark of Huddersfield has lost his job...so another Yorkshire job opening.

[BonnieShels]

What the?
He was being touted for jobs and refused to go. Some clubs are mental.

[Sullivinho]

Surely has to be more to that Clark story. Wasn't too long ago that they were setting an unbeaten record. A ludicrous decision on the face of it.

[the bear]

he lost 3 games out of 56 apparently, read somewhere he was gonna sue for unfair dismissal, maybe he'll be fast tracked into prem with wolves

[amaccann]

My only hope is that some new faces and new direction will kickstart Doyle's season a little bit. Goes without saying that we need him on form at this stage of the year.

[paul_oshea]

Ward, hennesy, foley, and any other that partnered johnson was a problem. Ward was really really terrible and cost mick about 8 goals this year and 12 or so last year. Mick is too stubborn/thick/naive/loyal to see past the inefficiencies of his own managerial ability but also his players.

I watched abotu 10 games of wolves this year, they were haemorrhaging goals this year at the back, but in all games bar the last one they always looked like scoring fighting back. That didn't look at all the case the last day. The players looked to have lost interest after the 2nd goal. The players were no longer playing for mick and didnt appear to trust in him. They were completely disorganised at 6s and 7s at the back. 5 was probably a good score considering. Mick had to go, sad as it made sound its true.

Stearman it was last year.

[BonnieShels]

Surely has to be more to that Clark story. Wasn't too long ago that they were setting an unbeaten record. A ludicrous decision on the face of it.

Him and some of the board had a coming together. It's a farce. Best of luck to him.

[SkStu]

Somewhat unbelievably, Lee Clark of Huddersfield has lost his job...so another Yorkshire job opening.

is that Lee Clark, former Newcastle United player?

[theworm2345]

is that Lee Clark, former Newcastle United player?
Yes, I often get confused whether it is Clark or Clarke as there is also Peter Clarke playing at Huddersfield but yes this is the same guy.

[SkStu]

cheers wormulus. I remember Lee Clark because back when i was collecting panini stickers i thought he might be a bit mentally handicapped.

http://www.signedsport.co.uk/images/Newcastle-LC-press.jpg

still not sure...

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2012/2/15/1329314151219/Lee-Clark-led-Huddersfiel-007.jpg

[Charlie Darwin]

He was a bit of a wasted talent as a player but seems to have really got his head screwed on as a manager. Bizarre decision to sack him that could really hurt the club down the road.

[DannyInvincible]

Jamie O'Hara on McCarthy's sacking: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7527184/O-Hara-Players-to-blame


"It was difficult to see the gaffer leave and the lads were gutted to see him go," explained O'Hara.

"It's been us who have been putting in the bad performances. He'd done a lot for the club.

"I've only been here a short time but I loved working for him and think he is a fantastic manager.

"I just hope everyone remembers what he achieved at the club. It was hard to see him go and I would wish him all the best.

"I am sure he will go on and do another great job somewhere else."

[geysir]

Of course we have heard players before saying it wasn't the manager's fault, nevertheless, it was a dignified gesture from O'Hara to say those things about Mick.

[Yard of Pace]

He was a bit of a wasted talent as a player but seems to have really got his head screwed on as a manager. Bizarre decision to sack him that could really hurt the club down the road.

Tactically not the best at all, we've been carried by Jordan Rhodes' goals all season and lost or drawn the games against our immediate rivals. Clark is also a testy individual who rubs people up the wrong way. He has brought us to the play offs twice and failed and Town seem to be gambling on a new man striving for automatic because Clark was taking us to the play-offs for a third time the way we were going and there wouldn't be much optimism it'd be third time lucky. The three games lost in 56 or whatever it is is a great stat to be trotted out but it's promotions that count. No point going on the longest unbeaten run in history if you're still stuck in the same place.

[the bear]

Tactically not the best at all, we've been carried by Jordan Rhodes' goals all season and lost or drawn the games against our immediate rivals. Clark is also a testy individual who rubs people up the wrong way. He has brought us to the play offs twice and failed and Town seem to be gambling on a new man striving for automatic because Clark was taking us to the play-offs for a third time the way we were going and there wouldn't be much optimism it'd be third time lucky. The three games lost in 56 or whatever it is is a great stat to be trotted out but it's promotions that count. No point going on the longest unbeaten run in history if you're still stuck in the same place.

so are huddersfield fans happy hes gone?

[Yard of Pace]

so are huddersfield fans happy hes gone?

http://downatthemac.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=65255

78% in favour of his sacking on this poll. Just sorry we offloaded Donal McDermott before he left. He was class against us in the play-off semi last year but was hardly given a chance by Clark, for some reason.

[the bear]

http://downatthemac.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=65255

78% in favour of his sacking on this poll. Just sorry we offloaded Donal McDermott before he left. He was class against us in the play-off semi last year but was hardly given a chance by Clark, for some reason.

the fans obviously wanted more than they were getting. one fella refered to "the dreary unbeaten run". they all seem to worship dean hoyle.

[Colbert Report]

Stephen Ward is an absolutely terrible player. Look at the fourth goal Wolves conceded against West Brom last week. Absolutely no excuse for that kind of laziness.

[gastric]

Roy to take over at Wolves - scary!


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2103481/Roy-Keane-new-Wolves-manager-candidate.html

[seanfhear]

Of the managers mentioned in the running I would have gone for Curbishly (unspectacular and steady but actually good) but it seems he is out of the running.

[tetsujin1979]

Is there really any great difference between Mick, and any of the managers being mentioned? Bruce, Curbishley and Holloway are much of a muchness. Even Clark and Poyet would be making a massive step up from "successful League One manager" to the Premier League.

[youngirish]

Stephen Ward is an absolutely terrible player. Look at the fourth goal Wolves conceded against West Brom last week. Absolutely no excuse for that kind of laziness.

I agree, he's poor - particularly defensively. He'll be exposed in the Euros against better wide players. Pity Trap has fallen out with Wilson because while not spectacular he's far better than Ward at left back.

I can't see any new Wolves manager sticking with Ward at left back (Mick's ridiculous loyalty to underperforming players has always been one of his greatest flaws as a manager) though I'm happy to be proven wrong because if there's one thing that scares me more than Stephen Ward lining up at left back against Spain it's a non match fit Stephen Ward lining up at left back against Spain.

[geysir]

Pity Trap has fallen out with Wilson because while not spectacular he's far better than Ward at left back.
Trap says he hasn't fallen out with Wilson and has no bad words to say about him.

[theworm2345]

Trap says he hasn't fallen out with Wilson and has no bad words to say about him.
He probably meant he doesn't know how to say them

[Charlie Darwin]

No, he said his comments were about another player.

[tricky_colour]

Roy to take over at Wolves - scary!


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2103481/Roy-Keane-new-Wolves-manager-candidate.html

Tough job for whoever takes it on, wolves are odds on for relegation, I don't think that would appeal to Roy, the bookmakers have him at
about 20-1, would make for interesting viewing if he got the job though.

[SolitudeRed]

BBC now reporting that Reading boss Brian McDermott is now favourite for the Wolves job...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17112269

I believe he has got strong family links to County Clare IIRC

[DannyInvincible]

It appears Walter Smith has emerged as a favourite to take the vacancy: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0223/wolves_bruces.html

[tetsujin1979]

again, nothing about Smith immediately says to me "better option than Mick"

[drummerboy]

Walter Smith has just turned down the chance to take over Wolves according to SSN. No one wants the job.

[irishfan86]

Well what sort of manager would take a short-term job there? If you want to attract quality you have to offer a multi-year contract.

[gastric]

Well what sort of manager would take a short-term job there? If you want to attract quality you have to offer a multi-year contract.

Stan Staunton ?

[amaccann]

Not sure they would have stayed up were McCarthy allowed to finish the season with them, but in all honesty I can't see what manager would take a shot with a team staring at relegation, barely worth a pitance & absolutely no cash to play with. Dunno what the owner was thinking, think they've shot themselves in the foot. I wouldn't be surprised if the caretaker manager manages them til the end.

[the bear]

I agree, he's poor - particularly defensively. He'll be exposed in the Euros against better wide players. Pity Trap has fallen out with Wilson because while not spectacular he's far better than Ward at left back.

I can't see any new Wolves manager sticking with Ward at left back (Mick's ridiculous loyalty to underperforming players has always been one of his greatest flaws as a manager) though I'm happy to be proven wrong because if there's one thing that scares me more than Stephen Ward lining up at left back against Spain it's a non match fit Stephen Ward lining up at left back against Spain.

captained wolves today

[Charlie Darwin]

2-0 down at half time to Fulham now. Foley played a horrible square to gift Fulham their second. How will we blame Ward for this one?

[Carrigaline]

Desperate performance from Wolves with none of the Irish players redeeming themselves. If they get relegated, it's hard to see any of our Irish contingent staying in the Premier League.

[tricky_colour]

It was always the case they were not likely to get a 'new manager bounce' because Mick was doing about as well
as could be expected with the player he had. There was always more downside than upside which is probably why nobody wanted
the job. Tough battle to stay up now.

[youngirish]

captained wolves today
Give it some time until Wolves get a new manager in and not just Mick's assistant at the helm. Saying that if/when they do it'll be most likely in the Championship which is Ward's level so he'll probably be okay.

He was also poor on Wednesday night.

[geysir]

There's a group of very poor teams at the bottom of the EPL.
Wolves just have to do better than Blackburn, Bolton and Wigan.
6 points should do it :)

Next week they play Blackburn at home.

[theworm2345]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDCtBBb0Cx4

[tricky_colour]

Bad result for Wolves today but there is still everything to play for.
The teams at the bottom are currently averaging less than a point again, ie Wolves 22 from 28 games.
That would take them to 28.3 after 36 games so you might be able to stay up with just 30 points.

[geysir]

They got rid of a manager who might not be quality but he knew about relegation scraps & geeing up a team for survival.They replaced him with his sidekick.
It doesn't sound like a plan that will work.

[drummerboy]

I reckon the Wolves board and the large group of constant moaners in the Wolves crowd are getting what they deserve. Think they all treated McCarthy very shabily. The championship beckons. And who is the best man available for getting teams promoted?