Irish Wolves and Opposition Irish

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Wolves are going to be in tough to stay up thsi season. I've watched their last two matches in their entirety (away to Liverpool and home to Manchester City). They were played off the park over the last thirty minutes of both matches. Doesn't look like a good move for Kevin Doyle, one of our better players. The others, like Foley, Ward, and Keogh are marginal players at best and likely won't ever have any meaningful impact at the international level anyway. They're a bit of a joke at this level - they just don't have the stamina to run with the pack over the last twenty-thirty minutes of matches. Relegation is a certainty.

You at least remain consistent with your player assessments. Negative, quick to dismiss and generally disagreed with.

I was at the game last night and all honesty thought he had a very good first half (in which we were unlucky to be one down). I'm suprised he played as he was out on his feet after the Liverpool game (which is only his second game back from a prolonged injury) and McCarthy said that he was out of gas, so it's unsurprising that he got subbed - which I think would have been pre-planned. Glad he played - his ball retention and passing were good, with him rarely losing the ball in the first half. He didn't offer as much going forward, however that is to be expected as he is not a natural winger and is only playing there as a result of Kightly, Edwards and Keogh getting injuries in recent weeks.

As for the result, what do you expect? It was a team worth £25 million (if that) vs a team worth £250 million. The game was relatively even until the injury to Berra which unsettled us and we got punished when we went for broke. The game wil not be decided by games against Liverpool or Man City but games against Burnley and Bolton. In the words of a great man "It's not going to be easy for us, but it's not going to be easy for them either".

[Wangball]

Yeah, they usually play well until the 60 minute mark or so. Then they tire and get eaten alive in the last half an hour of matches.

And you're basing this on their last 2 matches? I know you watched them in their entirety but does that actually qualify you to judge them?

Your posts on here are ill informed to say the least, Wolves may well struggle this year but no more so than any of the other teams at the foot of the league.

[Stuttgart88]

A year on from the last post on this thread, 3 of the Irish Wolves (Hunt, Ward playing off SEB upfront, and Foley playing CM) are putting in a decent shift at Anfield. 0-0 so far. Doyle injured.

[Colbert Report]

A year on and Kevin Doyle is still stuck at this club. I think he's good enough to get picked up by another Premiership club should Wolves go down as expected. He may only have one goal in the Premiership this season but his workrate is terrific as we're all aware watching him play for Ireland. Foley, Ward, et al belong in the Championship in my opinion.

[Stuttgart88]

Wardy just scores, a neat finish though I expected Reina to have been out quicker. Well deserved lead. Wolves playing great, Liverpool awful.

A minute earlier a fat(tish) 50(ish) bloke was shown in the crowd wearing a Wolves scarf and an Ireland hat. Has MIW been outed on TV?

[Stuttgart88]

Foley nearly makes it 2, Johnson getting a desperate block in.

Wolves need a second. The curse of Mick and the late goal is waiting to play its part I reckon.

[Colbert Report]

Foley nearly makes it 2, Johnson getting a desperate block in.

Wolves need a second. The curse of Mick and the late goal is waiting to play its part I reckon.

Let's hope not, this would be a huge result for Wolves and go a long way for their survival, we have so many players at this club that it can only be good for our national team if they stay up.

[Sullivinho]

Full time. Wolves win. My, what a big three points you have. Delighted for Mick, Doyle and the rest of the Irish lads. Not least of all Ward. How bad are Liverpool... good God.

Huge game at the weekend, relegation shootout against West Ham.

[tricky_colour]

A year on and Kevin Doyle is still stuck at this club. I think he's good enough to get picked up by another Premiership club should Wolves go down as expected. He may only have one goal in the Premiership this season but his workrate is terrific as we're all aware watching him play for Ireland. Foley, Ward, et al belong in the Championship in my opinion.


Championship or Champions League?

[tricky_colour]

Great result for Wolves, never really felt Liverpool were going to equalise.
They have a good chance of staying up now.

[tricky_colour]

Well they did get a goal but it was disallowed, good job the lines man spotted the offside, you are taking a big risk he get it right.

[Junior]

Wardy just scores, a neat finish though I expected Reina to have been out quicker. Well deserved lead. Wolves playing great, Liverpool awful.

A minute earlier a fat(tish) 50(ish) bloke was shown in the crowd wearing a Wolves scarf and an Ireland hat. Has MIW been outed on TV?

Brilliant. He's gonna just love that.....

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Brilliant. He's gonna just love that.....

Didn't see the fella, however it fits an accurate description of a cousin of mine, so will probably be me in 20 years time.

Overjoyed at the result, especially after the disappointment of the Wigan game. Also, really pleased for Wardy, who deserves a place in the international squad for his commitment and adaptability alone. Thought Foley had a good game, keeping possession well in a relatively unfamiliar role - look forward to having him back at Right Back though when Henry/Mancienne return.

Rumours abound that we are going back in for Richard Dunne, which would be a great signing for us.

[Junior]

Didn't see the fella, however it fits an accurate description of a cousin of mine, so will probably be me in 20 years time.

Rumours abound that we are going back in for Richard Dunne, which would be a great signing for us.

*cough cough* 10 years surely?

Yeah, Dunney would be a great coup for Wolves, I wonder how bad (if any at all) the fallout is with him and Houllier?

[Sullivinho]

2 nil down to Avram Grant's West Ham. 15 minutes to go. Terrible result in the making for a team flirting with relegation.

[Charlie Darwin]

Word is Wolves dominated the game and conceded two goals on the break, the second moments after Ebanks-Blake had hit the bar.

[tricky_colour]

Unlucky own goal when wolves looked the better team, draw would have been a fair
result, West Ham are having a bit of a rejuvenation.

[irishfan86]

Word is Wolves dominated the game and conceded two goals on the break, the second moments after Ebanks-Blake had hit the bar.

Watched the game on a stream. West Ham were by far the superior team in the first half, but Wolves came out flying after the break.

Very unlucky to concede a Zubar own goal after a terrible miss by Cole.

[Noelys Guitar]

Really enjoying this game. Hunt put in a great corner kick which came off a Chelsea defender and in for a Wolves goal. Hunt has had two run-ins with John Terry so far. Doyle is playing really well and giving Terry a real battle. Would love to see Wolves winning this one. Foley is playing well. Very consistent player.

[Sullivinho]

I imagine Hunt is still a big hit with the Chelski fans. Can't see them hanging on but I'd be delighted if they did.

[tricky_colour]

Missed the goal unfortunately, didn't think anyone would have scored so early especially Wolves, but it's a good game.
Chelsea nearly scored, but I am hoping wolves can get the 3 points, that would be too good to be true!

[Noelys Guitar]

Terry grabbed Hunt by the back of the neck in one exchange. Hunt is back to full fitness and is all over the park getting stuck in. Great to see although he was lucky not to be booked for one mad lunge on Malouda. MM had Wolves defending from the stands for the last few mins of the first half. Mick's teams always go too deep late in halves/games when defending a lead. But he is still doing a good job at Wolves IMO.

[Sullivinho]

Wolves bite Chelsea. 1-0. The lycanthrope in me is joyous :)

[Stuttgart88]

Wolves out of bottom 3.

[Charlie Darwin]

Paul Merson at one point said: "They're defending like Wolves!" I got a fright - thought they must have conceded 3 goals in my absence.

[tricky_colour]

Wolves out of bottom 3.


Could be right back in it next week, only 1 point separating the bottom 4 and 2 points separating bottom 7.
Very competitive league, even Liverpool are only 4 points above the drop.

They ware only out on goal difference too.

Blimey!! I just realise Aston Villa are the team which dropped into the relegation zone.

[Noelys Guitar]

Nerve wrecking stuff but great win for Wolves. MOM was Hunt. He was all over the pitch and really got stuck into Chelsea as well as playing some very tidy football. Created the goal and hit the angle of the upright and crossbar with a wonderful free kick. Hilarious stuff at the end of the game with Drogba trying to get at Hunt. Little and large show with Mick stepping in to grab a hold of Drogba.

[geysir]

I'm not even a Wolves fan, yet I could barely watch that game.
Hunt has some extreme stamina levels.

[elroy]

Delighted for Mick in particular, he is a great supporter of Irish players and that alone shouldnt be underestimated. They have an awful run of games coming up so that win was very much needed. Ironically Mick was saying before the game how games against the teams in the top half are where they have done well this season, its the lower end scraps that they have suffered in.

[Noelys Guitar]

They have just signed Sidwell on loan with Wolves agreeing to pay Sidwell's 35,000 a week. Shows they have the money if Robbie Keane is interested in moving back.

[irishfan86]

I echo elroy's comments regarding Mick, well done to him. Don't really like chelsea's players so glad to see them falter, do you reckon that's it for mr eyebrow?

[Sullivinho]

Delighted for Mick in particular, he is a great supporter of Irish players and that alone shouldnt be underestimated.

Agree 100% I'd love to see him reign over a successful relegation dodge. Lots to do in that regard.

Moment of the night: Ashley Cole running half the pitch in the wrong direction with a pack of wolves in pursuit before being dispossessed.

[tetsujin1979]

Moment of the night: Ashley Cole running half the pitch in the wrong direction with a pack of wolves in pursuit
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh would have had a field day with that!

[Charlie Darwin]

Ex-Bohs trainee Matt Doherty to start for Wolves in defence against Doncaster today. He's had a rapid rise since signing in the summer - featured on the bench a number of times. Foley being rested.

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2011/01/08/wolves-irish-rookie-matt-doherty-backed-to-shine-on-his-wolves-debut-97319-27951353/

[TrapAPony]

Stephen Hunt just scored a peno v Doncaster.

[Uncle_Joe]

0-1 up against MCity, and apparently the far better team so far with 5 shots on target to citys 1 so far.
Im afraid to keep checking the score but hopefully Mick and wolves can get another scalp

[Uncle_Joe]

Damn!

[paul_oshea]

im watching it last 20 mins all city, they will do well to hold out for the draw.

hunt has been fairly anonymous, fletcher and doyle providing lots of outlets, though i could count on one hand how many times doyle has been in the 18 yard box. he has given away a few silly passes though/easy possession.

stephen ward totaly at fault again for the goal, toure getting left unmarked as he was gazing at the ball in the air.

[paul_oshea]

mick has to invest in some backs. particularly a centre back.

i hope for his sake staying up doesnt come down to goal difference, it could be like another wc incident with penalties and not practising them.

[Colbert Report]

Any of you who think Ward should be anywhere near the international team should just watch this match. Sure, everyone has an off day at the office from time to time but this was shocking.

[tricky_colour]

In the match analysis on MOTD showing Wolves defending he was noted for a 'brilliant tackle'.

But then you know more about football than Alan Hansen!! :rofl:

The left back slagged off on MOTD was England international Wayne Bridge so going by that
Stephen would be good enough for England at least!

[legendz]

Defensively they need to get tighter. Mick has to get that defence sorted. Wolves should not be in the bottom three. If they start picking up more points from teams around them they should be no lower than 15th.

[tricky_colour]

Only Arsenal have put 3 past them at home this season, mind you they didn't let in 4.
Still they did nearly get something from the team at the top of the table.
I don't know it there is much point in them going to defend, they had only scored 6 away goals before this, Better to take Blackpool's approach and have a go.
If you can't defend might as well go all out on attack, it almost worked for them today.

[Noelys Guitar]

Wolves badly missed Foley today (and I am now convinced that he must play in central midfield for us as well) If Foley had have been fit then I am convinced Wolves would have got at least a point from this game. He is Wolves only player capable of delivering a measured pass. In the last 10 mins of the game Wolves had ample opportunites wasted by players not being able to play the right ball. Over hitting the pass. Something Foley does not do.

[paul_oshea]

I am getting very worried about wolves.

[Sullivinho]

I am getting very worried about wolves.

Ditto. Can easily see them being one of the doomed trio tbh.

[SwanVsDalton]

It's not looking good. They don't appear capable of getting themselves out of it, West Ham, Wigan et al look stronger.

[theworm2345]

I like Zubar and whenever I watch he plays really well but then he goes and does something like that...

[paul_oshea]

McCarthy needs to be able see his blind spots.

Thats tough though isn't it? Maybe he needs someone to point out his blind spots :D

[Stuttgart88]

I was following it on my phone. Doyle nearly broke the deadlock at the death, and then Bolton scored?

If footy matches were 85 minutes long Wolves would probably be mid-table.