Irish Wolves Marching On (Hopefully)

[Manc Irish Wolf]

How the devil? First time user overjoyed that I'll finally be able to contribute after a year of trying to log on without success (closest thing i've ever felt to being mute)

Just posting in anticipation of the Wolves vs WBA Game tomorrow to see who people are backing for the playoffs and for a bit of an update on some of the young Irish Kids who have played such a big part in Wolves recent revival. Think it's going to be tough, but Mick has assembled a great young team on nothing and got us playing some great fluid passing football, which the first leg was testament to.

Been down the Molineux a lot lately, so have had a chance (or, as a Wolves Fan for 25 years, a privellige) to see the young lads coming through. My personal, if not biased, opinion is:

Andy Keogh - The Kid is pure class. Literally has it all. His movement, passing and control are quality and he often drifts wide to create space (perfect if played with Wingers who drift inside like Kightly/McGeady). Combined with his pace and willingness to run (we would never have scored our first on Sunday had it not been for him chasing a lost cause) means that he is a real handful for any defender. Another asset is his height (he's 6ft 1), meaning that he can be used as a good target man. Only weakness is his composure in front of goal - if he can sort that, he'll be a regular fixture in the Ireland Squad.

Darren Potter - A centre midfielder who has obviously been schooled the Liverpool way. Came to the club as a passing midfielder, however has adapted well to the holding role as he is deceptively strong in the tackle. Has been an ever-present since he came, attracting a bit of derision initially when he was finding his feet, but is becoming a fans favourite. Like all good centre midfielders he has a great ability to find space, which is probably his best attribute, often going unnoticed, as he creates an option for others. His short and long passing are bang on and he has good composure on the ball. He's also Steve Gerrards Cousin, not that it means anything, but is always nice to drop in to football banter to show the knowledge.

Stephen Ward - A lot of you boys will know more about him than I do, as he has only played in fits and starts. Fitted in brilliantly after Christmas winning the player of the month - but seemed to tire come the end of the season. Well liked down the Mol, he's been putting it about up front and is very direct. Also links up well with Keogh, with a lot of fans (myself included) preferring him to the talented, but immensely lazy, Bothroyd. Looks like he could have a big future if he can polish off a few of the rough edges.

Stephen Gleeson - Very highly rated at the Wolves and could potentially be the best of the lot. He has come on a lot recently late on in games, however I've not seen enough to be able to have a strong opinion, although from what I have seen, he is a neat little passer and has good movement, always looking for the ball which is encouraging for a youngster. Most encouraging of all is that in his last game at Stockport on loan, the Stockport fans had a "gleeson day" where they all wore green (an amazing feat if you consider that Stockport is renowned for it's rather staunch English heritage in face of it's more Irish Manc neighbour). He's also been included before Mark Davies, who is the England U19 captain in our Subs who Spurs were reportedly looking at for £3m.

All in all, things are on the up. I know that Mick may have had his critics in the past (myself included), however hopefully with the Keane furore done and dusted, people will start to see Mick in a better light. He's a decent bloke, who has continued to give young irish talent a chance and while he may have made mistakes, has been a good servant for us over the years (I will always remember fondly the time in 1990 when he kicked Lineker into the hoardings with a massive grin on his face).

So after that sales job, hopefully you'll all be cheering on the Wolves tomorrow night, if not just to see some of our young kids tested at the highest level. Whatever happens, the young kids have surpassed all expectations and the good times are only just round the corner. Finally, apologies for the long-winded email, but I've felt mute for a year, so this is the result of a year full of frustation.

Up the Wolves and Ireland Forever!

[Sligo Hornet]

Welcome Wolfie!

Not sure you will be feeling happy tomorrow night.....was poor old Gary Breen "paid" by the baggies to play his worst game ever?

As a long suffering Hornet, I (sorry) hope you don't make it as I love going to The Molineux........still good luck!!

[Ceirtlis]

Nice one Wolf. Glad to see Mick McCarthy is doing such a good job with ye. He really has a knack of picking players from lower leagues and putting them in the first team. That Michael Kightly fella has been a real find for ye hasnt he. What were your expectations at for this season before it started. I saw M McC saying on telly that ye were expected to be down around the bottom. Is that true?

[eirebhoy]

Good post.

The first I saw of Ward was in an U21 game and he played as the striker role. He was the best player on the pitch. Great touch, awareness and held the ball up well. I couldn't believe he played a lot in midfield for Bohs as he certainly doesn't look like a player that could play in midfield.

On Potter, I'm encouraged by the fact that Benitez rated him so highly. He was playing on the right most of the time though and didn't impress. Good to see he's playing deeper for Wolves as we could do with 1 or 2 of those type of players.

[DeNiro]

Excellent Post Wolf! However, if Wolves do get promoted, can Keogh, Potter and Ward expect to be vying for 1st team positions or will McCarthy look to get more experienced guys on board? For sure, one or two of them would lose out, but which do you think it would be?

[reder]

Excellent Post Wolf! However, if Wolves do get promoted, can Keogh, Potter and Ward expect to be vying for 1st team positions or will McCarthy look to get more experienced guys on board? For sure, one or two of them would lose out, but which do you think it would be?

I'd say they will be in with a shout. Doubt McCarthy will have much to spend on players.

[beautifulrock]

good post Wolfie, watched the game with interest on Sunday as one of my clients is a mad Wolves fan. His feedback is almost identical to your own. I expect to see Ward come off the bench fairly early tomorrow.

[kingdom hoop]

Fabrizio Ravanelli-esque debut!!

Pity the boss didn't give you your head earlier! Just one request, do you think you could get England to pronounce Keogh properly? The Kee-oo version, although better for chants(artistic licence there anyway), is pretty damn annoying. Hope that's not too much to ask!!

Here's an interview with him, seems like a nice guy, makes it a lot easier to give him my support. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_f1g4ziBZk

[sligoman]

I'm up for West Brom myself. Purely because I don't like Mick McCarthy and I'd like to see McShane playing at a higher level than the Championship.

[SkStu]

Just one request, do you think you could get England to pronounce Keogh properly? The Kee-oo version

ah sure theyve always done it.

Kevin Mor-AN

Paul McGraTH

Id love if Micheal O'Muircheartaigh had played soccer in the English premiership.

[tetsujin1979]

Same goes for Darren O'Day

[Torn-Ado]

Aiden McGeddy

[Torn-Ado]

And Roy Keane would be pronounced Roy Kane out west.

[theworm2345]

Lets hope we beat the f*cking baggie ****e tomorrow (I think we should get George Ndah back for tomorrow's match :D)

[SkStu]

Same goes for Darren O'Day

which rhymes with Richard Sad-lee-yay (Sadlier) :D

[Stuttgart88]

Welcome Wolfie. Looks like we have another Crafty Toe Poke in our midst. That's a good thing by the way. Good luck tonight.

[elroy]

Will like to see wolves through also, as I believe that there is a good chance McShane will play top flight football next season one way or another. However, a team with gary breen (and an ageing one at that) never inspire confidence in me.

[drummerboy]

Great post Wolfie. Watched Wolves last two games and have been really impressed with Keogh. I really fancy Wolves tonight although they are the underdogs.

[youngirish]

I'm not sure If Wolves getting promoted would be the best thing at present for any of the Irish players there. I honestly believe that Keogh, Gleeson, Ward and Potter would possibly benefit more from another season in the Championship and could only really see Keogh at present being up to the demands of the Premiership. The others would seriously struggle.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Well it's the day of reckoning and the crate of Magners (Bulmers to most of you) is ready and waiting to be opened. Have to say that I'm nervous as f**k and just can't wait to get out of work - going to watch the first game beforehand on Skyplus to get proper in the mood. Are you watching it Worm? (Good to see a fellow Irish Wolf on the site).

In all honesty, whatever happens it's been a great season. We lost 13 first team players pre-season and there was a real fear among many that we would go down. However, having blended cheap young players with youth team talent we have gelled amazingly and the best is yet to come (providing we don't sell them)

If we do do up, I have no doubt that Keogh and Potter could cut it, as they are both footballers with a good touch and an inate ability to find space. Our big weakess is a lack of pace at the back as was evident with Breen getting skinned regularly on Sunday. A couple of quick defenders, Billy Sharp & possibly Roy O'Donovan (How highly is he rated? - saw him play for the U21's and he looked lightening quick as a winger) and there's no reason why we couldn't emulate Reading.

Finally, as annoying as the pronunciation of Kee-oo is, if anyone has ever been to Wolverhampton - the only place I know where town has two syllables (tow-wen?) - you will realise that they are lucky that they can pronounce it at all.

Cheers for the friendly posts by the way - it's much appreciated.

[OwlsFan]

Yes, I have been flagging the potential of Keogh for a while. What I like about him, bearing in mind we have a host of midget forwards at the moment, is his physicality and pace.

Fingers crossed he'll progress.

As for Sligoman who doesn't like McCarthy, he's the only Irish manager I have seen who has shed tears for his country (after the Belgium game). A man totally devoted to the cause of his country. I didn't like a lot of his selections or tactics but I never doubted his passion or commitment to our national side.

[galwayhoop]

I'm not sure If Wolves getting promoted would be the best thing at present for any of the Irish players there. I honestly believe that Keogh, Gleeson, Ward and Potter would possibly benefit more from another season in the Championship and could only really see Keogh at present being up to the demands of the Premiership. The others would seriously struggle.

i see your point here. last time mcCarthy got promoted (sunderland) he done so with a squad of youngsters who probably moved up a level just a bit early and all struggled to make a mark. very little was expected from wolves this year as it was really a cost cutting venture by the board getting rid of most/all high earners. that said i will be cheering for wolves tonight! in fairness to mick he really has proved he can do the business with limited funds and inexperienced squads.

[Stuttgart88]

I'd prefer to see them all play regularly and develop in The Championship than struggle in the Premiership, but like galwayhoop I'll be up for them nonetheless. I like the club, I like the players and I like Mick. I saw Taff Evans on the bench on Sunday. I wish I could tag onto somebody successful so I could make a good career out of it!

I'll miss most if not all of it though. I'm on a plane to Dublin at 5pm and will be heading over to Dalyer for the U19 game.

[NeilMcD]

I'd prefer to see them all play regularly and develop in The Championship than struggle in the Premiership, but like galwayhoop I'll be up for them nonetheless. I like the club, I like the players and I like Mick. I saw Taff Evans on the bench on Sunday. I wish I could tag onto somebody successful so I could make a good career out of it!

I'll miss most if not all of it though. I'm on a plane to Dublin at 5pm and will be heading over to Dalyer for the U19 game.


Stutts I will be in the Bar after the U19 game . I am sure you will be able to watch the 2nd half of the Wolves game there. Great pint of Guinness in the Bohs bar too.

[Stuttgart88]

Under the stand?

[NeilMcD]

Yeah turn left as you come under the stand at the half way line.

[as_i_say]

All credit TO mccarthy. really hope they do it tonight, would be great for keogh et al.

[tricky_colour]

If you have sopcast match is on below link.
sop://211.152.34.35:3912/25021

[The Legend]

thats the end of this thread... hope WBA win the final so at least McShane can make the step up.... couldnt careless about Jon Macken, doubt if he'll ever see an irish shirt again (or even a derby one).

[MyTown]

Bad Luck Wolfie. Probably very hard to take given how close the victors are geographically. While Adrian Chiles is probably grinning all over, I think the Rams were fortunate against Southampton and deserve to go up for their points total this season - in other words, the force is with them.

Spoke to a Wolves supporter (and native) this morning. Disappointed, but philosophical and nothing but praise for your manager.Your response to Sligoman was spot on.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Not quite over yet. Absolutely wounded. It was the proverbial men against boys - with us beaten by the stronger, more experienced team. Quick assessment of the Irish boys:

Andy Keogh - Good movement and persistent running, but often out muscled at the vital moment. Had a good chance early on but leant back and bit it over the bar. Needs to work on composure in front of goal to become the top class striker be has the potential to be.

Darren Potter - Played well earlier on, but passes started going astray in 2nd half. Needs to start stamping authority on match - which will come with maturity. Has a tendency to go for the difficult ball over the top, rather than slowing it down and building gradually, although enjoyed little support from the wingers/full backs.

Stephen Gleeson - Shocked that he brought him on after 60 minutes with us 1-0 down, as it was asking a lot for an 18 year old to be the inspiration when we were chasing the game and an indication of how highly he is rated at the Wolves. Kept it tidy but was slightly lost against the fast paced strength of the tesco carrier bags. There have been calls for more creativity in CM with Olifinjana's inconsistency frustrating the crowd, so wouldn't be surprised to see him as a more regular fixture next season.

Stephen Ward - Came on and got stuck in, but didn't get the breaks. Will play a lot more next season, as with any luck Bothroyd will be binned.

Gary Breen - Nothing we don't know. Tidy when not under pressure, not bad at heading, too slow and most frustrating of all drifts off and doesn't get tight enough to his man when he's marking - rudimentary error.

Paul McShane - Strong, full of commitment and tough in the challenge - what you'd expect from a future captain of Ireland. Too good for those scumbags - will hopefully become the defensive centrepiece of Keano's revolution having failed to beat Derby in the Final.

A couple of astute additions and we'll be back next year - stronger for it.

[tetsujin1979]

top stuff Wolfie
If it makes you feel any better - didn't Mick bring Sunderland into the play offs in his first season, and then run away with the Championship in his second?

[Wolfie]

How the devil? First time user overjoyed that I'll finally be able to contribute after a year of trying to log on without success (closest thing i've ever felt to being mute)

Just posting in anticipation of the Wolves vs WBA Game tomorrow to see who people are backing for the playoffs and for a bit of an update on some of the young Irish Kids who have played such a big part in Wolves recent revival. Think it's going to be tough, but Mick has assembled a great young team on nothing and got us playing some great fluid passing football, which the first leg was testament to.

Been down the Molineux a lot lately, so have had a chance (or, as a Wolves Fan for 25 years, a privellige) to see the young lads coming through. My personal, if not biased, opinion is:

Andy Keogh - The Kid is pure class. Literally has it all. His movement, passing and control are quality and he often drifts wide to create space (perfect if played with Wingers who drift inside like Kightly/McGeady). Combined with his pace and willingness to run (we would never have scored our first on Sunday had it not been for him chasing a lost cause) means that he is a real handful for any defender. Another asset is his height (he's 6ft 1), meaning that he can be used as a good target man. Only weakness is his composure in front of goal - if he can sort that, he'll be a regular fixture in the Ireland Squad.

Darren Potter - A centre midfielder who has obviously been schooled the Liverpool way. Came to the club as a passing midfielder, however has adapted well to the holding role as he is deceptively strong in the tackle. Has been an ever-present since he came, attracting a bit of derision initially when he was finding his feet, but is becoming a fans favourite. Like all good centre midfielders he has a great ability to find space, which is probably his best attribute, often going unnoticed, as he creates an option for others. His short and long passing are bang on and he has good composure on the ball. He's also Steve Gerrards Cousin, not that it means anything, but is always nice to drop in to football banter to show the knowledge.

Stephen Ward - A lot of you boys will know more about him than I do, as he has only played in fits and starts. Fitted in brilliantly after Christmas winning the player of the month - but seemed to tire come the end of the season. Well liked down the Mol, he's been putting it about up front and is very direct. Also links up well with Keogh, with a lot of fans (myself included) preferring him to the talented, but immensely lazy, Bothroyd. Looks like he could have a big future if he can polish off a few of the rough edges.

Stephen Gleeson - Very highly rated at the Wolves and could potentially be the best of the lot. He has come on a lot recently late on in games, however I've not seen enough to be able to have a strong opinion, although from what I have seen, he is a neat little passer and has good movement, always looking for the ball which is encouraging for a youngster. Most encouraging of all is that in his last game at Stockport on loan, the Stockport fans had a "gleeson day" where they all wore green (an amazing feat if you consider that Stockport is renowned for it's rather staunch English heritage in face of it's more Irish Manc neighbour). He's also been included before Mark Davies, who is the England U19 captain in our Subs who Spurs were reportedly looking at for £3m.

All in all, things are on the up. I know that Mick may have had his critics in the past (myself included), however hopefully with the Keane furore done and dusted, people will start to see Mick in a better light. He's a decent bloke, who has continued to give young irish talent a chance and while he may have made mistakes, has been a good servant for us over the years (I will always remember fondly the time in 1990 when he kicked Lineker into the hoardings with a massive grin on his face).

So after that sales job, hopefully you'll all be cheering on the Wolves tomorrow night, if not just to see some of our young kids tested at the highest level. Whatever happens, the young kids have surpassed all expectations and the good times are only just round the corner. Finally, apologies for the long-winded email, but I've felt mute for a year, so this is the result of a year full of frustation.

Up the Wolves and Ireland Forever!


On behalf of the rest of the thriving Wolf Community on Foot.ie - a big welcome to Manc Wolf !!

Contrary to what the Log-on name suggests - I'm not a Wolves supporter but I think an additional Wolf's perspective could add a bit of balance to the forum(s). :D

[geysir]

Paul McShane - Strong, full of commitment and tough in the challenge - what you'd expect from a future captain of Ireland. Too good for those scumbags - will hopefully become the defensive centrepiece of Keano's revolution having failed to beat Derby in the Final.
:D :D
Too many eggs in that Sunderland nest. Now that Wolves are out, no time for sentiments, have to move on and get behind McShane's team in the final.
No doubt that Wolves are an exciting team on the up but no way did they look ready for promotion this time.

[elroy]

I must admit I dont know a whole lot about the derby team, is there any Irish at all in the squad? If not, then ill have to shout for a WBA win.

[tetsujin1979]

I must admit I dont know a whole lot about the derby team, is there any Irish at all in the squad? If not, then ill have to shout for a WBA win.
err, Jon Macken.....