Matt Doherty D Wolves b.1992

[Eirambler]

I've said it before, and it's never been confirmed, but I'd be fairly certain that Doherty doesn't see the world in quite the same way as your average person. While it's not really for us to start diagnosing people with isms on an internet forum I think it's worth making the point in Doherty's case, because so much of what he says and does is very out there compared to what other footballers say and do in interviews and act in matches.

The nuances of certain situations can be lost, so in a case like this, if HH has softened the blow of him being dropped in a phone call, probably Doherty has just taken it completely literally. HH maybe said he'll get back in (as in if he plays well enough for his club he'll get back in), and possibly Doherty has taken this as a guarantee that he's in the next squad. Maybe he's right?

I think Doherty is right to avoid interviews for the most part and should have skipped this one as well. He never comes out of them well.

[Snapshot]

I've said it before, and it's never been confirmed, but I'd be fairly certain that Doherty doesn't see the world in quite the same way as your average person. While it's not really for us to start diagnosing people with isms on an internet forum I think it's worth making the point in Doherty's case, because so much of what he says and does is very out there compared to what other footballers say and do in interviews and act in matches.

The nuances of certain situations can be lost, so in a case like this, if HH has softened the blow of him being dropped in a phone call, probably Doherty has just taken it completely literally. HH maybe said he'll get back in (as in if he plays well enough for his club he'll get back in), and possibly Doherty has taken this as a guarantee that he's in the next squad. Maybe he's right?

I think Doherty is right to avoid interviews for the most part and should have skipped this one as well. He never comes out of them well.

You’ve summed it up well. He’s different, stubborn and an oddball. That he’s miffed about being dropped scuttles the view he’s indifferent to playing for Ireland. But he still deserved to be dumped, his form has been rubbish.
HH would be foolish to slam the door on Doherty. In fact, it’s incumbent on the manager to motivate and encourage him. The quality within the squad is a pittance and the fact remains that Doherty’s best game is one of the best games within it. The challenge is there for both of them.

[CraftyToePoke]

if HH has softened the blow of him being dropped in a phone call, probably Doherty has just taken it completely literally.

Well listening to HH at the time & reading Doherty yesterday there was a phone call and an explanation so where he was disrespected isn't clear at all. Because he wasn't.

We'll know soon enough anyway, the NL three international windows between September & November is great I think. Keeps things lively.

[Diggs246]

Stunning petulance by Doherty. He's has been correctly dropped and I would say this interview will lead to ending his international career.

[Stuttgart88]

Looks like he has carefully set up a media story at next squad announcement. Headlines will either be Doc Recalled (with sub-text that HH bows to player power) or Doc Snubbed.

Either way, Doc himself said something along the lines that he needs games to be at his best. If he's not getting games at Wolves HH simply has to say Doc is still in our plans but he's not getting games. If he is getting games then HH can save face by saying he's fit so deserving of selection again.

Hopefully Coleman is fit and gets picked instead though

[Murfinator]

Well listening to HH at the time & reading Doherty yesterday there was a phone call and an explanation so where he was disrespected isn't clear at all. Because he wasn't.

We'll know soon enough anyway, the NL three international windows between September & November is great I think. Keeps things lively.

His main issue seems to be that he assumed he was starting against Greece since he was the only recognised right back left with Coleman's withdrawal and he only found out he wasn't after looking at the team sheet. No chat from the manager or reason given as to why a centre back was starting ahead of him.

I wouldn't call it disrespectful from Heimir considering he's a new manager and players shouldn't have expectations set for what the squad will look like in his 2nd game but I can understand why Doherty would feel like that.

Even the dogs on the street would expect Doherty to start at RB in a squad where Coleman has withdrawn and Ebosele is not initially included, it's not entitled for the player himself to have that expectation. Given JOS is continuity from the previous regime you might have thought this is the kind of communication problem he should have flagged with Heimir but oh well.

[elatedscum]

His main issue seems to be that he assumed he was starting against Greece since he was the only recognised right back left with Coleman's withdrawal and he only found out he wasn't after looking at the team sheet. No chat from the manager or reason given as to why a centre back was starting ahead of him.

I wouldn't call it disrespectful from Heimir considering he's a new manager and players shouldn't have expectations set for what the squad will look like in his 2nd game but I can understand why Doherty would feel like that.

Even the dogs on the street would expect Doherty to start at RB in a squad where Coleman has withdrawn and Ebosele is not initially included, it's not entitled for the player himself to have that expectation. Given JOS is continuity from the previous regime you might have thought this is the kind of communication problem he should have flagged with Heimir but oh well.

It does always make me wonder. It's literally taking a player aside for 60 seconds and explaining the decision. Not that he should be angry but you quell a lot of potential discontent by quickly explaining a decision to a player

[rebelmusic]

Unless he really reclaims his club career I wouldn't bring him into another squad. Whatever way you look at it the team needs a personality overhaul and some of the old guard need to go. The younger players need to see an example set here. Thankfully the 'andy reid must play' days seem to be behind us as well...although if we go on a winning streak I'm sure the media will go back to the days of constant negativity ?

[pineapple stu]

There isn't really an old guard left any more though, is there? Brady was the only player over 30 in the last squad, and he was our best player in the window. In the past year we've also called up Duffy, Doherty, Coleman and Stevens - mostly because we're desperate for options at full-back.

I don't think Doherty's indispensable, but I wouldn't discard him just because of his age.

[rebelmusic]

Fair point. I was more thinking of mindset over age though. I haven't heard anything about him being a good mentor for the younger players or his experience being a positive in the dressing room. Whereas there's plenty said about Coleman and Brady. I dunno, I just feel his attitude hasn't been good enough for quite a while and

[pineapple stu]

Oh attitude is for sure a reason to drop someone

We could do without dropping a Premier League fullback given where we're at. But if attitude is an issue then...

[rebelmusic]

His form for Ireland hasn't been great and yeah, there's a lazy attitude about him. That's just my perspective but a player thinking they deserve a call up just cause they're warming a bench in the premier league has been part of the problem. And his public outburst to me is an indication of a crappy attitude you wouldn't want around the camp.

[rebelmusic]

Starting tonight. Wish him all the best and hoping the game goes well for him

[elatedscum]

Starting tonight. Wish him all the best and hoping the game goes well for him

generally playing RWB with Semedo right of three centre backs but they switched late in the half. thought he had a really good first half, an excellent cross which should have been a goal, a dummy which led to a good chance, two defensive blocks, one from a one v one with the winger and one blocked shot. also one lovely pass. drew a foul to get the left back a yellow card.

very encouraging to see

[SkStu]

Gets his name on the scoresheet now with a fine finish.

[rebelmusic]

Gets his name on the scoresheet now with a fine finish.

Lovely goal, slid into it perfectly. Okay, hopefully I'm eating humble pie if this form keeps up!

[elatedscum]

Could easily have scored another just after halftime. Made a great run and Ait-Nouri just had to pass it across to him from the other wing to the back post and he had an open goal, that pass was way beyond him and out for a throw

[Drummerboy2]

Best I've seen him play in a long time. Hopefully he can kick on. Doubt his manager will be around much longer tho....

[Fixer82]

Best I've seen him play in a long time. Hopefully he can kick on. Doubt his manager will be around much longer tho....

Maybe the negative vibes from Irish fans gave him the kick up the ar$e he needed

[irishfan86]

Played the full 90 under the new Wolves manager in an important 3-0 win over Leicester. Played most of the match as a the right centre back in a three man backline, before playing the final 15 or so as a wingback when some subs were brought on. I imagine will also be credited for an assist on the second goal — even though the Leicester defender really should have dealt with the ball.

Nice to see Doherty back on track. When he’s in form he can be important for us. Also showed some good work ethic chasing back today which seems to indicate to me he’s copped on to some of that concern about work ethic/tracking back.