Originally Posted by
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!
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