Mick McCarthy’s Molineux Moaners Have Short Memories And Need A Reality Check
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football
Mick McCarthy referred to his phone-in critics as "numpties" last season.
They were the same numpties that probably drank themselves into a stupor celebrating Wolves' final day escape to Premier League safety in May.
They were the same numpties that probably sat around the table outside their local pub toasting the achievement of their manager and his players.
Well, after SEVEN games of the season, it looks like it is a case of return of the numpties at Molineux with the first murmurings of discontent and calls for McCarthy's head.
There are numerous things wrong with the game of football in England.
Clubs over-spending, players being over-paid, a lack of technology, poor officiating, even the cost of tickets supporters are forced to shell out just to see what are often sub-standard games.
But while standards seem to be dropping at all levels, the most alarming decline seems to have occurred in the levels of patience with supporters and their weakening grip on reality.
In the space of eight games McCarthy has gone from saviour to the devil incarnate with a section of Wolves supporters.
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Those fans will argue that they pay their money and are entitled to boo McCarthy and delight in the substitution of Karl Henry against Newcastle and of course they are.
Of course they are disappointed after losing four successive games and their last two home matches in miserable fashion against Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers.
The simple question is what do they really expect?
What did they think was a realistic target for McCarthy to aim for when he began the season in August?
If they had anything on their list of aspirations beyond maybe having a half decent cup run and finishing 15th in the table, then every ounce of reason has drained from the Molineux stands.
Currently Wolves are 14th in the table. They are above Arsenal, Sunderland and bitter enemies West Bromwich Albion.
They are level on points with Fulham and Everton and just a couple of weeks ago they briefly sat at the top of the Premier League.
One caller to a well known phone-in said "that it seems a long time ago," in reference to them climbing to the summit. In effect it is around three weeks.
McCarthy will keep his countenance for the time being. No doubt the numpty numbers will swell if Wolves lose to WBA when they return to Premier League duty after the international break.
Fans will no doubt have call-in numbers on speed dial on their mobiles, but before they press the button if the unthinkable happens against WBA, a couple of minutes pause and reflection over who could do a better job might be advisable.
Karl Henry Does Not Deserve to be Singled Out by the Molineux Moaners
by John PercyFiled under: West Brom, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football
As one of the few players at Molineux to have actually been born in Wolverhampton, Karl Henry will have found last Saturday afternoon a particularly chastening experience.
Henry has come to epitomise the spirit and never-say-die attitude of Mick McCarthy's squad of battlers ever since promotion to the Premier League.
By his own admission, the midfielder is not one of the most talented players in the dressing room but manages to make the best out of what he has got to prove his undoubted worth to McCarthy.
Those qualities have been recognised and admired by supporters but on Saturday, as Wolves crashed to another home defeat, Henry became the preferred target for the Molineux moaners.
When his number came up, leading to his subsequent removal from the field, he was 'cheered' by frustrated fans and Henry's trudge to the dug-out must have seemed to take an eternity.
Negativity is impossible to remove during difficult runs of results but it was indeed a surprise that Henry should become such a focal point for abuse.
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Henry was no worse than anybody else in an appalling Wolves performance and his treatment will not have done the team any favours or reflected well on the home support.
His Wolves team-mate Jamie O'Hara made his feelings known after the defeat to Newcastle on his Twitter account by writing: "Thought it was shocking that the fans cheered Karl off today. A player that gives everything deserves better from our fans.
"It's a long season and the fans should get behind the team. We are still improving and that takes time. When they got behind us we were good and created chances. Come on Wolves' fans, we need your support. It doesn't do anyone any good booing us."
McCarthy refused to expand on the matter too much in his post-match media conference but his fury was clear for everybody to see. He actually stopped himself from wading into what is fast becoming the pub debate in that particular part of the Black Country.
But with McCarthy being the way he is, you wouldn't be surprised if Karl Henry was the first name on the team sheet in the next game.
Wolves 1 Newcastle 2: Jonas Gutierrez Wonder Goal Ends Magpies’ Molineux Woes
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Jonas Gutierrez put the gloss on Newcastle's best start for 17-years with a marvellous individual goal to end a miserable run at Molineux.
The Argentine's solo effort towards the end of the first half doubled the lead after Demba Ba had headed the visitors in front after 18 minutes.
And that was enough of a cushion to ensure that Alan Pardew's side ended a 53-year search for a victory at Molineux.
The last time they won in the top flight at the venue was back in 1958 and they had to endure a nervous last couple of minutes after Steven Fletcher gave Wolves late hope with his eighth goal in 12 games.
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GOALS:
16 mins: Yohan Cabaye's corner lofted to the near post is met perfectly by Ba to power his header under the cross bar (0-1).
39 mins: Gutierrez evades four challenges with a run from 40-yards out before a precision left foot finish (0-2).
87mins: Matt Jarvis provides the cross to the far post for Steven Fletcher to head in from six-yards.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
2 mins: Jamie O'Hara's swerving free-kick forces Tim Krul into an excellent late save low to his right.
10 mins: Kevin Doyle lets fly with a volley from Jarvis' cross, but fails to get good enough connection to beat Krul.
12 mins: Fletcher provides the perfect headed flick on but Krul races off his line to prevent Doyle lifting his shot over him.
19 mins: Doyle's shot from inside the area is deflected by Steven Taylor and Krul somehow sticks out a leg to save.
29 mins: Cheik Tiote hits a powerful 20-yard shot and Wayne Hennessey makes an uncomfortable save.
32 mins: Wolves escape again as Leon Best's cross to the near leaves Ba with a simple tap-in but the striker mis-kicks.
57 mins: Fletcher sets up O'Hara on the edge of the, but the midfielder drags his shot wide.
65 mins: Krul makes a double save to deny Fletcher from close range and Adam Hammill from the folow up.
WHAT IT MEANS: Wolves were desperate to avoid going into the international break with a fourth successive defeat, but they were rarely at the races. McCarthy has to pick his team up in time to face bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion in two weeks. Newcastle deserve a break, but probably don't want anything to disrupt their momentum at the moment.
REACTION:
Pardew felt his side were good enough for all three points:
"I thought we played well in the first half and gave ourselves a platform. We lost control a little bit in the second half.
"Wolves were very very good, but you have to say that we deserved something from the game."
On the performance of Tim Krul:
"He had more work to do in this game than he had in the previous three or four that is how good Wolves were and why you need a good goalkeeper.
"But we should really have killed off the game. We had big chances and we should have scored the third goal and there would have been no grandstand finish."
On the decision to rule out a possible Wolves equaliser because the ball had gone out of play before Doyle's shot:
"In the end we were fortunate with that decision. I have seen it and it is really tight. I am not sure why he flagged, whether it was for offside or for the ball out."
On the penalty that Wolves were denied in the first half:
"I saw the fans reaction and that is why I thought it was a penalty. I had already accepted that one. That might not have been the worst thing to happen to us. Half-time when you are 2-0 up is a difficult psychological situation. I think the players relexed a little and were comfortable."
On being third in the league:
"That is an outstanding achievement by not only the players but all the staff around me and it sets up a brilliant game against Spurs, but we will not get carried away.
"We have 15 points from seven games and we have another 25 points to get. That is our first target and we are not looking any further than that."
McCarthy was less than impressed with the performance of Halsey and his officials:
"When you are having a tough time you rely on people getting decisions right and quite clearly they did not. For the penalty Mark Halsey said he did not want to guess, but he obviously did and he guessed wrong.
"The penalty was not even close. He was a yard inside the 18-yard box. I am not going to blame the the officials, because we conceded two poor goals, but I would be justified in doing so.
"When you have worked as hard as my lads have to get an equaliser, to get the second decision, when the ball was ajudged out of play, that tends to rip the heart out of you.
"The ball was clearly still in."
On the honesty of Pardew over the decisions:
"Alan is an honest bloke and he has been honest about it. He cannot do much more really, because he would end up looking silly.
"He has seen them and he knows what has happened."
On the overall performance:
"We gave away two goals out of the blue. We have to defend corners better than we did for the first goal.
"It is disappointing because we created a lot of chances and we could have scored twice before they scored."
Wolves v Newcastle Preview: McCarthy Looking For Response to Win Back Fans
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews, Team Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: MOLINEUX, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
After an impressive start, Wolves have been given a reality check and owe their supporters a performance to make amends for their previous home league game.
Mick McCarthy's side have lost their last three games and their most recent at Molineux was a dreadful 3-0 defeat by Queens Park Rangers.
They are on a mission to make amends for that before they head off for an international break, especially as they return to face bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion in two weeks time.
McCarthy has never wavered from his stance that Wolves' start was nothing to get too carried away about and he is equally determined to remain calm after a disappointing run of results.
Victory will be hard to come by against Alan Pardew's side, who are making a mockery of pre-season predictions of another season of struggle at St James' Park.
They are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League outings, which is their longest run for nine years.
Newcastle have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League so far and have avoided defeat in their last four away games so will be in buoyant mood as they look to end a poor run of results at Molineux.
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Key Match-up: Kevin Doyle v Steven Taylor: Doyle has recently signed a new contract at Wolves and there are few more committed players to the cause than the Republic of Ireland striker. He will be even more motivated to celebrate his new deal with a goal to add to his solitary effort so far this season. Taylor is enjoying a new lease of life under Pardew and has been talked about as a possible England international and he will have to justify that praise to keep Doyle from having a major influence on the game.
Form Guide: Last season's stormy encounter produced 12 yellow card, more than any other Premier League fixture in 2010. Wolves are unbeaten in their last six home games against Newcastle.
Odds: Wolves 6/4, Newcastle 15/8, Draw 9/2
WOLVES:
Matt Jarvis insists that the mood in the Wolves' dressing room remains as up-beat as ever, despite losing their last three matches to puncture an impressive start.
And he acknowledges the fact the players owe the fans a performance to make up for the unacceptable display against QPR the last time they were in front of their own fans.
Jarvis insists it was a one-off bad day at the office and said: "We all know it was a bad performance against QPR and that's been the only one.
"We're at home and we're going to want to get out there and get the fans behind us. We're keen to get back out there and pick up a decent result.
"The confidence is still there. We've been in the league for three seasons now and we know what it is about.
"We know how difficult it is to pick up points and how you can go through spells like this.
"It's a case of being solid and making sure we get some results on the board and get another little run together.
"It's particularly important to do that when you are going into an international break.
"It's never a nice feeling to go two weeks without a game on the back of a bad result. We want to get a good result against Newcastle to go into the international break on a high."
Strategy: Steven Fletcher is fit again after a groin injury as his return will be crucial. The Scotland striker has hit 7 goals in his last 11 games and without him Wolves lack a cutting edge. He dovetails well with Doyle and if Jarvis can provide the kind of service he is capable of Wolves will be able to trouble Newcastle's solid back four.
Injury Update: Richard Stearman has a bruised toe and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake has not recovered from a knee injury. Kevin Foley (ankle) is out for another three weeks.
Kevin Doyle Has His Best Years Ahead of Him at Wolverhampton
by John PercyFiled under: Arsenal, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football
Mick McCarthy has been in real need of a lift after a difficult few weeks at Molineux and persuading Kevin Doyle to sign a new deal is a massive boost in his bid for Premier League survival.
Doyle is the undoubted talisman at Wolves and epitomises the whole-hearted spirited approach of McCarthy's squad and will now be committing his best years to McCarthy after agreeing a new four-year deal.
The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and even Juventus have been huge admirers of the Republic of Ireland international without ever firming up their interest but this news will kill off any fears of a raid for at least another season.
It also shows that, despite struggling annually to stave off relegation, Doyle clearly believes McCarthy is making progress and Wolves are a club on the up.
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Doyle is one of football's deep thinkers and will not have signed this contract without giving the matter considerable thought.
McCarthy's mission this season may he humble, in that midtable mediocrity will be a huge step forward. But Doyle obviously feels at home and prefers being a big fish in a small pond, as opposed to battling it out at somewhere like the Emirates where there would be no cast iron guarantees of first-team football.
He said: "We know that this league is very tough and that we have to make sure we stay in the division, first and foremost.
"There are exciting plans here for the next four years. There will be setbacks along the way - sometimes we may take two steps forward and then one back - but the club is going to get better.
"Hopefully in four years' time we will see Wolves as a club that is consolidated in the top division but we know that will take a lot of hard work to continue what has already been started. There's a real feeling this club is going places."
Doyle's lack of goals has always been levelled at him and he only has one to his name so far this season. There were only five Premier League goals last term, too, which may explain why a manager like Arsene Wenger was cautious to make his move.
James McFadden Is A Major Gamble And Needs To Prove Himself Before Cashing In
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football
Suggestions Mick McCarthy is ready to offer James McFadden £60,000-a-week to join Wolves should be taken with a pinch of salt.
In fact, perhaps there was a zero too many on the end of stories which have appeared in national newspapers, but even £6,000-a-week might be pushing it.
That kind of five-figure sum would certainly blow any interest Celtic and Rangers have in offering the Scotland international a route back north of the border.
That kind of cash would also be madness for a midfielder who has not kicked a ball for a year and when he was fit and firing hardly lit up the Premier League during his time at Everton and Birmingham City.
Granted, McFadden, on his day, has all the mercurial talent which can turn any game on its head. The problem is, he has his day once a season, rather than once a week.
Which is why he was earning nowhere near that kind of money at Goodison Park and the same can be said of his time at St Andrew's.
Alex McLeish was supposed to be his mentor from their days together with the Scotland national team and even the Birmingham manager of the time was left scratching his head in frustration over McFadden's inconsistent nature.
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McFadden is a man on trial more than ever before in his career in the Premier League.
So what on earth would McCarthy want to be throwing around those sums on a player who is still taking the first tentative steps back to action after a cruciate ligament injury?
The bottom line is that such a gamble is not the kind of one McCarthy is likely to take in the first place. The Wolves boss much prefers to take a punt on a player from lower leagues and see if he can work his magic.
Rehabilitating stars who have failed to shine is hardly his style.
More importantly dragging in a player of McFadden's poor track record at the highest level and offering to pay him what will be more than any other player is earning at Molineux is a recipe for disaster.
McCarthy has gradually built a dressing room at Wolves which is united and does not appear to have a solitary player pulling in the opposite direction.
Harmony has been a big part of them taking impressive steps in the last couple of seasons towards establishing themselves as regular members of the Premier League elite.
He has managed to achieve this while adding expesnsive signings in the last couple of seasons, such as Kevin Doyle and Jamie O'Hara.
To maintain that delicate balance, McCarthy will have been at pains to ensure that no one individual is elevated to the kind of salary which will put the entire operation out of kilter.
So McFadden should not be banking on a massive pay-day at Molineux any time soon.
Liverpool 2 Wolverhampton 1: Luis Suarez Inspires Reds to Anfield Victory
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Luis Suarez capped a man-of-the-match display with a goal as Liverpool returned to winning ways against Wolves.
Liverpool, after successive league defeats, were coasting after an own goal from Roger Johnson and Suarez handed them a two-goal advantage at the break.
But Wolves were a different side as soon as substitute Steven Fletcher had handed them a 49th-minute lifeline.
Liverpool missed chances to put the game away, but they withstood late pressure to inflict a third successive league defeat on the Black Country outfit.
THE GOALS:
11mins: Charlie Adam's shot is diverted in off Johnson's forehead. (1-0).
38mins: Jose Enrique's pass sees Suarez break the offside trap before turning Christophe Berra inside out and firing home. (2-0).
49mins: Fletcher makes an immediate impact when he turns home Stephen Hunt's cross. (2-1).
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
8mins: Jamie O'Hara fails to connect after Kevin Doyle's pass gives him a shooting chance from 20-yards out.
14mins: Andy Carroll meets Stewart Downing's corner, but can only head straight at Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
30mins: Suarez scuffs Downing's cross wide from eight yards out.
36mins: A well-worked free-kick sees David Edwards' goalbound shot blocked by Lucas.
45mins: Suarez stabs wide from close-range as he continues to cause all kinds of problems.
50mins: Hennessey drops Downing's cross but recovers to block Suarez's rebound.
52mins: Downing's delivery continues to cause problems as Carroll heads against the post.
54mins: A swift counter-attack sees Adam free Downing, only for the England winger to be denied by Hennessey.
69mins: Fletcher outjumps Pepe Reina but his header falls agonisingly wide.
70mins: Lucas is inches off target with a 20-yard shot.
81mins: A fit-again Steven Gerrard makes his first appearance at Anfield this season.
REACTION:
Kenny Dalglish hailed the partnership of Suarez and Carroll after Liverpool's win:
"I don't think they have played too many times together before. It's interesting to see them and they were half decent. Luis has been outstanding since coming to the club. We are fortunate to have him and we look forward to many more years working with him. The same could be said for Andy. He did everything except score a goal. We couldn't get more out of the big fella. I'm happy for him and delighted."
On the performance:
"We have played better and lost in recent weeks, especially at Stoke, but we were good value for the win. I think it was a deserved three points, even though it was difficult at times. They put us under a bit of pressure but we had chances to score more."
On Gerrard's return:
"Seeing Steven back is great news. It's encouraging. He got a great reception from the fans and that's what you expect given what a player he is."
Mick McCarthy bemoaned Wolves' first-half display:
"We started well but we conceded at bad times. I thought Johnson was fouled and he is still getting up and puts in own net for the opener. I was annoyed with that. Then we tried to play offside and it cost us. We had a difficult first half and a really excellent second half."
On his side's progress:
"I'm happy where we are. We have had one poor performance, and that saw us lose against QPR, but I can't fault my players."
WHAT IT MEANS: Liverpool needed this win after recent slip ups. Wolves will feel hard done by in failing to pick up a point for their second-half display, but Liverpool should have been out of sight before the break. With games against Everton and Manchester United looming, this was just what was required at Anfield.
LIVERPOOL 2 (Johnson 11 og, Suarez 38) WOLVERHAMPTON 1 (Fletcher 49)
PLAYER MARKING:
Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina 6; Kelly 6, Carragher 6, Skrtel 7, Enrique 7; Henderson 6 (Kuyt 72, 6), Lucas 6, Adam 7, Downing 8; Suarez 9 (Gerrard 81, 6), Carroll 6.
Subs (not used): Doni, Coates, Spearing, Flanagan, Bellamy.
Wolves (4-5-1): Hennessey 7; Stearman 6 (Doherty 46, 5), Berra 5, Johnson 5, Ward 6; Edwards 6 (Fletcher 46, 7), Henry 6, Hunt 7 (Guedioura 81, 6), O'Hara 7, Jarvis 6; Doyle 5.
Subs not used: de Vries, Elokobi, Hammill, Milijas.
REFEREE: Kevin Friend
ATTENDANCE: 44, 922
NEXT UP:
- Liverpool v Everton (away), Premier League, 01/10, 1245 BST
- Wolves v Newcastle (home), Premier League, 01/10, 1500 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Luis Suarez (Liverpool): Was a threat all game and was too hot to handle for Wolves at times.
Liverpool v Wolverhampton Preview: Steven Gerrard Ready for Anfield Return
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: ANFIELD, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011: KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
It says everything about the misfortune Steven Gerrard has endured this calendar year that the Liverpool captain has only started one Premier League match at Anfield with Luis Suarez.
The club's two most creative talents combined to help shoot down Manchester United 3-1 back in March.
And Kenny Dalglish would love a similar outcome against Wolves as Gerrard prepares to return to the Premier League stage for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson's side were sent packing.
The influential England midfielder is in the frame to make a timely start after emerging unscathed from a 15 minute cameo in the 2-1 Carling Cup victory at Brighton on Wednesday.
Liverpool have managed seven wins in 14 top-flight games in Gerrard's absence.
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But back-to-back defeats to Stoke and Tottenham means the stage is set for Gerrard to ride to his team's rescue as he looks to put a "nightmare" six months behind him after groin surgery.
However, Wolves will be determined to strike gold in front of the Kop for the second successive season.
Mick McCarthy's side sentenced Liverpool to a 1-0 home defeat in the final days of Roy Hodgson's ill-fated reign last December.
Gerrard will not want his homecoming ruined by the Black Country club.
Key Match-up: Pepe Reina v Kevin Doyle: A late consolation from the penalty spot by Ashley Barnes took some of the gloss off the Brighton win. Reina has not managed a clean sheet in his last five outings, a statistic Dalglish is anxious to correct after some unconvincing performances at the back. Doyle missed the corresponding fixture last season, when Stephen Ward's goal earned Wolves a shock win at Anfield. Doyle arrives on Merseyside with just one goal to show for his efforts so far this season.
Form Guide: With league matches against Everton and Manchester United on the horizon, Liverpool need to follow up their Carling Cup success by recording a first league win in three. Depite their crushing 5-0 cup win over Millwall in midweek, Wolves have not scored a Premier League goal in 315 minutes after taking one point from the last nine on offer.
Odds: Liverpool 4/11, Wolverhampton 9/1, Draw 7/2
LIVERPOOL:
Dalglish has told fans not to read anything into Andy Carroll's omission from the side in midweek.
The record £35 million signing was an unused substitute as Craig Bellamy marked his first start since returning to the club with a goal.
Carroll's form and fitness have come under scrutiny since the striker arrived from Newcastle at the end of January.
But Dalglish insists the 22-year-old England international is part of his long term plans.
"Andy is a professional footballer who understands what goes on in football," said the Liverpool manager.
"He worked really hard at Tottenham. It was a bad performance and a bad day for us.
"We don't have a team, we have a squad. There will be times when someone will play and others won't. Sometimes you'll be lucky and sometimes you'll be unlucky.
"But the football club is more important than one individual, including myself. I'm sure the players realise that. Although there will be a disappointment if you aren't playing, I think there's an understanding as well."
Strategy: The inquest into last week's 4-0 White Hart Lane disaster has proved long and painful. Plenty has been said about Dalglish's darkest day since returning to the dug out. While nothing can change the outcome, Liverpool's players have to show they have put that unpleasant experience behind them. An up-beat, high-tempo display has to be the aim. So too a clean sheet. This is as big a game for Jamie Carragher as it is for Gerrard.
Injury Update: Defenders Fabio Aurelio (Achilles) and Glen Johnson (hamstring) have returned to training, but the game has come too soon for either full back to feature. Daniel Agger is also missing with a fractured rib sustained in the defeat at Tottenham.
Wolverhampton v Millwall Preview: Mick McCarthy Speaks Out in Joey Barton Row
by John PercyFiled under: Wolverhampton, Millwall, Carling Cup, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
CARLING CUP: MOLINEUX, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1945 BST
Barely a week seems to pass by when Joey Barton fails to get caught up in controversy and this time the Queens Park Rangers skipper has become embroiled in a row with Wolverhampton manager Mick McCarthy and player Karl Henry.
A year on from his on-field feud with Henry, who had branded him a wimp, Barton accused the Wolves midfielder on Twitter of being a "Sunday League player" and trying to injure him during Saturday's 3-0 win for Neil Warnock's team.
He also responded to suggestions Wolves "snubbed" him by controversially Tweeting "don't know what Mick (McCarthy) has been smoking".
It means much of the build-up to Tuesday's clash with Championship side Millwall has been overshadowed by the fall-out from Saturday's controversy.
Wolves could certainly do with a victory following two heavy defeats, while Millwall's poor form stretches back even further with their last league success having come on August 13.
Key Match-Up: Sam Vokes v Darren Ward
With some of their senior strikers either injured or likely to be rested, Vokes will be given another chance to impress after scoring against Northampton in the previous round. The striker is a real threat in the air and an aerial battle against Ward awaits.
Form Guide: Following a strong start, Wolves' form has disintegrated in recent weeks following heavy back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and QPR. Millwall, meanwhile, have not won since beating Morecambe in the previous round of the Carling Cup.
Odds: Wolverhampton 5/6, Millwall 7/2, Draw 11/4
WOLVERHAMPTON:
Wolves manager McCarthy refused to be drawn into a war of words with Barton but leapt to the defence of Henry.
McCarthy said: "I haven't read the comments and I'm not interested - that's why I'm not getting involved.
"You will not get me dignifying any of the comments with a response because it would be wrong.
"I generally like to say things to people's faces. We're playing Millwall and it's probably come at a good time having played as badly as we did against QPR. That's the important issue of my day.
"Karl is one of the best professionals I have ever worked with, in terms of what he does professionally. He has never gone out to hurt anyone."
Strategy: Being at home and eager to avoid the match being dragged into extra-time, McCarthy is certain to go on the offensive, so expect the Wolves manager to opt for two up front in a 4-4-2 formation.
Injury Update:
Steven Fletcher (groin) is a doubt after missing the 2-0 defeat by QPR, while Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (knee) is expected to be sidelined again.
Wolves 0 QPR 3: Joey Barton Makes A Triumphant Return To Molineux
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Wolverhampton, QPR, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Joey Barton ensured he made a trimphant return to Molineux to silence the jeers of the Molineux boo-boys.
Barton's previous trip to Wolves as a Newcastle player ended in a running battle with Wolves' Karl Henry - who branded him a wimp after a ferocious contest between the pair.
The locals were queuing up to make Barton's comeback another miserable affair, but Barton ensured he had the final laugh by grabbing one of the goals to earn Rangers their second Premier League win of the season.
Barton's miscued shot from Shaun Wright-Phillips' cross after eight minutes to end a wait of 247 minutes for a top flight goal and within 120 seconds Alejandro Faurlin doubled the lead with a stunning volley from the edge of the area.
Wolves paid the price for some awful defending and a second straight defeat was confirmed when substitute DJ Campbell added a third from close range moments after replacing Jay Bothroyd.
GOALS: 8 mins: Barton evades the attention of Christophe Berra and steers home a weak shot after Shaun Wright-Phillips cut the ball back across the box (0-1). 10 mins: Faurlin punishes Wolves for two poor defensive clearances by unleashing a first time shot from 20-yards to double the lead (0-2). 87 mins: DJ Campbell's near post run is rewarded as Armand Traore delivers the perfect cross for him to tap in (0-3).
Tweeter Facebook FourSquare iPhoneOTHER HIGHLIGHTS: 1 min: Shaun Derry's header from Danny Gabbidon's cross forces Wayne Hennessey to claw away the ball from just under his crossbar. 13 mins: Henry's 25-yard shot beats Paddy Kenny, but strikes the base of the post and rebounds to safety. 29 mins: Barton carves open the Wolves defence again and only George Elokobi's sliding challenge prevents Adel Taarabt from adding a third for QPR. 38 mins: Wright-Phillips bursts clear with another excellent, but Berra tracks back and his tackle enables Hennessey to make a comfortable save. 60 mins: Taarabt opens his box of tricks and skips into the area, but his cut-back for Wright-Phillips is under hit and Wolves clear. 78 mins: Wright-Phillips unleashes a 20-yard shot from the corner of the box and beats Hennessey, but the ball bounces back off the near post and to safety. WHAT IT MEANS: The Tony Fernandes' revolution is well and truly underway and it looks an impressive one. They have pace and style, with more than the right amount of steel and with Neil Warnock so hungry to prove himself at this level, it is a powerful combination. After a good start, Wolves need to take a reality check. REACTION: Warnock could not have wished for a better performance: "It was as complete an away performance as you could wish to see. We did well against Newcastle, but we have added goals here. "It was good to get an early goal and great to follow it up quickly. We were unlucky not to score a few more goals." On the influence of the new signings: "Since they have arrived you can see that the levels at training have gone up 30 to 40 per cent." On the performance of Barton: "He is effervescent and it rubs off on the other players. He is a winner. If we were playing dominoes he would want to beat me. "That is why he was my number one target in the summer. I am glad he has the past he has, because we might not have been able to get him. "He may well have been snapped up by one of the top four clubs." On the support from Fernandes: "It has been fantastic for me. He is in Malaysia watching on TV and probably with a glass of champagne. "They have been so supportive. This is Utopia for me. I gave them a list of players I wanted and they went out to get them. It has never happened to me before." McCarthy was full of praise for his team a week ago, but could not defend them this time: "Our performance was really bad and really poor and I can't put my finger on why at the moment." On QPR's display: "I don't want to take anything away from them. They played very well and have a bit of momentum with their new players, but we gave them a lot of help." On what he can do to pick his team up: "I have been telling people for a few weeks how hard this league is and that we have got a lot of tough games to go. "We have not been carried away by our early results and we won't get too down about this. We will get back to what we do in training and work hard."
Wolves v QPR Preview: No Old Pals Act Being Planned By Mick McCarthy
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Wolverhampton, QPR, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: MOLINEUX, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2011. KICK-OFF 1500 BST
Mick McCarthy counts Neil Warnock as one of his managerial pals - even though he had to clean his boots as a Barnsley apprentice.
While the QPR manager can be an acquired taste for some, his opposite number insists he never becomes riled by Warnock's often controversial methods.
Despite the old pals act across the Molineux technical areas, McCarthy won't be giving away any special favours, no matter how happy he is to see Warnock back in the top flight once again.
After holding his hands up last weekend and admitting Wolves were not good enough to handle Spurs, as they slipped to their first defeat of the campaign, this is the sort of fixture that McCarthy will be expecting three points from.
Wolves were excellent for over an hour against Harry Redknapp's side, but paid the price for squandering chances when they held the upper hand and that is a lesson which will have been digested.
Warnock could argue similar, following his side's excellent performance against Newcastle - which somehow they ended up having to share the points from, when they dominated for long periods.
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McCarthy knows Warnock gets the very best out of every side he manages and he will know exactly what to expect from a side which is open to further improvement, following the influx of fresh faces at the end of the transfer deadline.
They have already demonstrated they are dangerous opponents away from home, defeating Everton at Goodison Park and Warnock would love nothing more than to give his old Oakwell apprentice another important lesson.
Key Match-Up: Jamie O'Hara v Adel Taarabt: The Wolves play-maker was hugely impressive for an hour against Spurs last week, before his former club took control and sentenced Wolves to their first defeat of the season. This will be more of an even contest against Taarabt, who might just have a point to prove to his manager regarding his desire for a new contract. Whoever gets the edge could go a long way to deciding the outcome of the game.
Form Guide: QPR have not won at Molineux since 1998.
Match Odds: Wolves 10/11, QPR 16/5, Draw 12/5
WOLVES:
The last time QPR visited Molineux in April 2009 was a momentous day for the hosts as they clinched victory to confirm their return to the Premier League.
Wayne Hennessey was one of 11 players, currently still at Wolves, who were involved that day and while he will never forget the occasion, he is fully aware this is a fixture Wolves need to win if they are to maintain their Premier League status.
"We need to focus on this game because these are the ones which will decide whether we stay in this league," he told the Wolves website.
"You can't take any team lightly in this league. We'll go out wanting the three points but they'll be coming to our place thinking they can win as well.
"We don't want to hold back and want to keep pushing on and get more points. We've just come off the back of a defeat and want to get another win as quickly as possible."
Although Wolves lost their undefeated start to the season against Spurs, a re-run of the game on DVD, for the entire squad, means Hennessey feels McCarthy's side have plenty to be confident about.
"We've looked solid this season and it's a shame about the Tottenham result but even then I thought we played well," he said.
"We sat down and watched the video and agreed we played fairly well but just didn't take our chances. If we'd scored when we'd been on top it would have been a different game.
Strategy: McCarthy might be tempted to re-call Matt Jarvis, who is fit again, after an ankle injury, in place of Michael Kightly. Wolves has missed the England winger's cutting edge on the left-side of midfield and his extra pedigree might give them the edge they are looking for and provide better balance with Stephen Hunt on the opposite flank. By stretching midfield that will enable O'Hara to find more space in central areas and dictate Wolves' attacking options. Jarvis will also give Wolves a greater threat with his set-piece delivery.
Injury Update: Sylvain Ebanks-Blake is still two weeks away from a return from a knee injury and Steven Fletcher is 50-50 because of a groin injury suffered against Spurs. Kevin Foley has had an injection in an ankle problem, but should be fit to make the squad.
QPR:
QPR manager Warnock, during those early days at Barnsley when McCarthy was starting out, saw the youngster's character even at that stage.
"He used to clean my boots when I was a kid," said Warnock. "He denies it but he was an apprentice at Barnsley with me. He was a massive lad in those days. I've never seen anything like it. He was built very, very big and sturdy in those days."
Warnock admired the job McCarthy has done at Wolves and would like to emulate those achievements at Loftus Road.
"Mick's moved on a level now and bought top players, I think, your (Kevin) Doyles and that," he said. "We're not anywhere near that level yet but that's where we want to be, where Wolves are, that next step up."
"If you look at the three promoted teams, we're all struggling to score goals. When you look at the top level, they only need one chance and they take it.
"That's how it goes when you get promoted - you're not going to do everything straight away."
It will be the first away trip for Warnock's new signings and could mean an initiation ceremony for the likes of Anton Ferdinand, who has arrived from Sunderland.
"I fancy myself as a singer, but I'm not sure what I'll do yet," he said. "I'll be practicing on my way to the bus, so if someone sees me at the traffic lights singing my heart out, they'll know why."
Strategy: Still early days for Warnock's squad and they have not gelled yet. But they will have Joey Barton winning the ball in central midfield and will look to release the pace of Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Injury Update: Warnock has no new injury worries, as Armand Traore only had cramp when he came off against Newcastle.
Wolves v Tottenham Preview: Scott Parker Aims to Kick Start Spurs’ Season
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Tottenham, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: MOLINEUX, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2011. KICK-OFF 1500 BST
Harry Redknapp endured his worst pre-season ever at Spurs this summer and will be glad the transfer window has slammed firmly shut.
Now the Tottenham manager can concentrate on the business of recovering from a humiliating start to the season and start to get some points on the board at White Hart Lane.
Two games and two crushing defeats to the power houses of Manchester indicate just how far Spurs have to go to realise their Champions League aspirations this season.
They will be encouraged by the fact that Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor have walked through the entrance door against a tide of players who left at the end of a frantic window for Redknapp.
The fact Luka Modric remains a Spurs player will only be key if the Croatian midfielder supresses his disappointment of not securing his transfer to Chelsea and clears his mind of any mental road blocks.
Few would have predicted that the fledling Premier League table would have Spurs rock bottom and Wolves sitting pretty in fifth place with seven points from their first three matches.
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There is a suggestion Wolves, who came so close to relegation last season, are better equipped this time around, but manager Mick McCarthy will not be jumping up and down waving his boxer shorts in the at this premature stage.
He knows Wolves have two more points than they had at this stage last season, but much stiffer challenges lay ahead and Spurs will represent one of them.
Key Match-Up: Roger Johnson v Adebayor: Johnson is revelling in his responsibility as Wolves' new captain and has made an instant imapct at the heart of their defence. He loves testing himself against the best and Adebayor has a point to prove following his move on loan from Manchester City. He will also have to work even harder to persuade Spurs fans to forgive him his Arsenal connections.
Form Guide: The two sides shared a thrilling 3-3 draw at Molineux last season, but Spurs have an impressive record in this fixture, winning 39 times in comparison to Wolves' 26 victories.
Match Odds: Wolves 2/1, Tottenham 7/5, Draw 9/4
WOLVES:
McCarthy is not being fooled by Spurs' disappointing start to the season and expects some kind of backlash from the side propping up the Premier League.
Spurs have suffered crushing defeats against Manchester United and Manchester City, but McCarthy is not one to be seduced by the league table after a couple of weeks.
"I'm not kidded by all that nonsense. They have been beaten so far by the two best teams in the country. It's a bit cock-eyed at the moment with the table.
"They have caught those two teams and not been able to play a home game against Everton."
McCarthy knows Spurs will be stronger for the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor and Scott Parker, plus their success in keeping Luca Modric.
"They have a fabulous group of players. They are streets ahead of us and have played in the Champions League," he said.
"They are still certs for the top six. They are a top-six side who are smarting from two defeats.
"My concern is that we're playing a side who have done nothing yet and will be desperate for something here. They will probably feel they should get something from us."
Strategy: Games after international breaks always worry McCarthy and it will be interesting to see how his Republic of Ireland players react from their sterling efforts to win hold Russia to a draw in Moscow. Jamie O'Hara will be determined to make an impression on his old club from his central midfield role and Wolves will look to get the ball wide at every opportunity to provide ammunition for Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher.
Injury Update: McCarthy is hoping Matt Jarvis has recovered from an ankle injury which has bothered him for the last two weeks. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake is also close to a return after a knee ligament injury.
Grading the Transfer Window: Swansea, Tottenham, WBA, Wigan, Wolves
by FanHouse UKFiled under: Tottenham, West Brom, Wigan, Wolverhampton, Swansea, Premier League, Football, Team Reviews, Transfer News
Continuing our look at the transfer dealing conducted before the August 31st deadline, FanHouse UK picks out the good, the bad and the ugly deals made by the last five teams in the Premier League (based on alphabetical order, of course).
The likes of Spurs and Wigan did their usual wheeling and dealing while Swansea, West Brom and Wolves will all hope they did enough to stay out of the relegation conversation this season ... only time will tell.
In part one, we looked at the dealings of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea. Read it here.
For part two - Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United - click here.
And part three saw us examine Newcastle, Norwich, QPR, Stoke and Sunderland. Read that here.
SWANSEA
With two clean sheets but no goals to their name, you would think the Premier League newboys were only looking in one area to strengthen on deadline day. But Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers went the other way, signing three defenders to bolster a department that was thin on the ground. Algerian Rafik Halliche joined from Fulham, while former full-back Fede Bessone returned to the Welsh club alongside new £250,000 recruit Darnel Situ. The fact Rodgers opted out of adding firewpower to his goal-shy squad speaks volumes of his trust in Danny Graham. The onus is on £3.5million record signing, who is yet to get off the mark in a Swansea shirt, to fire the Swans to safety.
Highlight: Securing the likes of Ashley Williams, Nathan Dyer and Neil Taylor on long-term contracts.
Lowlight: Losing out on millions with out-of-contract goalkeeper Dorus de Vries and midfielder Darren Pratley leaving for nothing.
Grade: C
TOTTENHAM
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was celebrating after keeping Luka Modric at the club despite the Croatia midfielder wanting to leave for Chelsea. Emmanuel Adebayor and Scott Parker also arrived during the window but they failed to land a centre-back that manager Harry Redknapp wanted. Adebayor should provide a decent goal threat and Parker will strengthen the midfield, but it is debatable whether Redknapp received the "marquee" player he wanted to get Spurs fighting for Champions League qualification again. Deadline day was productive in terms of getting rid of unwanted squad players such as Alan Hutton, David Bentley, Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios and Jermaine Jenas.
Highlight: Luka Modric staying at the club.
Lowlight: Missing out on Gary Cahill on deadline day.
Grade: C+
WEST BROM
Not even three Premier League defeats have managed to burst the bubble of buoyancy surrounding the Baggies following a promising summer in the transfer market at the Hawthorns. Roy Hodgson has quickly built on a stunning start to life as manager by strengthening his squad with quality additions in the shape of Ben Foster, Zoltan Gera and, most of all, Shane Long. Equally crucial, though, has been their success in keeping hold of their star names, particularly last season's top scorer, Peter Odemwingie, who recently signed a new contract. Their only disappointment will have been their failed and very public pursuit of Owen Hargreaves.
Highlight: Long looks a star in the making.
Lowlight: Being strung along for virtually the entire summer by Hargreaves.
Grade: B
WIGAN
It could have been worse. Charles N'Zogbia's move to Aston Villa prompted fears that highly-rated duo Hugo Rodallega, who is in the final year of contract, and James McCarthy could follow the French winger out of the DW Stadium. Not only has McCarthy signed a new long term deal, Rodallega remains although manager Roberto Martinez could decide to cash in on the Colombian forward in January. Martinez has spent the N'Zogbia money wisely, but Shaun Maloney and winger Albert Crusat will be under pressure to make immediate impacts. Patrick van Aanholt, who has joined on loan from Chelsea, will also have his work cut out if he is to make the same impact as Tom Cleverley last season.
Highlight: Keeping the likes of Rodallega and McCarthy from the clutches of other clubs.
Lowlight: Failing to land striker Peter Odemwingie from West Brom could yet prove costly.
Grade: C-
Deadline Day Round-up: Craig Bellamy In, Raul Meireles Out at Liverpool
by Brendan McLoughlinFiled under: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, Wigan, Wolverhampton, QPR, Norwich, Swansea, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
Liverpool were the focus of a dramatic end to deadline day after Craig Bellamy and Raul Meireles completed 11th hour moves in and out of Anfield.
Meireles' departure to Chelsea on a four-year deal for a £12 million fee came as a particularly surprising development after news the Portuguese star had handed in a transfer request came little over half an hour before the 11pm deadline.
Meanwhile, Wales striker Bellamy, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Cardiff, is back at Anfield four years after leaving the Merseyside and will wear the No. 39 shirt.
QPR and Stoke had appeared in the frame to sign Bellamy earlier in the day, however the chance to return to the club where he spent a controversial year in 2007 proved too good to turn down for the 32-year-old.
Further developments in a breathless day at Anfield saw Joe Cole snub late interest from Aston Villa to join Lille on a season-long loan, Christian Poulsen join French side Evian and David Ngog make a permanent move to Bolton.
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Sunderland signed Nicklas Bendtner from Arsenal on a season-long loan, while Villa signed Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton on a respective season-long loan and permanent deal from Tottenham.
Spurs managed to keep hold of one of their key men in Luka Modric, whom manager Harry Redknapp claimed was the subject of a rejected £40 million bid from Chelsea, althought a move for Bolton's Gary Cahill failed to materialise for the White Hart Lane outfit.
They did, however, succeed in landing Football Writers' Association Player of the Year Scott Parker in a £5 million move from West Ham.
David Bentley has headed in the opposite direction on a season-long loan, while the Hammers also signed Henri Lansbury from Arsenal on a similar deal and Guy Demel from Hamburg.
Manchester City completed their shock move for free agent Owen Hargreaves, with the former Manchester United midfielder arriving on a one-year contract, while Carlos Tevez has remained at the Etihad Stadium.
QPR signed Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City and Anton Ferdinand from Sunderland.
Scott Dann left Birmingham for Blackburn in a £6 million move which could rise to £8 million.
Rovers also recruited striker Yakubu from Everton, who have attempted to offset the loss of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal by signing Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid and Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi from Tigre on season-long loans.
The Toffees also sold striker Jermaine Beckford to big-spending Championship side Leicester in a £3 million transfer.
Wigan signed Shaun Maloney on a two-year deal from Celtic for £1 million as well as signing Chelsea's 21-year-old Dutch left-back Patrick van Aanholt on a season-long loan. The Blues also allowed Gael Kakuta to join Bolton on loan.
Fulham fought off late competition from Newcastle to land Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente in a move worth around £10.6 million.
The Cottagers also signed experienced Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera and former Porto player Orlando Sa on free transfers and allowed Rafik Halliche to join Swansea on loan for the remainder of 2011.
Deadline Day Round-up: Craig Bellamy Makes Dramatic Anfield Return
by Brendan McLoughlinFiled under: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, Wigan, Wolverhampton, QPR, Norwich, Swansea, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
Forward Craig Bellamy made
a dramatic deadline day return to Liverpool on Wednesday night after completing an 11th hour move from Manchester City.
The Wales striker, who last season on loan at Championship side Cardiff, is back at Anfield four years after leaving the Merseyside and will wear the No. 39 shirt.
QPR and Stoke had appeared in the frame to sign Bellamy earlier in the day, however the chance to return to the club where he spent a controversial year in 2007 proved too good to turn down for the 32-year-old.
Bellamy's arrival was just one of a number of developments on a busy day at Anfield
which saw Joe Cole snub late interest from Aston Villa to join Lille on a season-long loan, Christian Poulsen join French side Evian and David Ngog make a permanent move to Bolton.
There was also one further twist with half an hour of the window remaining when it emerged Chelsea target Raul Meireles had handed in a transfer request, leaving his future on Merseyside shouded in mystery as the 11pm deadline passed.
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Manchester City completed their shock move for free agent Owen Hargreaves, with the former Manchester United midfielder arriving on a one-year contract, while Carlos Tevez has remained at the Etihad Stadium.
Tottenham, too, managed to keep hold of one of their key men in Luka Modric might and, although they failed to push through a move for Bolton's Gary Cahill, they did succeed in landing Football Writers' Association Player of the Year Scott Parker in a £5 million move from West Ham.
David Bentley has headed in the opposite direction on a season-long loan, while the Hammers also signed Henri Lansbury from Arsenal on a similar deal and Guy Demel from Hamburg.
Two players who left Spurs, however, were Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton, who both joined Villa on a respective season-long loan and permanent deal.
QPR signed Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City and Scott Dann left Birmingham for Blackburn in a £6 million move which could rise to £8 million, while Rovers also recruited striker Yakubu from Everton.
Wigan signed Shaun Maloney on a two-year deal from Celtic for £1 million as well as signing Chelsea's 21-year-old Dutch left-back Patrick van Aanholt on a season-long loan.