Mick McCarthy

By Simon Garner
March 4 2009

Well after a run that has seen many Wolves fans call for the managers head, finally Wolves have got a precious win AND kept a valuable Clean Sheet.

It has been a complete contrast to the team that started so well at the start of the season. Confidence was at an all time low, the defence looked like they had never played together and a goal keeper who looked like he couldn't catch a cold. After the defeat at home against Plymouth many fans had had enough, calling for the managers head with only 11 games to go 'till the end of the season. My personal opinion on this is why sack a manager who had lead us to the top of the table? Yes, ok if we had won just 2 or 3 of the games we should have done (Bristol City, Blackpool and Cardiff spring to mind) then our lead would have been far greater at the top, but haven't we been in that position before? Surely sacking a manager with only a few games left wouldn't much for the players who would have to start all over again??

Anyway after a miserable win that saw us win 1 game out of 11, Wolves travelled to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, quite arguably one of the tougher games that we have had recently. To come out of this game with a win and a Clean Sheet I think is a terrific result (even though Crystal Palace have only scored about 2 goals since Boxing Day!) and it just goes to prove that the team are capable of winning. Yes it was a dubious looking penalty, but we made all of the running in the first half, and with the exception of about 15-20 minutes at the start of the 2nd half we looked in complete control. I will admit my heart was pounding faster than usual when Ebanks-Blake was preparing to take the penalty, as we all know what happened last time we had one! One point I would like to make in comparison to our manager than to others (well Neil Warnock) is that McCarthy has not once complained about the games we have had, he has just got the team in and tried to work on things to get the elusive win. Neil Warnock on the other hand, all he seems to do is complain. So what you have got 3 away games in a row, DEAL WITH IT! I would much rather have Mick McCarthy who will take the blame, say the team is rubbish than just make lame excuses as to why they can't score or pick up points.

I am not saying that this one result is the turning point in our season, far from it in fact. We still have a hell of a lot of hard work to do, starting with another tough trip at Sheffield Wednesday, who more than gave Reading a run for their money on Tuesday night. Hopefully the team can kick on from here and get another win on the weekend, and also players can keep up their performances, players such as Michael Kightly who seemed to have his first good game in god knows how long last night. If "Big Chris" can shake off his ankle injury in time for the weekend, I would play the same team on Saturday, because despite how well Stephen Ward has done this season, surely you need to play a left back who is and always has been a left back?

Onwards and Upwards!

Finally Wolves Win!

Discussion started by Wolves , 04/03/2009 10:22

Wolves
04/03/2009 10:22

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DPE
04/03/2009 13:11

After the initial anger over the home defeat the majority of fans understand that sacking a manager with so few games left and being in the position we are, would be suicide.

The Palace game had to be one of the most important games this season a loss would give the team a mighty kick in the back propelling them faster down the free-falling slope that we are on.

Regarding the game itself, lets get one thing straight, Palace were dismal. They were never really capable of scoring I do not remember seeing one chance created by them that was not self induced. So not sure why you state this was one of the tougher games? Both teams understandably looked scared for the first 20 minutes and never really looked confident but Palace looked a class below us.

I think the difference today was Big Chris’s presence, Palace seemed to be more concerned with him rather than SEB, either this or I have got accustomed to Keogh not be marked and SEB being out numbered. A further factor was Henry’s distribution, yes it traveled in the correct direction and yes it was accurate.

Friend and Hill did well and looked pretty solid but again, this was a very poor team and conditions were pretty poor. I think Friend might deserve a starting place but when Ward is fit hill should be kept in reserve.

There are negatives though, Wayne was poor and I think the only reason he will be keeping his place is because he made one amazing save. I remember at least 4 of our players giving him verbal’s, the weather was not helping but worryingly it looked slightly comical as if trying to catch a bar of soap at times. I agree we should keep the same team, apart from Ward who should walk back into the squad.

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Wolfadder
04/03/2009 13:14

I listened on the radio and it sounded a much better performance, the only thing lacking was getting the ball on target (guess the players are still too tense) otherwise we would have won comfortably.
Glad Friend got another game he seems one for the future.

I think MM has to change the team around more when we have a losing streak it is clear the players were becomming too nervious with the league position.
Last night he was forced into changes that worked out MM should learn from this.

............................................................

Wolves are Top Predators in the Natural World.
We can be again in the Football World.

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an angry wolf
04/03/2009 13:14

I think its about time wolves finally win and finally the board is up and running as well

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Just Dave
04/03/2009 13:55

Im absolutely delighted with the win. Lets see Mick get credit now from all those who slate him for taking us top.

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Rob!
04/03/2009 13:57

i think we should keep the board down untill we lose again? lol

Wolves: Championship Champions 08/09

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irishwolf
04/03/2009 17:13

Credit where credit is due..... an away win and a clean sheet..is this not enough? If you examine any performance you will find weeknesses... of course the last couple of months have been poor but thats in the past..all that counts now is the final 10 games...

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Old Wulf
04/03/2009 17:56

Great win away from home in what sounded like difficult conditions.

We can all breathe a huge sigh of relief (until saturday anyway)

Great save from Henners who must have seen it late

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Stourport Wolf
05/03/2009 07:36

It's great to get 3 points at last. Lets hope Wolves can now kick on and finish the job. But remember its only 1 win and our bad run has stretched for 12. The pressure is now very much on again following the midweek results for Birmingham, Reading, Cardiff & Sheffield Utd.

Quote:

DPE
After the initial anger over the home defeat the majority of fans understand that sacking a manager with so few games left and being in the position we are, would be suicide.

I dont agree that replacing McCarthy would be suicide at this stage of the season but we will find only out if it is right to keep McCarthy depending on if he gets Wolves over the finishing line or not.

If Wolves go up you will be proved right. If Wolves fail spectacularly you will be proved wrong. If Wolves fail marginally we will still be able to look back and think what if....

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halesowen wolf
05/03/2009 08:00

Quote:

Rob!
i think we should keep the board down untill we lose again? lol

I agree

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