southbankview

Wolves v Palace

2012-10-02T07:58:00.003-07:00

Another Tuesday night and another big three points on offer for the resurgent Wolves.

After a good,solid performance against Sheffield Wednesday Wolves look to make it five wins on the bounce which could drastically put them top of the league.

Who would have ever thought that 5 games ago?

Sheffield win could spur us on again tonight

I had an incling it was coming after putting them on to win the league at 14/1 bet you couldn't get that price now.

The midfield seems to be the steadying factor behind the recent good form with Karl Henry back in comfortable ground in the Championship and Sako really showing a lot more confidence especially against Sheffield Wednesday.

Tonight I think that will be the key to unlocking a sturn Crystal Palace who would leave very happy with a point. Blake is looking lively again so either of these is a good bet for first goal scorer. But Palace aren't to be underestimated with four wins in five giving them a lift up to 10th just three points behind Wolves.

So this could be a squeeky bum game and I predict a tight 2-1 win

14 days later

2012-09-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

Wolves take on Leicester 14 days after the Cardiff defeat in a crucial tie which could send our season back in the right direction.

With so many new recruits being drafted in so quickly many of the new players barely knew each others names never mind our varying style of play which changes every game.Anyway hopefully Sole has got the lads training hard during the international break and we can come back stronger.

At 12/1 to win the league it looks like many have wrote us off already but I disagree we have the squad which when filled with confidence can match anyone. Lets just give it a few weeks and then I expect to see us well inside the top 6. Yes I did put a few quid on at 12/1

Leicester have had an equally disappointing start to us with two wins and two defeats this one isn't going to be a draw that's for sure.

Match prediction Wolves win 2-1

Wolves v Cardiff

2012-08-31T01:32:00.002-07:00

Wolves travel to Cardiff for this weekends fixture on Sunday 2.00 kick off.

We will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league after the disappointing last minute equaliser against Derby. But Cardiff will be an equally as tough game and three points could mark a real sign of intent for the new era at Wolves.

Wolves may well bring in new signings Sako and Mergreitter although I doubt either of them will be in the starting line up. Hopefully Karl Henry will make a return as he was really missed at the Derby game and that experience in holding the ball up in the middle. If Wolves start this game well a win could definitely be on the cards but it is going to take a huge performance from a team that is only just learning to gel together.

Cardiff have had a similar start to Wolves with a win and a draw from their first three matches and the new arrival of Nicky Marynard set to boost morale. The ageing Cardiff side just lack that fire power they once had and this is really one Wolves need to take by the scruff of the neck and show they have arrived.

Our prediction 3-1 Wolves

Money makes the Wolves go round

2012-08-28T02:03:00.000-07:00

Last week’s extravagant sales of Matt Jarvis and Steve Fletcher marked a new era for Wolves. Relegation meant the side were always going to have to swap things around and make way for some of their biggest stars to leave. But who would have thought that these two players would make the side so much money for average Premiership players at best who sparkled in a very poor and deflated side.

Matt Jarvis had been a stalwart for Wolves in 2007 making 164 appearances but only getting 19 goals which isn’t many even for a winger. He was influential in many games last season for Wolves but at £10.75 million for a player who is 26 and already becoming injury prone, West Ham may regret spending so much. It was with a smile I watched on Saturday as West Ham suffered a 3-0 hammering away at Swansea and Matt Jarvis looked helpless. He could well be heading the opposite way to Wolves come the end of the season then what will he do?

Steven Fletcher came to the forefront last season as a striker who could grab goals from the most hopeless situations. He is a very consistent striker with 12 goals in each of his last three Premier League seasons. But £14 million for this average Premiership striker who very often went missing for large parts of the most important matches. Steven Morgan (Wolves Owner) must have been laughing to the bank. Sunderland may look back and think look what we could have brought for that money a world class striker, which Steven Fletcher is not.

As a whole Steven Morgan and Jez Moxey (Wolves Chief Exec) will be laughing at the amount they have made from these two. With four signings or more with this £24.5 million Wolves will look a completely different team and one that could be re-born back to the Premiership.

Are Wolves back on the march?

2012-08-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Wolves go into tomorrows game on a real high on the back of their first home win since December last year.

But Derby will bring much more of a fight than the lackluster Barnsley side that just rolled over on Tuesday night. Wolves showed on Tuesday that they are just a class above most of the Championship and a strong home form could be base for a strong promotion campaign.

Derby have been found vulnerable so far with an opening day draw and a defeat 2-0 at Bolton mid-week Molineux will be the last place they fancy going on Saturday. An early goal for Wolves could well break this Derby side and Kevin Doyle on his 250th English League Appearence could well be the man to do it.

Karl Henry is out for Wolves so it is just as well we Solbaken has found a direct replacement in Tongo Doumbia who looked like he had played that holding midfield role all his life.

Tongo Doumia the man to steer Wolves to victory.
Match prediction 2-0 Wolves

Whatever will be will be

2012-08-21T08:04:00.001-07:00

So here we go again with the first home game after a disappointing result against Leeds in a game that many including myself thought we could have got something out of.

Tonight could be an interesting one with Barnsley a well established Championship side who won on the opening day with some familiar Strikers to many Wolves fans. Leon Clark was a regular on the fringes of the Wolves squad for quite a while and Craig Davies was another player with a point to prove after not been given a chance in the McCarthy era.

Leone Clark has a point to prove

Anything less than a win for Wolves tonight will be a shock and one that will rile the Molineux faithful and one we don't really want to think about.

Are prediction 3-1 to Wolves

Comment with your views

Ward and Doyle found out at Euros

2012-06-19T02:21:00.001-07:00

Well with the Euro's nearly over for our Wolves duo it came of no surprise that Ireland got found out in a very tough tournament.

Ward was probably the best of our back four last season (but that isn't really saying much) and he just looked a yard slower than any of the world class players that ran at him. But I don't think he was the main blame in the Ireland squad who were as a whole just not in the same league. Which was very similar to the way Wolves looked last season at times. But in true Wardy style he will be back with full effort next season and hopefully help us to a winning start at Leeds.

Doyle never really got a look in and was really non-existent, if you don't have a good Premiership season you aren't going to be able to cut it at a European level.

But both will hopefully take the experience, not get too down and hit pre-season in a few weeks in high spirits. Ireland will be deservedly on the next plane home and Foley will be glad he took an early holiday.

Your club your site

2012-06-12T08:12:00.001-07:00

Next season we are re-launching Southbank View and we are looking for contributors. Whether you go to every home or away or just the occasional match we would love you to share pictures and videos of you supporting the mighty Wolves.

If you are interested email me at bgoddard19@hotmail.com

Well beaten

2011-10-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Wolves suffered another home defeat and another dyer performance by a side who started so brightly in the season.
With our third home defeat in a row man around Molineux would have blamed two very poor decisions for the result but we were the making of our own downfall again.
After just 19 minutes of mostly Newcastle possession Wolves were behind as Denba Ba strolled through the Wolves defense. Similar to QPR it took untill we were 2-0 down before there was any sign of waking up and Gutierez hit the second blow.
But Wolves would have felt robbed not to have one back as Matthew Jarvis was clearly brought down in front of the Southbank.
The second half was equally as frustrating with Karl Henry getting the most of the Wolves fans anger directed at him. When he was brought with 20 minutes to go their was an ironic applause around the bewildered Southbank most of who couldn't believe how bad we were again!
Wolves got one back to set up a grand stand finish when Steven Fletcher fired home another goal with two minutes to go.
Wolves fans couldn't believe there eyes when Doyle got on the end of Hamill's cross to hit the post then the back of the net. But the linesman wrongly ruled it to have gone out of play even though he clearly missed the incident.
But it was the performance that worried most fans and a repeat against West Brom next week will see much discontent.

A step forward

2011-09-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Just under 2,000 Wolves fans traveled to Anfield on Saturday including Southbankview.

From the start of the day we knew that we would be heavily outnumbered by Liverpool fans I would call them scousers but most of them were just tourists even on the train from Stafford to Liverpool we were far outnumbered by red shirts.

By the time we got to the away pub we were far too late to even fit through the door and were advised not too try any others near the ground so a couple of cans on the street was our scouse treat.
As always at Anfield when they walk out to "You'll never walk alone" is something really special as much as the Wolves fans tried to drown it out it just wasn't going to happen.

Wolves started very brightly with a few half chances shooting towards the kop then all of a sudden a push on Rodger Johnson gave Suarez the space which he needed to fire them 1-0 up. From here Wolves didn't play too badly but just before half time Wolves switched off again and left Suarez in far too much space out wide for him to cut back inside and fire them into an unassailable lead. From here it would have been easy for it to have been 4 or 5. But this Wolves side is better than that and a tactical change by Mick at half time and Wolves came out ready to fight the odds. The appearance of Steven Fletcher seemed to have an immediate affect and within the first ten minutes Fletcher fired a goal back in front of the travelling fans. But quality was again evident at the other end and Wayne Heynessey pulled off two outstanding blocks to keep us with a fighting chance. Karl Henry had a much better performance and unlike last week deserved his gold shirt but we never really got another clear cut chance and the appearance of Steven Gerrard just about finished the game off.

Too many changes

2011-09-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wolves were well and truely hammered by a confident QPR side at Molinuex on Saturday.

Wolves started the game badly when new signing Joey Barton after Rodger Johnson left him unmarked to put in the goal from ten yards. Wolves were two behind before they knew what was happening after some awful defending as all four defenders stood in the box watching the ball sail in. The only chance in the first half was by Karl Henry who hit the post. But after starting with 4 in midfield Wright Philip and Barton stole the show and QPR could have scored any number of goals. The second half was even worse with no fight from a really bad Wolves side who were again cut open by QPR after 87 minutes with DJ Cambell there to dispatch the ball into the goal. Wolves got physical in the final which we should have done from the start but all in all a game to forget.
In my opinion starting Ward upfront and not playing five in midfield was are downfall and we really missed Hunt and Fletcher but a very worrying performance.

Wolves v QPR

2011-09-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

After a defeat last week Wolves will be looking to get back to winning ways with an easier looking home game on Saturday against QPR.
Wolves have been hit by injury since the Tottenham game with Stephen Hunt and Kevin Foyley both having ankle problems but will be expected to return for Saturday's game. Steven Fletcher however may not be so lucky and is expected to be missing so Wolves could be down to one striker with Ebanks Blake already out injured. This could help Wolves however and see the return of Milijas.
QPR are a team who will play with no fear coming to Molineux with new signings Joey Barton and Shaun Wright Philips looking to make an impact. The problematic Joey Barton will again face the full effect of a vocal South Bank after his beating last season I would like to see the Wolves midfield to a similar job on him again.

Barton will have this sight all afternoon

North Bank reborn but Wolves of the old

2011-09-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

On a day when the bottom tier of the new North Bank was re-opened it was a Wolves performance of old that silenced Molineux

Wolves started as they left of really troubling Tottenham with a number of half chances for Doyle and Fletcher. The first half seemed very even with chances at both ends and Richard Stearman was the hero of the first half with a brilliant on the line clearance to keep it level at half time.
The second half was much less even with Spurs on top for the majority of the half and Gareth Bail proving his class and responded to the southbank's call of "hes's got a monkeys head". Wolves fell asleep on the 60th minute when Adebayor who had not really featured dispatched it coolly. Wolves look like a point could still be within reach with a series of half chances until on the 80th minute after a slip by Stearman left Defoe free to finish the game off.
As a whole not a bad performance in a game where we could have got a draw on another day but at times we were definitely outclassed. On previous occasions we have reversed that golf in class with effort but Tottenham were much more switched on to this but on a whole not a bad performance.

Wolves v Tottenham

2011-09-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Can Wolves continue their unbeaten start to the season when Tottenham visit Molineux this weekend? For Wolves's second home game of the season.

The reconstructed will again be full well the bottom tier of it anyway will be a sea of gold again.
Spurs will be very wary of a Wolves side who have started their Premier League campaign with a bang with seven points from three games. Tottenham are yet to pick up any points after two defeats and their opening game postponed.
If the game is half as good as the same fixture last season we are if for a cracker after a high tempered 2-2 draw which saw a Wolves goal wrongly disallowed. There is no doubting the quality in this Spurs side however and we will have to be on our best to get anything from this fixture. Matt Jarvis looks to have picked up an Ankle injury so is looking very doubtful for the fixture which could see Hunt switched to the left and Kightly reintroduced on the right hand side of Midfield.
Southbankview will again be at the game providing images and videos from the heart of the action.

No business is good business on Deadline Day

2011-09-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

As 11pm approached last night, whilst many managers were rushing between various training grounds, stadiums and hotels frantically trying to broker a last minute deal, Mick McCarthy was probably tucked up in bed with his Horlicks and good book, well away from the chaos of 'Transfer Deadline Day'. It really is pure theatre, and Sky Sports News thrives on it. Jim White nearly has a coronary as yet another deal filters through, Brian Swanson delights in updating us on exactly how many millions have been spent so far by Premier League clubs and a selection of roving reporters are deployed to stand outside training grounds around the country and get mobbed by a bunch of nutters excitedly awaiting news of their club's new signing (or just wanting to get their face on TV).

Whilst this is undoubtedly great entertainment, I really was glad we weren't part of it, for it really is a mugs game. Waiting for a Wolves signing on deadline day is like waiting for a Christmas card in July, it just isn't going to arrive. But by the same analogy, I guess we’re still enjoying the easter eggs. Wolves completed the majority of their business early in the window and are already reaping the rewards. The captures of Jamie O'Hara, Dorus De Vries and in particular Roger Johnson for a combined total of £7.5 million should earn Jez Moxey a knighthood! When you look at Blackburn paying up to £8 million for Scott Dann, and QPR agreeing to pay Shaun Wright-Phillips 80k a week, it shows just how brilliant our transfer activity has been. We practically raped and pillaged the Brummies for Johnson - I still can’t believe we got him for just £4 million - and no doubt a lot of haggling was involved with Spurs in the £3.5 million deal for O'Hara.

Another smart bit of business sense was to shift no less than 17 players from the wage bill, although the majority have left on loan. Messrs Maierhofer and Halford have departed Molineux for good, adding a couple of million to the coffers, Keogh and Mouyokolo have been farmed out to Leeds and Sochaux respectively whilst youngsters such as Davis and Malone have been allowed the opportunity to play regular football lower down the leagues. It makes little business sense to have assets on your book who are proving nothing more than a drain on your resources, so Wolves have been quick to clear the decks.

Potentially the biggest success of the transfer window though was to hold on to the likes of Doyle, Jarvis and Hennessey. Both Jez and Mick had said all along that Wolves would be holding on to their best players, and true to their word, all the crown jewels are still firmly in place. It cannot be understated how important it was to keep the team together, and to make it clear Wolves are in no way a selling club. To have other clubs looking at our players is a mark of how well they have performed. We have the core of a good, solid Premier League team who did eventually achieve 40 points last season. This is already a good base to build from, regardless of any new signings.

Despite Wolves making noises that they had most likely concluded their business, the twitterverse was awash with all sorts of wonderful rumours, linking Wolves with the likes of Henri Lansbury, Mame Biram Diouf and Gary Hooper to name just three, none of which actually materialised. The club did confirm there was a possibility of a last minute loan deal, but weren’t really concerned when it didn’t come off. The biggest story on the back page of the E&S tonight is about Raul Meireles’ move to Chelsea, which tells you all you need to know about Wolves involvement on deadline day.

Overall, this transfer window hasn’t been the most dramatic but Wolves have still made good solid progress, hopefully a microcosm of the season ahead. It seems Wolves have now reached a milestone in their development. Mick has achieved the holy grail of having two quality players competing for every position. For the first time since we have been at this level, we have a good Premier League squad, with a consistent first choice eleven. To significantly improve on what we have would probably take money that Wolves do not have, or at least are not prepared to spend. It is only worth buying a player if he is going to improve the squad and has a chance of making the starting line-up. To this end, packing the squad with Halfords, Castillos and Surmans is not the way forward, which the club now seem to have realised. At the end of the day, you can still only name 25 in your squad, no matter how many players you buy.

Whilst some might grumble, I can only doff my cap to the 3 Ms and their ‘New Wolves’ revolution. We’re clearly going places, but doing it by the book. Money does not always equal success but prudent financial management does. Sustainability is the buzz word here; Wolves are building for the future. There is clear investment both on and off the pitch, but nothing that is going to come back to haunt us further down the line. There is a lot to be said for living within your means. For me, Jez Moxey in particular deserves a huge pat on the back for keeping the club on the straight and narrow through what have been difficult financial times. Those who question ambition, or expenditure for that matter, need only look at the plans to upgrade Molineux and the training ground, most likely heading over £100 million upon completion. On the pitch, Wolves have hardly sat in the background, spending upwards of £30 million since arriving in the Premier League two years ago.

The upshot of all this is that Wolves are embarking upon a campaign in their healthiest position for many, many years. There are plenty of reasons to believe that the class of 2011 can avoid another ‘Survival Sunday’ and maybe even challenge for the top ten, such is the optimism around Molineux at the moment. This season’s team already look a different animal to last season, funnily enough with Johnson and O’Hara right at the heart of the side having bedded in superbly. Wolves are in great shape and great form. I’m sure Mick McCarthy slept well last night. UTW!

Point proven at Villa Park

2011-08-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

Panic! Disaster! Crisis! Wolves have failed to win a game for the first time this season! Our treble challenge is surely on the slide now… Ok, so the free flowing attacking football exhibited by Wolves in their opening two games was somewhat lacking against Villa, but this was still a hard earned point in a game that last season’s side would surely have lost. I do feel for any neutral who decided to flick on Sky Sports in the hope of seeing a ‘derby cracker’ because this was as far from total football as could be imagined, in fact I applaud anyone who managed to stay awake for the 90 minutes, but what they would have seen was evidence of the continued evolution of this Wolves team from relegation contenders into an established Premier League side.

Judging by the crowd inside Villa Park (which can only be described as ‘sparse’ with a mere 30,776 in attendance) I guess the majority of fans weren’t anticipating a classic either. I don’t think I have ever experienced such a flat atmosphere for a derby game, even by Villa’s standards it was quiet! I’m sure the highlight for Wolves fans was that Danielle Lloyd, fiancé of Mr O’Hara, decided to grace us with her presence in the away end. She’s always welcome to sit by me… But anyway, back to the game, and this really was a typical 0-0 bore draw. It was more a game of who can give the ball away the most, which descended into something of a midfield slog, with chances at a premium. Wolves never seemed to settle on the ball as they had done previously, often presenting it straight back to an opposition player. The defence has come on leaps and bounds though following the introduction of Roger Johnson, and despite being stretched a couple of times coped well with Villa’s tame attacking effort.

There may be complaints about the lack of creativity from Wolves, particularly when Jarvis and Hunt were replaced by Elokobi and Foley, but the onus is on Villa, as the home team, to bring the game to us. One thing that annoyed me was the negative reaction of some fans to Mick’s substitutions, with some morons deciding to boo the manager. This was a smart tactical move though as sticking a couple of extra defensive players on made us more solid and saw us close out the game without too much trouble. My man of the match though is a toss up between Hennessey, Ward and Johnson, all of whom were excellent.

It is clear now that there is quality throughout the side, there are no weak links anymore. Wolves showed themselves to be a far more composed and professional unit, really looking at home at this level. Villa Park is never an easy place to come and pick up points, and after our dismal away record last season I’ll gladly take many more 0-0 draws on the road! As of Saturday night, we sit third in the Premier League heading into the international break. Providing none of our players manage to get themselves crocked during the next fortnight, if Wolves can maintain this form then maybe Mick’s target of the top 10 won’t look so daft after all… Up the Wolves!

Can we make it three in a row

2011-08-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Will Wolves make it three wins in a row away it Aston Villa? or Veeellllaaa as Wolves fans may know it.
After an outstanding display against Fulham and progressing in the Carling cup midweek Mick will be quietly confident coming into the first derby of the season.
The main threat as always will be Agbonlahor as I don't think Hesky will threaten our back four as it is at the moment. Villa may be a little bit nervous for the first time in many years of the travelling Wolves who look hungry for points and goals. The great thing at the moments is that teams don't know where we are going to be most lethal as we can attack down both wings and through the middle.

For travelling Wolves fans wanting a drink the Witton Arms is suggested which is only a two minute walk from the away end as most of the pubs will be home fans only.

Wolves show class in numbers

2011-08-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Wolves showed the class of their squad in a comfortable 4-0 win at Northampton.

In front of about 1,000 travelling fans Wolves fielded a second string squad but it did include Ebanks Blake,Milijas and Sam Vokes who all grabbed goals.

A good atmosphere was created by the travelling fans who all enjoyed the free flowing performance and never was a win ever in doubt. The increase in quality in the squad has obviously filtered down to the reserve and fringe players and Wolves will eagerly anticipate who we draw in the next round.

Wolves v Northampton

2011-08-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Wolves travel to Northampton for the second round of the Carling Cup tonight after two wins in two so far in this campaign. Although we are likely to see a weakened side for Wolves tonight Mick Mcarthy will want to keep the winning momentum going. Both strikers could be changed with and Ebanks Blake likely to start. Northampon have not had the best start with four points from four games and were beat 3-2 at home to Cheltenham on Saturday.

Sixfields is in the bottom of a hill and about 15-20 minute walk from the Northampton train station just turn right and follow the road all the way down. On this road there are various pubs when I went we went to one opposite the train station and another on top of the hill behind the ground which will be very popular. On the road from the station to the ground there are fast food shops and off licences a very good away ground and we will be there.

2-0 to the dirty Wolves

2011-08-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

It was good to be back at Molineux on Sunday after a summer that seemed to drag on forever.
After an opening day win at the Ewood Park there was a massive buzz around the place with many a beer being drunk in the sunshine.
One thing was missing and that was the North bank which although was closed did look very impressive even though it is half done. Danny Murphey was again the brunt of the Wolves fans chants after his dirty Wolves comment last season and although he has been forgiven by Mick Mcarthy the Wolves faithful have not forgot or forgiven.

Wolves started the game as they left off against Blackburn with some free flowing football and various half chances but the Fulham defense stood strong until the half an hour mark. Kevin Doyle chased down a half hearted ball to find the Fulham defender unsure what to do. He nicked the ball and then easily floated around the stranded keeper only to fall back and put the ball flying into the disbelieving South Bank. But this was the sign of thing to come and 5 minutes later Doyle found a through ball near the byline to smash it in from a tight angle. The Wolves fans has barley stopped celebrating when the Fulham's defense was again breached by a free flowing Wolves move finished well by Matt Jarvis.

The second half was controlled by Wolves with lots of half chances for Wolves with long shots just wide by O'Hara and Hunt. Fulham had one big chance to set up a grand stand finish but Steven Ward was on hand with a last ditch tackle to stop the ball going in from a few yards. But Wolves finished the game in style leaving themselves top of the Premier League for the first time since the 1960's.

My man of the match was Rodger Johnson who did brilliantly to organize and steady the ship.

A golden day for Wolves

2011-08-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Nearly 4,000 Wolves fans made the trip up the M6 to watch our opening day of the season all the way up to Blackburn cars and buses were draped in gold and black. We decided to stop at the Golden something and after a few beers made our way down the Featherston(I think). But by the time we got there it was full and Wolves fans were in full voice and luckily we could still get a beer from the car park beer van! All Wolves fans were well behaved even though I dont know what they would have done if they weren't. A new Elokobi song for the season with the corous "I'm glad here came, I'm glad he came" I'm sure you will here it on Saturday.

Wolves fans had well and truly taken over Blackburn and optimism was high as we made our way up the steps up to the top tier to quite a good view even if we were still a little bit far away.

Wolves started on the back foot with Wayne Heynessey making a fantastic save and reminders of past visits to Ewood were evident. These were made worse by Formica who was played in by Jason Roberts after he muscled off Berra the shot was then cooly slotted it past the stranded keeper. But our heads didn't go down and we hit straight back after a good passing found Matt Jarvis who found Steven Fletcher who headed it straight in. From here Wolves brought the game to Blackburn with several openings before half time the best falling to Stephen Hunt who had a really great game and seemed back to what we saw at the end of last season. His chance was hit over but really should have found the back of the net but we'll forgive him after the work he put in. Blackburn really struggled to find any openings as Rodger Johnson took control and as the game went on Jason Roberts in particular looked to get very frustrated.

After half time Wolves came out the blocks with a bang with Matt Jarvis driving at the Blackburn defense and got took down in the box. Kevin Doyle put down the ball and I had visions of him firing it into the top corner as he did so well last season. But this time he looked more nervous and didn't get enough on the ball and the penalty was easily saved. As the home fans were still celebrating Steven Ward shut them up again as the ball was headed back out for him to volley into the net with great accuracy.

From here Rodger Johnson and Berra controlled the game even though there were a few nervous moments but full credit to a great Wolves performance. Rodger Johnson looked like he had been in that back four for years and Stephen Hunt was "Here there and everywhere" which opened up space for Matt Jarvis to work his magic.

Blackburn v Wolves

2011-08-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Wolves travel to Blackburn for the opening day of the Premier League season with sights on a much better season.

: Wolves travel to Ewood Park on Saturday

The two clubs met at Molineux on the final day of the season and helped each other to stay in the Premiership in a dramatic final day. This time the tensions won't be half as high with a big Wolves following of over 3,500 making the trip up north.

Blackburn haven't made many changes to their squad this summer with David Goodwille and Radosav Petrovic coming in to replace Phil Jones who left for Man United. Blackburn's home record was what kept them up last season with seven wins and seven draws at Ewood Park so they will expect a win on the opening day.

With only three away wins last season Mick Mcarthy will be looking for his side to start as they mean to go on this season. Wolves could be without Kevin Doyle for the trip but will include new captain Rodger Johnson as Mick Mcarthy looks for some better defensive displays in this campaign.

Live updates on twitter from bgoddard19

Four days to go

2011-08-08T08:03:00.001-07:00

After such a long countdown and build up to the Premier League we are finally there and Wolves look completely ready to take on "the big boys" again.

Another solid performance on Saturday will have filled Mick Mcarthy with a lot of confidence with another 2-0 win against the strongest pre-season side we have faced.

In particular I have been impressed with the midfield who look a lot more solid and playing more free flowing football than last season. Stephen Hunt has stepped up to the plate in particular in pre-season in a competitive midfield where any four of eight could start against Blackburn.

: Stephen Hunt has started where he left off

Fletcher provided Wolves second goal and has looked lively throughout the pre-season campaign and scored the second goal from a set piece against Real Zaragoza to send his confidence through the roof.

: Steven Fletcher scores the second against Real Zaragoza

As a whole Wolves have looked a lot more solid thanks to new signing Rodger Johnson which was our weak link last season and why he has been given the captains arm-band.

Here we go again

2011-08-01T09:17:00.001-07:00

With two wins in a week Wolves look to be back in full flight with under two weeks before the first league outing of the season.

The week started brightly with a hard fought 2-0 win away a Celtic with Kevin Doyle showing he is ready and raring to go. After a long week of traveling Wolves headed to Ipswich for their second pre-season game of the week. With this in mind Wolves started with a weaker squad with re-enforcement on the bench. Wolves found themselves 1-0 down with 75 minutes gone when a drastic change turned the match on its head. In particular Stephen Hunt who scored an equalizer and Sylvain Ebanks Blake who got the winner showing that the sharpness is really returning.

: Slvain Ebanks Blake gets the winner at Ipswich

This week will be back to normal business with a hard week of training before a home friendly on Saturday against Real Zaragoza.

Good start but improvements needed

2011-07-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

The week started brightly for the Molineux men with a local deby against Walsall seeing a huge 2,000 away fans although we seem to take that many every season to the Bescott. A mixed performance saw Wolves win 4-2 in the end after a worrying first half which saw Wolves take the lead twice but go in at half time 2-2. A different side with a bit of extra class from Rodger Johnson and Matt Jarvis came out in the second half to win 4-2. Wolves looked very confident in the second half and were very impressive disposing of a weak second half Walsall side. On Saturday a dominant Wolves display saw Wolves take an early lead through Matt Jarvis but the old Molineux curse hit again on the 90th minute when Neal Bishop hit the equalizer. How many times did we see this in important games last season? Lets hope Mick can sort it out on the road this week with massive away journeys to Celtic and Ipswhich although I think a new defender is needed at some point.