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L O B N U D L O C N S S R UPPORTE Wolverhampton Wanderers LONDON SUPPORTERS CLUB founded 1966

“EVERY CLOUD HAS A HI-HO SILVER LINING”

“WELCOME DEAN SAUNDERS”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE G From the Chair G Wolvesʼ News G Wolvesʼ Ladies G Social News G Match Reports G AGM Minutes G Travel Details

Jan 2013 FROM THE CHAIR

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS Hi and Greetings to Everybody, LONDON SUPPORTERS CLUB First things first, let me apologise for the delayed arrival of your Newsletter. Unforeseen events have been the cause, as well as our stand-in editor, Steve Honorary Life President Ray, wanting to include pictures from our Christmas Lunch event which was 1968-2007 held prior to the evening kick off against Birmingham City. On that score, my Derek Dougan thanks go to Roy Eagles for organising a splendid afternoon, and to Lawson Honorary President John Richards at The City Bar, for the super food and the first class venue. Chairman At this point, I was intending to say a few words of welcome to our Manager, Stuart Earl Stale Solbakken, in the hope that he was on the way to turning the fortunes of Deputy Chairman our team around. However, as it turns out, he was on his way...... way out of Stef Leonard the Club. It cannot be much of a surprise to any of us who witnessed some of Honorary Members the dire performances and results of late, particularly in the games against Sir Jack Hayward OBE Peterborough, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, and the never-to-forget match at Steve Bull MBE Luton Town in the FA Cup. Thereʼs no doubt that we have talented players in Secretary the squad, but they seemed, to me at least, lacking in direction and were Dave Slape confused at the “system” we were supposed to be playing. I think his depar - Treasurer ture was inevitable after that game and praise must go to the Chairman, Steve Tim Richards Morgan, Jez Moxey and the Board for the swift decision, and the equally swift Travel Secretary appointment of Dean Saunders. I, personally, like this appointment and wish Peter Woodifield Dean much success in the hot seat. Entertainment Officer Roy Eagles I was pleased to see that our friend, and most successful manager of recent times, Mick McCarthy, has found success in his new position at Ipswich Town. Minutes Secretary Leo Masters We will always be very grateful to Mick for arranging for us all the “Meet the Players” events and, of course, to his “surprise” attendance at our 45th Newsletter Editor anniversary dinner. I have sent him our best regards and wish him every Steve Ray success excluding, of course, any of his return visits to Molineux. Committee Members Stan Armett On the playing side, I have to say that I have been disappointed with some of Steve Ray Peter Bartlett the new signings and only Bakery Sako has managed to catch my eye. Even Bob Goddard at this stage of the season he looks to be a very strong contender for our Matthew Hawthorne “Player of the Year” award, along with Carl Ikeme who has produced some Club Contacts outstanding performances. But, hopefully, the fresh start with Dean Saunders Stuart Earl 01760 756278 will see the new managerʼs ideas taking shape, the injuries lessen, and the team regain its confidence and start climbing the table. Dave Slape 0208 764 8023 On a sad note, it was with great regret that I received the news just prior to Peter Woodifield Christmas that one of our original members, Jeff Ball, had passed away. Jeff 01634 363704 was the first Wolves supporter I ever spoke with, and was an ever present e-mail traveller on our coach adventures. [email protected] website My thanks go once again to Steve, who has stepped into the editors shoes www.londonwolves.com again, as well as compiling his match reports with the most amusing headlines. Your Committee hope that you had a great Christmas, and wish you all the best for a happy and successful New Year.

designed & printed by Alp Media, Bromley. stuTd:[email protected] rg.uk E: 1 WOLVESʼ NEWS

London Wolves Sponsor Wolves Ladies

London Wolves announced at the Christmas Lunch that they have decided to sponsor the Wolves Ladies Team for the 2012-2013 season. Last season the ladies won promotion to the FA Womenʼs Premier League Northern Division which completed a League and Cup double. Here we can see social events guru Roy Eagles presenting a £500 cheque to ladies captain Anna Perks and last yearʼs sponsored lady Amber Quick, along with the help of old favourite Jody Craddock Leonard Junior

London Wolves would like to welcome its newest member into the fold, Madilyn-Grace Leonard who was born on Saturday 22nd December, weighing in at 7lb 6oz. Baby Madilyn-Grace was an early present from Santa and our congratulations go to Jack and mother Heather who lives in Salt Lake City in Utah. That makes long-time Committee Member and former Newsletter Editor, Stef Leonard, Grandpa to an American Biddy... When Dave Slape was given the news that the new arrival weighed seven and a half pounds he typically replied... "Shouldnʼt that be dollars?"... Every oneʼs a winner when Slape's around!!!!! Robin’s Book – A Tale of Two Wanderers

London Wolves member, Robin Prickett, published his own account of following two Wanderers, Wolves and the Choirboysʼ since his teen years. The Wanderers’ Years is a love story with a difference; dealing with the passion and pride of following TWO football clubs Wolverhampton and Wycombe Wanderers. From the early seduction as a thirteen year old boy to present day adulthood; the author relates to his personal experiences of following these very different clubs. He relives past encounters and stories, highlighting special matches that over 45 years of watching has brought. If you like football and life, this is the book for you. Its available on Kindle and can be purchased on Amazon for £1.98 or you can buy it from Lulu in paperback for £8.99. Jim Heath

At London Wolves we are very sad to announce that lifelong fan and London Wolves member Jim Heath sadly passed away on the 18th August at the age of 53. Jim wrote 20:20 Vision which gave the most obscure, interesting, strange facts and thoughts about his beloved Wolves, and he was once featured on the Midlands Tonight News programme. WWLSC wanted to respect JIm’s memory and Dave Slape was accompanied by Jim’s daughter Nicholl, and sister Alison, to place a wreath before the Derby match at the North Bank End behind the goal, where he had spent so much of his life. In memory of Jim the London Wolves members who travel on club trips raised the magnificent sum of £150 which was divided between the Severn Hospice and Jim’s Cricket Club, St George’s in Telford. Like a true Wolves fan, and with a great sense of humour, Jim had selected the final piece of music at his funeral to be The Liquidator.

2 WOLVESʼ LADIES

Wolverhampton Wanderers Women’s FC

During last summerʼs London Olympic Games a crowd of 70,584 watched Team GB Women beat Brazil Women in a stunning game at Wembley, which fired up the enthusiasm for womenʼs football in this country.

It was a new record for womenʼs football in the UK, but it took a long time to beat the previous record, which was set on Boxing Day 1920!

53,000 fans packed Goodison Park, with another 15,000 turned away to watch Dick Kerrʼs Ladies take on St Helenʼs Ladies. The Dick Kerrʼs Ladies were munitions workers who took over the factories in Preston while the men were away fighting in the First World War. The team became instantly successful, attracting capacity crowds, and raising money for injured servicemen.

Womenʼs football started to attract more spectators than the menʼs game...and the FA didnʼt like it. An FA con - sultant said the game was “quite unsuitable for females,” and in 1921 an FA ruling banned the womenʼs game from FA pitches – pushing it onto muddy fields. The ban lasted until 1969 – nearly 50 years – when it was lifted.

But womenʼs football didnʼt really start to develop until 1993, when the FA decided to take over the administration of the womenʼs game. This was 72 years after their original ban!

Wolverhampton Wanderers Womenʼs FC became one of the founder members of this league, having been in existence since 1975. They were initially known as Heathfield Rovers, then became Wolverhampton & Wednesbury Tube, before taking on the name of Wolverhampton Wanderers with the formation of the FA League in 1993.

After struggling financially, Wolves Women became a limited company in 1999, with several influential local business people joining the board, including BBC presenter Jenny Wilkes (Chairperson) and England Womenʼs Cricket Captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint.

The club developed a strong youth programme, with teams ranging from Under 10s to seniors, and several players going on to represent England, including Rachel Unitt, Jody Handley and Emily Westwood. Aston Villaʼs European Cup-winning Captain Dennis Mortimer was appointed Manager in 2000 and successfully managed the team in the Premier League for three seasons.

The 2006/07 season was a difficult one for Wolves Women, seeing them relegated to the Midland Combination on the last day of the season. This was the first time the club had been outside the top flight of womenʼs foot - ball since being invited to join the FA Womenʼs National League.

In a landmark move for the club, the 2008/09 season saw the womenʼs section join the youth teams in being taken on board by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, forming part of Wolves Community Trust. Wolves Girlsʼ and Womenʼs Football now forms an important part of this famous club, and boasts 6 teams, ranging from Under 11s upwards.

The 2011/12 season saw Manager James Astleʼs 3 year plan come to fruition, as his team won the League and Cup double, and with it promotion back to the FA Womenʼs Premier League Northern Division. With a move to a new home at the impressive Castlecroft Stadium, these are exciting times for the womenʼs team, with Astle hoping to consolidate their position back in the Premier League.

The FA are about to restructure again, following the success of the new summer Super League. With Wolves currently in the third tier of the womenʼs game, itʼs becoming more and more about money. Their sponsorship by London Wolves is greatly appreciated and hopefully will encourage more interest in the womenʼs section of the club. Wolves Women Chairperson Jenny Wilkes 3 SOCIAL NEWS

London Wolves’ Summer Walk 2012

This yearʼs Summer Walk took place on the Thames path between Richmond and Kingston, It was a Youngʼs & Fullerʼs affair organised by real ale guru Jeff Castro. Starting at the Orange Tree in Richmond, this yearʼs walk, again by the Thames, was ordained to be very wet, but super tour guide Castro fixed that. He arranged for a warning shower while we were in the Princeʼs Head, but that was it until 8pm. So an intrepid bunch of 17 met up in the Orange Tree, with ages from 2 upwards, to investigate some nine or ten hostelries. Early risers sneaked a quick breakfast in the Rugby pub on The Green with tea rather than TEA, but all were assembled in The Orange Tree, Richmond in good time. Youngest was Charley at 2, while most were slightly older. In the picture are (back row) Dave, John, Bob, Paul, Geoff, Steve, Dave, Stan and Jack (front row) Peter, Derek, Charley, Peter and Caroline while Ray was round the corner and Peter on the camera. Our official photographer couldnʼt make it this time, but she will be in action in Dublin for the Bray match! Somewhat later in the day, Andy joined us at the Boaters. The itinerary - Richmond: The Orange Tree, The Princeʼs Head, The White Cross, the Yarmouth Belle (well John got a drink on her), Kingston: The Bishop Out Of Residence, The Boatersʼ Inn (next to Tiffin Rowing), Teddington Lock: The Anglers (“No Fishing”) Twickenham: The Eel Pie (and maybe more; but double vision meant the photographer finished at the Railway Station)

Apart from The Summer Walk there werenʼt any more Social Events leading up to Christmas. I started to organise the Christmas Lunch in October 2012 and this year I was looking to introduce a new theme. In the first year we had former players and Ian Sludge Lees, a comedian and avid Wolves Fan as our main act. The second year, along with former players, we had a Magician/Balloon Man as our main act. Last year we had former players with our entertainment coming from Steve Daley. This year I wanted an all Wolves theme and was lucky enough to have some fantastic guests including the legendary Dave Wagstaffe, Graham Hawkins, Matt Murray, selected Wolves Ladies and various members of the current Wolves setup, who all made a massive contribution to a brilliant afternoon. May I express my thanks to the Wolves Women for donating a signed shirt and to Robin Prickett for donating his book, the Wanderersʼ Years as part of our Raffle prizes. I would also like to say a big Thank You to Lawson and his staff at the City Bar for making it such a great afternoon. Last but not least, I would like to thank all our Guests for attending our Christmas Lunch and to all London Wolves members for their tremendous support.

ARoHyaEppayglaens d Prosperous New Year to you all. London Wolves Entertainment Officer

(Pictures from the event can be seen on the back Cover} 4 PHOTO GALLERY

London Wolves on tour to Ireland

Saturday July 21st Bray Wanderers

Wayne Hennessey pitch side presentation

Graham Hawkins Charity Dinner

5 WOLVESʼ POST

Dominic Sandbrook is a self-confessed Wolves Supporter. He is a much published writer and over the years has written book reviews and various columns for newspapers including the Telegraph, Sunday Times, Observer, Financial Times and Evening Standard, these days his columns appear mostly in the Daily Mail. After a conversation with our very own committee member Robert Goddard in the City Bar he’s penned an article for London Wolves about our very own unsung hero Stephen Ward. WHY WE SHOULD LEARN TO LOVE STEPHEN WARD

When most people are asked to choose their favourite player, they simply go for the best. But over the last few years, my favourite player has been one that many Wolves fans regard as one of our worst - a man bought as a forward from the League of Ireland, who has almost never played in his original position, but has become a controversial mainstay of the back four. I am thinking, of course, of Stephen Ward. Wardy isn't not the most skilful player at the club. Far from it. He's not the best defender, either. He's not a very charismatic player. He doesn't get the crowd excited; he doesn't wind up opponents; he rarely does anything memorable, apart perhaps from backing off for 30 yards before his opposite number lashes the ball into Wolves's net. But what nobody, not even his fiercest critics, can deny is that he gives his all. He's a trier. His head rarely drops; he always gets stuck in. To some fans, those words stick in the craw. Ward was the ultimate Mick McCarthy player, an honest trier who never gave up but who hit a wall in our disastrous third Premier League season. Go onto the forums, and you find plenty of people castigating Ward as the symbol of everything that went wrong. Ask what they want for Christmas, and top of the list is usually a new left back. What his critics dislike about Ward is precisely what I like about him. I used to play left back for my college team, because, like Ward, I wasn't good enough to play anyway else. When I see him take the pitch, I recognise a fellow trier. His critics may well moan that Ward represents perspiration over inspiration, but they forget that back in 2006, when Mick McCarthy first came to the club, those qualities were exactly what Wolves need - ed. After two years of Glenn Hoddle, most of us were desperate to watch people who felt lucky to wear the gold shirts; people who gave their best; people who got stuck in. That was what we liked about Michael Kightly and Kevin Foley and Karl Henry - and what we liked about Ward, too. It's easy to say that the club should have moved on and bought better players. But you need a few honest triers around, people who don't mind switching positions, people who would happily play in goal if the manager asked them. Back in the 1970s, Leeds had Paul Madeley; in the 1980s, Liverpool had Steve Nicol. Even treble-winning Manchester United had Phil Neville, for goodness's sake. They weren't the best play - ers by a long chalk. But every club needs one or two. Under McCarthy, we might have had rather too many. But I wouldn't get rid of Stephen Ward in a hurry. You never know when you might need him - a cold, dark night when half the squad's gone down with flu, you're facing a tricky away trip to an intimidating ground, and you need a man who'll put up his hand and volunteer to play anywhere for you.

And then there's Anfield. Do I really need to say more? Dominic Sandbrook

6 WOLVESʼ POST

My First Game by Dave Gilson

Saturday September 7th 1940 – Charlton Athletic 1 v Millwall FC 3 in a ʻWartime South Divisionʼ match. Near the end of the match, a few ʻLuftwaffeʼ aircraft came over. The players went off the field but came back on to finish off the few minutes left. In the evening I bit my tongue when leaning out of an upstairs window whilst watching the ʻdog–fightsʼ high up in the sky. This day was the first day of the ʻBlitzʼ, we had ʻdouble-summer timeʼ so it was very light until quite late.

From June 1939 to May 1941, my mother and I lived only a few minutes from ʻThe Valleyʼ ground near the River Thames and the docks on the southern bank. A pensioner, Mr. Legrade, who lived down our road took me along to the match attended by only about 5,000 due to the Governmentʼs crowd limits (for Sport, Cinema & Theatre, etc) which were soon lifted.

In the 1938/39 season, Charlton had been in the 1st Division (the top division) and Millwall had been in the 3rd Division South. However, in the Summer of 1940 Charlton were short of some of their best players, like Don Welsh, who were stationed in the Army, RAF or Navy a long way from London.

Because travel was disrupted during WWII, the Football League was divided into a North Division and a South Division. The boundary was somewhere around Birmingham and Leicester. I think Coventry City FC was in the Southern League in the 1938/1939 season so were not involved. Although Wolves closed down for a year (1940/41 when our players played for other teams which was the accepted practice) Wolves were in the North Division for the rest of the War.

My ʻAll-Timeʼ Wolves team includes a mid-field of Bill Slater, ʻthe Greatʼ Stan Cullis (Capt of England at 22yrs old in May 1939 when Left-Back Eddie Hapgood of Arsenal was out injured) and Billy Wright (only just) and a forward-line of Johnny Hancocks, Peter Broadbent, ʻthe Great Dennis Westcott, Dennis Wilshaw and ʻthe Great Jimmy Mullen.

“O, bring back yesterday, bid time return”. Best Wishes ‘Dave’ Gilson

Dave Slape’s Sales

There are three different badges available each costing £3.00 (Club, 25th anniversary and 40th anniversary). Also, we have one (medium) crested badge weather jacket at a cost of £45.00

FEEDBACK

Please do write to us on all, or any, aspects which you feel would be of any interest or benefit to the Club from a supporterʼs perspective. address: 26 Brockenhurst Way, London SW16 4UD e-mail: [email protected] contacts: Stuart Earl 01760 756278 Dave Slape 0208 764 8023 Peter Woodifield 01634 363704

7 MATCH REPORTS

SHOT OF ADRENALINE deadlock when he struck the post with a There was no such let-off in the 17th REQUIRED shot from 20 yards, and so the game went minute when Leeds opened the scoring, to penalties. The shoot-out took place in and it was a poor goal to concede from a front of the new stand and after the first 13 Wolves point of view. Kenny cleared the WOLVES 1-1 ALDERSHOT penalties were converted the unfortunate ball from just outside his box to (aet - Wolves win 7-6 on penalties) Jordan Roberts could only watch on as McCormack on the left wing, he whipped Saturday 11th August 2012 (Capital One Cup 1st Round) Ikeme dived to his left to parry the ball in a cross that the unmarked Becchio met away on the 14th spot-kick and put at the far post with a diving header to If Wolves are to bounce back to the Premier Wolves into the second round draw. make it 1-0. Last season Wolves had one League at the first attempt then performances of the worst defences in the Premier League will need to improve significantly from the Opinion: Expected more effort for and on this showing theyʼre going to be out half-paced, half-hearted contribution shown Solbakken's first competitive game. of their depth in this division as well. Wolves against League Two opponents Aldershot Man of the match: Ebanks-Blake battled to get back in contention but in this Capital One Cup game at Molineux. Team Rating: 5/10 Kennyʼs only real save was to collect a Stale Solbakken's first competitive game Attendance: 11,555 Jarvis free-kick on the line. in charge saw his new look team struggle Team: Ikeme. Zubar, Ward, Henry (capt), to a 7-6 penalty shootout victory after the Stearman (Berra 105), Johnson, Forde, Wolves introduced their new alcoholic game had finished 1-1 at the end of 120 Davis (Hunt 105), Ebanks-Blake, Doyle Polish winger Slawomir Peszko at the start painstaking minutes. (Nouble 90), Doumbia of the second half and he immediately Unused Subs: Jonsson, Batth, Foley, added a bit of enthusiasm to Wolves Wolves kicked off their season attacking McCarey forward play. It took the best part of an the brand new North Bank Stand, but there Bookings: Johnson (26 - foul), hour but Wolves suddenly realised they was nothing new about the quality of football Henry (26 – foul) needed to start getting forward if they were produced in front of it. Solbakken's players to get anything out of the game. A slip by had a casual type attitude whereas Aldershot TO HELLAND ROAD White allowed Peszko to break into the had a more serious agenda of putting in AND BACK AGAIN Leeds box, but his final pass to Henry was plenty of effort to compensate for their lack poor and the chance was squandered. of quality in the skill department. However Wolves continued to pass the ball well and LEEDS UNITED 1-0 WOLVES retain possession, but their final touch in Wolves were still the more dominant of the Saturday 18th August 2012 teams in the first half with Doyle the closest the last third of the field was poor and they to scoring when he narrowly headed wide. failed to break down the Leeds defence and create any kind of clear cut chances. Zubar did hit the bar from a corner in injury time, but the whistle had already gone for an infringement.

Opinion: Itʼs going to be a long long season on this showing. Man of the match: Jarvis Team Rating: 5/10 Attendance: 23,745 Team: Ikeme, Zubar, Ward, Henry (capt), Stearman (Edwards 82), Johnson, Forde (Peszko 45), Doumbia, Ebanks-Blake First up for Wolves was a tricky away game (Sigurdarson 69), Doyle, Jarvis at Leeds managed now by our old mate Unused Subs: Hunt, Berra, Davis, Wolves finally moved into the lead six Colin. The game was covered by Sky with De Vries minutes into the second half, following a neat a 12:45 kick-off, it was a good incentive to Bookings: Doumbia (82 – unsporting move on the right Doumbia sent over a low get a morale boosting start and go straight behaviour), Peszko (89 - unsporting cross from the goal line that found to the top of the Championship, even behaviour) Ebanks-Blake, the striker turned sharply though only potentially for a few hours. inside the six yard box and fired home from an acute angle. The lead lasted just Wolves looked promising straight from the BARN STORMING nine minutes, a needless free-kick given kick-off earning a corner in the first minute, away on the left led to a corner for Aldershot, but from that point on it was Leeds who WOLVES 3-1 BARNSLEY when the ball was swung into the crowded looked the most threatening in what was a Tuesday 21st August 2012 area Rankine was left all on his own to scrappy first half. The first real chance fell pick his spot and head past Ikeme. to Leeds in the 10th minute and it was a After the half hearted performance against lucky escape for the Wolves defence. There Leeds it was a much improved Wolves who Both teams pushed for the winner but the was an almighty scramble following a cor - got their npower Championship campaign scores stayed level at the end of the 90 ner on the right, a header from Austin was up and running with a deserved 3-1 victory minutes. Extra time failed to separate the superbly saved by Ikeme and then Doyle over Barnsley. It was their first league win teams with Wolves youngster Anthony blocked the following shot on the line and at Molineux for nine months, the last time Forde coming the closest to breaking the somehow the ball was cleared away. beingagainst Sunderland last December, it

8 MATCH REPORTS

was also the perfect start at home for new Team Rating: 8/10 apply that final touch. With the game into manager Stale Solbakken. Attendance: 24,400 the third minute of injury time it looked like Team: Ikeme, Zubar, Ward, Henry (capt) Wolves had hung onto an unlikely point, A new game and a new attitude, Wolves (Edwards 64), Berra, Johnson, Peszko, but Derby substitute Robinson showed his had beaten Barnsley in all of their previous Doumbia (Davis 74), Ebanks-Blake team mates how to find the net when he six visits to Molineux and there was no (Sigurdarson 64), Doyle, Jarvis scored the equaliser with virtually the last way the stats were going to change with Unused Subs: Stearman, Nouble, Forde, kick of the game. Wolves tearing into Barnsley from the off. De Vries It took just seven minutes for Wolves to Bookings: None Opinion: Only deserved a point but still open the scoring, Ward intercepted a disappointing. throw-out from the Barnsley keeper and RAM RAID Man of the match: Ikeme played a neat one-two with Ebanks-Blake Team Rating: 6/10 before composing himself and sliding the WOLVES 1-1 DERBY COUNTY Attendance: 21,861 ball under the body of Gonzales. Wolves Saturday 25th August 2012 Team: Ikeme, Zubar, Ward (capt), Davis continued to control the game and another (Forde 58), Johnson, Berra, Peszko, shot from Ward and a header from Doyle If you look at the stats at the end of this draw Doumbia (Jonsson 86), Ebanks-Blake, narrowly missed the target, but for all their then Derby had most of the possession, Doyle, Edwards (Elokobi 76) efforts Wolves went in for their half-time most shots at goal and more corners. Carl Unused Subs: Stearman, Sigurdarson, cuppa just one goal to the good. Ikeme was by far the busier of the two Nouble, De Vries keepers but it was still disappointing to Bookings: None concede in the third minute of added time and throw away two points after leading A NIGHT ON THE TOWN from the 35th minute. Another disappointing aspect was the departure of Jarvis and NORTHAMPTON TOWN 1-3 WOLVES Fletcher this week to premier clubs that Thursday 30th August 2012 will probably be in the relegation dog fight (Capital One Cup 2nd Round) at the end of the season, so donʼt believe the drivel spouted by these two traitors Well its “Cloth Cap Cup” time again and even when they said “money had no bearing on though there were a few shaky moments it their departure”, good riddance. was still a comfortable 3-1 win for Wolves at Northampton Town. The reward for Wolves was a third round tie against Chelsea in a cup competition that has now become a In a rare attack at the start of the second worthless exercise as far as most managers half Barnsley had an attempt at goal when in the league are concerned. Harewood shot from the edge of the area, but like most of the afternoon Ikeme was To say that Wolves have been in inconsistent untroubled. Wolves doubled their advantage form so far this season is an understatement, on the hour mark, Ebanks-Blake found but they were always comfortable against himself clear following a through ball from League Two opponents Northampton. Doyle and made no mistake from ten After a lively start by the home side yards as the Barnsley defenders held their Wolves gradually took control and opened arms aloft appealing for offside. the scoring in the 17th minute, Forde sent over a corner from the left and the ball With 20 minutes remaining it was game As far as the football was concerned seemed to hit the legs of Batth and inad - over when Edwards added a third, Peszko Ebanks-Blake went close for Wolves in the vertently into the corner of the net. The made a good run on the right and put over 10th minute when he rattled the crossbar Cobblers rarely threatened the Wolves an inch perfect pass which Edwards headed from six yards out after Doyle had set him goal but they still managed an equaliser in from inside the six yard area. Barnsley up. It then turned into the Carl Ikeme show five minutes before the break when Platt pulled a goal back against the run of play as the Wolves keeper kept Derby at bay headed home after the ball was chipped in with 12 minutes remaining, Berra turned on his own with a string of superb saves, from the edge of the box. However the his back on a goal bound shot from Cywka especially when he brilliantly turned a shot lead didnʼt last long and Nouble still made and the ball went through the defenders by Ward onto the post. However it was sure Wolves went in 2-1 up at half-time legs and into the bottom left hand corner of Wolves took the lead against the run of when he scrambled the ball home in the net. Wolves went close again with five play in the 35th minute, a smart passing stoppage time. minutes left when Sigurdarson clipped the move from inside their own half ended top of the crossbar following a cross from when Doyle slotted home from close It was pretty much one way traffic in the Jarvis on the left, which was probably the range. second half with Wolves creating a host of wingerʼs last contribution in a gold shirt chances, but they had to wait until the last before departing for West Ham. The second half was more or less a minute before finally adding a third goal. one-sided affair with Derby camped in the Peszko fed new boy Sako outside the area Opinion: Great comeback at home fol - Wolves half of the field, they created and the midfielder who had come on as lowing the poor performance at Leeds. numerous chances but seemed unable to sub lashed an unstoppable shot into the Man of the match: Jarvis net from 20 yards. So itʼs off to Chelsea 9 MATCH REPORTS

Ikeme produced another great fingertip Ebanks-Blake found his way between two save to deny Whittingham his hat-trick defenders to head home. It was no more early in the second half to keep Wolves than Wolves deserved and as they piled hopes alive and Zubar should taken forward Doyleʼs curling shot was kept out advantage of his efforts on the hour mark, by a fingertip save from Schmeichel in the but he headed over the crossbar from City goal. The respite was short lived as close range when completely unmarked. Wolves grabbed a second goal just two The miss proved costly as Whittingham minutes later, Sako floated over a corner completed his hat trick just two minutes that was headed on by Doyle to the later, Doumbia conceded a free kick on the unmarked Steraman at the far post and he edge of the box and Whittingham sent his smashed it past Schmeichel into the net. free-kick into the top left-hand corner of the net. The game was basically finished as It was a totally different game in the second next and the joy of singing along to our old a contest and Wolves created nothing to half as Leicester constantly drove forward, favourite “The Liquidator”. reduce the deficit and left Wales pointless. and with twenty minutes left there seemed to be nothing on when Konchesky received Opinion: Bet the next round isnʼt as Opinion: Early lead too easily the ball in midfield, but out of nowhere he comfortable as this one was. surrendered following poor defending. lashed an unstoppable drive into the top Man of the match: Davis Man of the match: Doumbia corner of the net from 30 yards. It was real Team Rating: 7/10 Team Rating: 3/10 backs to the wall stuff as Wolves allowed Attendance: 3,758 Attendance: 22,020 the City midfield to push forward, and they Team: Ikeme, Stearman (capt), Elokobi, Team: Ikeme, Zubar (Stearman 73), nearly paid the penalty in the closing Davis, Mergreitter, Batth, Forde (Peszko Ward, Edwards (Nouble 73), Johnson, stages when Waghorn collected a pass 83), Jonsson (Doumbia 67), Nouble, Berra, Peszko (Forde 84), Doumbia, from Knockaert and drilled his shot against Sigurdarson, Boukari (Sako 67) Ebanks-Blake, Doyle (capt), Sako the foot of the post. However, unlike the Unused Subs: Berra, Hammill, Doherty, Unused Subs: De Vries, Elokobi, Batth, Derby game Wolves defence stood firm McCarey Davis and they held on for a valuable win. Bookings: Jonsson (43 – foul) Bookings: Ebanks-Blake (49 - foul) Opinion: Need to be consistent for ninety NO ACES IN THE FOXES HOUNDED OUT minutes. Man of the match: Stearman HOUSE OF CARDS WOLVES 2-1 LEICESTER CITY Team Rating: 6/10 Sunday 16th September 2012 Attendance: 20,030 CARDIFF CITY 3-1 WOLVES Team: Ikeme, Stearman, Ward, Doumbia Sunday 2nd September 2012 After a somewhat faltering start to the (Edwards 66), Berra, Johnson, Peszko (Boukari 73), Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake A Sunday afternoon hat-trick for Peter season Wolves got back to winning ways and hopefully kick-start their promotion (Sigurdarson 74), Doyle, Sako Whittingham condemned Wolves to a 3-1 Unused Subs: De Vries, Davis, Foley, defeat away to Cardiff City. It was a campaign with a 2-1 victory over Midland rivals Leicester City. It was a case of déjà Margreitter disappointing display from Wolves after Bookings: Henry (78 – foul) they had taken an early lead with a goal vu as the game followed a similar pattern from Bakary Sako who was making his to the previous home game against Derby Championship debut. where Wolves played well in the first half SMITH IS WOLVES JEWELL but faltered after the break. However on Cardiff created the first real chance but this occasion they hung on to claim all IPSWICH TOWN 0-2 WOLVES Ikeme showed he was up to the job with a three points. Wednesday 20th September 2012 great save from a Noone pile driver from the edge of the area. However it was Wolves went to Portman Road and took all Wolves who opened the scoring with a goal three points in a game that was evenly after just eight minutes, Ebanks-Blake was balanced until a bizarre own goal in the fouled outside the area and up stepped second half by Ipswich defender Tommy Sako to stick it in the net direct from the Smith. If anything it was Ipswich who had free kick. The joy was short lived as Cardiff the better of the chances, but some poor equalised just two minutes later, Noone finishing eventually ensured Wolves made a run into the box and Zubar dived ended up comfortable 2-0 winners by the in with the Cardiff striker looking for the time the referee had blown for full time. penalty, and the defender duly fell into the trap and conceded the spot kick. It was basically a rather uneventful first Whittingham sent the penalty down the half with more huff and puff than chances middle to make it 1-1. The game was turned It was Wolves who made the early running created, Wolvesʼ only chance came in on its head just three minutes later when and it was no surprise when they made the stoppage time when Sako met Boukariʼs Whittingham scored his second from the breakthrough in the 13th minute, Doumbia cross and his side footed volley was edge of the area to put Cardiff 2-1 up. floated over a free-kick from the left side of pushed out by Town keeper Loach and midfield towards the far post where booted clear by a defender.

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Ipswich were quick out of the blocks at the Ferguson. A goal in each half sealed a 2-0 CAPITALʼATION start of the second period and it was only victory, but it could and should have been Johnson at the heart of the Wolves by a much more comfortable victory than defence who prevented them going ahead the score line suggests. CHELSEA 6-0 WOLVES Tuesday 25th September 2012 by making two excellent blocks from Lee (Capital One Cup 3rd Round) Martin and Paul Taylor. Edwards then played Following their midweek victory away at his part with a great goal-line clearance by Ipswich it was Wolves who started in a hooking the ball out after Chopra looped confident mood and it came as no surprise the ball over Ikeme. Gradually Wolves when they took the lead in the 32nd took the initiative and Doyle twice went minute. Ebanks-Blake picked himself up close within a few minutes. Firstly he off the floor after being tripped in the area forced Roach into a diving save with a by McCann and slammed the resulting drive from outside the area and then went penalty right down the middle. It was no even closer when he hit the post from just more than Wolves deserved and they inside the box. should have had a second penalty only a few minutes later when Dioumbia went down under a challenge from Ntlhe, but the referee inexplicably waved play on. Peterborough had another lucky escape when Foley picked out the ever consistent Doyle, but his snap-shot was finger tipped After this embarrassment of a performance over the bar by keeper Olejnik. Further Wolves new manager Ståle Solbakken chances went begging for Wolves and took full responsibility for the humiliation of they would have been disappointed going his team at Chelsea in this third round tie in at half time only one goal to the good. of the two bob cup. He blamed the “punishing schedule in recent weeks”, you are having a laugh mate, weʼre six games into the season, if anything the players are still Wolves eventually went into the lead in the getting up to full match fitness and need 68th minute following that own goal from games under their belt. Smith, the defender was all on his own as he met Sakoʼs free-kick and the ball spun Regardless of opinion Solbakken sent out up off his right foot before hitting his arm the reserve team at Stamford Bridge and on its way into the net. Wolves made sure they were promptly destroyed by Chelsea. of the points when Doumbia doubled the Cahill struck first in only the fourth minute lead after 77 minutes, he drilled a great when he out-muscled Stearman at the right-footed shot into the corner of the net back post to head home a free-kick following from all of 25 yards. Ipswich were booed a harsh foul given against Zubar. Three off the field at the end and Paul Jewell Peterborough offered little resistance to minutes later it became a mountain to must now fear for his job at Portman Road. the Wolves onslaught in the second half climb when the unmarked Betrand fired Opinion: Not great, but first away win of and the second goal eventually came in home from just inside the area. It was the season can only raise confidence. the 82nd minute, Ikemeʼs long clearance game over in the 17th minute when Mata was flicked on by Doyle to Sigurdarson made it 3-0 after playing a one-two with Man of the match: Edwards who drew the keeper before flicking an Torres that opened the Wolves defence Team Rating: 7/10 angled shot into the net for his first Wolves like a can of sardines. Wolves night was Attendance: 16,540 goal. Wolves knocked it about for the summed up five minutes later when Team: Ikeme, Stearman, Ward, Edwards, remaining eight minutes plus time added Peszko was put clean through and he Berra, Johnson, Sako, Henry (capt) on, but they can expect a sterner task missed an open goal after rounding the (Doumbia 66), Sigurdarson (Ebanks- against the improving Crystal Palace in keeper. Blake 66), Doyle (Margreitter 80), Boukar i their next game. Unused Subs: De Vries, Peszko, Hunt, Eight second half minutes had passed Foley Opinion: Up to fifth now with two home when Moses went down so easily it was Bookings: Boukari (80 – foul) games coming up. laughable, apart from that is in the referees Man of the match: Doyle eyes, Romeu stepped up to make it 4-0 Team Rating: 7/10 from the spot kick. Things got even worse BLAKEʼS HEAVEN Attendance: 9,280 when that man Torres, who canʼt usually Team: Ikeme, Foley (Stearman 81), hit a barn door from five yards made it 5-0 PETERBOROUGH 0-2 WOLVES Ward, Henry (capt), Berra, Johnson, when given the time and space to head Saturday 22nd September 2012 Peszko (Boukari 60), Doumbis, Ebanks- home from a corner. Moses completed the Blake (Sigurdarson 66), Doyle, Sako rout when he scored Chelseaʼs sixth with a It was the third win in a week for Wolves Unused Subs: De Vries, Edwards, Hunt, header. All in all a bad night for all and they certainly wonʼt get it any easier Margreitter concerned wearing the gold shirt, and than this against a poor Peterborough team Bookings: Henry (60 – foul), even worse for those who had taken time managed by former Wolves boy Darren Boukari (89 - foul) 11 MATCH REPORTS

off work and travelled to the Capital on a be parried behind by Speroni. There was a week night to see their beloved Wolves contentious moment just before half-time team humiliated. when Sako appeared to trip Zaha in the box, but fortunately for Wolves the referee Opinion: Another manager showing total waved play on. disrespect for his supporters. Man of the match: The Loyal Supporters Team Rating: 1/10 Attendance: 32,569 Team: De Vries, Stearman, Zubar, Edwards (capt), Batth, Margreitter, Peszko (Ismail 83), Boukari (Nouble 64), Sigurdarson, Davis, Hunt (Forde 45) Unused Subs: Ikeme, Jonsson, Foley, There was very little to trouble either Price goalkeeper as Wolves, without seriously Bookings: None threatening a second, looked comfortable with their one-goal advantage. In the end SAKO TOO WISE Wednesday looked lethargic and Ikeme Wolves were again dominant at the start of watched on as his team mates strolled to FOR THE OWLS the second half and the pressure finally three easy points. paid off in the 53rd minute when they opened the scoring. Delaney's hesitancy WOLVES 1-0 SHEFFIELD WED Opinion: Should use games like this on the edge of the area was punished by Saturday 29th September 2012 against poor opposition to boost the goal Ebanks-Blake who gratefully drilled a low difference. shot past Speroni. Doyle almost made it Thatʼs four league wins in a row and up to Man of the match: Doyle 2-0 soon after when his shot crashed back third place in the Championship for Team Rating: 6/10 off the crossbar after Sako's initial effort Wolves. Following the shambles at Attendance: 23,591 had been saved. Chelsea in midweek Razak Bokari was the Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Henry (capt), only player to keep his place in the side Berra, Johnson, Boukari (Peszko 14), It was that man Zaha who turned the game humiliated 6-0 at Stamford Bridge. Doumbis, Ebanks-Blake (Sigurdarson 83), on its head, in the 67th minute the Wolves Doyle (Batth 90+2), Sako defence stood still and watched him dribble Wednesday made the brightest start and Unused Subs: De Vries, Edwards, his way through the box and then slot the could easily have been awarded a penalty Stearman, Davis ball past Ikeme for the equaliser. Six minutes in only the second minute following a Bookings: Berra (17 – foul), later Palace went ahead through who else clumsy challenge in the area by Ward on Sako (42 – taking free-kick before whistle) but Zaha, he turned Ward inside out on the Antonio, but that was about the closest edge of the area and blasted a rising shot Wednesday could manage throughout the FREEDMAN OF THE into the top left hand corner of the net. whole ninety minutes. Wolvesʼ first attempt came in the 7th minute when PALACE FOR ZAHA Opinion: Canʼt give players like Zaha an Doyle fired a superb shot just over the inch of space or you get punished. crossbar from just outside the area. WOLVES 1-2 CRYSTAL PALACE Man of the match: Sako Wolves seemed content on shooting from Tuesday 2nd October 2012 Team Rating: 5/10 distance and Sako came close with a Attendance: 19,561 rasping 30 yard drive that was tipped over After four successive league wins under Team: Ikeme, Foley (Edwards 82), Ward, by Kirkland. As the crowd responded their belt it was back down to earth with a Henry (capt) (Davis 58), Berra, Johnson, Wolves upped the tempo and Doyle was bang for Wolves as Crystal Palace Peszko (Sigurdarson 70), Doumbia, narrowly off target with a left-footed effort marched out of town with all three points. Ebanks-Blake, Doyle, Sako from outside the area, then just a minute It wasnʼt an overall bad performance but Unused Subs: Stearman, Batth, Forde, later Sako again went close from a similar Mr Solbakken will be bitterly disappointed De Vries position. at losing after taking an early second half lead. The task in hand was simple really, Bookings: Henry (33 – foul) It was Sako who finally broke the deadlock to mark that man Zaha out of the game, just two minutes before half-time from a but Wolves gave the classy midfielder too SEALED WITH A FRENCH KISS free-kick on the edge of the area. The much space and time and he made them referee had the ball replaced to its original pay dearly with both Palaceʼs goals. BLACKBURN ROVERS 0-1 WOLVES position after Sako tried a quick chip over Saturday 6th October 2012 the wall that drifted wide. After being yellow Wolves enjoyed the lionʼs share of the carded for not waiting for the whistle his possession in the first half and everything After Wednesdayʼs disappointing home second effort was slammed low into the was orchestrated by Sako in midfield, and defeat against Crystal Palace it was back bottom right hand corner giving Kirkland it was from his cross on the half-hour mark to winning ways in what looked on paper a no chance. that Speroni brought off a superb save to potentially difficult away game at Blackburn. keep out Ebanks-Blake's header. Sako For the second game in a row it was The second half started at a snailʼs pace was causing Palace all kinds of problems Bakary Sako who pulled all the strings and and to be honest didnʼt get much quicker. on the left and his cross-shot then had to then scored a brilliant winner to send Wolves into third place in the Championship. 12 MATCH REPORTS

Wolves dominated the first half with Sako a goal after just ten minutes with some from the start and it was no surprise when thriving on the amount of room the Rovers poor defending. Ward got caught going they took the lead in the 21st minute, midfield were giving him, and he forced forward, and a ball to the far post between Petrov swung over a corner from the right Robinson into the first real save of the Johnson and Foley was headed in by and not for the first time this season some game with a low drive from just inside the Vaughan. After 27 minutes Town made it shocking defending allowed Afobe the area after five minutes. Wolves went even 2-0 with a carbon copy of the first goal time and space to control the ball and closer in the 18th minute when Ebanks-Blake except this time Beckford volleyed the ball poke home. headed against the foot of the post from a in at the far post rather than heading it. cross supplied by Foley. The second half started in the same manne r that the first half ended with Town pouring forward in search of a third goal, it was hard viewing for Wolves fans who could only watch on as their team relied on hopeful punts forward. However Wolves were given a lifeline just after the hour mark when Sako worked his way down the left and somehow managed to get in a low cross that found Ebanks-Blake waiting at the near post, the striker skillfully poked the ball under the body of Smithies to make it 2-1. The response from Wolves was positive It seemed that the game would end in and Johnson was unlucky not to level the stalemate when Sako produced his wonder Wolves suddenly had a purpose and Sako scores when his header clipped the top of goal, he took a corner on the right that was wasted a fine chance after cutting in and the crossbar following a corner on the right partially cleared but when the ball dropped beating Hunt on the inside, while Ebanks- taken by Pennant. However, Wolves back into his path he produced a stunning Blake had a shot deflected just over the stunned Bolton with a quick fire double to strike from the edge of the area that hit the bar. Edwards thought he had found the wrestle the advantage back. They equalised net like a bullet. There was a scare as injury equaliser from the subsequent corner but in the 27th minute when Sako fed Doyle time approached when Kazim-Richards his headed effort came back off the post. It and the in-form striker coolly slid the ball headed wide from three yards, but that was all a too little too late and Huddersfield home. Before the crowd could finish was as close as Rovers had come to a held on for victory. celebrating Doyle struck again 90 seconds goal all afternoon. later, Bogdan could only parry Sako's Opinion: Finally woke up after an hour, free-kick into the path of the Irishman who Opinion: That boy Sako canʼt half play but much too late to salvage anything. was in the perfect position to nod home a bit. Man of the match: Edwards into an empty net. Man of the match: Sako Team Rating: 4/10 Team Rating: 8/10 Attendance: 18,012 The second half was a frustrating affair Attendance: 17,034 Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Doumbia, with Wolves constantly giving the ball away Team: Ikeme, Stearman (Forde 53), Johnson, Berra, Pennant, Davis (Edwards and it was left to Carl Ikeme to maintain Ward, Davis (Zubar 61), Johnson, Berra, 45), Ebanks-Blake, Doyle (capt), Sako the slender advantage with another good Foley, Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake, Unused Subs: Stearman, Sigurdarson, performance between the sticks. After a Doumbia, Sako Zubar, Batth, Forde, De Vries good save from Petrov he was called into Unused Subs: McCarey, Nouble, Bookings: Johnson (58 – unsporting much sterner action to skillfully turn a strike Jonsson, Margreitter behaviour) from Eagles around the post. The Wolves Bookings: Henry (29 – foul), Sako (90+3 keeper then produced a stunning triple save, playing on after whistle had gone) UNBOLTED twice denying Eagles and then keeping out Ngog, but he could do nothing in injury WOLVES 2-2 BOLTON time when Davies controlled the ball on TERRIORS HUNT Tuesday 23rd October 2012 the edge of the area and then fired home DOWN THE WOLVES an unstoppable effort to level the scores. Wolves were denied all three points when old boy Mark “Judas” Davies equalised in Opinion: The Premiership seems a mil - HUDDERSFIELD 2-1 WOLVES lion miles away on this showing. Saturday 20th October 2012 injury time after being booed throughout the game. As with the home game against Man of the match: Doyle Team Rating: 5/10 After the excellent win at Blackburn it was Derby County in August Wolves were unable Attendance: 20,915 a frustrating afternoon for Wolves supporters to keep the momentum gained in a good Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Doumbia, who watched their team put in a substandard first half showing on into the second half, Johnson, Berra, Pennant (Edwards 67), performance against a Huddersfield team and even though Carl Ikeme produced a Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake (Sigurdarson who leap frogged them into third place in string of fine saves there was nothing he 63), Doyle (Stearman 63), Sako the table. could do after sloppy defending at the death enabled Bolton to effectively steal a point. Unused Subs: Zubar, Batth, Forde, McCarey After settling down nicely and comfortably Bookings: None knocking the ball about Wolves conceded It was Bolton who were the dominant team 13 MATCH REPORTS

BAD ADDICKS SETTING IN for Wolves Hulse somehow managed to head wide with the goal at his mercy. WOLVES 1-1 CHARLTON ATHLETIC Saturday 27th October 2012 Opinion: Absolute shocking performance. Man of the match: Ikeme Is there some kind of tactical nous Iʼm Team Rating: 4/10 missing here? but it seems part of Wolves Attendance: 22,198 repertoire is that they donʼt seem to know Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Doumbia, that even if theyʼre winning at half time Johnson, Berra, Pennant (Forde 82), thereʼs still another 45 minutes that have Henry (capt) (Edwards 82), Ebanks-Blake to be played and contested before they (Sigurdarson 45), Doyle, Sako can claim the three points. It was another Unused Subs: Stearman, Davis, Batth, poor performance for the fans to put up De Vries nearly broke the post, but that was as near with against a team, who to be honest Bookings: None as Wolves got all game. Another lapse would consider being above the drop zone from the all at sorts Johnson nearly let in at the end of the season as a great CRASH AND BURNED Austin for his second, but Ikeme made a achievement. good save to spare the defenders blushes. Wolves failed to force the issue as the BURNLEY 2-0 WOLVES Saturday 3rd November 2012 clock ran down and old Wolves boy Sam Vokes almost increased the misery in Thatʼs four games without a win and down stoppage time, but Ikeme again rescued to 9th place in the table, and on this show - his team mates. ing things look very bleak. There was no passion and an average Burnley side Opinion: Just as you thought we couldnʼt made Wolves look very ordinary. Wolves play any worse and this rubbish is served up. captain Karl Henry said afterwards “We Man of the match: Sako were rubbish. Physically we got beaten Team Rating: 3/10 up. We conceded sloppy goals and Attendance: 12,954 defended poorly”, well Karl thereʼs nothing Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Henry (capt), like stating the obvious.... Johnson (Edwards 69), Berra, Pennant (Forde 68), Doumbia, Ebanks-Blake, On a freezing day at Molineux there wasnʼt The writing was on the wall from as early Doyle, Sako much to cheer about early on as both as the 5th minute when Burnley swept Unused Subs: Stearman, Sigurdarson, teams continually gave the ball away forward and the ball eventually reached Batth, Davis, De Vries unnecessarily. But out of nowhere Wolves Wallace who smacked a left-footed effort Bookings: Johnson (57 – foul), Ebanks- went into the lead after 11 minutes, just over the bar from the edge of the box. Blake (81 - foul) Pennant fed a pass down the line to Foley Wolves have been guilty of some poor and he sent a low cross into the area defending in recent games and there was MAULED BY THE TIGERS which was sweetly slotted home by the left no exception in this one as Burney took the foot of Sako. It was just what the doctor lead in the 18th minute. Mee slotted a ball HULL CITY 2-1 WOLVES ordered and Wolves immediately stepped between Foley and Johnson and both Tuesday 6th November 2012 it up a gear with Ebanks-Blake just failing looked at each other as Paterson went past to connect with a teasing cross and the them and on into the area before slotting About 500 loyal fans turned up for this trek goal gaping. The ever-dangerous Sako then the ball under Ikemeʼs body and into the net. to the depths of Hull and you have to sent in a free-kick from out wide which admire their loyalty after the dross served Hamer punched away, the keeper then Wolves had a lucky escape as half-time up at Burnley just three days before. The safely got behind Berra's long-range effort. approached, Johnson conceded possession performance was a big improvement on that to Marney in the area but the midfielder game but it was still another defeat and Even though Charlton started the brighter drove straight at Ikeme instead of squaring just two points gained in the last 5 games. of the two teams after the break Wolves to either Paterson or Austin who were much can consider themselves unfortunate not better placed to score. Within a minute of It was a tame start from both teams with to go further ahead in the 55th minute. that let-off Wolves almost levelled when Wolves just edging the game possession Doumbia hit the back of the net from a Sako dragged a shot across the face of wise, but it was Hull who struck first with a corner, but his goal bound shot hit Doyle goal, but Ebanks-Blake just couldnʼt just goal on the half hour mark. Wolves standing on the line so it was therefore get the decisive touch. conceded a soft free-kick just outside the disallowed for offside. The decision proved area and Carl Ikeme who has been an pivotal three minutes later as Charlton lev - Burnley added a second eight minutes into inspiration behind an awful defence all elled, Hulse saw his initial effort blocked the second half, a corner on the right season must take the blame for the goal. by Ikeme before firing the rebound against found the totally unmarked Austin in the The keeper failed to line his wall up properly a post, but luckily for Wilson the ball fell to six yard area and he made no mistake to and Aluko, although not hitting the greatest him two yards out and he knocked his make it 2-0. Sako almost put Wolves back of shots, still managed to find the left hand effort into an empty net. Charlton dominated into the game when he drove forward and corner with a shot that seemed to bounce the game from then onwards and should slammed a superb shot from 25 yards that over Ikeme. have nicked it at the death, but fortunately 14 MATCH REPORTS

SOLBAKKEN PUNCHES the area, but all Wolves protests were POINT HOME ignored and Dobbie scored from the spot. Wolves incensed by the decision roared back and in injury time justice was done WOLVES 3-3 BRIGHTON when Johnson headed in a Sako free-kick Saturday 10th November 2012 to make it 3-3. Opinion: Great game for the neutral, heart attack stuff for Wolves fans. Man of the match: Sako Team Rating: 6/10 Attendance: 21,583 Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Edwards Edwards was by far Wolves best player (Davis 82), Johnson, Berra, Pennant and he alone had Wolves best two (Sigurdarson 57), Henry (capt), Doyle, chances in the first 45 minutes. Firstly he Ebanks-Blake (Doumbia 45), Sako just missed out when put though by Doyle Unused Subs: Stearman, Batth, Forde, and the keeper saved at his feet, and then De Vries he headed just over three minutes before Sendingʼs Off: Henry (43 – serious foul the break from a Sako free-kick. play) At the end of September Wolves were sitting With just five minutes on the clock after the pretty in 3rd place in the Championship restart Hull made it 2-0 and it was a goal table, now after a run of six games without CHRISTOPH HAS out of nothing as the hosts broke out of a win they have slipped to a disturbing HAD BERRA DAYS defence, one minute the ball was in the 15th place with Stale Solbakken seeming Hull box and the next minute it was in the unable to reverse the downward trend. WATFORD 2-1 WOLVES Wolves net. The ball was passed to The Norwegian showed his frustration by Saturday 17th November 2012 Simpson in the area, and from the by-line punching a hole in the dugout roof after he managed to beat Ikeme with a shot Brighton made it 2-2 with just over a quarter Thatʼs four away defeats on the bounce from a tight angle that somehow found its of an hour left, he should have perhaps now and on this form automatic promotion way in at the near post. vented his anger on his brainless captain to the Premiership seems a million miles Karl Henry who was sent off just before the away, in fact a play-off place requires a The Wolves response was encouraging break for a reckless challenge on Bridcutt. massive turnaround in form and results. and they managed to pull a goal back in As always there was another massive the 66th minute, Forde who had come on As far as football is concerned it was quite following at Vicarage Road from the only two minutes earlier put in a low cross an eventful afternoon, and after being on supporters who have had very little to from the right and in the subsequent the back foot for the first 15 minutes cheer about all season, and they were goalmouth scramble Chester put the ball Wolves still managed to open the scoring again let down by certain players who only into his own net. The game then followed in the 21st minute. Sako received the ball care about the money they get paid each a similar pattern to the Huddersfield game from Doyle at the end of a brilliant passage week and not the people who put that where Wolves went all out for an equaliser, of passing and slotted it past Kuszczak money in their pockets. but never really tested the Hull keeper. from ten yards. Wolves then played some of their best football all season, but got Opinion: Second goal highlights how caught on the break as Brighton made it 1-1 susceptible our defence is to a breakaway just two minutes before half-time. Mackail- goal because of how slow we are at the Smith received the ball in the penalty area back. and hit an unstoppable shot past Ikeme Man of the match: Edwards into the top-left corner of the net from 12 Team Rating: 5/10 yards. Henry then got his marching orders Attendance: 14,758 more or less straight after the goal which Team: Ikeme, Stearman (Pennant 77), meant Wolves would have to play the Ward, Edwards, Johnson, Berra, second-half with ten men. Doumbia (Forde 64), Henry (capt), Doyle, Sigurdarson (Ebanks-Blake 65), Sako Ten-man Wolves, now on the back foot Unused Subs: De Vries, Batth, Davis, regained the lead against the run of play in It was a case of keeping the slate clean for Foley the 61st minute, substitute Doumbia fired in Wolves in the early stages, and as the Bookings: Ward (59 – foul) a superb 25 yarder when the referee played game progressed confidence was growing advantage after Sigurdarson was fouled in and the game plan seem to be working as the Brighton half. Brighton continued to Wolves started to push forward in search pile on the pressure and finally equalised of a goal. But having done all the hard in the 72nd minute when Buckley scored work Wolves suddenly found they had a from just inside the area. Brighton took the mountain to climb when they were lead for the first time with a contentious reduced to ten men in the 25th minute. penalty in the 89th minute when Berra was Berra received a straight red card when he harshly adjudged to have handled inside seemed to be pulling Deeneyʼs shirt when

15 MATCH REPORTS

the striker was running towards goal, the 75), Doumbia (Davis 75), Doyle (capt) decision seemed harsh but thatʼs the kind (Forde 89), Sigurdarson, Sako of decision that seems to go against you Unused Subs: Stearman, Nouble, Batth, when things arenʼt going well. De Vries Bookings: Doyle (42 – foul)

Pennant was immediately replaced by NO BREAKING DOWN defender Danny Batth who took up his THE MILLʼWALL position in the centre of defence. Watford immediately took advantage of the extra man and went for the jugular and it was no WOLVES 0-1 MILLWALL Tuesday 27th November 2012 surprise when they took the lead ten seem to buy a point at the moment and minutes later, but disappointingly it was a manager Stale Solbakken seems unable real sucker blow that let them in. Sako to reverse the downward trend that has sent over a poor corner from the left that seen Wolves in total freefall and down the cleared almost everybody, it ended up at Championship table. To add insult to injury the feet of the left back who hoofed it down old Wolves boy Adlene Guedioura, sold to the line, then over came a low cross into Forest without given a look in by the new the centre of the Wolves area where manager, scored a screamer from all of 30 Chalobah was totally unmarked to score yards to seal the points for his new team. from close range. Wolves got off to the dream start after just After surviving the onslaught at the end of five minutes even though it was a tadge the first half Wolves unexpectedly levelled fortunate. Pennant's attempted pass to Well itʼs now been 200 days since Stale in the 54th minute through Sako, he Doyle deflected off a defender and into the Solbakken took the helm at Wolves and at looped in a free-kick from the centre of path of Sigurdarson who made the most of this rate itʼs unlikely he will reach 300. It midfield and Almunia totally misjudged the his luck and rifled it into the back of the net was yet another home defeat for Wolves flight of the ball which sailed over his head from just inside the box. and now disturbingly its nine games without and into the net. The equaliser stung a win. Wolves again started brightly, but Watford into action and after further There were chances at either end before like most of the games recently they failed pressure they again took the lead in the Forest equalised in the 16th minute following to show up for the second half and 68th minute, Wolves defence were caught some lax defending by Wolves, Foley and ultimately paid the price when Andy Keogh napping when a cross from the right by Johnson allowed Sharp to nip between became the second Wolves old boy in four Yeates was headed home from six yards them after a long ball forward and the striker days to grab the winner at Molineux. by Deeney. Wolves tried to re-group but made no mistake from outside box. The they were unable to muster a response in game continued to be an open affair and Wolves attacked the North Bank End in the final 20 minutes as Watford held on for Wolves were only denied the lead when the first half and set the pace early on, the points. Camp in the Forest goal made a terrific there was lots of endeavour but they still save from point-blank range to deny lack that bit of quality up front to apply the Opinion: Always an uphill struggle after Sigurdarson on the stroke of half-time. finishing touch to their neat build-up play. the sending off. There was a half chance early on when Man of the match: Doyle As in line with previous home games Doyle left Shittu for dead inside the area, Team Rating: 6/10 Wolves failed to turn up in the second half he pulled the ball back to Sigurdarson Attendance: 13,588 and were on the back foot as soon as they whose shot was blocked, the ball then fell Team: Ikeme, Stearman, Ward (capt), had taken the field after half time. Cox back to Sako whose shot was deflected Edwards, Johnson, Berra, Pennant (Batth should have scored straight after the over the bar, and that was that. Another 27), Doumbia (Davis 75), Sigurdarson, break but shot straight at Ikeme. But there contentious refereeing decision at Molineux Doyle (Ebanks-Blake 86), Sako was nothing the keeper could do when came in the 11th minute, Shittu clearly Unused Subs: De Vries, Nouble, Forde, Guedioura unleashed his thunderbolt in barged over Doyle in the area but referee Foley the 56th minute to put Forest in front. Naylor gave a free-kick outside the area Bookings: Edwards (78- simulation) Substitute Ebanks-Blake headed straight which was subsequently cleared, that was Sendingʼs Off: Berra (24 – professional at Camp late on but Wolves never really as close as Wolves were going to get to a foul) looked like salvaging anything from the shot on goal all game. game and to say things look bleak is an CANʼT SEE THE FOREST understatement. Wolves were shocking from start to finish FOR THE TREES in the second half and to top it off they lost Opinion: Now down to 17th in the table, Carl Ikeme just after the hour mark with a WOLVES 1-2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST itʼs just not good enough. dislocated finger. Millwall werenʼt much Saturday 24th November 2012 Man of the match: Doyle better themselves to be honest and had Team Rating: 4/10 hardly threatened the Wolves goal, but Yet more points dropped at home after Attendance: 22,527 inevitably made the breakthrough with ten taking the lead and its now eight games Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Edwards, minutes left. The ball was played into without a win and counting. Wolves canʼt Johnson, Berra, Pennant (Ebanks-Blake Wood in the box and he held the ball up

16 MATCH REPORTS

before laying it off to Keogh who fired past Blake from two yards. Five minutes later it substitute keeper De Vries. was 2-0, the ball was crossed in from the right by Sigurdarson and Doyle stabbed Just 18,174 fans bothered turning up to the ball in from six yards. With five minutes watch the garbage on offer, making it the of the half remaining it was Doyle on the lowest attendance for a league game in scoresheet again with a brilliant solo goal, five years at Molineux. The players left the the striker gathered the ball just outside field at the end to choruses of boos and his own area and ran the full length of the chants of “What a load of rubbish”, and pitch before slotting home from the edge with performances like that served up we of the area. The icing was put on the cake a may be in for even lower crowds coming minute before half-time when Sigurdarson up to Christmas. made it 4-0 with a left-foot shot from just inside the box. Opinion: Just one point in November, if rare attack Doyle did find the net on the the Alarm bells arenʼt ringing by now they Doyle twice went close to completing his half hour mark only to see the goal ruled should be. hat-trick within the first five minutes of the out for offside. However Wolves did make restart, the first effort was cleared off the the breakthrough a few minutes later. Man of the match: Sako line by Bates and his second effort was Caldwell fouled Ebanks-Blake just outside Team Rating: 2/10 saved by Heaton. Even though Bristol the box and a yard in from the by-line, Attendance: 18,174 started to enjoy more of the play Wolves Sako rattled in a low free-kick and Marlon Team: Ikeme (De Vries 66), Stearman kept up the pressure, but the closest they King who is more accustomed to breaking (Ebanks-Blake 82), Ward, Edwards, came to making it five was when Johnsonʼs womenʼs noses, this time nearly broke the Johnson, Berra, Pennant (Forded 69), header from a corner rebounded back off back of the net as he attempted to clear at Davis, Doyle, Sigurdarson, Sako the bar. Bristol did net a consolation goal the near post. Unused Subs: Foley, Nouble, Batth, with five minutes to go when Danns Doumbia smashed a goal past Ikeme from 25 yards, Bookings: Davis (62 – foul) but this was Wolves day and hopefully the start of a winning run. FOURʼMIDABLE BRISTOLS Opinion: Shame itʼs taken 20 games to BRISTOL CITY 1-4 WOLVES realise whatʼs at stake. Saturday 1st December 2012 Man of the match: Doyle Team Rating: 9/10 At last there was something to cheer about Attendance: 13,892 for Wolves fans as their team finally won Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Edwards for the first time in ten matches. What a (Davis 60), Johnson, Berra, Sigurdarson contrast in the performance at Bristol City (Nouble 85), Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake, to the shocking display against Millwall in Doyle (Forde 72), Sako midweek, it was as if the team suddenly Unused Subs: De Vries, Stearman, It was a different Wolves team to that of realised they needed to start putting a few Pennant, Batth late in the second half and in total contrast points up on the board. Bookings: None to the previous 45 minutes it was the home team who dominated the play. Berra started INSIDE HELP FROM the onslaught when he shot high and wide THE COOLER KING when running in at the far post following a corner. Next up was Doyle who ran through WOLVES 1-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY two challenges before firing narrowly wide, Saturday 8th December 2012 and then from Sakoʼs low centre Ebanks- Blake saw his shot on the turn bounce Well thatʼs two on the spin for the first time clear off a defender. Sako, who was just this season and to boot a clean sheet as about in the thick of everything then well. The set pattern of Wolves play in smashed in a rising drive that just cleared recent games has been to start strongly the near angle. Doyle was inches from and then fade away and surrender in the making it 2-0 when his header went second half, however on this occasion it behind off the top of the bar from yet Wolves blitzed City from the off and with was totally the opposite where they another Sako corner. The Sako corners only three minutes on the clock the first dominated the second half and were good kept coming and from the next one it took chance of the game fell to Ebanks-Blake value for the three points at the finish. a tremendous reflex save from Jack who somehow missed the target from six Butland to keep out Sigurdarsonʼs near yards. The constant attack from Wolves It was City who made all the early running post glancing header. finally paid off in the 20th minute, a corner and it was only a super fingertip save by from the right was cleared out as far as Ikeme to keep the scores level after a Wolves easily held out until the final whistle Ward on the edge of the box and his goal mistake by Sako had let in Caddis. Wolves and it was probably the best second half bound volley was diverted in by Ebanks- were continually on the back foot but in a performance in Ståle Solbakkenʼs short

17 MATCH REPORTS

reign and a very welcome three points. Wolves were the more inventive of the two pressure continued and Wolves had a Hopefully that will keep the morons teams and Sako again drilled an effort in lucky escape when Gomes then hit the responsible for tipping paint on Solbakkenʼs from range, but Steele got down quickly post from 20 yards with Ikeme beaten. BMW from a repeat performance. getting right behind the ball. Doyle then let Wolves managed to weather the storm go with another long range effort that almost and nearly doubled their lead just before caught Steele out with its movement, but half-time when Doyle teed-up Ebanks- the keeper easily pushed it out wide and Blake, but this time the striker failed to hit away from the danger area. the target from a tight angle.

Wolves always looked the more likely to grab a late goal and substitute Davisʼs shot looked to be heading toward the net but his effort was deflected into Steele's path. Then with the game heading for a likely draw came the penalty incident, the referee let play run on when a cross from the right struck Henry, but after advice Opinion: Morale boosting second win on from his linesman he changed his mind to the bounce. point to the spot where Emnes scored. It Man of the match: Sako was a shocking decision from another Team Rating: 8/10 Sunday League referee and to add insult The Blackpool pressure continued after Attendance: 21,339 to injury McDonald added a second for the break, but no matter what they threw at Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Doumbia Middlesbrough as Wolves were caught on Ikeme he was equal to the task. He dived (Davis 74), Johnson, Berra, Sigurdarson, the break chasing an equaliser. to his left to palm out Gomesʼs header and Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake (Pennant 84), then went full-length the other way to tip Doyle, Sako Opinion: Itʼs been 61 years since Wolves Inceʼs full blooded drive around the post. Unused Subs: De Vries, Stearman, beat Middlesbrough on their own turf and From the resulting corner a volley from Nouble, Batth, Forde with referees like Madley itʼs going to be Ince went through a ruck of players, but Bookings: Johnson (42 – foul) another 60 years. again the keeper somehow managed to Man of the match: Sako stick out a hand and push the ball wide. EARLY XMAS GIFTS Team Rating: 7/10 Ikeme was single handedly keeping FOR MADLEYʼBROUGH Attendance: 15,662 Blackpool at bay and in the 72nd minute Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Doumbia Wolves struck again when Ebanks-Blake (Davis 74), Johnson, Berra, Sigurdarson, claimed his and Wolves second from the MIDDLESBROUGH 2-0 WOLVES Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake (Pennant 74), penalty spot. Sako passed Basham just Saturday 15th December 2012 Doyle, Sako inside the area and the defenders only Wolves have been on the end of some Unused Subs: De Vries, Stearman, answer to stop the midfielder was to grab controversial refereeing decisions over the Nouble, Batth, Forde his shirt and the referee pointed to the last few seasons, but the penalty awarded Bookings: None spot, Ebanks-Blake duly despatched the against them in the last minute at The penalty to make it 2-0. As Blackpool piled Riverside really does take some beating. forward in search of a response Ebanks- The hand ball decision against Karl Henry IKEME HAS EARLY HOLIDAY Blake missed a golden opportunity to given by referee Robert Madley in the last AT THE SEASIDE complete his hat-trick when he sliced high minute was an awful decision in line with and wide with the goal at his mercy after those usually associated when playing the BLACKPOOL 1-2 WOLVES skillfully rounding the keeper. Seconds top teams like Man United and Chelsea. Friday 21st December 2012 later Baptiste set up a grandstand finish with a headed goal from two yards, but It was an evenly matched game in the first A goal in each half from Sylvan Ebanks- Wolves managed to hang on to claim all half with both teams cancelling each out in Blake made it three wins in four matches three points and their third win in four games. midfield and the defences restricting the for Wolves, but it was man of the match opposition to a few half chances that didnʼt Carl Ikeme who stood tall as Blackpoolʼs Opinion: Great Christmas present, now really trouble either goalkeeper. The closest famous tower as he kept the Seasiders at climbing the table with two home games Wolves came to scoring was when Henry bay with a string of superb saves. coming up. broke down the left and pulled the ball Man of the match: Ikeme back across the area where Woodgate Wolves got off to a dream start with a goal Team Rating: 8/10 had to step in with a last-ditch interception after just three minutes, Pennant played in Attendance: 14,556 to stop Ebanks-Blake sweeping home. Ebanks-Blake with a precise pass and the Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Doumbia Then the find of the season Bakary Sako striker clipped it over Gilks to give Wolves (Davis 67), Johnson, Berra, Pennant tried his luck from distance with a free-kick the lead. After the early shock Blackpool (Forde 82), Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake, that just went wide, but that was as close slowly came into the game and Ince had a Doyle, Sako (Stearman 88) as either team came to a first-half opener. good chance to level on the half-hour Unused Subs: De Vries, Nouble, The second period drifted into the same mark, but he got caught in two minds and Jonsson, Batth kind of pattern as the first half with wildly lashed the ball wide when shooting Bookings: Pennant (61 – foul) chances again at a premium. If anything would have been his better option. The

18 MATCH REPORTS

POSH TURKEYS when he connected with a cross from ex Wolves boy Mark Little. WOLVES 0-3 PETERBOROUGH Wednesday 26th December 2012 The team for once didnʼt have to be told to acknowledge the supporters at the end of the game, because when the final whistle blew most of them had already gone home anyway.

Opinion: Itʼs a good job the players wages arenʼt performance related, they would all be skint. Man of the match: Doyle Team Rating: 1/10 In line with most of the games at Molineux Attendance: 23,033 this season Wolves were again absent for Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward (Sigurdarson the second half with no passion or effort to 45), Doumbia, Johnson, Berra, Pennant get the supporters behind them. Ipswich (Davis 76), Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake werenʼt much better either, but they did After some good performances in December add a second in the 64th minute after it was back down to earth with a massive (OʼHara 76), Doyle, Sako Unused Subs: De Vries, Stearman, more shocking defending, DJ Cambell bang as Wolves lost at home to bottom of found himself unmarked between Johnson the table Peterborough. It was enough to Batth, Forde Bookings: Pennant (75 – foul) and Foley and he slotted home past the put you off your turkey sandwiches as advancing Ikeme who must wonder what Solbakkenʼs men served up a shocking heʼs deserved to have this defence in front display which ended with their heaviest STALE BY NAME of him. Not even a triple substitution could home defeat of the season. STALE BY NATURE change the work ethic of the Wolves team and in the end they didnʼt manage to get It was overcast day with the game itself WOLVES 0-2 IPSWICH TOWN one shot on target throughout the whole matching the mood of the gloomy weather, Saturday 29th December 2012 of the game and finished the game to a and it was no real surprise when Boroʼ relatively empty stadium. took the lead in the 17th minute. A cross This was another woeful performance from the left wasnʼt dealt with by the from a team short of quality and short of Opinion: Thank God thatʼs it for 2012.... Wolves defence and Tomlin reacted like a ideas and any thoughts of a backlash 2013 couldnʼt get any worse... could it? flash to volley home from 12 yards. Ipswich might have to suffer following the Man of the match: Ikeme Wolves then enjoyed their best spell of the 3-0 defeat by Peterborough were promptly Team Rating: 1/10 game and created several half chances in dismissed. Mick McCarthy returned to Attendance: 28,595 the period leading to half time. Firstly Molineux for the first time since his sacking Team: Ikeme, Foley, Ward, Davis Pennant swung a corner in from the right and he wonʼt get many easier points than (Doumbia 67), Johnson, Berra, and Doyle found himself in a good position those gifted him by his former team. The Sigurdarson, Henry (capt) (OʼHara 67), only six yards out, but Olejnik claimed the one thing you were guaranteed from a Ebanks-Blake, Doyle (Pennant 67), Sako ball at the strikerʼs feet. Pennant then fired team selected by McCarthy would be Unused Subs: De Vries, Stearman, over with a free-kick as Wolves went looking 100% effort, never in his tenure did we Batth, Forde for the equaliser. Doyle twice went close to have to suffer the kind of performances Bookings: Ebanks-Blake (42 – foul) levelling, while Ward saw another effort witnessed over the last two games. A big parried by Olejnik. Then Wolves fell for a question mark must now hang over the real sucker punch on the stroke of half-time future of Stale Solbakken if this is the best as Boroʼ went two up, Rowe surged he can muster from his team. towards the edge of the area and placed his low shot to Ikemeʼs left leaving Wolves Within the first two minutes Wolves can a mountain to climb. consider themselves unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Doyle raced onto It was business as usual for Wolves in the a long ball and was bundled over from second half, again failing to turn up in behind inside the area, however the referee similar fashion to previous games at home waved play on much to the anger of the this season. Solbakken hastily reshuffled Irishman. Sako then twice sent efforts the formation at half time by deciding to wide before the half-hour mark but there play three at the back, the out of form was very little to trouble either goalkeeper. Ward the man making way for Sigurdarson. However in the 33rd minute Ipswich Little did it matter; there seemed a sense opened the scoring with the first shot of of depression hanging over the players the afternoon on target, DJ Campbell laid who showed no heart, passion or effort to the ball into the path of Cresswell who give the ever faithful supporters something found the bottom right hand corner from to cheer about. Inevitably Gayle made it 12 yards. 3-0 to Peterborough in the 70th minute

19 AGM MINUTES

2011-2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

Date: Saturday 2nd July 2012 Location: Cittie of Yorke, 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BN.

Attendance: 18.

Committee: S. Earl, P. Bartlett, M. Hawthorne, S. Leonard, S. Ray, D. Slape, P. Woodifield

Agenda: 1. Apologies for absence 8. Social Secretaryʼs Report 2. Chairmanʼs Address 9. Newsletter Editorʼs Report 3. Minutes of 2011 AGM 10. Website Editorʼs Report 4. Matters Arising 11. Election of Officers 5. Secretaryʼs Report 12. Membership Fee 6. Treasurerʼs Report 13. Any Other Business 7. Travel Secretaryʼs Report Apologies for absence: A. Allsop, P. Abbott, R. Eagles, J. Engleman, R. Goddard and D. Pearl.

Chairman's Address: Stuart offered a special thank you to Steve Ray for the bumper magazine, after standing in for Stefan. Also, thanks to Peter and Dave for running the club.

Minutes of 2011 AGM:

Matters Arising: None.

Secretary's Report: Dave reported a membership of 222 to date, paying subs of £2692.00. The train competitions raised £156.50, sales £87.25, to total £243.75. And the Golden Gate draws raised £834.00. Secretarial expenses totalled £739.34, the bulk of which was £518.20 worth of stamps. Dave expressed thanks to Peter Bartlett, Peter Woodifield, Rob Goddard and Bob Richards.

Treasurers Report: On behalf of Tim, Peter reported a loss of £3500.00, due to the 45th Anniversary. The HSBC account shows £4344.00 and the High Interest Account £2122.00. Stefan queried the outlay of £900.00 on kit sponsorship, when Michael Mancienne spent sponsors lunch talking on his mobile phone. This compared with Wolves Women's appreciation of £50.00 sponsorship. The kit sponsors Lunch costs £130.00 for two meals. Stuart and Peter Woodifield will speak to Supporters Liaison Officer, Paul Rogers.

Travel Secretary's Report: Peter stated trips were run to all 22 home and 15 away games. There was a good service from Euston, and Marylebone was used once. The highest attendances were 45 for Spurs at home and 27 for Norwich away, but the average per trip was down on 2010-2011. There was a loss of £248.70 on trips due to part subsidies, to cover higher fares. Virgin offered varying prices so bookings should be made as early as possible. The discretionary £5.00 fee was not used and 5 people owe money from last season, which is being chased. Debts from 2007-2008 and 2010-2011 have been paid. Seven Club Season Tickets were bought on Wolves early bird scheme at a Cost of £3352.00 and a profit of £59.00 from match day sales last season. Thanks again to members who loaned their season tickets to the Club. Early Bird season tickets have been renewed for 2012-2013, and there is no price rise. Also, there are 13 away season ticket holders. Thanks were offered to Pam and Steve at Wolves Ticket Office, plus Dave Slape and Bob Richards for their assistance during the season.

20 AGM MINUTES

Social Secretary's Report: On behalf of Roy Eagles, Stefan reported there had been two overnight trips, involving ten pin bowling and horse racing. Carol Randall said events such as the 1974 and 1980 League Cup function should be advertised on the website. Roy will liaise with Peter. Also, Wolves Women FC would like to attend a Saturday function.

Newsletter Editor's Report: Stefan stated the year had been difficult, hence the one page Issue in January. Steve Ray was to be congratulated, especially for the humour in the match reports. There was some discussion regarding reducing the size to A5, to reduce costs. Printers, ALP were sold but Dave Sadddle went self employed and still printed our magazine. Stefan mentioned his article on Wolves Women and their league and cup double. Eileen Burrell, the team administrator wrote to Peter Woodifield thanking WWLSC. Also, the magazine costs are not in the accounts.

Website Editor's Report: Peter said the website had been revamped and the net cost was £150.00. The Facebook entry is being run by Jack Leonard.

Election of Officers: Returned en bloc.

Membership Fee: Dave said over 65 membership had been mentioned at a committee Meeting, as a number of members are to reach 65 in two years time. The sharp rise in postage and the cost of the magazine, plus the forthcoming 50th anniversary weigh heavily on finances. It was noted that some over sixty fives make donations. After discussion Stefan proposed free membership to be abolished and Dave proposed a fee of £10.00. Stuart's casting vote decided on the former by 9 to 8. After further discussion it was decided not to reduce the £20.00 fee to £18.00, at least for two years, as the 50th Anniversary looms.

Any Other Business: Stuart announced Wayne Hennessy was player of the year again. He then talked of claims by R. Runham through a Midlandʼs solicitors for money from the Derek Dougan DVD's. After legal advice, Stuart sent the solicitors a £10.00 cheque which, has not been cashed. They had asked to see our accounts and were invited to the AGM, but declined. The floor was advised the kit sponsorship and lunch were not good value. Darius De Vries did not attend as he was called to play for the reserves, also, tickets in future will cost more. Stuart will talk To Richard Skirrow and make it clear we were not treated well, especially when George Elokobi's Sponsorship was given to Punjabi Wolves. Jack Leonard asked if we could get more publicity for London Wolves in the matchday programme. Only the kit sponsors page shows our logo and supporters clubs seem overshadowed by corporate clients.

Meeting Closed at 4:48 pm.

21 TRAVEL DETAILS

Travel arrangements for matches during February and March are:-

Home Matches

Meeting place: Station concourse outside main ticket office, at least 20 minutes before train departure. Fare : To be advised. N Sat 09/02/13 v Leeds United N Outward - Depart Euston 10:23 Arrive Wolverhampton 12:11 Return - Depart Wolverhampton 18:45 Arrive Euston 20:55 N Sat 24/02/13 v Cardiff City N Outward - Depart Euston 08:50 Arrive Wolverhampton 11:13 (k/o 02:00pm) Return - Depart Wolverhampton 16:45 Arrive Euston 18:37 N Fri 01/03/13 v Watford N Outward - Depart Euston 13:23 Arrive Wolverhampton 15:11 (Live on Sky) Return - Depart Wolverhampton 22:45 Arrive Euston 01:15 N Sat 16/03/13 v Bristol City N Outward - Depart Euston 10:23 Arrive Wolverhampton 12:11 Return - Depart Wolverhampton 18:45 Arrive Euston 20:55 N Sat 30/03/13 v Middlesbrough Outward - Depart Euston 10:43 Arrive Birmingham New Street 12:08 N Depart Birmingham NS 12:20 Arrive Wolverhampton 12:37 Return - Depart Wolverhampton 17:54 Arrive Stafford 18:12 Depart Stafford 18:36 Arrive Euston 19:56

Away Matches N Sat 16/02/13 v Derby N Outward - St Pancras 10:55 Arrive Derby 12:26 Return - Depart Derby 18:01 Arrive St Pancras 19:34

Tue 19/02/13 v Barnsley No Official Club trip. Any member wishing to go to this match please contact the Travel Secretary.

Tue 05/03/13 v Millwall No Official Club trip. Nearest station is South Bermondsey. There are frequent trains from London Bridge and the journey time is 4 minutes. It is only a few minutesʼ walk to the ground and there is a direct walkway specifically built for away fans which takes you to the away end and back to the station afterwards. Surrey Quays and New Cross Gate are on the London Overground and are both about a 15-20 minutesʼ walk away from the ground. N Sat 09/03/13 v Nottingham Forest N Outward - Depart St Pancras 10:15 Arrive Nottingham 11:59 Return - Depart Nottingham 17:28 Arrive St Pancras 19:12

TRAVEL SECRETARY - PETER WOODIFIELD 94 FARNHAM CLOSE RAINHAM KENT ME8 8NS Telephone - 01634 363704 E-mail - [email protected]

Fixtures Reproduced under licence from Football DataCo Ltd. All rights reserved. Licence No. FDCFANZ12/13-118101

22 Christmas Lunch