How many of the.........

[Essex Wolf]

.............. current first team squad, not including loan signings, do you believe are good enough for the Premiership here and now and how many do you believe have the ability to improve enough to play at that level should Wolves get there?

I know this sort of thing has been done before but in the past few months there have been several new signings arrive at the club.

For me only Kightly looks as if he has what's needed to play in the Prem right now.

I believe Hennersey, Foley, Olifinjana, Henry and Eastwood have what's needed if they had better players all about them.

Hennersey is still young and learning but has tremendous ability now. Just needs to iron out the silly errors.

Foley has been IMHO MM's second best buy after Kightly and with a little more experience and consistency could play at a higher level.

Olifinjana has the ability but sometimes goes missing in a game and I'm sure he has more to offer than is often seen.

Henry, his work rate alone makes him stand out at times and another like Foley.

Eastwood has a natural goal scorers instinct and has shown he can score at international level. Maybe not the toughest opposition but none the less most likely better than he will face most weeks in the CCC.

Haven't seen enough of the likes of Jarvis yet to form an honest opinion.

Don't think Keogh would cut it. Great worker etc etc but a Prem CF needs to score goals and Keogh struggles at CCC level.

Bothroyd has been there and failed, as to whether his new found attitude would make a difference, I'm not sure.

As for the rest of the score I haven't named just feel they may be okay/good enough at this level but that's it.

[Kenny-11]

Hennessey, Foley, Kightly, Eastwood, Keogh and Jay (3 strikers and we struggle to score!!)

Henry would be a decent squad player. Jury out on Seyi for me (not buying will be better in the Prem $$$$$$$$ as Seol was going to rip that place up and now he is a no mark in that division). If Davies can get fit he would cope with it.

[Woburn Wolf]

My assessment is as follows: YES - Kites, Foley and Murray (if fit). PROBABLY - Freddie, Jay and Hennessey. MAYBE - Jarvis (time will tell), Davies (in time), Gleeson (in time) and that's about it. Given this, it makes sense to try to sign some decent young players that are likely to be able to make the step up to the Prem in the January transfer window. This will increase our likelihood of promotion this year and mean less newcomers in the summer which in turn should make the transition to the Prem smoother. As I have said before we should be targeting the likes of Adam Johnson, Jonny Evans, Gary Cahill, David Bell etc. in January. We should also be looking at Arsenal youngsters who look an exceptional bunch.

[Chiswick_Wolf]

Hennessey, Foley, Kightly, Eastwood, Keogh and Jay (3 strikers and we struggle to score!!)

Henry would be a decent squad player. Jury out on Seyi for me (not buying will be better in the Prem $$$$$$$$ as Seol was going to rip that place up and now he is a no mark in that division). If Davies can get fit he would cope with it.

I too have been very impressed with Davies this season. Nailed on for the Premiership.

[Paul76]

I don't believe any of our strikers would cut it in the Premiership they can't score in this league.

I believe Seyi, Kightly, Foley, Murray and Hennessey could definitely do a job.

[Essex Wolf]

Hennessey, Foley, Kightly, Eastwood, Keogh and Jay (3 strikers and we struggle to score!!)

Henry would be a decent squad player. Jury out on Seyi for me (not buying will be better in the Prem $$$$$$$$ as Seol was going to rip that place up and now he is a no mark in that division). If Davies can get fit he would cope with it.

Good point Kenny about the 3 strikers but I don't include Keogh as being good enough and Jay and Freddy are the leading striker scorers without playing that often. In the right team with the right tactics then they would IMHO do even better.

At present it isn't their fault that MM keeps chop changing the side about and playing tactics that fail to see Wolves score.

[glasgowwolf]

Hennesey, Foley, Seyi, Kites, Keogh, Eastwood, Bothroyd....

[Kenny-11]

I too have been very impressed with Davies this season. Nailed on for the Premiership.

Obviously based on past performances but he is still part of the squad

[Bend It Like Dennison]

Deffo: Murray, Hennessey, Foley, Kightly, Henry, Olofinyana

Maybe: Eastwood, Bothroyd, Davies

The rest: forget it

[Swansea valley wolf]

For me the 2 keepers Murrey/Henessay, Defenders only Foley has potential to cope with pace of premeirship, Kightly, Olofinjana and Mark Davies in midfield, Strikers possibly Eastwood.

Back up squab players Keogh, Henry, Bothroyd, Potter, Elliot

Frightening prospect need to invest a lot of money when we get to premier leauge

[N. Herts Wolf]

Deffo: Murray, Hennessey, Foley, Kightly, Henry, Olofinyana

Maybe: Eastwood, Bothroyd, Davies



I'd agree with that, but, as an optimist, I'm still holding out some hope for Keogh and Jarvis and maybe either Jones or Little if either of them can fulfil their potential.

[Mutchy]

I think you have to look at it from a couple of different perspectives. We have players who could play a part in a Premier league side that was stronger overall, but not many who you could look to as being the best players in a team that wouldn't struggle.

[Paul76]

Lol here we go again with Eastwood. People are saying he can cut in the premiership on what evidence are you basing your opinions on?

I really can't see Eastwood getting much change from Premiership defences.

Even Nugent looks out of his depth.

[Super Hans]

I think Potter could maybe be more effective in the Premiership than he is at this level, I think the fact that the game is a lot less forced and hurried in the Premiership than it is in the Championship his passing style could benefit. Or maybe it's just because I am desperate to believe that he will be the class player we hope he could be!

I think Murray, Foley, Olofinjana & Kightly are about the only other Premiership quality players that we have in our side.

And that the jury is out on Hennessey, Eastwood & Keogh as I think they are the three closest behind the above players.

[Bend It Like Dennison]

I think Potter could maybe be more effective in the Premiership than he is at this level, I think the fact that the game is a lot less forced and hurried in the Premiership than it is in the Championship his passing style could benefit. Or maybe it's just because I am desperate to believe that he will be the class player we hope he could be!

I think this statement would be better suited regarding Olo.

I think he could be excellent in the Prem.

[bod101]

hennesey, foley, olo and bothroyd.

kightly if continues to develop

possibly keogh if his footballing intelligence from last season returns

[JR's Boots]

Kightly, Murray, Bothroyd and Foley (with Olo) as a maybe.

Scary.

[Woburn Wolf]

Good point Kenny about the 3 strikers but I don't include Keogh as being good enough and Jay and Freddy are the leading striker scorers without playing that often. In the right team with the right tactics then they would IMHO do even better.

At present it isn't their fault that MM keeps chop changing the side about and playing tactics that fail to see Wolves score.
I agree Essex. I think that both Jay and Freddie would look much better, particularly Freddie, with Premiership quality players supplying them.

[Kenny-11]

At present it isn't their fault that MM keeps chop changing the side about and playing tactics that fail to see Wolves score.

The chopping and changing has been forced bar 1 occasion when Freddy was dropped after the Hull game. The other changes have come due to injuries or players being knackered. The tactics are fine, we create enough chances to win games with ease.

[N. Herts Wolf]

we create enough chances to win games with ease.

Very true, if Keogh and Elliott had have been played on Saturday and we'd only won 1-0 they would have been crucified, but because it was JB & Freddy, they're fighting it out for Man of the Match.

[Woburn Wolf]

The chopping and changing has been forced bar 1 occasion when Freddy was dropped after the Hull game. The other changes have come due to injuries or players being knackered. The tactics are fine, we create enough chances to win games with ease.
We don't create enough chances. We enjoy sustained periods of pressure and territorial advantage but as I have said many times before the final ball is frequently just not good enough. We need a quality central midfielder and left winger (hopefully Jarvis will fill the bill if we ever get to see him play).

[Kenny-11]

We don't create enough chances. We enjoy sustained periods of pressure and territorial advantage but as I have said many times before the final ball is frequently just not good enough. We need a quality central midfielder and left winger (hopefully Jarvis will fill the bill if we ever get to see him play).

From Saturday

Ward 2 chances
Eastwood 3 Chances
Kightly 2 chances
Seyi 2 chances
Keogh 1 Chance

Just the ones I can remember. Plenty of chances and non of these were half chances

[Woburn Wolf]

I guess you have a much better memory than me Kenny

[Kenny-11]

I guess you have a much better memory than me Kenny

Their keeper also made a great save in the first half and I can't remember whose chance that was.

[EasternWolf]

I dont think many people are being objective here ..just going on favourites ...

example .. Hennessey ... why the doubt? he is an outstanding young talent, better than Murray at his age ..and his distribution is good ..most of the time

Foley .. nailed on ..

we have Olofinjana, Henry and Potter ...all capable, but possibly no in the same team. Possibly Gleeson and Davies if they ever get any football in the next year or so ... otherwise its clinghan and melligan wasted potential all over again

Kightly, Bothroyd (well the good Bothroyd, not the bone idle one) and Eastwood could do well alongside the right partner ..a Craig Bellamy type. If Keogh could shoot,even to a respectable degree, he has something but otherwise no ... cant tell with eliot and Jarvis yet.

[Bedford Wolf]

I didn't think that Paul Butler would be able to play in the Prem, but he adjusted and rose to the challenge. Camara always had the ability but took an age to get used to life in the prem. When he did he almost held his own goal of the month competition. You never know who will be able to make the step up, or how quickly they will be able to adapt.

It's the teams that adapt quickly that survive.

[Essex Wolf]

The chopping and changing has been forced bar 1 occasion when Freddy was dropped after the Hull game. The other changes have come due to injuries or players being knackered. The tactics are fine, we create enough chances to win games with ease.

Agreed to a point Kenny but every team suffers injuries and suspensions etc. Wolves problems seems to be that they have a shed load of cover for some positions and none at all for others, hence Collins and Ward S regularly being expected to play out of place.

Chop changing when forced on a manager isn't their fault I accept but it is MM's fault as far as I'm concerned that with as large a squad as he has at his diposal he has such poor cover in certain areas and when the chop changing is made it is done so with inadequate replacements.

[Dr Wolfenstein]

And great managers will spot something in a player no one has seen before, or try him in a position he has never played before, or take more time & patience than previous managers to coax something out of a player. It doesn't happen often but it can sometimes put a player's career into another gear or prolong it by several seasons. The point is that you can't give a copper-bottom guarantee which player will perform at a higher level & why. Some players are just born for it & can only operate at their best in a more rarefied atmosphere where everyone is thinking & acting that much quicker.

[Essex Wolf]

And great managers will spot something in a player no one has seen before, or try him in a position he has never played before, or take more time & patience than previous managers to coax something out of a player. It doesn't happen often but it can sometimes put a player's career into another gear or prolong it by several seasons. The point is that you can't give a copper-bottom guarantee which player will perform at a higher level & why. Some players are just born for it & can only operate at their best in a more rarefied atmosphere where everyone is thinking & acting that much quicker.

You mean like Wenger did with Henry as an example? If so yes I fully agree but when a player is so obviously not suited to a position he is forced into why keep forcing a round peg into a square hole?

[Evolution Wolf]

I think Murray, Kightly and Olofinjana will defonately cut it.
Hennessey with time will be good enough.
Eastwood and bothroyd with time to gel and the right tactics will cut it.
Not sure about Jarvis yet time will tell.
Not a chance for Keogh unless he became a decent attacking midfielder.
Not seen Davies so i cant comment on him.
Foley,Henry possibly ready
as for the rest no chance!

[Kenny-11]

Agreed to a point Kenny but every team suffers injuries and suspensions etc. Wolves problems seems to be that they have a shed load of cover for some positions and none at all for others, hence Collins and Ward S regularly being expected to play out of place.

Chop changing when forced on a manager isn't their fault I accept but it is MM's fault as far as I'm concerned that with as large a squad as he has at his diposal he has such poor cover in certain areas and when the chop changing is made it is done so with inadequate replacements.

Ward has played there because Jarvis has only just got back from injury. Gray has been in and out with injuries since he joined.
It could be argued that Jones should have been called back and Mulgrew used but only MM has the answer to why that hasn't happened and he can back up his reasons with the fact we are 5th and 2 points off 2nd.

[Dr Wolfenstein]

You mean like Wenger did with Henry as an example? If so yes I fully agree but when a player is so obviously not suited to a position he is forced into why keep forcing a round peg into a square hole?

Yes, & Wenger was talking about possibly doing something similar with Walcott. I remember Cloughie converting Kenny Burns to a decent defender. I think Ferguson tried to reassess Alan Smith's natural position & got him back into England reckoning. but obviously knowing when to stop if it isn't working is another sign of the difference between a great manager & a pig-headed ex-Spurs player/former England manager.

[Essex Wolf]

Ward has played there because Jarvis has only just got back from injury. Gray has been in and out with injuries since he joined.
It could be argued that Jones should have been called back and Mulgrew used but only MM has the answer to why that hasn't happened and he can back up his reasons with the fact we are 5th and 2 points off 2nd.

Fair comments Kenny but just maybe with players able to play in their right positions as opposed to make shift alternatives then maybe 5th place might be top or second?

Nothing is a guarantee but I'm sure a proper a LB and left winger in place would have seen some of the poorer results give better returns?

As regards the position, well it's so close at the top end that a poor result for Wolves at the Albion and good results for those just behind them could just as easy see Wolves occupying 10th place so it could be then asked of MM to back up his decisions having spent well only to see Wolves about mid table.

Not necessarily disagreeing with you here Kenny but as far as I'm concerned Wolves could have several more points and the performances against Hull, Bristol City, Southampton, Shef Utd and Stoke were games where Wolves either lost points or should have gleened more.

DW, don't think Collins or Ward S are either good enough to convert but time may prove me wrong. However I've seen enough of both this season to suggest other wise for now.

If MM can't achieve his aim then great but exactly how long do you keep trying?

[wanderer24]

I didn't think that Paul Butler would be able to play in the Prem, but he adjusted and rose to the challenge. Camara always had the ability but took an age to get used to life in the prem. When he did he almost held his own goal of the month competition. You never know who will be able to make the step up, or how quickly they will be able to adapt.

It's the teams that adapt quickly that survive.

:D:D:D

[Akaman]

I dont think many people are being objective here ..just going on favourites ...

example .. Hennessey ... why the doubt? he is an outstanding young talent, better than Murray at his age ..and his distribution is good ..most of the time
.

Hennessey's still learning, at the moment he's a decent Championship keeper, no better, no worse. He just has a lot of potential, which is obviously not yet fulfilled but maybe he's not quite ready for the Prem yet (although I'm sure he will be good enough).

Squad members who I think would cut it in the Prem now:

Murray (when he's fit)
Foley
Kightly
Olofinjana
Bothroyd

and the controversial one..................Potter

Think Eastwood could do it with a bit more work, jury's out on Jarvis until MM gives him a run of games. Others like Davies and Little seem to have the potential to do it, it's just whether they make the most of it.

[jlovatt]

and the controversial one..................Potter



I agree actually

[Papper]

I think Foley, Henry and Kightly could cut it in the Premiership at this very minute. Hennessey is a definate for the future. If we reached the promised land this season we are looking at a mammoth injection of cash to even finish fourth from bottom.

[Wolv3nsam]

Foley, Murray, Hennessey, Bothroyd, Kightly and maybe Eastwood and Henry.

Potter is iffy, he seems to have fans who think he's quality yet others who think he's useless.

[Woburn Wolf]

I think Foley, Henry and Kightly could cut it in the Premiership at this very minute. Hennessey is a definate for the future. If we reached the promised land this season we are looking at a mammoth injection of cash to even finish fourth from bottom.
Totally agree about the required cash injection.

[Wolv3nsam]

Sunderland spent about £30m in the summer and they haven't set the world alight, but I don't expect them to go down either.

[Ogerp]

Now I'm going on a 1st eleven side and not including subs, so as to narrow down the always needed squad players and also rans.

Keeper: Matt Murray (a fit Matt I should add).
Defense : Kevin Foley.
Midfield: None.
Attack: None.

Like I said this list does not include any of the present side who could (some) be useful squad or subs.
Just a Premier Wolves starting 11 made up from the present squad of players.

Postscript: As a little teaser how many of the present WBA squad do you all think would fit into the Premier if WBA are promoted?

[Wolv3nsam]

No Kightly in your squad Ogerp despite the fact a number of Premiership clubs are tracking him and that Manchester United wanted to pinch him from under our noses?

[Papper]

Totally agree about the required cash injection.

What $$$$es me off is after the progress of last season they are re-signing, recalling from loan and giving contracts to players who dont have a chance in hell of performing in the Premiership. Mick needs to find some more Foley's, Kite's and Henry's in January. I think Morgan is full of bull$$$$ at the moment.

[Ogerp]

No Kightly in your squad Ogerp despite the fact a number of Premiership clubs are tracking him and that Manchester United wanted to pinch him from under our noses?

In my squad, but not in my starting 11 (like he would be in those Premiership clubs tracking him). Like I posted my choice is based on a starting eleven not squad members.

[Hatch End Wolf]

With regard to Potter, he was released by a Premiership club and I would assume that was because he wasn't good enough.

Of course there is always the argument, that some players are released by clubs in their early twenties, but then have a successful career elsewhere, at a similar level. Could be, but I've seen nothing in Potter's displays to mark him out as an exceptional talent. More like a midfield version of Rob Edwards.

[Billy Quiet No Mates]

Comparing our players with some of the current struggling but not in the relegation zone teams in the premiership (e.g. Sunderland, Birmingham, Fulham and Middlesbrough) let alone Bolton, Wigan and Derby we don't look totally out of it if you added in the right 3 or 4 players

This from the viewpoint that I would absolutely take 17th if we get to the prem

[Paul76]

Stupid debate in my opinion when were not even in the premiership.

But here's two players who will be definitely be in the premiership in 2 years with Wolves or not.

Kightly
Hennessey.

[thekentwolf]

If Jay Bothroyd could cut it in the premier league, why at this stage of his career is he playing in the championship?

[Bedford Wolf]

If Jay Bothroyd could cut it in the premier league, why at this stage of his career is he playing in the championship?

Because he did not have the right attitude.

Lots of people go through life thinking that they only have to turn up, that the world owes them something. Perhaps MM has given Jay the kick up the asre he needed? I hope so.

[Essex Wolf]

Because he did not have the right attitude.

Lots of people go through life thinking that they only have to turn up, that the world owes them something. Perhaps MM has given Jay the kick up the asre he needed? I hope so.

Only Wolves getting into the Prem and JB having his chance will tell any of us the answer.

[Francis Munro]

I'm dying to see Jarvis play, but he seems to have perfected coming on to the pitch and avoiding touching the ball.

I'm not knocking him before anybody starts, it's just I can't recall him doing anything at home this season in his limited appearences. Come to think of it i remember one good defensive tackle.

[Essex Wolf]

I'm dying to see Jarvis play, but he seems to have perfected coming on to the pitch and avoiding touching the ball.

I'm not knocking him before anybody starts, it's just I can't recall him doing anything at home this season in his limited appearences. Come to think of it i remember one good defensive tackle.

The only thing I can say positively in defence of Jarvis is when he came on at Ipswich and showed great pace tracking back on one occasion.Other than that he hasn't done much to impress home or away but when he is getting such little time on the pitch it's no surprise.

[Woburn Wolf]

Foley, Murray, Hennessey, Bothroyd, Kightly and maybe Eastwood and Henry.

Potter is iffy, he seems to have fans who think he's quality yet others who think he's useless.
Potter is quite composed on the ball and a good passer. It is POSSIBLE that he would do OK in the Prem, simply because he will have more time in most games but I must say, I have my doubts.

[Woburn Wolf]

What $$$$es me off is after the progress of last season they are re-signing, recalling from loan and giving contracts to players who dont have a chance in hell of performing in the Premiership. Mick needs to find some more Foley's, Kite's and Henry's in January. I think Morgan is full of bull$$$$ at the moment.
I know what you mean but if these players are marketable at CCC level having them under contract would ensure we at least get market value for them whereas if we let the contract run down they would go for free. I guess the acid test as to whether signing players or extending contracts is good business or not will be determined by how much we sell them for - no doubt we will never know though as most of Moxey's business is for an "undiscosed fee"

[Woburn Wolf]

Stupid debate in my opinion when were not even in the premiership.

But here's two players who will be definitely be in the premiership in 2 years with Wolves or not.

Kightly
Hennessey.
Add a third, Foley.

[Woburn Wolf]

If Jay Bothroyd could cut it in the premier league, why at this stage of his career is he playing in the championship?
I think the answer to this is well documented. Everyone knows that Jay has undoubted ability the key question is will he now decide to make the most of it. If so, he is undoubted Prem quality.

[Wolv3nsam]

Foley is brilliant for his age and would only get better. I think most of our current players could do with another season in the Championship (such as Foley and perhaps Kightly) in order to make the step up. Derby, Watford and ourselves have proved how catastrophic the difference in quality is between the Championship and Premiership. The play-off team is usually tipped for relegation before kick-off.

[basher]

None.

Kightly will soon be back plying his trade in non league soon enough.

[Wolv3nsam]

None.

Kightly will soon be back plying his trade in non league soon enough.

Yet he plays for England at U21 level and is 1 of 2 Championship players who play regularly (Andrew Surman being the other).

The most idiotic post of the year award goes to..

[basher]

Form is temporary, class is permanent!!

[Papper]

I know what you mean but if these players are marketable at CCC level having them under contract would ensure we at least get market value for them whereas if we let the contract run down they would go for free. I guess the acid test as to whether signing players or extending contracts is good business or not will be determined by how much we sell them for - no doubt we will never know though as most of Moxey's business is for an "undiscosed fee"

Granted, but long term they will be spending less on mercenaries if and whenever they reach the Premiership. Looking good at the moment with signings like Kightly, Henry and Foley. We need at least another three recruits and need to keep those we already have. January might be interesting.