Quick Expectation Check

[SsgWolf]

Given our excellent signings, (including some off the field), where are you expecting us to finish next season.

I am expecting automatic. I think we need another CH, Midfielder and Striker, but things are looking good.

However, I will also be happy with the play-offs providing we continue to build next close season.

If we have a bad start then I believe MM will be gone, and a new manager would have a great basis to build on.

My nightmare would be a failing in next seasons play-offs and for morgan to do a hayward and stop investing.

What do you think?

[Del Woppio]

Automatic, and one signing away from Champions for me at this stage. There is of course, a long time to go for our rivals to strengthen, so I reserve the right to change my mind.

[O.W.E.I]

Good points Ssg.

Nothing less than automatic will suffice, preferably by March 1st.

[Mr Wolf]

We have signed a Defender, Midfielder and a Forward. The same is needed again imo but a winger instead of a CM (Hoolahan went to Norwich for 250k today).

A Playoff place is a minimum this season but I hope we have a good start and keep Mick beacuse I dont want another decent manager sacked by november. It's going to be a long tough season but as long as were in touch you never though.

[Essex Wolf]

Add another signing or two and I'll go for automatic, right now play offs.

[Big Mack]

Play Offs. Still need to strengthen to be a viable top two bet.

[wolverine mick]

as others have said, another couple of signings and we should be looking at automatic

[Wolv3nsam]

Automatic.

[crocos]

Things long-term are looking as bright as I can remember since we came up from the 2nd division as it was with Graham Turner. Promoted with Wimbledon I think it was? God, that puts a whole lot in perspective!

We still need more in though, what happens if Kights & SEB get crocked, when Craddock wears out?

At the moment, carrying on building as we are, I'll say play-offs next season and auto the season after.

Nurse! My medication!

[wolfie smith]

at the moment play offs but not winning them, i cant be the only one who thinks we need some experience and some back up for kightly, its going in the right direction, can i be patient????? arrrggghhhhhhhhhh:eek:

[Essex Wolf]

Just my view but until another central defender and midfield player are added can't see auto promotion being on.

And should Bothroyd, Eastwood and Elliott all leave then another forward as well.

[SaleWolf]

Went for automatic simply because that is the only acceptable conclusion of next season.

[haden-wolf]

auto assuming we get in more decent players in the areas discussed many many times

[ManningtreeWolf]

I'd like to think automatic, and although I am impressed with the signings so far, we ARE Wolves and they always raise our expectation only to kick us in the teeth. They are a lot of other good teams in the league and finishing in the top two requires consistency AND scoring goals freely on a regular basis, ... something we have failed to do in years.

I am quietly optimistic for the coming season but feel we need another centre back , Berra hopefully , a midfielder creator in the Koren, Gera mould and a striker who will chip in with 15-20 goals to take the heat off SEB.

Finally and most importantly, McCarthy HAS to change the negative style, formation and tactics of last season if we are to have a chance of success next year

[Stewarton Wolf]

We will not get promoted with McCarthy in charge, young and hungry the signings maybe, I do not think they have the necessary qualities to impact on what was a poor side last season. What is needed is a 2 x quality central defenders and a central midfielder who have played at a higher level and can bring a calming influence onto the pitch. Without these its going to be a long season. The tactics and the management of the team will also continue to hamper us.

What should we be expecting Automatic, but for me I doesn't look likely at all.

[SaleWolf]

What should we be expecting Automatic, but for me I doesn't look likely at all.

I agree but if Mccarthy brings in the type of player you have mentioned, surely, even he can get us promoted next season?

If not, at least we know he won't be there afterwards.

[Del Woppio]

In theory Stewarton, you’ll be happy what ever happens come May, as we’ll either be promoted* or Mick will be gone.

*But then I guess we’d just have endless ‘Thick Mick hasn’t got what it takes to keep us up/relegation is certainty’ commentary from you.

[Grizzled Wolf]

I voted for Champions because I don't want to support a team that can only set it's sights on the playoffs...this upcoming season has no room in it for Wolves going the playoff route again. We need to go up with drums banging and flags flying and the keys of the city going to Morgan.

For too long we have been the "maybe the playoffs" kind of fans..perhaps our long spell in the depths has given us this attitude..but it is time for "thinking small" to change..if you think small thats what you will get..perhaps.. if your lucky!! Just for one season let us go for the gold ring right from the start!

The owner and the management have shown that they are putting some real effort into this season and so should we..let's take no prisoners and to hell with the playoffs.. for our own self esteem we need to be the Champions!!!!!!

[Essex Wolf]

If he is looking to bring in another midfield player then Howard would be the one I'd like to see at Molineux but he will cost bigger money than any of the signings to date I believe.

[SaleWolf]

If he is looking to bring in another midfield player then Howard would be the one I'd like to see at Molineux but he will cost bigger money than any of the signings to date I believe.

Very much doubt he will sign Howard now he's signed Jones.

Too similar. Would have preferred Howard over Jones though.

[Dewsburywolf]

I'm a pessimist (goes with the territory) so can I reserve judgement til after the Friendlies (we all know what usually happens in them- Jarvis?)

[Stewarton Wolf]

In theory Stewarton, you’ll be happy what ever happens come May, as we’ll either be promoted* or Mick will be gone.

*But then I guess we’d just have endless ‘Thick Mick hasn’t got what it takes to keep us up/relegation is certainty’ commentary from you. I called it right the last two seasons despite us sitting third in October
McCarthy wont get us relegated. Its just he wont get us promoted either.

However if we don't get promoted in May then I wont be happy, because it will be another season of failure. If we are not in the top 3/4 places in October and in touch with automatic (ie 2/3/4 points off) then it should be bye bye McCarthy. However it would be a lot simpler to get it done now.

By your own admission you didn't start watching Wolves until the 1990's. As such I can understand to a degree your views on the current situation, because in reality you have never seen a decent Wolves team that genuinely competed in the top division, won the occasional cup, regularly beat the league champions, played in Europe.

[Virginia Wolf]

Auto - I think there are more decent signings to come

[Essex Wolf]

Very much doubt he will sign Howard now he's signed Jones.

Too similar. Would have preferred Howard over Jones though.

Think you are most likely right SW but for me one of last seasons biggest problems was the lack of quality cover when injuries etc came along. We all know far too well the mess things were when McCarthy tried his experimental formations.

This season, if the club is serious about promotion, it needs to have a good starting 11 with good cover, no more players like Elliott and Ward S playing as wingers.

[Deutsch Wolf]

By your own admission you didn't start watching Wolves until the 1990's. As such I can understand to a degree your views on the current situation, because in reality you have never seen a decent Wolves team that genuinely competed in the top division, won the occasional cup, regularly beat the league champions, played in Europe.

Why does our status 35+ years ago have any bearing on the current situation? Do Preston fans bemoan the fact that they're not winning the Premier League and going unbeaten every season?

We are a middling second tier outfit and have been for almost 20 years.

[ProudWolf]

Think you are most likely right SW but for me one of last seasons biggest problems was the lack of quality cover when injuries etc came along. We all know far too well the mess things were when McCarthy tried his experimental formations.

This season, if the club is serious about promotion, it needs to have a good starting 11 with good cover, no more players like Elliott and Ward S playing as wingers.

Essex, if we need another midfielder surely it will be a defensive minded player rather than an attacking midfielder? At the moment we have Edwards and Jones (Davies as well but i think Mick will use him as cover in wide areas) competing for the attacking role but only Henry (maybe Gleeson but not convinced) in the defensive role. Potter is off and so is George.
Hopefully Marvin Elliott can be signed but I doubt Bristol City will sell for a reasonable price.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Why does our status 35+ years ago have any bearing on the current situation? Do Preston fans bemoan the fact that they're not winning the Premier League and going unbeaten every season?

We are a middling second tier outfit and have been for almost 20 years.
Experience and environment can have a significant impact on perceptions, opinions, reactions, courses of action and expectations.

Yes things move on, however I would suggest that the past 20+ years has proven that we have not been good enough and as such I have seen nothing so far that would indicated to me that we are good enough for promotion this season.

Last season was a classic example, you predicted that WBA would struggle (even started your own thread about it) and that we were in a far better position after spending £4m+ strengthening which was largely supported by the majority of the board. In what was the poorest division in memory WBA won the league and we failed to make the play-offs. I would consider that yours and the majority of the message boards expectation for that prediction was based on season 2006/7. I just try and take a longer view and look at the qualities of the teams promoted/sucessful over the longer term and see if we match up. I dont think we do. But its all about opinions.

[Essex Wolf]

Essex, if we need another midfielder surely it will be a defensive minded player rather than an attacking midfielder? At the moment we have Edwards and Jones (Davies as well but i think Mick will use him as cover in wide areas) competing for the attacking role but only Henry (maybe Gleeson but not convinced) in the defensive role. Potter is off and so is George.
Hopefully Marvin Elliott can be signed but I doubt Bristol City will sell for a reasonable price.

Yes I think you are right hence why I agreed with Salewolf re Howard but I would like to see quality cover as well as in the starting 11.

Very unlikely to happen I know.

[dr cool]

champs...

[GoldenHorseshoe]

Decent signings so far but not to the level that you can say we're really "going for it".
I voted for playoffs but think we'll be about the same as last year (battling for the last spot) unless we get more experience in midfield and defence.

[Deutsch Wolf]

Last season was a classic example, you predicted that WBA would struggle (even started your own thread about it) and that we were in a far better position after spending £4m+ strengthening which was largely supported by the majority of the board. In what was the poorest division in memory WBA won the league and we failed to make the play-offs. I would consider that yours and the majority of the message boards expectation for that prediction was based on season 2006/7. I just try and take a longer view and look at the qualities of the teams promoted/sucessful over the longer term and see if we match up. I dont think we do. But its all about opinions.

I said that they wouldn't be "a force". They only just inched over 80 points. And I also started the thread long before they signed a lot of their players. But that's by the by.

[Stewarton Wolf]

I said that they wouldn't be "a force". They only just inched over 80 points. And I also started the thread long before they signed a lot of their players. But that's by the by.
That's exactly my point, do you think 80 points will be enough this season? Or by taking a longer more considered view do you think that last season was an anomaly and between 87/92 will probably be required to gain automatic and 75+ for the play-offs?

Also what gives you the confidence that the signings so far will be any better than those of the season of 2007/8, which in reality was £7m+ to go backwards.

[Deutsch Wolf]

80 points won't be anywhere near enough, last season's division was very ordinary. West Brom were the only reasonable side in terms of football, but they were alarmingly weak at the back and have a midfield that you can walk through. All the more frustrating that we finished outside of the top six, but that's gone now, no point crying over spilt milk. I think it'll be back to the normal levels that you mention in the coming season.

I wouldn't like to judge any of the new signings until I've seen them play for Wolves.

[crocos]

Experience and environment can have a significant impact on perceptions, opinions, reactions, courses of action and expectations.

...

In what was the poorest division in memory ...

What a load of steaming guff Stewarton! Of course experience & environment has such effects, it's called life.

As for the 2nd part, that old chestnut wore thin years ago.

You need to see the same nurse I see, she sells the best medication for profound misery :D

[Stewarton Wolf]

80 points won't be anywhere near enough, last season's division was very ordinary. West Brom were the only reasonable side in terms of football, but they were alarmingly weak at the back and have a midfield that you can walk through. All the more frustrating that we finished outside of the top six, but that's gone now, no point crying over spilt milk. I think it'll be back to the normal levels that you mention in the coming season.

I wouldn't like to judge any of the new signings until I've seen them play for Wolves.
I don't think anyone is judging them. They are probably fine players but the experience issue has not been addressed as yet. Asking for a 25% improvement over the whole season without real tried and tested quality in the side maybe a bridge to far.

[wallace]

automatic if we can add a couple of experienced players to the squad. its a long, hard season and a bit of stability is needed to see the youngsters through.

[goldeneyed]

At this very moment we should be good for the play offs. IF we get another good young CB, specialist wing cover, competition for Elokobi (assuming Gray is not with us) a forward and a replacement for Seyi we could be top two and even Champions. I reckon we will probably only get another two or so so much may depend on injuries/luck. My gut feeling at this moment is third or fourth place but another couple of really decent signings and I will risk saying second.

[Berkswolf]

Given our excellent signings, (including some off the field), where are you expecting us to finish next season.

I am expecting automatic.

However, I will also be happy with the play-offs providing we continue to build next close season.

What do you think?

This is pretty much how I see it too.

[Goldisocks]

I'm looking for a major improvement on last season but essentially top three given the quality of teams that are coming down. The first ten games will be interesting - especially if McCarthy hasn't got an idea who his best eleven are (synonomous with last season)

[BB Wolf]

Everyone seems to have ignored the quality of the opposition I think there will be at least 15 teams who's fans at this stage will be hoping for or expecting a real challenge for a play off place
I think last season we were unlucky with injuries and should have been able to have finished top 6
I do not think any team will run away with it we will have good and bad runs and how we start will be paramount
We MUST stick with Mick all season regardless he is building a team in the right way Even if we are in the bottom half of the league come Nov give him the whole season to get things right
I am really pleased with the new faces but we still need a bit more experience in the side IMO Ince and Irwin were 2 of the most important signings we made that secured promotion
At present think we will get in the play offs we need a few more signings to really challenge for automatic promotion

[haden-wolf]

I think we have to believe that we will sign another forward of good quality whether or not it is Mclean, we will also buy another CB of good quality if we get Berra, the danger I see there is not settling in that quickly as some who come down from the SPL struggle.
If there is any truth in the Marvelous Marvin rumour then we are also looking at high quality midfield re-inforcements
I honestly believe 99 percent of fans would be more than happy with what we have already, what we've just signed and what we are trying to sign.

As Goldeneye very wisely stated a great deal of where we finish will come down to luck and injuries are part of that we do need a strong squad but have to hope our key players stop fit - they didn't last year - they may this

[crocos]

Everyone seems to have ignored the quality of the opposition I think there will be at least 15 teams who's fans at this stage will be hoping for or expecting a real challenge for a play off place

Exactly, there's a number of good / rich / traditionally-strong / on-the-up teams in the division who'll each be expecting to carry on from last year / improve from last year / go straight back up.

This business of it being the "weakest league in years" is rot IMHO, the standards are getting higher and higher.

[Bend It Like Dennison]

With McCarthy at the helm, we havent a hope in hell of automatic. Scrape into the play offs, maybe. But automatic?? Dream on.

[Black Suit]

Just had a go on the Euro Lottery, if all goes as planned I'll move in a week on Friday. I will buy a basketball, a clown's gun (from which a flag appears) and Sir Alan Sugar, and all three will carry the same message simultaneously, 'You're fired.'

Jeremy and Mick will leave the building, without passing go and collecting £200.

Steve and I will rule the ........


(wakes up with a bit of an itch and starts dribbling and snoring)

Auto Promotion!

[glasgowwolf]

I am very impressed with the signings.
However a word of caution, all 3 are young and inexperienced.
IMHO, we lack the nous, experience, and knowledge on th epitch to claim automatic.

I expect Play off's anything greater than that this season is a bonus.
I like the manager, I like he way the club is being run, and I like the way the squad is being built.

My only issue is with the level of expectancy, and it causing divisions within the club when we are not clear by 10 points come Christmas.

[Del Woppio]

I don't think anyone is judging them. They are probably fine players but the experience issue has not been addressed as yet. Asking for a 25% improvement over the whole season without real tried and tested quality in the side maybe a bridge to far.

Don't forget, it's not just the three signings that will improve the squad that started last season. The likes of Hennessey, Foley, Elokobi, Keogh and SEB have all had relatively successful seasons in this league - they will be improved players for the experience. Fit wingers are another source of improvement, as is the potential return Sparky. Every position on the field will be improved upon when compared to the side we had from August-December last season; and that's before you factor in the new signings.

[Swinford Wolf]

Only finishing 1st or 2nd will be good enough this season IMO.

[Evolution Wolf]

not sure yet i think we will be in a high play-off position or the second auto position.

i will make a better prediction at the start of the season

[Wednesbury Wolf]

Automatic - this is going against my normal pre-season pessimist tendency.This is assuming we get a top class midfielder.

[SsgWolf]

i have a few concerns.

first and foremost the captaincy. i am unsure that kh can make the starting lineup, and even if he does i dont know that he has the right character or deep enough experience,

secondly, i think we need the experienced midfield enforcer, and another experienced ch.

other than that another striker and winger would be great and everything else has been done perfectly.

congratulations to jez, i think his ability as a ceo has developed really well since steve morgans arrival. after many years of floundering i think jez is finally the finished article,

[haden-wolf]

I think the real Jez is probably now standing up.

From what I've seen in business (I know quite a few people on here have been in very senior posts within organisations so I stand to be corrected) a CEO though leading things is still answerable to a main board or in our case Sir Jack or Steve Morgan and has to work within the perameters set by his gaffers.

Much as Sir Jack was an astute business man I'm not sure how clear his thinking was when it came to Wolves so JM could look like he was going off half cocked, for example the two seasons of feast followed by two of transfer famine we seemed to get. Not knocking SJH just how it looked to me

Where as under Steve Morgan it seems the vision is a little more settled and the remitt for JM is likely to be a little more consistant, hence he now looks like he knows what he's doing and is doing very well. It could also be that Morgan is getting very closely involved.

What ever it is - long may it continue

[PREM.L.L]

I've gone for Auto. We've had one over achieving season, one consolidation if you like and now is the real press for promotion. Say all you like about being too expectant but 3 seasons is adaquate for a club of our size and wealth to mount a serious charge. Whether auto is achieved is a minor thing for me as opposed to the fact we should be at least challenging for auto going into the last handful of games. That will show improvement and consistency.

Those writing off MM already really want shooting.

[ice cream head]

My nightmare would be a failing in next seasons play-offs and for morgan to do a hayward and stop investing.

What do you think?

I haven't read through the whole thread, so apologise if it's already been pointed out, but I don't think you need worry about Morgan doing a Hayward.

Morgan is here to make a success of Wolves above all else - These, as far as I can see, are the mans motives.

Hayward was here primarily to make himself look good. We had 'the golden tit' episode where by he blamed the manager, we had the constant untruthful manipulation through the website and the media (usually Moxey, however I understand he was simply doing his job) eluding to the 'fact' that Hayward has done alot for Wolverhampton Wanderers, without any evidence to back up this claim. Plenty of other teams at our level have superior stadiums to us and yet their supporters don't hero worship Reebok, McCalpine or their local councils in the same silly manner.

All we had from Hayward was failure after failure, then one solitary season in the top flight. We then had to suffer the nonsense and lies that came with that, before the admission, some 3 years later, that he "should've backed the manager more" when we finally got back where should be.

Hayward's motives were ego based and unfortunatley for him, somebody, somewhere wasn't impressed.

Morgan will be a success at Wolves, because his intentions are pure, and imo intent is all that matters. He also stays around to actually witnesss what is going on - both on the pitch and behind the scenes, and he seems have more football intelligence than Hayward ever did.

We will do well while he's here - There is no doubt about that.

[Stewarton Wolf]

I haven't read through the whole thread, so apologise if it's already been pointed out, but I don't think you need worry about Morgan doing a Hayward.

Morgan is here to make a success of Wolves above all else - These, as far as I can see, are the mans motives.

Hayward was here primarily to make himself look good. We had 'the golden tit' episode where by he blamed the manager, we had the constant untruthful manipulation through the website and the media (usually Moxey, however I understand he was simply doing his job) eluding to the 'fact' that Hayward has done alot for Wolverhampton Wanderers, without any evidence to back up this claim. Plenty of other teams at our level have superior stadiums to us and yet their supporters don't hero worship Reebok, McCalpine or their local councils in the same silly manner.

All we had from Hayward was failure after failure, then one solitary season in the top flight. We then had to suffer the nonsense and lies that came with that, before the admission, some 3 years later, that he "should've backed the manager more" when we finally got back where should be.

Hayward's motives were ego based and unfortunatley for him, somebody, somewhere wasn't impressed.

Morgan will be a success at Wolves, because his intentions are pure, and imo intent is all that matters. He also stays around to actually witnesss what is going on - both on the pitch and behind the scenes, and he seems have more football intelligence than Hayward ever did.

We will do well while he's here - There is no doubt about that.
We don't always agree, but you are spot on with that.

[Mugwump]

i expect a strong top two place challenge. Promotion is a must either automatic or by play-offs. If we are not in a strong position by november mick must go.

[SCB]

We'll end seventh - as we often do.
:cool:

[Atlas 1951]

Why does our status 35+ years ago have any bearing on the current situation? Do Preston fans bemoan the fact that they're not winning the Premier League and going unbeaten every season?

We are a middling second tier outfit and have been for almost 20 years.

Preston is not a telling comparison. They haven´t been in the top flight since the days of Tom Finney and they haven´t won the league this century, if I´m not mistaken.

Fans have never settled for being a ¨middling second-tier¨ outfit partly because of older fans´ memories, but also because whoever was in charge showed fitful bursts of ambition. We´re like Al Pacino ("Just when I think I´m getting out, they pull me back in!"). It´s almost as though we had a third great era, but it happened in a different dimension. One of the best stadiums in the country (at the time), big spending, we couldn´t help getting ahead of ourselves. It was like "Field of Dreams", but when we built it nobody came; the ghost of a Premiership Steve Bull and a long-serving Robbie Keane still linger invisible in the cornfields.

I started going in the seventies (as a six-year old), and even then my old man never stopped telling me how they weren´t good enough. I´m sure that goes for many of my generation. If we didn´t have that undercurrent of desire for better things (call it ambition or delusions of grandeur), gates would be down to 12,000 or less. And we´d be Preston North End. Let´s hope we never see those days.

Regarding my expectations: they are swelling. I am a realist (which is easy to be when you live far away from Whitmore Reans), but they´re strengthening the areas everybody said need strengthening, and by holding onto SEB and Kightly they have two of the most dangerous players in the division. Cover looks acceptable if Davies and Gobern can be fit, we hold onto a transfer-listed striker or replace him, and another centre back comes in. A competent holding midfielder with proven leadership skills would be a boon.

[kennyB]

I don't know enough about the new signings to comment on what they will bring to the team. I am not however getting carried away with them like some appear to be. Look at who we have bought so far, Vokes 18 from Bournemouth, could well be one for the future but unproven at this level. Stearman from a relegated Leicester City, they had a decent defensive record but maybe they played their midfield in front of their centre backs all season as we did. Jones who couldn't get into a Derby side who were the worst ever to grace the Prem. Not exactly awe-inspiring signings. Am not saying they won't turn out to be good buys but am being cautious. We definitely need to bring in some experienced quality in a couple of positions, at present my best hope is for the play-offs.

[Bend It Like Dennison]

I don't know enough about the new signings to comment on what they will bring to the team. I am not however getting carried away with them like some appear to be. Look at who we have bought so far, Vokes 18 from Bournemouth, could well be one for the future but unproven at this level. Stearman from a relegated Leicester City, they had a decent defensive record but maybe they played their midfield in front of their centre backs all season as we did. Jones who couldn't get into a Derby side who were the worst ever to grace the Prem. Not exactly awe-inspiring signings. Am not saying they won't turn out to be good buys but am being cautious. We definitely need to bring in some experienced quality in a couple of positions, at present my best hope is for the play-offs.

At last some perspective.

3 OKish signings who tick some boxes, but if truth be told most of us know **** all about.

We're still waiting for that one defining signing IMO, something I dont think we'll get with McCarthy because he cant manage big names.

[A wanderer from Bristol]

Expectations.... the graveyard of old gold ambitions

But I have them, I can't help myself - Automatic.. I 'm optimistic

[HICKO]

The expectations thus far are highly optimistic with over 92% of voters plumping for play-offs or better!
As for me I, it is impossible to say so I have declined to vote............being a supporter for over 55 years leaves it's marks.
My hopes are of course that we go up as champions, up the Wolves. :)

[Del Woppio]

We're still waiting for that one defining signing IMO, something I dont think we'll get with McCarthy because he cant manage big names.

Evidenced by?

[Stewarton Wolf]

Evidenced by?
His signing record at Sunderland Millwall & Wolves

[Atlas 1951]

Crocos, your memory is playing tricks on you, we were promoted from the old third division in the season you talk of with Sheff U and Port Vale.

For me this coming season only automatic promotion will do. I don't think we'll do it though as there are too many stronger teams in the division that we'll be up against.

Correct. Wimbledon were in the top flight at the time.

[Atlas 1951]

I don't know enough about the new signings to comment on what they will bring to the team. I am not however getting carried away with them like some appear to be. Look at who we have bought so far, Vokes 18 from Bournemouth, could well be one for the future but unproven at this level. Stearman from a relegated Leicester City, they had a decent defensive record but maybe they played their midfield in front of their centre backs all season as we did. Jones who couldn't get into a Derby side who were the worst ever to grace the Prem. Not exactly awe-inspiring signings. Am not saying they won't turn out to be good buys but am being cautious. We definitely need to bring in some experienced quality in a couple of positions, at present my best hope is for the play-offs.

You´re right to remain cautious, of course. But on the other hand, Derby had a change of manager during the Prem campaign, and managers have preferences. He obviously didn´t fit into Jewell´s plans but that´s not necessarily the last word on the guy´s career. I think I´m right in saying he was injured before that.

I think there is encouragement in the fact that we´re going after targets early, and that the positions being targeted are the ones that everybody believes we need. But yeah, we needed a centre half last year and got Darren Ward.

[Essex Wolf]

For me this coming season only automatic promotion will do. I don't think we'll do it though as there are too many stronger teams in the division that we'll be up against.

Highlander, who are all these stronger teams?

Admittedly the relegated sides will have had Prem experience and have some very good players in their squads but Blouse have already seen players leave and more look likely to follow whilst Readings best players are also being sought after. As for Derby, well they were so poor it was embarrassing.

Had Wolves not sufferd so many long term injuries to their better players then they may well have made the PO's and had they finished 6th then in theory only 5 teams would have been better.

Wolves are improving their squad and if Jarvis and Kightly can stay fit most of the season then will their really be "too many stronger teams"?

[Hibbitt was King]

10th.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Highlander, who are all these stronger teams?

Admittedly the relegated sides will have had Prem experience and have some very good players in their squads but Blouse have already seen players leave and more look likely to follow whilst Readings best players are also being sought after. As for Derby, well they were so poor it was embarrassing.

Had Wolves not sufferd so many long term injuries to their better players then they may well have made the PO's and had they finished 6th then in theory only 5 teams would have been better.

Wolves are improving their squad and if Jarvis and Kightly can stay fit most of the season then will their really be "too many stronger teams"?

Sheff Utd with Blackwell
Palace with Warnock
QPR with Dowie + £££
Coventry with Coleman + £££
Ipswich with Magilton + £££

I think Forest will also make an impact

[Essex Wolf]

Sheff Utd with Blackwell
Palace with Warnock
QPR with Dowie + £££
Coventry with Coleman + £££
Ipswich with Magilton + £££

I think Forest will also make an impact

At this time SW I wouldn't say any one of those you list are stronger than the Wolves right now.

They may be on a par and they may yet sign several players that make them better but Wolves have actually made signings and are looking to make more.

[Wolv3nsam]

QPR with Dowie + £££

Say no more.

[Essex Wolf]

say no more.

Nicely put

[Seasider]

Usual mid summer optimism for me - top two.

[Stewarton Wolf]

At this time SW I wouldn't say any one of those you list are stronger than the Wolves right now.

They may be on a par and they may yet sign several players that make them better but Wolves have actually made signings and are looking to make more.
Its going to be a tougher division than last season, I don't think Wolves are any stronger in reality, the 3 signings so far are potential rather than finished article. When you consider our limited/very poor form against teams in the top half of the table over the past 2 seasons the stronger the division the less likely we are to succeed.

[Devil's Slide Wolf]

I have us hovering outside the PO.

Look folks, who the EFF is Vokes? If we're getting excited over 3 untested players with no pedigree then I have a perpetual motor machine I'd like to sell you.

[Deutsch Wolf]

He's a young international who scored a lot of goals in a poor side at the level below which we're playing.

You could have asked the same question about Kightly in 2006, or Hennessey prior to the start of the season, and how many posters on this forum could have picked Ebanks-Blake or Foley out of a line-up a year ago?

[kennyB]

He's a young international who scored a lot of goals in a poor side at the level below which we're playing.

You could have asked the same question about Kightly in 2006, or Hennessey prior to the start of the season, and how many posters on this forum could have picked Ebanks-Blake or Foley out of a line-up a year ago?

And how many would have picked Collins, Kyle or the comedy duo "the Wards"?

[Deutsch Wolf]

Collins had a good first season, and has been adversely affected by being played out of position, admittedly the manager's fault. Kyle did fairly well for us. Darren Ward was a shocking signing but Stephen Ward falls into the same category as Collins. Neither are bad players.

[Essex Wolf]

Collins had a good first season, and has been adversely affected by being played out of position, admittedly the manager's fault. Kyle did fairly well for us. Darren Ward was a shocking signing but Stephen Ward falls into the same category as Collins. Neither are bad players.

So you admit McCarthy messed up then?

[Black Suit]

Sheff Utd with Blackwell
Palace with Warnock
QPR with Dowie + £££
Coventry with Coleman + £££
Ipswich with Magilton + £££

I think Forest will also make an impact


I like you mate but.........

$$$$$$$$$$ :eek:

[Deutsch Wolf]

So you admit McCarthy messed up then?

Yes Essex, our manager made mistakes last season. You know it, I know it, the world knows it.

[Stewarton Wolf]

I like you mate but.........

$$$$$$$$$$ :eek:
What?
Forest - 1 team the get promoted always seems to kick on it could be them.

[Black Suit]

What?
Forest - 1 team the get promoted always seems to kick on it could be them.

Now then my Hoops/Bhoys buddy! Fancy a 365 bet? They're shiiite!

[Black Suit]

Yes Essex, our manager made mistakes last season. You know it, I know it, the world knows it.

All execpt the Bo(a)r(e)d! And I can spell!

JM and MM must be taking him to the cleaners.

[Japan Wulf]

The impact of the three relegated teams will have a great bearing, as will the emergence (or not) of any unexpected challenger.
Although things are looking very promising, at this point in time with just the three new faces and too many old ones still here I would have to say just a play off place.

[reanswolf]

Over 50% of fans so far think we will be automatic! What a bunch of prats we have as fans! No wonder we are laughed at.

Nothing wrong with quiet but measured optimism, but we aint managed top two since 1977!!!!!!!!!

You are idiots. Have we really improved our team from last season (when we couldnt even make playoffs) that much?

No, losing Olo brought in the derby lad. Defender form leicester, and young unproven striker. Yes that clearly all adds up to top two! NOT.

I know this is all a bit light hearted, but I really do wonder about many of our fans sometimes. Do they really understand the game? Do they even go to the game?

Of course we may yet bring in players who will make us more likely to achieve, but as thinsg stand I feel with Kightly back the best we can expect is a playoff.

[wallace]

Over 50% of fans so far think we will be automatic! What a bunch of prats we have as fans! No wonder we are laughed at.

Nothing wrong with quiet but measured optimism, but we aint managed top two since 1977!!!!!!!!!

You are idiots. Have we really improved our team from last season (when we couldnt even make playoffs) that much?

No, losing Olo brought in the derby lad. Defender form leicester, and young unproven striker. Yes that clearly all adds up to top two! NOT.

I know this is all a bit light hearted, but I really do wonder about many of our fans sometimes. Do they really understand the game? Do they even go to the game?

Of course we may yet bring in players who will make us more likely to achieve, but as thinsg stand I feel with Kightly back the best we can expect is a playoff.

chill out man, we all know were going to finish 7th again. does that make you feel better?

[reanswolf]

Yeah sorry. My comments were condescending.

I justgetfrustrated that expectation will ruin the atmosphere before the season is even started. Some just seem to think that we ought to top two simply because we are Wolves.

It is crucial to keep fans expectation in check if we have any chance IMO.

[Stewarton Wolf]

Yeah sorry. My comments were condescending.

I justgetfrustrated that expectation will ruin the atmosphere before the season is even started. Some just seem to think that we ought to top two simply because we are Wolves.

It is crucial to keep fans expectation in check if we have any chance IMO.

Expectations what footballs all about

[Hatch End Wolf]

With regard to the comments on our new players. I don't know whether they will be a success or not, and lets face it we've bought plenty of duffers over the years, but.....there is always the chance that a reject from another club will fit in at the Molineux and become a star for us. Dave wagstaffe was the best winger I've seen at the club and he was a reject from Man City. Kenny Hibbitt was stolen from a bankrupt Bradford Park Avenue for £5,000!....and of course Bully wasn't good enough for the Boggies.

We won't know until we kick-off.

[bod101]

i expect automatic challenging for champions. last season i expected to be challenging for autmatic.

i think it is all irrelevent unless we change from what i perceive to be playing to not lose to playing to win. this is crucial if we are to see any change at all.

[Paul76]

I think Wolves are capable of automatic promotion this season. Personally, I think looking at the current squad, we should be good enough for the play-offs. With the addition of a few more players, we should have one of the strongest squads in the league.

We need to sort our home form out. Our home form was patchy last year, it cost us dear. If we're to have any chance of gaining promotion then we need to win the majority of our home games.

[kennyB]

i expect automatic challenging for champions. last season i expected to be challenging for autmatic.

i think it is all irrelevent unless we change from what i perceive to be playing to not lose to playing to win. this is crucial if we are to see any change at all.

That's an important point bod, we MUST attack more, especially at home.

[Edgmond Wolf]

I would be looking for a top four finish and with luck get into the auto position, but I would be happy to get to the play-offs.