Latest Johnny Phillips article

[Scallywolf]

another good article,,,after at least a forward and a ball carrying winger....fabio done and gary still hasnt got the players he wants for his style

Johnny Phillips: Wolves now afforded time after their strong start

Time is a precious commodity in football.

www.expressandstar.com

Just read Johnny’s article which is good reading as usual.

Some interesting comments about Fosun’s finances, which seem to be improving. Don’t know if that will be of benefit to us, but it is a positive.

Hope the Neto comments don’t materialise for a while yet, but it sounds ominous.

Fabio’s time must be up based on Johnny’s comments and I think he has to go. He’s had enough chances, but he just does not look good enough. Another loan mentioned but I hope it’s permanent . A big hit to take, because we ain’t going to get anything like the £37m we stupidly paid for him.

Lots of positives Johnny and very interesting. Thanks as usual.

 

[wolfslair]

Just read Johnny’s article which is good reading as usual.

Some interesting comments about Fisun’s finances, which seem to be improving. Don’t know if that will be of benefit to us, but it is a positive.

Hope the Neto comments don’t materialise for a while yet, but it sounds ominous.

Fabio’s time must be up based on Johnny’s comments and I think he has to go. He’s had enough chances, but he just does not look good enough. Another loan mentioned but I hope it’s permanent . A big hit to take, because we ain’t going to get anything like the £37m we stupidly paid for him.

Lots of positives Johnny and very interesting. Thanks as usual.

He is the best at anything wolves related……

If he says it, then it comes from the best sources and it can only be a small amount of times the situation changed after something he said.

Another cracking article

 

[MattH]

Hopefully we cart off Silva in Jan then. Was it actually £35m we paid for him, or was a big chunk of that performance related? Seem to think the initial fee was lower and unlikely he's met many performance targets.

 

[hollo]

It was 35 million straight.

 

[lets all have a disco]

As long as the fee we get for Fabio covers another forward (15-20m), the loss isn't relevant really ....you win some, you lose some ..that's football.....

But we probably have learnt a lesson...

 

[Wolf316]

As long as the fee we get for Fabio covers another forward (15-20m), the loss isn't relevant really ....you win some, you lose some ..that's football.....

But we probably have learnt a lesson...

Enough to cover the lad from Italy that we tried to get in the summer would do.

 

[QB Wolf]

Quite a hard hitting article and some uncomfortable truths in terms of Fabio and Pedro, but it gives the impression that the club is in a stable place and is responding and not reacting to the challenges it faces.

 

[loppers86]

it also says we really do have to break even now and implies that Fosun took money out last summer (as they did for all their businesses).

finance people don’t want to cut their losses on silva - i presume that’s the same finance people that blew the cash on the GT originally?

 

[Don Corleone]

Another quality read from Jonny.

 

[Bill McCai]

The consensus at Compton is that Fabio Silva has had his chances. The coaching staff do not see a future for him at Wolves, but his departure is not a straightforward issue.

 

[WeAreTheWolvesII]

Not great in terms of the future and Fosun's investment.

Still think we definitely need new owners long-term, but as the article says, we have at least bought time, although the league is so bad this year, I would still have us as one of those in the mix to go down next season if Leeds/Leicester come up. It's going to be a ridiculously tough division if they do.

So I hope this season doesn't bring complacency.

No mention of FFP, so Phillips still clearly not having that it was a major issue.

In fairness to Wolves, this is the perfect time to give a cautious message as we're not going to go down and nobody expects big spending in January. You don't really gain much from talking big now.The proof will come from the summer and beyond.

I personally wouldn't even bother with an Adams/Iheanacho type signing in January. Likewise a winger.

I expect Neto to be sold in the summer, and I hope we will reinvest all that money. They're two positions we should be going as big as we can on, not stop-gaps mid-season. So, ride it out until the summer (maybe get a loan in Jan), and make sure we get our top targets.

 

[Bawtry Wolf]

‘Unless there is a significant change of direction in Shanghai, this next transfer window and beyond will follow a frugal path governed by the priority within the hierarchy of reducing Fosun Sports Group’s debt and the interest payments attached to that.’

This bothered me most in the article. Frugal could mean buying players with potential at a lower cost to develop - the £8-£15m bracket. Or it could mean not spending anything which is a significant risk.

Phillips take is different to Keens and even Shi’s summer comments.

 

[SingYourHeartsOut]

‘Unless there is a significant change of direction in Shanghai, this next transfer window and beyond will follow a frugal path governed by the priority within the hierarchy of reducing Fosun Sports Group’s debt and the interest payments attached to that.’

This bothered me most in the article. Frugal could mean buying players with potential at a lower cost to develop - the £8-£15m bracket. Or it could mean not spending anything which is a significant risk.

Phillips take is different to Keens and even Shi’s summer comments.

Yes, despite what some people are saying about how the Everton judgement showed how smart we were to make sure the books looked OK, all the financial news seems to show that Fosun are trying to at least stop subsidising us.

 

[Oh When the Wolves]

What was said about Neto?

 

[QB Wolf]

What was said about Neto?

That he’ll go in the summer and that we need to sign another quick ball carrying wide man.

 

[Oh When the Wolves]

That he’ll go in the summer and that we need to sign another quick ball carrying wide man.

Makes sense

 

[wolvesjoe]

A highly misjudged and disruptive article, imv.

Why pronounce in public that ONeil doesnt have the players he needs, when most of the squad looks
very much suited to the style of play he is developing? That can only cause tension.

Why publicly hang out Fabio to dry when the player is clearly suffering from a crisis of confidence?

Why not just celebrate the turnaround in fortunes, since the appointment of ONeil and the transfer work
of the last 12 months?

Weirdly negative piece, when things are on the up.

Of course, it may be directed by Fosun, in an attempt to dampen expectations and there lies the real concern.

 

[Streathamwolf]

That he’ll go in the summer and that we need to sign another quick ball carrying wide man.

Chiquino?

 

[wolvesjoe]

A highly misjudged and disruptive article, imv.

Why pronounce in public that ONeil doesnt have the players he needs, when most of the squad looks
very much suited to the style of play he is developing? That can only cause tension.

Why publicly hang out Fabio to dry when the player is clearly suffering from a crisis of confidence?

Why not just celebrate the turnaround in fortunes, since the appointment of ONeil and the transfer work
of the last 12 months?

Weirdly negative piece, when things are on the up.

Of course, it may be directed by Fosun, in an attempt to dampen expectations and there lies the real concern.

One can also add that the financial notes on Fosun's position are less than comprehensive. The company
has sold assets to give a better debt profile. This is not a longterm strategy, and it is far from clear as
to what Fosun's core assets are. Wolves are a high profile asset,, albeit one that does not and will
probably never yield much in the way of profits. But Wolves may now be deprived of ongoing investment
because of Fosun's wider difficulties. The fallacy of being able to maintain top half status, whilst selling
the best players looks like it making a Zombie-like revival. See Southampton for inevitable outcome of this
B movie. (And Brighton most likely to over the course of next 18 months).

Now it actually the moment to maintain Wolves' progress, thanks to some excellent work in the recruitment
department. From this article, it rather looks like we may be heading in the opposite direction.

 

[Jefe]

A highly misjudged and disruptive article, imv.

Why pronounce in public that ONeil doesnt have the players he needs, when most of the squad looks
very much suited to the style of play he is developing? That can only cause tension.

Why publicly hang out Fabio to dry when the player is clearly suffering from a crisis of confidence?

Why not just celebrate the turnaround in fortunes, since the appointment of ONeil and the transfer work
of the last 12 months?

Weirdly negative piece, when things are on the up.

Of course, it may be directed by Fosun, in an attempt to dampen expectations and there lies the real concern.

I wouldn't say it's a negative piece. For example, Johnny does praise the turnaround by GON, and also alleviates some of the concerns about Fosun's finances. Unlike some others who I feel are little more than mouthpieces for the club hierarchy, Johnny always calls it as he sees it and doesn't sugar coat the truth, which is what I like about him the most. He and I both believe there are still issues of consistency on the pitch that should be addressed. The news about Neto is a shame, but is there a single Wolves fan who has not considered it likely?

Johnny is often first to break new information to the public. That said, he isn't the first to report that GON is after more players including a number 9, and if his sources at Compton say Fabio has no future at the club, then a crisis of confidence is immaterial at this stage - he's not coming back.

 

[Streathamwolf]

A highly misjudged and disruptive article, imv.

Why pronounce in public that ONeil doesnt have the players he needs, when most of the squad looks
very much suited to the style of play he is developing? That can only cause tension.

Why publicly hang out Fabio to dry when the player is clearly suffering from a crisis of confidence?

Why not just celebrate the turnaround in fortunes, since the appointment of ONeil and the transfer work
of the last 12 months?

Weirdly negative piece, when things are on the up.

Of course, it may be directed by Fosun, in an attempt to dampen expectations and there lies the real concern.

Phillips has proved he is not in Fosun's pocket, with quite a few articles

He says we need a few additions not that GON doesn't have the players he needs.

He is a journalist not a club spokesman.

 

[Streathamwolf]

One can also add that the financial notes on Fosun's position are less than comprehensive. The company
has sold assets to give a better debt profile. This is not a longterm strategy, and it is far from clear as
to what Fosun's core assets are. Wolves are a high profile asset,, albeit one that does not and will
probably never yield much in the way of profits. But Wolves may now be deprived of ongoing investment
because of Fosun's wider difficulties. The fallacy of being able to maintain top half status, whilst selling
the best players looks like it making a Zombie-like revival. See Southampton for inevitable outcome of this
B movie. (And Brighton most likely to over the course of next 18 months).

Now it actually the moment to maintain Wolves' progress, thanks to some excellent work in the recruitment
department. From this article, it rather looks like we may be heading in the opposite direction.

I read the financial stuff as positive; fosun's credit/financial staus has improved and they have reduced debt. He also says Guo is very supportive of Wolves.

 

[SingYourHeartsOut]

The fact that every Wolves manager has been desperate to sign a proper #9 since the day Raul was assaulted isn't really news. No idea if Dia is that man, but we surely could have signed him in the Summer with a bit more will.

Still confusing as to whether the message is that we can't spend due to FFP or Fosun's financial position.

 

[wolvesjoe]

I read the financial stuff as positive; fosun's credit/financial staus has improved and they have reduced debt. He also says Guo is very supportive of Wolves.

Yes, their status has improved, but only by selling high value assets, so that the debt leverage can be reduced. This is not a strategy of
growth and development, and normally only leads in a downward spiral.

The point being underlined in the article is that Wolves will go on having to sell their best players, and buying cheap.

There are no examples of this strategy working beyond a couple of seasons.

Fosun arrived with a promise of development, investment and ambition. We are now a long, long way from that.

 

[wolvesjoe]

Phillips has proved he is not in Fosun's pocket, with quite a few articles

He says we need a few additions not that GON doesn't have the players he needs.

He is a journalist not a club spokesman.

Football journalists are far from independent. They tread a fine line beyond objective reporting and being conduits
for the a club's PR. I think Philips does a decent job, but this looks like public messaging to me, just when fans' hopes
are rising.

 

[Redrockwanderer]

As much as I love Neto, if he does go in the summer, then it will be his stock very high. Say £50mil plus. Which means more money to reinvest. Whilst keeping afloat and not having to raise £150mil in 2/3 years time. It’s the way we need to run as a club moving forward…

 

[brianm]

After the amount Fosun have been burned in big money deals and the general state of the economy in China (it's tumultuous at the moment!), their current attitude makes sense for them, but it doesn't sound half-touchy for Wolves.

Otoh, focusing on the books makes the club a better asset for.sale...if the team can stay midtable this season, that makes next summer easier. Another round of sales, another decent campaign, and at that point the finances would have to be looking better.

 

[derbyrameater]

Do Brighton have this sort of friendly journalism working against them ?

 

[Wisdomwolf]

Yes, their status has improved, but only by selling high value assets, so that the debt leverage can be reduced. This is not a strategy of
growth and development, and normally only leads in a downward spiral.

The point being underlined in the article is that Wolves will go on having to sell their best players, and buying cheap.

There are no examples of this strategy working beyond a couple of seasons.

Fosun arrived with a promise of development, investment and ambition. We are now a long, long way from that.

I agree the sale of assets is never the best indicator of success however it was part to do with consolidating interests into the 3 core business strands. And with respect to Phillips I do not share the perceived gloomy outlook some are portraying. Fosun are in a good place.

Let you into a secret - a selective group of Chinese businessmen accompanied Xi Jingping for the Biden talks. You are not on that ticket if you’re not without influence and patronage.

 

[Wolf316]

I agree the sale of assets is never the best indicator of success however it was part to do with consolidating interests into the 3 core business strands. And with respect to Phillips I do not share the perceived gloomy outlook some are portraying. Fosun are in a good place.

Let you into a secret - a selective group of Chinese businessmen accompanied Xi Jingping for the Biden talks. You are not on that ticket if you’re not without influence and patronage.

Guo one of them?

 

[Wisdomwolf]

Guo one of them?

Yes, as was 3 months spent abroad in the summer doing the rounds in USA, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

On the economic outlook, they are not particularly troubled by the real estate problem that knocked the economy back. And only this week consumer confidence/spend showed its first significant signs of recovery. Companies like Fosun needs it’s domestic audience to buy consumables - retail, holidays, health-related, entertainment.

 

[VancouverWolf]

Hopefully we cart off Silva in Jan then. Was it actually £35m we paid for him, or was a big chunk of that performance related? Seem to think the initial fee was lower and unlikely he's met many performance targets.

Very interesting.
Of someone has more information on this, please share.

 

[VancouverWolf]

A highly misjudged and disruptive article, imv.

Why pronounce in public that ONeil doesnt have the players he needs, when most of the squad looks
very much suited to the style of play he is developing? That can only cause tension.

Why publicly hang out Fabio to dry when the player is clearly suffering from a crisis of confidence?

Why not just celebrate the turnaround in fortunes, since the appointment of ONeil and the transfer work
of the last 12 months?

Weirdly negative piece, when things are on the up.

Of course, it may be directed by Fosun, in an attempt to dampen expectations and there lies the real concern.

You asked a few ‘why’s’…….because journalists need to write something or they‘re out of a job.
Accuracy is not important.

 

[Wolf316]

You asked a few ‘why’s’…….because journalists need to write something or they‘re out of a job.
Accuracy is not important.

Phillips is gold standard for Wolves journalism.

 

[Bawtry Wolf]

Phillips is gold standard for Wolves journalism.

Agreed. Just don’t mention anything Phillips writes if it contradicts anything the E&S Wolves Reporter writes or says if you don’t want the latter to block you. Very sensitive about it.

 

[BrierleyHillWolves]

Unfortunately unless your the top 6 you can't get loved up on players.

Buy them cheap and sell high.

Aslong as you replace and do the same again you'll survive.

The reason teams struggle is because they don't replace.

Not every fantastic player you sign will be Steve bull and stop with you till they retire.

Good scouting as nd thinking outside the box and it will work.

South American market / Asia market, the players are out there.

 

[wolfslair]

You asked a few ‘why’s’…….because journalists need to write something or they‘re out of a job.
Accuracy is not important.

Accuracy is very important in journalism….. how can you say that it isn’t?

If you are known for not being accurate, you don’t get access to good sources, won’t last long in the industry or get the better paid roles

 

[Wolf316]

Accuracy is very important in journalism….. how can you say that it isn’t?

If you are known for not being accurate, you don’t get access to good sources, won’t last long in the industry or get the better paid roles

Or you’ll end up working for The Scum.

 

[Wandsworth Wolf]

Very interesting.
Of someone has more information on this, please share.

I remember reading somewhere that the actual transfer figure - the money that Porto received - was about £23-25m. The rest of that total went to various other ‘interested’ parties; Uncle George pocketed £5m from that deal, Fabio got a cool million and even his father picked up £2m. *Allegedly.
The whole thing stinks.

 

[The Wolf In The North]

I remember reading somewhere that the actual transfer figure - the money that Porto received - was about £23-25m. The rest of that total went to various other ‘interested’ parties; Uncle George pocketed £5m from that deal, Fabio got a cool million and even his father picked up £2m. *Allegedly.
The whole thing stinks.

Whatever the figures, which we'll never know for sure, I think the only thing not in dispute is thus: in the list of parties who benefitted from this deal, Wolves football club are at the bottom.