Number 9 - Number 9 - Number 9 .........

[wwbug]

Anyone recall the Beatles track Revolution Number 9 .
I recommend a listen for the nightmarish theme that seems to reflect our 4 year search .
But why oh why do you think we cant find a number 9 , for so long, one that can actually play for us since Jimmy left the pitch.
The thought just raises my blood pressure. We seem again to be paralysed and held to ransom when someone should have been on this PRIORITY for around 1500 days !
And please dont say they dont exist, or none have moved over 1500 days, Chris Woods has moved twice. There is a big world of football out there.

 

[The Clock]

Come in Number 9
....
.....
.....
Number 6 - are you in trouble?

 

[Zico]

Anyone recall the Beatles track Revolution Number 9 .
I recommend a listen for the nightmarish theme that seems to reflect our 4 year search .
But why oh why do you think we cant find a number 9 , for so long, one that can actually play for us since Jimmy left the pitch.
The thought just raises my blood pressure. We seem again to be paralysed and held to ransom when someone should have been on this PRIORITY for around 1500 days !
And please dont say they dont exist, or none have moved over 1500 days, Chris Woods has moved twice. There is a big world of football out there.

Fans of most Premier League clubs seem to be saying the same thing.

And we must be doing something right. 22/23 - over the whole season, 31 scored, lowest in the league. 23/24 - played 20, scored 30, 10th in the League.

 

[Flump]

We've struggled, because it's difficult - goalscorers with any significant pedigree are just about most valuable player of all.

Then when you add in that we don't just want that, they have to fit the style of play, it makes it even harder, as it rules out Sasa who would otherwise seem to fit the mould of what you want (other than injuries, presumably).

All we're asking for is a clinical finisher who can also link up play, and is quick and strong and good in the air, but has surprisingly good feet for a big lad. And that has a proven record of goals in a decent league, but is affordable and wants to join Wolves!

 

[Monswolf]

We've struggled, because it's difficult - goalscorers with any significant pedigree are just about most valuable player of all.

Then when you add in that we don't just want that, they have to fit the style of play, it makes it even harder, as it rules out Sasa who would otherwise seem to fit the mould of what you want (other than injuries, presumably).

All we're asking for is a clinical finisher who can also link up play, and is quick and strong and good in the air, but has surprisingly good feet for a big lad. And that has a proven record of goals in a decent league, but is affordable and wants to join Wolves!

So in other words we are not that picky

 

[wwbug]

Fans of most Premier League clubs seem to be saying the same thing.

And we must be doing something right. 22/23 - over the whole season, 31 scored, lowest in the league. 23/24 - played 20, scored 30, 10th in the League.

For 4 years not 4 months !
But let’s ignore the top six and the bottom three , where they exist , leaving half the league with Woods, Wilson, Solanke, Toney, Evan Ferguson, Watkins, Calvert Lewin, Welbeck, Ings, Mateta , Eduardo, Isak and that’s just England .

 

[TheRetroChief]

It helps when your forwards are scroing I guess.
Weren't all the armchair managers/CEOs declaring Cunha and Hwang useless not that long ago?

 

[OoohRobbieRobbie]

Yes I listened to it on acid in about 2005. Unusual to say the least...

 

[wwbug]

It helps when your forwards are scroing I guess.
Weren't all the armchair managers/CEOs declaring Cunha and Hwang useless not that long ago?

It helps , great job by GON, but as this happens we have been told a number 9 has been the priority.
Just imagine a man playing at the front in the middle and laying balls back and sideways and scoring. The dynamics become even more positive.

 

[Scallywolf]

We have got rid of two number nines in Fabio and Sasa for the rest of the season. Done it very early in the transfer window as well.

I can’t believe we aren’t or haven’t been looking for a striker before those 2 left, so expect someone will definitely be arriving before the end of the transfer window.

GON has already said how thin the squad is and that was before Fabio and Sasa left!

 

[Minimalist]

We've struggled, because it's difficult - goalscorers with any significant pedigree are just about most valuable player of all.

Then when you add in that we don't just want that, they have to fit the style of play, it makes it even harder, as it rules out Sasa who would otherwise seem to fit the mould of what you want (other than injuries, presumably).

All we're asking for is a clinical finisher who can also link up play, and is quick and strong and good in the air, but has surprisingly good feet for a big lad. And that has a proven record of goals in a decent league, but is affordable and wants to join Wolves!

Absolutely.
Now days people want a 9 to be in themselves what used to be covered by 2 players.
You used to have the likes of Owen & Heskey combining; then a player like Drogba came along who could do it all and now that’s what everyone expects.

 

[Plovdiv Wolf]

Do we have budget to find next Benzema?

 

[wwbug]

Do we have budget to find next Benzema?

The next Benzena requires scouting rather than funding. Ditto the next Watkins , Ings. Bull or Woods

 

[wwbug]

Absolutely.
Now days people want a 9 to be in themselves what used to be covered by 2 players.
You used to have the likes of Owen & Heskey combining; then a player like Drogba came along who could do it all and now that’s what everyone expects.

To various levels . We could probably skip any thoughts of Haaland or Kane .

 

[SteveBullsKnee]

For 4 years not 4 months !
But let’s ignore the top six and the bottom three , where they exist , leaving half the league with Woods, Wilson, Solanke, Toney, Evan Ferguson, Watkins, Calvert Lewin, Welbeck, Ings, Mateta , Eduardo, Isak and that’s just England .

Half those aren’t no 9’s

 

[The House of Wolves]

Why do people still call him Chris Woods?

 

[The Clock]

Fletcher Holman.
Job done.
Hasn't cost £37m and will be ready by 2027.

 

[wwbug]

Half those aren’t no 9’s

Of course you are correct. Kane, Jimenez , Ings and Wood all dont wear 9 . They can lead the line. Its short hand .

 

[SteveBullsKnee]

Of course you are correct. Kane, Jimenez , Ings and Wood all dont wear 9 . They can lead the line.

I’m confused, none of them were on your list either

 

[wwbug]

I’m confused, none of them were on your list either

Are you really that confused or just pedantic ?

 

[Thank you Sir Jack]

The last series was a bit of a let down.

 

[Rowzed]

We have got rid of two number nines in Fabio and Sasa for the rest of the season. Done it very early in the transfer window as well.

I can’t believe we aren’t or haven’t been looking for a striker before those 2 left, so expect someone will definitely be arriving before the end of the transfer window.

GON has already said how thin the squad is and that was before Fabio and Sasa left!

Lopetegui got rid of the best number 9 we’ve ever had (since Bully)
5 million I heard. A spiteful reaction to his wanting to go to the World Cup after Mexico repaired the damage caused in preseason. He fits the criteria perfectly, works hard, technically excellent and would have thrived with the encouragement and support of a manager who believed in him.

oh well..

 

[VancouverWolf]

Lopetegui got rid of the best number 9 we’ve ever had (since Bully)
5 million I heard. A spiteful reaction to his wanting to go to the World Cup after Mexico repaired the damage caused in preseason. He fits the criteria perfectly, works hard, technically excellent and would have thrived with the encouragement and support of a manager who believed in him.

oh well..

I always disliked JL but in fairness, Raul might have been chomping at the bit to leave.

 

[Alex Rae The Substitute]

Lopetegui got rid of the best number 9 we’ve ever had (since Bully)
5 million I heard. A spiteful reaction to his wanting to go to the World Cup after Mexico repaired the damage caused in preseason. He fits the criteria perfectly, works hard, technically excellent and would have thrived with the encouragement and support of a manager who believed in him.

oh well..

Don’t think it was Lopetegui, I seem to recall in an interview him saying he was surprised about the Raul sale.

My guess is the club, well aware of our imminent P&S concerns, saw an opportunity to bring in £5m for an out of form striker and get circa £100k PW off the wage bill was probably too good to turn down.

 

[Sussex Wolf]

Don’t think it was Lopetegui, I seem to recall in an interview him saying he was surprised about the Raul sale.

My guess is the club, well aware of our imminent P&S concerns, saw an opportunity to bring in £5m for an out of form striker and get circa £100k PW off the wage bill was probably too good to turn down.

I suspect you’re right. Remember what Jeff said a couple of years ago about recognising when it’s time for someone to move on? Used as a cover for popular players being sold, but probably some truth in it sometimes.

On one hand, I suspect Raul would have loved to stay and rediscover his mojo here, but I’m not sure he would’ve. Before his injury, I think he was the best all round striker in my Wolves supporting life, and that includes King John and Bully. Each different, each brilliant in their own way. But having had his brilliance cruelly stolen from him by that thug, trying to rediscover it was perhaps beyond even him. So I think in all honesty, he had to leave to reinvent himself without the baggage of expectation amongst us Wolves fans.

But brilliant strikers do not roll off a production line, and while we’ve had other excellent strikers along the way beyond the three I’ve named, I’m not holding my breath that we will see the next truly great Wolves 9 anytime soon.

 

[I'm the Wanderer]

How the hell did we get so lucky with Jimmy? Got him in his prime.

 

[Queensland Wolf]

There are many many players who could be available we just have to look more widely than the general market areas and at different levels

 

[greco wolf]

Why do people still call him Chris Woods?

Because he plays for Notts Forest

 

[SuperGran]

Don’t think it was Lopetegui, I seem to recall in an interview him saying he was surprised about the Raul sale.

My guess is the club, well aware of our imminent P&S concerns, saw an opportunity to bring in £5m for an out of form striker and get circa £100k

PW off the wage bill was probably too good to turn down.

Raul said himself he had to leave that the manager had criticised him in public
There’s an interview with him when he first joined fulham
Raul was very influential in the dressing room

 

[wwbug]

I think there is a bit of rewriting of history.due to hindsight
Jimmy was a superstar but he hadn’t scored for three years . Many questioned the level he would play . £5 milllon and his salary was thought a good deal . Fulham took a risk . Now how about Adama ……..

 

[Alex Rae The Substitute]

I suspect you’re right. Remember what Jeff said a couple of years ago about recognising when it’s time for someone to move on? Used as a cover for popular players being sold, but probably some truth in it sometimes.

On one hand, I suspect Raul would have loved to stay and rediscover his mojo here, but I’m not sure he would’ve. Before his injury, I think he was the best all round striker in my Wolves supporting life, and that includes King John and Bully. Each different, each brilliant in their own way. But having had his brilliance cruelly stolen from him by that thug, trying to rediscover it was perhaps beyond even him. So I think in all honesty, he had to leave to reinvent himself without the baggage of expectation amongst us Wolves fans.

But brilliant strikers do not roll off a production line, and while we’ve had other excellent strikers along the way beyond the three I’ve named, I’m not holding my breath that we will see the next truly great Wolves 9 anytime soon.

Raul comfortably best ST I’ve seen in the Old Gold, and my first game was in ‘92. Whilst I got to see Bully, I always look back and think I missed him in his true prime.

Some notable striking heroes for me amongst other included the likes of SEB, who was absolutely pivotal in getting us promoted, David Kelly (my first Wolves love!) and I loved the exciting Ndah brought us when he got on the ball. None anywhere near the level of Raul.

The odds of us seeing a Raul caliber player anytime soon are slim, very slim.

That’s why I’d be happy, for now, with a Che Adams (example) for the next couple of seasons, that maybe isn’t the best all round player, but will be in the box and can finish the chances that Neto/ Cunha/ Hwang can create.

 

[wwbug]

There are many many players who could be available we just have to look more widely than the general market areas and at different levels

My feelings exactly . My great aunt with no interest in football could name Ings ,Che Adams and Antonio .Is it lazy recruiting or lazy journalism? Whatever , the results to date are not inspiring.

 

[Oliwolf44]

I think there is a bit of rewriting of history.due to hindsight
Jimmy was a superstar but he hadn’t scored for three years . Many questioned the level he would play . £5 milllon and his salary was thought a good deal . Fulham took a risk . Now how about Adama ……..

Very much agree. The move was best for him and us. New scenery probably given him this new lease of life. He was obviously brilliant for us but it was just his time to move on. people were saying he may retire or move to mls so lets not say that we gave him away now

 

[GoldenHorseshoe]

I think there is a bit of rewriting of history.due to hindsight
Jimmy was a superstar but he hadn’t scored for three years . Many questioned the level he would play . £5 milllon and his salary was thought a good deal . Fulham took a risk . Now how about Adama ……..

This is correct, but by the same token, there's also a bit of rewriting of history in The Lop's role in Raul's departure.

 

[Zico]

I think there is a bit of rewriting of history.due to hindsight
Jimmy was a superstar but he hadn’t scored for three years . Many questioned the level he would play . £5 milllon and his salary was thought a good deal . Fulham took a risk . Now how about Adama ……..

Plus he's scored half the number of goals Hwang has this season.

 

[WolfLing]

Just signed one - Fletcher Holman.

 

[Beastier]

Because he plays for Notts Forest

Excellent

 

[WolfInSheep'sClothing]

I don't really understand. Hwang is banging them in. Cunha has started to join him. There is no place in the team for a number 9 that doesn't involve replacing one of them pair.

 

[wwbug]

I don't really understand. Hwang is banging them in. Cunha has started to join him. There is no place in the team for a number 9 that doesn't involve replacing one of them pair.

Competition, red cards, injuries ,drop in form, exhaustion.

 

[AndyY]

Prime Raul is exactly what GON wants now, I suspect. But it was the right time for him to leave unfortunately.