Wolverhampton Wanderers

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OVERVIEW
Wolverhampton Wanderers will ply their trade in the Premier League for a second season after a superb 2009/10 campaign.

Many pudits predicted a swift return to the Championship, but under manager Mick McCarthy, Wolves proved the doubters wrong and ended up in 15th place.

Wolves' first spell in the Premier League came in the 2003/04 season, after they won promotion via the play-offs. A disappointing season ended in relegation, as the Midlands side finished bottom of the table with 33 points.

They won the Championship title in 2009 and have been in the top flight since.

CLUB HERITAGE
Initially formed as St Luke's FC in 1877, the club became a founder member of the Football League 11 years later. In 1889, the club moved to their Molineux ground and reached the FA Cup final, losing 3-0 to Preston North End. The first of four FA Cup wins came in 1893, when they beat Everton 1-0.

In 1906, Wolves were relegated to the Second Division, but enjoyed another FA Cup win two years later, this time over favourites Newcastle United. In 1923 the club slipped further down the league system, with relegation to the Third Division (north.).

Success came 12 months later when they won Division Two. In 1932, they were promoted again, returning to the top-flight after a 26 year absence.

When Wolves old-boy Stan Cullis became manager in 1948, he oversaw one of the club's most triumphant periods, with an FA Cup win in 1949 being followed by three First Division titles in the fifties. Another FA Cup success, this time over Blackburn Rovers, came in 1960. After Cullis left the club in 1963, Wolves spent two seasons in the second tier before winning promotion once more.

Under manager Bill McGarry, the club made a UEFA Cup Final appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in 1972 and won the League Cup in 1974. In 1976 Wolves were relegated back to the Second Division, but they bounced back at the first time of asking, promoted as champions in 1977.

The early 1980s saw a League Cup win, a relegation to the Second Division, bankruptcy, and a promotion, followed by three successive relegations which left the club in the Fourth Division.

A change of ownership saw a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes. The Molineux outfit won promotion from Division Four in 1987/88, which was followed by a second successive promotion a year later.

In 1990, Sir Jack Hayward bought the club and with his investment in the stadium and the team, the club enjoyed more stability, spending much of the 1990s pushing for a place in the Premier League, with several play-off final disappointments along the way.

The dream of Premier League football was eventually realised in 2003, with a play-off final win over Sheffield United at the Millennium Stadium clinching their promotion. Having seen his beloved club hit the big time, Hayward retired six months later.

A single season in the top-flight ended in relegation, with manager Dave Jones being dismissed shortly after. Former England manager Glenn Hoddle enjoyed a two-year spell at the club before Mick McCarthy took over the reins in the summer of 2006.

Then in August 2007, Redrow founder Steve Morgan bought Wolves for £10 plus a commitment to invest £30m into the club. In 2009, Wolves were promoted to the Barclays Premier League after being crowned Championship champions.

PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY
2002/03 - Win promotion to Premier League via play-offs.
2003/04 - Relegated from the top-flight with 33 points.
2008/09 - Crowned champions of the Championship, promoted back to the Premier League.
2009/10 - Secured their Barclays Premier League status


Manager Mick McCarthy
 

McCarthy won many plaudits for keeping Wolverhampton in the top flight in 2010 following promotion from the Championship the previous season.

The Molineux club finished in 15th place and surprised many by securing Barclays Premier League survival with matches to spare.

McCarthy has managed in the top-flight twice before. He had a short spell at the helm with Sunderland in 2003/04 when the club suffered relegation, before he returned to the top-flight with the Black Cats in 2005/06.

After a playing career with hometown club Barnsley, Manchester City, Celtic and Lyons, central defender McCarthy joined Millwall, initially on loan as a player in 1990.

At the tender age of 32, he was appointed the Lions' manager in 1991. Three years later the club narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

In 1996, Barnsley born McCarthy took over as Republic of Ireland manager, the country he represented as a player, leading the team to the 2002 Wold Cup Finals, where they reached the last 16 of the competition. After guiding the side to 13th in the FIFA World Rankings, he resigned from his post in November 2002.

Soon after, he was appointed manager of Sunderland in March 2003, replacing Howard Wilkinson. With the club struggling prior to his arrival, McCarthy was unable to prevent their relegation from the Premier League and their campaign ended with a then record low of 19 points.

However, under McCarthy the Stadium of Light outfit won promotion at the first time of asking, resuming their place in the top-flight in 2005/06. The Black Cats struggled to make the grade in the top-flight once more and McCarthy left the club in March 2006.

After a few months out of the spotlight, he replaced Glenn Hoddle at Wolves in July. In his first season in charge the club was forced to sell many of their first team players. Against the odds, McCarthy led the side to the play-off semi-finals, where they suffered defeat at the hands of eventual winners West Bromwich Albion.

The following season, the club finished seventh, losing out on a play-off place only on goal difference. The 2008/09 season started brightly for Wolves and McCarthy, and rarely did they look out of place at the top of the Championship.

The club won promotion to the Barclays Premier League on 18th April 2009, courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, with the Championship title being secured the following week. McCarthy was honoured for his achievements, winning the Championship Manager of the Season Award.

And the former Republic of Ireland manager went one better by keeping Wolves in the top flight despite many pundits predicting instant relegation.

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Wolves pair pen new deals
Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Karl Henry and defender Richard Stearman have signed new contracts.
 


Henry's deal was due to expire in 2013 while Stearman had 18 months to run on his contract, but their new agreements will see the pair remain at the Barclays Premier League outfit until the summer of 2014.

Manager Mick McCarthy told the club website: "I am delighted that both players have signed new and extended deals."

Twenty-eight-year-old Henry has made 182 appearances for Wolves since becoming one of McCarthy's first signings in 2006.

KEY ROLE
He endured a difficult start to the current campaign after coming in for criticism for a challenge that saw Fulham striker Bobby Zamora break his leg, before being sent off for a lunge on Wigan's Jordi Gomez, but he has bounced back with a string of consistent performances.

"Karl has been here with me right from the start and has always played a key role for us," McCarthy continued.

"His leadership qualities on and off the pitch have seen him become club captain and he has adapted really well to playing in the Premier League."

Of 23-year-old Stearman, who has made 80 appearances since joining from Leicester City in 2008, manager McCarthy added: "Like Karl, Stears came in and helped us get promoted and has gone on and improved.

"He is a young defender who will continue to develop and, having fought his way into the team this season, has maintained a good level of performance."



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Kightly set for Wolves return
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Michael Kightly is poised to return to training next week after a 15-month lay-off.
 

Kightly has not played since the home match with Birmingham City in November 2009. The midfielder initially suffered an ankle injury but was then laid low with problems in both knees.

But he is now close to fitness, with manager Mick McCarthy considering sending him out on loan with a view to returning to Molineux for the final part of the campaign.

KNEE PROBLEM
McCarthy said: "Kights will be back on Monday to train. It's been a long time and it will be a massive boost to him.

"If he can come back, it will be terrific. If he has to go out for a month then so be it, and then maybe come back for six or seven games for us. But we will see."

On-loan Chelsea utility player Michael Mancienne is also close to returning to fitness after a lengthy lay-off with a knee problem.

Mancienne has been back at his parent club but is due to rejoin Wolves sooner rather than later.

McCarthy added: "Michael has been out running. I've had a text from him and he is doing okay. We are hoping he is going to be up here in a couple of weeks' time."

 
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McCarthy expects relegation dogfight
Mick McCarthy expects Wolverhampton Wanderers' battle for Barclays survival to be decided on the final match.
 

Wolves moved out of the bottom three after Saturday's 4-0 home victory over Blackpool. McCarthy believes Wolves have a better squad than last season when they finished 15th on their return to the top flight.

But McCarthy is braced for the fight to stay up to go through to May given the series of unexpected results this season and so many teams divided by only a handful of points.

MORE POINTS
McCarthy said: "I still think we will get out of it, I still think we will get enough points.

"I do think we have got a strong squad. I think we're a better team than last season - but the Premier League is stronger.

"It's been a strange season because there have been good results for the lower teams against the top teams.

"Looking at the league at the moment, I think there is no doubt it will go right to the last game of the season.

"I would hope that is going to be the case because I can't imagine us getting out of it in the next five games.

"It is going to take all the 10 games - and it's the same with all the teams."

McCarthy added: "There is a suggestion it will take more points than in recent years to stay up. I think it probably will, whatever that total is, I don't know.

"I said 40 points would stay up. I said that all along. Can we get there? I don't know. It might be less than that.

"I think you just keep plugging away and try and get as many points as it will take. It was the same last season. I didn't really set a target because, if you think about it, the target to stay up in recent years has changed from one season to the next."


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Zubar out for the season
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ronald Zubar has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a back injury.

 


Zubar, who had been struggling with the problem, has now undergone corrective surgery which has brought a premature end to his campaign.

It is a major blow to the Molineux men as they battle to secure their place in the Barclays Premier League.

Manager Mick McCarthy told the official club website: "Zubes has had his operation on his back and he's out for the season.

"Ronald's been an important player for us and it's a blow, but we can't do anything about it.

"But what about Kev Foley? His performances have been fantastic - and we've got another top lad playing there now."

still struggling

Stephen Hunt and Adlene Guedioura have joined Michael Kightly back in training but Dave Edwards is still undergoing treatment.

McCarthy added: "Hunty and Adlene are back in training but Dave Edwards is still struggling with his back.

"Everyone else is fine - Michael Kightly was on the bench on Saturday.

"We'll maybe get a training game into Adlene at the end of the week before he plays in the reserves against Blackpool a week on Wednesday."

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Doyle blow for Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt a blow with the news that Kevin Doyle could miss the rest of the season.

 


Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni revealed that striker Kevin Doyle could miss the remainder of the Barclays Premier League campaign after suffering a "very serious" knee injury in the 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win against Macedonia on Saturday night.


The striker limped off early on as the Republic moved level with Russia and Slovakia at the top of Group B and Trapattoni fears the 27-year-old may miss the rest of the campaign.

The Italian said: "It's his medial ligament. I think he may be out for one or two months, so it's a very serious injury.

"But I hope by May or June, he can come back and we can have him for the match in Macedonia."

obviously miss

If Trapattoni's early assessment proves correct it could mean Doyle missing the rest of Wolves' season as they fight to avoid relegation to the Championship.

He will obviously miss Tuesday's international friendly against Uruguay and his participation in the Republic's two Carling Nations Cup matches in May will now be in doubt. Trapattoni, though, is hopeful of having Doyle back for the 4th June return match in Macedonia.

 
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Hunt blow for Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Stephen Hunt will undergo a hernia operation and will be out of action for several weeks.

 


Midfielder Hunt had only returned to action in Monday's reserve match with Newcastle United after two months on the side-lines with a calf setback.

But he is still being troubled by a hernia complaint and will go under the knife.

full tilt

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said: "Hunty got fit but he couldn't get back to full tilt, strength and energy because he was struggling.

"That was really shown in the reserve game on Monday.

"He's just never got back to full tilt and he has to be at that to play."

McCarthy added: "Hernias are sometimes two or three weeks now but we will see how he goes.

"If he recovers he will be available for the last few games."

Hunt has had a stop-start beginning to his Wolves career after moving from Hull City last summer.

He was unable to make his debut until October because of a foot problem.

Striker Steven Fletcher is expected to be fit for Saturday's home match with Everton after suffering a kick on his calf.

 
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Jones leaves Molineux
Mick McCarthy has paid tribute to midfielder David Jones after confirming that he would be leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers.
 

Negotiations over a new deal stalled at the start of last season but McCarthy says there was never any problem between him and Jones and wished him all the best for the future.

GOOD STUFF
McCarthy said: "He turned his contract down and I have spoken to him and I don't know what he is doing but I have just wished him well and said 'thanks for all you have done'.
"It was really difficult because I couldn't have that conversation before Sunday's game - good, bad or indifferent because it just affects the whole atmosphere. But I have rung him up now.

"He has been fabulous, he has contributed as much as anybody else to the place over the last three seasons.

"We all remember his goal at the start of the season when he flicked it up and volleyed it in - we remember all his good stuff. He has been a pleasure to deal with as well.

"He's been out of the side, but he's trained equally as good every day, in everywhere, always on time, always pleasant, always supportive."

 
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Wolverhampton Wanderers fixtures 2011/12
All of Wolverhampton Wanderers' provisional fixtures for the new Barclays Premier League season.

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers begin the new Barclays Premier League season as they finished the last - against Blackburn Rovers.

Mick McCarthy's men then host Fulham before travelling to Aston Villa.

After steering Wolves to safety on the final day of the campaign, manager Mick McCarthy will want his side to get off to a good start.

They wrap up their season with a trip to Wigan Athletic.

Matches on 5th May will not clash with the FA Cup Final and may accordingly move to a different kick off time on the Saturday or to the Sunday. A further announcement will be made closer to the date.

All fixtures are provisional at this stage and subject to change.

Wolverhampton Wanderers



August
13 Blackburn (A)
20 Fulham (H)
27 Aston Villa (A)

September
10 Tottenham (H)
17 QPR (H)
24 Liverpool (A)

October
1 Newcastle (H)
16 West Brom (A)
22 Swansea (H)
29 Man City (A)

November
6 Wigan (H)
19 Everton (A)
26 Chelsea (A)

December
3 Sunderland (H)
10 Man Utd (A)
17 Stoke (H)
20 Norwich (H)
26 Arsenal (A)
31 Bolton (A)

January
2 Chelsea (H)
14 Tottenham (A)
21 Aston Villa (H)
31 Liverpool (H)

February
4 QPR (A)
12 West Brom (H)
25 Newcastle (A)

March
3 Fulham (A)
10 Blackburn (H)
17 Man Utd (H)
24 Norwich (A)
31 Bolton (H)

April
7 Stoke (A)
9 Arsenal (H)
14 Sunderland (A)
21 Man City (H)
28 Swansea (A)

May
5 Everton (H)
13 Wigan (A)

Reproduced under license from Football DataCo Limited. All rights reserved. Licence number NEWMEDIA/PREMLGE/110083a.

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Ebanks-Blake out for a month
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake will be out for a month after suffering knee ligament damage.

 


Ebanks-Blake sustained the problem during Wolves' Carling Cup win at Northampton Town on Tuesday night after scoring the second of his two goals.

It was the former Plymouth Argyle player's first start of the campaign after playing second fiddle to Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle for the opening two Barclays Premier League matches.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy confirmed: "The injury is worse than we first thought.

"Sylvan has damaged his medial ligament and you are looking at him being out for a month."

window shuts

Meanwhile, McCarthy says he is unlikely to bring in any fresh faces before the transfer window closes next week.

McCarthy said: "It is unlikely that anyone else will be coming here before the window shuts.

"I repeat, I am happy with the squad I've got."

McCarthy intimated he is likely to keep faith with the side which won against Fulham last weekend for Saturday's derby at Aston Villa.

 
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Doyle pens new Wolves deal
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Kevin Doyle has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until June 2015.

 


The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international had two years remaining on his previous deal, but has now put pen to paper on a longer-term agreement to remain at Molineux.

Doyle joined Wolves in 2009 from Reading and has scored 18 goals in 73 matches for the Midlands outfit.

day one

"It's great news that Kevin has signed the new contract and his future is now secured for another four years," manager Mick McCarthy said.

"He has been a key player for us in maintaining our Premier League status over the last two seasons when he has made a major contribution.

"From day one when he arrived he settled at the club and has been the consummate professional in the way he plays and also conducts himself off the pitch.

"He remains a big part of what we are trying to achieve here, and we are delighted that he has agreed to extend his stay."


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Foley targets Christmas return
Kevin Foley hopes to be back for Wolverhampton Wanderers before Christmas after a successful ankle operation.

 


Surgeons repaired loose cartilage in the Republic of Ireland defender's joint after an initial exploration revealed no serious damage.

And Foley told Wolves' website: "I'd been struggling with the ankle on and off during last season and it was frustrating because I couldn't move as freely as I wanted.

"The last option was surgery, but it got to the stage where it was needed and the operation has gone well. So hopefully between four to eight weeks I should be back fit again."

went well

Physio Steve Kemp said: "The surgery was carried out by a highly renowned surgeon who didn't find any surprises so it all went well.

"Kevin will be off his feet for a couple of weeks and we're probably looking at somewhere maybe six to eight weeks to be playing again."


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New Wolves deal for Ward
Stephen Ward has committed his future to Wolverhampton Wanderers until the summer of 2015.

 

The versatile Republic of Ireland international has been rewarded for his consistency with a new three-and-a-half-year deal.

Ward, who has played in defence, midfield and attack since arriving from Bohemians in January 2007, was previously contracted until 2013.

new contract

"We're all delighted that Wardy has extended his contract," manager Mick McCarthy told the club website. "He has earned a new deal by the manner of his performances.

"Since arriving from Bohemians, he has just got better and better and is a top professional who never stops working."

Ward said: "I'm happy to have signed the new contract and am looking forward to helping Wolves move up the Premier League table."


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O'Hara sidelined after surgery
Wolves midfielder to miss at least a month of season after hernia operation



Jamie O'Hara is unlikely to be back in training until the end of January

Wolves are set to be without influential midfielder Jamie O'Hara for at least a month of the season.

The 25-year-old, who signed from Tottenham in the summer, has missed the last two Wolves matches because of injury.

And the club revealed he has undergone surgery on a double hernia in an attempt to get himself back to full fitness.

"Jamie has been complaining of some groin pain for the last couple of months," said a Wolves spokesman.


   

"We hope he will be back in training within four to six weeks"
    - Wolves spokesman

"We were able to manage it with treatment and he was able to play but it got to a stage where a specialist decided that surgery would be needed.

"The decision was taken to get Jamie at 100 per cent rather than continue to try and manage him through it.

"We hope he will be back in training within four-to-six weeks."

Wolves face a tricky run with visits to Arsenal, Bolton and Tottenham, and home matches against Chelsea and Aston Villa in the next month.

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Wolves sign Jonsson from Hearts
Iceland international agrees deal to move to Molineux on 1 January



Eggert Jonsson has signed a deal with Wolves until the summer of 2015

Wolves have agreed a deal to sign Iceland international Eggert Jonsson from Hearts when the January transfer window opens.

The 23-year-old Jonsson has signed a three-and-a-half year contract and will officially become a Wolves player on 1 January.

Jonsson passed a medical before watching Wolves fight back to draw 2-2 in Tuesday's Barclays Premier League match against Norwich.


   

"Hopefully I can bring something to the squad and help the club"
    - Eggert Jonsson

He has played in a number of positions for the Scottish club and is willing to do likewise for Wolves manager Mick McCarthy.

"My main position is a central midfielder but we'll see how it goes," he said.

"I think the answer is always that you are happy if you are in the team. I'm looking forward to getting into training and then fighting to get into the team.

"Hopefully I can bring something to the squad and help the club."

_{Courtesy of:  premierleague.com}