Squad for 2006-7

This will be updated for 2006-7 when the make up of the squad is clear. 
At the start of the 2005-6 season Wolves' senior squad numbers were announced. The only changes then from the end of last season are that Jackie McNamara came in at number 7 and Matt Murray - hoping it might change his luck - moved from 13 to 20.  Additional ins/outs reflected below

The numbers are as follows:
 1 Michael Oakes
 2 Mark Clyde
 3 Lee Naylor
 4 Seyi Olofinjana
 5
 6 Jody Craddock
 7 Jackie McNamara
 8 Paul Ince
 9
10
11
12 Rob Edwards
13
14
15
16 
17
18
19
20 Matt Murray
21
22
24 Gabor Gyepes
25
26 Mark Little
27 Carl Cort
28 Rohan Ricketts
30 Carl Ikeme
32 Thomasz Frankowski
33 Leon Clarke
36 Dan Jones
39 Mark Davies
40

and the youth team with squad numbers are:

Martin Riley 24????
Connor Rafferty 29
Wayne Hennessey 31
Lewis Gobern 34 (On loan to Blackpool)
Kevin O’Connor 36
Chris Cornes 37 (suspended)
Gary Mulligan (on loan to Gillingham)

Movements

5 Joleon Lescott (to Everton June 14 2006)
9 Vio Ganea (terminated)
10 Colin Cameron (to Coventry - free)
11 Mark Kennedy (to Palace - free)
14 Darren Anderton (terminated)
15 (was Kevin Cooper)
16 Kenny Miller to Celtic 
17 Maurice Ross (terminated)
18 George Ndah (retired)
19 Seol (moving to Reading)
21 wasJeremie Aliadiere (on loan from Arsenal)
22 was Tom Huddlestone (on loan from Spurs)
25 Stefan Postma (terminated)
40 Keith Lowe (????)

The SQUAD PICTURE IS ON THE CONTRACTS PAGE HERE

 Garry’s rumour mill
2006-7 - click on index item to view

Incey’s name in the frame
Wolves offer for Kevin Nicholls
Wolves offer for Peter Whittingham
Wolves in for Stephen Pearson?
Brazilians in on trial Guilherme Finkler / Jay Soares
Seol’s a Royal
Martin Swain on Glenn Hoddle “Thanks for nothing”
Manager Glenn Hoddle resigns “Expectations diverge”
Joleon to Everton
Vice Captain Mark Kennedy offered new deal but moving to Palace
Squad down to 14 - Steve Marshall report
Ince reduced deal stutters
Wolves Blues Charlton race for Calum
Seol’s cross unravels France but his agent says he’s moving
Ince reduced deal stuttersl
Izzy - Blues/Palace join the race
Denes Rosa signs
Wolves pull plug on reserves

Cams deal offered but he’s likely to leave
4 to leave
Glenn to remain as manager
Joleon to Everton 14Jun06

INCE NAME IN THE FRAME

Ince eyeing Molineux hot-seat

Paul Ince should on Wednesday formally enter the race to become the new manager of Wolves Ince, 38 - who has captained Wolves for the last four years - wants to make his first move into management as the successor to Glenn Hoddle. Former England boss Hoddle resigned last weekend, and Ince has quickly emerged as the man Wolves fans want to fill the hot-seat. His agent Steve Kutner has written to Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey. Kutner last night said of Ince: "Because he has had such overwhelming support from the fans, I have drawn up a letter confirming he would like to be considered for the manager's position. "Paul is flattered that people would like him to be the next manager of Wolves." Ince will be one of more than 20 applicants for the post, and Moxey said: "At the moment we are talking to him about playing for us again next season. "I will make him a final offer on the playing contract, and then we will address the other issue. "But Paul has made it clear he would be honoured to be considered for the manager's job." Ince has no managerial experience but has played for England, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Middlesbrough during a 21-year career. Moxey is keen to make a swift appointment, with the start of the new season little more than a month away, and he added: "As far as I am concerned we have to move quickly." Hoddle's departure from Wolves has, by his own standards, been a relatively quiet one. Hoddle kept the announcement he was ending his 19-month tenure as Wolves manager comparatively low key, simply stating: "My expectations and the club's have drifted too far apart and this decision has been made early for the benefit of the club." The former England boss met with Moxey yesterday to clarify his reasons for a decision which had left the Molineux supremo "disappointed and angry". The meeting exposed two major reasons for Hoddle's resignation; concerns over the club's budget and how he would be allowed to spend it, and the revelation that he "did not feel 100% behind the job", according to Moxey. Wolves fans suspicious of Hoddle eyeing a job elsewhere may have had their fears eased by the outcome of the meeting and Moxey himself accepted Hoddle's "version of events". Moxey told the club's official website: "When Glenn signed his contract 12 months ago, it was made clear that if we did not win promotion, because of the loss of parachute money and a likely fall in season ticket sales, the budget going into this season would have to be reduced." Moxey added of Hoddle: "He told me he has not had any other [job] offers. That is something we will address if it happens." If Hoddle decides to make a swift return to work, the managerial hotseat at Sunderland sits vacant, awaiting a coach with Premiership experience to take the club forward under the ownership of Niall Quinn's consortium

Mark Kennedy to Palace - Eagles to snap up free agent Kennedy

Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor is set to bring experienced Wolves midfielder Mark Kennedy to Selhurst Park on a free transfer.The Republic of Ireland international has turned down a new two-year deal at the club, and new Eagles boss Peter Taylor wants Kennedy as the club aim for promotion back to the Premiership. Kennedy was once the most expensive teenager in British football when he moved from Millwall to Liverpool in 1995 for £2.5million. He has made 187 ppearances for Wolves, scoring 14 goals.

Meanwhile Carl Cort’s brother Leon, having made the move to Palace, says how great it would be to play together and is encouraging Carl to make the move.

Kevin Nicholls

Wolves are rumoured to have put a £400,000 offer in for Luton captain and combatative midfielder Kevin Nicholls. The 27 year old has a good goalscoring record and scored the equaliser against us at Kenilworth Road last season.

Kevin appears to be interested but will only make his mind up after the Wolves’ manager appointment is made.

Stepehen Pearson

Wolves have also been named in Scotland as one of the Championship clubs tailing another left-side man, Celtic's Stephen Pearson. But the 23-year-old is also being linked to Crystal Palace and Derby.

Martin Swain on Hoddle - “thanks for nothing!”

Thanks for nothing
By Martin Swain
July 3, 2006

http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/sport/wolves/article_91576.php

Glenn Hoddle has walked away from Wolves and left the club to clear up a mess of his own making.

And it says everything about his tortuous regime at Molineux that the news of his departure has been greeted with an overwhelming sense of relief. Not just among supporters, who have struggled to warm to a man who kept his distance and were left distinctly underwhelmed by the football his team delivered.
But inside the club, too. The chance to embark on a fresh path, which offers peril and opportunity in equal measure, is now before Wolves and doubts had been growing that Hoddle truly relished the task - or was right for it. For some time now, Wolves and Hoddle have been a couple heading for a break-up but unwilling to talk about it. Divorces, after all, are a messy and expensive business. Now the manager has instigated proceedings and suddenly everyone is admitting they are surprised they stayed together for so long.
His resignation confirms the collapse of a grand vision. Wolves thought they had secured a manager whose high profile and high footballing principles seemed perfect for Premiership ambitions. What they got was a regime as fruitless and disappointing as any of modern times. From the moment Hoddle was recruited on that controversial temporary contract, Wolves fans have been suspicious of his commitment to the club. The nature of his resignation suggests they were right. It reveals a scant affection for the gold and black and a lack of willpower to see through a job which has changed dramatically, mainly because of his own failings.
Hoddle rang Jez Moxey to inform him of his decision while the Chief Executive was relaxing in World Cup-mode with his family in Weston Park on Saturday afternoon. Within moments, the Hoddle camp had released the news to the outside world ensuring the club remained off guard and embarrassed. Those are not the actions of a man enamoured with his employers.
Maybe he had not forgiven Moxey for dismissing the failed promotion campaign as "a complete disaster" in those cutting end-of-season programme notes. But fretting over Hoddle's motivations are the least of Wolves problems. The timing is dreadful because, in waiting until now to quit, managers Wolves would have been eager to pursue have settled future employment. Principle among those were Paul Simpson, snaffled by Preston after his Carlisle successes, and Iain Dowie, who quit Crystal Palace and made that controversial switch to Charlton. The weeks that have idled by before this sudden turn in events have been costly in the transfer market, too. One of the clues within Molineux of Hoddle's growing lack of appetite for the tough battle that now confronts his successor was a reluctance to make decisions in the transfer market. Wolves have watched their rivals snap up lower divison bargains - now a prime directive for a Molineux manager - while the wrangling with current players dragged on. Hoddle's statement infers that he feels the budgetary goalposts have been moving during this period. 
"It's been a difficult decision but I feel my expectations and the club's expectations have drifted too far apart," he said.
If that is the case, it will be furiously denied by the Molineux hierarchy who claim that the precise nature of the financial restrictions heading his way were outlined at the end of season de-brief board meeting.
Hoddle, whose own salary was cut from £600,000 to £400,000 as a result of the promotion failure, gave an unconvincing performance at a press conference the day after that session with the directors. His tone was guarded and devoid of enthusiasm and, crazily, he insisted his own future had never been on the agenda.
And yet all the briefings from Molineux, and the official statement which followed, made it clear it was. That laid before the public another glaring example of the growing distance between boardroom and managerâs office. It was followed by an abortive attempt by his agent to get Hoddle into the post vacated by Alan Curbishley at Charlton. "Thanks but no thanks," was the response from The Valley but Wolves, aware of their managerâs interest, were inevitably going to take that as a signal of his growing disenchantment with the new rigours of the Molineux post. 
But there is one final, curious twist - one which perhaps reveals that despite all this Hoddle's decision was not ruthlessly plotted - which came only last week. His staff, including brother Carl and his fitness coach Kunle Odetoyinbo signed new contracts which, in line with the club's cost-trimming, including a smaller settlement fee in the event of their sacking. If they do fall by the wayside in a management re-structure, they will not thank their immediate gaffer.
Wolves, shorn of money other than what they earn, now need a man of high energy capable of inspiration one minute and sniffing out a bargain the next, living on his wits, mindful of his budget and hungry to mould a team its fan base will recognise.
And Wolves' research reveals that, by and large, their's is a club followed by hard-grafting, down-to-earth working-class folk who can spot the shirkers and poseurs from a country mile.
For some one out there, it will be an exciting chance. Wolves are in for a fight now but it's one which could give the club fresh unity and a real sense of purpose.
Hoddle walked away from it and that, more than anything, is the saddest indictment of his reign and his character.

Royal Seol Ki-Hyeon - Transfer Fee Agreed with Reading

Wolves have agreed a fee with Reading for the sale of Seol Ki-Hyeon.

The deal will be £1mil plus £500,000 depending on appearances. There is also a sell-on clause.
The Korean international, who has recently been on World Cup duty, could make the switch to the newly promoted Premiership side when he returns to England early next week. 
"We have agreed a fee but the deal will of course be subject to a medical," says Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey.

Seol, 27 signed for Wolves for £1.2 mil from RSC Anderlecht in August 2004. His contract at Molineux would have expired in the summer of 2008. Last season he made 36 appearances (ten from the bench) and scored four goals. Whilst with his national team in Germany, Seol recently expressed his frustration with Wolves not winning promotion to the top flight.
Jez adds: "Seol is a good person and a good player but he never made the impact on the pitch that we were hoping when we signed him from Anderlecht. "He has publicly and privately expressed his wish to leave Wolves to play in the Premier League. We had two offers from Premiership clubs and some interest from Germany as well, but it was Reading who offered a deal that both the player and Wolves found acceptable.

"We wish him well."
Seol will go down in Wolves history as the scorer of the 7,000th goal as Wolves were the first team to reach that number when he scored from a cross at Crystal Palace in 2005.

Ask Bully a Question/Bully on Hoddle/Bully on Wolves squad

Gavin’s “The Wolves Fans’ Site” has secured an exclusive interview with Bully where forum members can ask Bully a question.  Click here to find the site and the article.  It’s easy to register and it’s a nice site without some of the nasty stuff the E&S site used to have.  Click on the link http://www.wolvesfansite.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1240

Also, the Express & Star are launching a new news channel on The Wolves click on these two links to see

1. Bully on the Hoddle departure http://www.star-backhome.co.uk/player.php?vid=bull_rx

2. Bully on the current squad http://www.star-backhome.co.uk/player.php?vid=bull_players + “will you be manager?”

Blues and City join race for McLeod

Manchester City and Birmingham have joined West Brom and Wolves in the race to sign highly-rated MK Dons striker Izale McLeod. Blues boss Steve Bruce is in the hunt for fresh blood having released a raft of players following the club's relegation. And although City chief Stuart Pearce is on the verge of recruiting veteran Paul Dickov on a free transfer, he wants the pace of McLeod to provide back-up for Darius Vassell. Birmingham-born McLeod is widely expected to leave the National Hockey Stadium this summer after his 18 goals proved not enough to save the Dons from relegation to League Two. And his form has attracted envious glances from a string of clubs, including Black Country rivals Wolves and the Baggies. The 21-year-old almost became a Wolves player in January after they agreed a £600,000 deal, rising to £1.3m, with Milton Keynes before switching their attention to Tomasz Frankowski. But boss Glenn Hoddle has continued to monitor McLeod's progress and wants him to spearhead a promotion charge at Molineux. Albion boss Bryan Robson, meanwhile, feels the England Under-21 international could form an explosive partnership with Nathan Ellington, as veteran forwards Kanu and Kevin Campbell could well leave The Hawthorns this summer.

Glenn Hoddle resigns

1st July 2006 - as England exit the World Cup Glenn Hoddle phones Moxey to resign. Although they are meeting on Monday this may also spell the end for Paul Ince unless he’s offered the job.

Statement from Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey re manager Glenn Hoddle.

"I had an unexpected call from the manager Glenn Hoddle at about 3 o'clock this afternoon (Saturday). He told me he was resigning with immediate effect. "I asked him to reconsider but he said that his mind was made up. However, he did agree to meet with me on Monday. "We will issue a further statement in due course."

In a statement released by his representatives to the media this afternoon, Glenn is reported saying: "I wish to announce my decision, with immediate effect, to resign as manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. "It has been a very difficult decision but I feel that my expectations and the club's expectations have drifted too far apart in recent weeks. This decision has been made early in pre-season for the benefit of the club. 
"I would like to take the opportunity of thanking the board, players, staff and fans for their support and efforts and wish everyone connected with Wolverhampton Wanderers every success in the future."

More about Glenn’s record is here Glenn Hoddle page

Vice Captain Mark Kennedy offered new deal

Wolves have confirmed they have offered a new contract to Republic of Ireland winger Mark Kennedy The 30-year-old has been a key figure during his five years at Molineux, but is out of contract at the end of June.And chief executive Jez Moxey said: "A new offer has been made to Mark Kennedy. He is currently considering his options but he wants to get his future resolved. "Hopefully that might be done over the next fortnight," he told the club's official website.

Brazilians Soares & Finkler

Brazilians Jay Soares and Guilherme Finkler who both are available on “frees” have impressed in training and Finkler scored twice in the friendly at Hednessford. watch the free kick more on WoW site

Peter Whittingham

Wolves are reported to have made a £500,000 bid for Aston Villa midfielder Peter Whittingham who burst on the scene two seasons ago but has been rather quiet recently. He does seem a good replacement for Mark Kennedy, if he also has good defensive skills....his full debut was at left back Villa’s profile of him....

Peter Whittingham
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 08/09/1984
Height:5' 10" (178cm)Weight:9st 13lbs (63.1kg)
Previous Clubs:Derby County (loan), Burnley (loan)Position:Midfielder
Having exploded on to the Premiership scene the previous year, it was very much a case of treading water for Peter Whittingham in 2004-05.
The promising young midfielder was regularly in the squad during the first half of the season, and although he made only a handful of starting appearances he was regularly involved as a substitute.
But after being on the bench for the New Year bank holiday game at Crystal Palace, he didn't figure again in the senior side and at one stage spent a month on loan at Championship club Burnley.
While his first team appearances were limited, though, he did at least have the satisfaction of creating a
small piece of Premiership history when he opened the scoring in the 3-0 home win over Portsmouth. It was the first goal scored with the new high visibility ball which was used during the winter months.
Whittingham made a real impact in David O'Leary's first season at the helm. The England Under-21 international may have ended the campaign on the bench, but he impressed as he started 21 of the first 22 Premiership games before being withdrawn from the spotlight.But time is definitely on Whittingham's side and the hope is that he can build on an impressive first full season that saw him named Villa's Young Player of the Year.Whittingham became the fourth member of the FA Youth Cup-winning team to discover the number was up - in the best possible way. The versatile youngster joined Stefan Moore, Liam Ridgewell and Wayne Henderson in being handed a first team squad number as the club continued to encourage youngsters to make the breakthrough to Premiership football. He signed a four year contract in 2002 and was a regular in the reserves before making the first team bench, coming on for three consecutive games against Newcastle United, Everton and Sunderland before playing his first first team full game at left back against Leeds United.

Blues to spark Calum scramble

Birmingham are ready to battle with Charlton, Reading and Wolves for the signature of Tottenham centre-back Calum Davenport Blues boss Steve Bruce is expected to follow up his initial interest in the Spurs player with a firm bid. The £1.5million-rated defender is keen to resurrect his career after an unhappy spell at White Hart Lane. Davenport has found first-team opportunities hard to come by because of the form of England pair Ledley King and Michael Dawson at the heart of the Spurs defence. However, Blues could face competition from the Addicks, Royals and Wolves for the 23-year-old

Squad down to 14 fit pros - Steve Marshall of the Express & Star

Wolves back with just fourteen
By Steve Marshall
Jun 23, 2006     http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/sport/wolves/article_91410.php
Wolves are poised to return to pre-season training on Monday with only 14 fit outfield players with Molineux first team experience on their books.
It paints an all too real picture of the summer culture change at the club that chief executive Jez Moxey warned about when Wolves' Championship chalenge crumbled last season. A total of 17 senior players are currently contracted to Wolves, but Matt Murray and Michael Oakes are both goalkeepers and defender Gabor Gyepes could miss the whole campaign through injury. That leaves 14 - but with question marks over the future of Seol Ki-Hyeon, who has spelled out his desire to move to the Premiership after the World Cup, and the fitness of Seyi Olofinjana and Mark Clyde. Olofinjana is currently recovering from a back injury which wrecked his last campaign, while Clyde hasn't kicked a ball for the first team in almost 17 months.

And although the squad is bolstered by nine untried academy youngsters, it leaves boss Glenn Hoddle thin on the ground in terms of experience when he returns after his summer break. Re-signing captain Paul Ince and vice-captain Mark Kennedy would help add vital knowhow to the ranks - but Kennedy in particular is by no means certain to agree new terms.
Moxey today Wolves' situation meant the club's youngsters would get the chance to prove their worth, but insisted they were looking to recruit new faces before the new season kicks-off. "When you buy lots of players there is less opportunity for the youngsters," said Moxey. "But we are now faced with a situation where we won't put football before finance, so by definition the young kids have more of a chance prove themselves to the manager and stake a claim for a place in the team. "We recognise that the squad we are starting pre-season with won't be sufficient in numbers because of the injuries and suspensions that we will inevitable face. "As a result Glenn and I will be looking to bring in several players before the season starts." Nine players from last season's squad have so far left Wolves, with the sale of Joleon Lescott to Everton the only transfer fee coming in. Hoddle has been promised some of that cash for his playing budget, but will be unable to go on a big-money spending spree.

Here's how some of Wolves' rivals measure up:
* Albion - 16 senior players contracted, trying to retain Campbell and Watson and sign Hartson and Roberts.
* Blues - 20 senior players, including new signings Jerome and Danns.
* Leeds - 20 senior players
* Sunderland - 20 senior players.
* Palace - 21 senior players.
 

Milan Mandaric Rumours

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has denied he is planning a £15million takeover of Wolves Mandaric has moved to end rumours of an approach for the Championship club by insisting a recent conversation with Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward was only made as a friend. "I talk to Sir Jack Hayward regularly because we get on well. But it's only to chat," he told The News. "Because I'm selling Pompey, people have put two and two together. But I'm not in talks about buying into Wolves." Mandaric will hand over ownership of Pompey to Sacha Gaydamak this month after agreeing a £32million deal for the club, but may remain as non-executive chairman. The 67-year-old insists he has no immediate intention of investing in another club should he leave Fratton Park entirely, but that situation could change in the future. "If I leave Pompey altogether, then one day I might get involved with someone else. But it's not happening now," he added.

Ian Pearce

The 32-year-old has one year left on his current contract at Craven Cottage, but a summer move could be in the offing. Pearce moved to Fulham from West Ham in 2004 and has played an important part ever since. However, manager Chris Coleman is believed to be looking for fresh faces and Pearce could very well find himself surplus to requirement. Should Pearce be on the move then he is unlikely to be short on offers with Wigan, Wolves and Birmingham all reported to be considering a move

 Wolves ace Silas set for Wolves exit

Portuguese midfielder Silas looks set to leave Wolves in the summer, after falling out of favour Molineux. The 29-year-old's current deal is due to run out and although Wolves have the option of extending it for another 12 months, chief executive Jez Moxey is expecting him to be released. Signed for £1million from Uniao Leiria in the summer of 2003, Silas managed just five starts and nine substitute appearances for Wanderers. And has not kicked a ball for the Midlanders since February 2004 after joining Maritimo and then Belenenses on season-long loans. Moxey said: "The option for the manager to sign Silas for next season is there. "But at this stage, I'd say it's highly unlikely that will happen."

Seol to move

Ki Hyeon Seol made his first appearance in the 2006 World Cup finals as a half time substitute for Eul-Yong against 98 champions, France. Initially deployed on the left wing he was non-existent. However a switch to the right brought him into the game and it was his cross in the 81st minute to the far post after beating Lilian Thuram which was headed back into the centre for Park Ji-Sung to head the ball down to bounce over Barthez.  A 1-1 draw was a shock for France and it could have been worse if Thuram hadn’t blocked Seol’s shot a few minutes later.

Meanwhile the Express & Star ran a story over the weekend which said

Wolves wide man Seol Ki-Hyeon has admitted that he is hoping for a move out of Molineux after the World Cup.  The South Korean star, who had to settle for a place on the bench for his country's opening game against Togo, says he expects to join a Premiership club after a frustrating second season with Wolves. "At this stage I'm frustrated not to be in the Premiership," Seol said yesterday. "A few teams are interested in me and are talking to Wolves. "I think there will be some good news after the World Cup."

Seol was the subject of interest from Reading at the same time as the newly-promoted outfit made an unsuccessful bid for Joleon Lescott and there is little doubt that Wolves would be happy to unload the 27-year-old forward to generate vital cash for manager Glenn Hoddle. "I would prefer to play in the Premiership," said Seol. "That's why I came to Wolves but we didn't succeed in getting promoted. "I think there is still a possibility to go to the Premiership." Seol, who helped South Korea reach the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, joined Wolves from Belgian club Anderlecht two years ago. Promoted Reading are among the clubs linked with Seol, whose South Korea team mates Park Ji-Sung and Lee Young-Pyo play in the top flight with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

Meanwhlle Jez Moxey agreed that there was interest in him from several clubs, but expressed his unhappiness about stories like this coming out. http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307~840608,00.html

Wolves complete deal for ace Rosa

Hungarian midfielder Denes Rosa has agreed a three-year deal to join Wolves on a permanent basis. The former Ferencvaros player, 29, had been on a short-term deal at Molineux since January and has impressed manager Glenn Hoddle sufficiently to earn a new deal. He told Wolves' official website: "I am very happy that I have been able to agree a new contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers. "I was aware of interest from other clubs but I have enjoyed my time at Wolves and was keen to stay. "I look forward to being part of a team that pushes for promotion next season." Rosa made 10 appearances for Wolves last term, scoring two goals.

Joleon Signs For Everton 14th June 2006

Fans are already asking why Joleon is worth only £2m upfront - only marginally more than flop Tomasz Frankowski - when Everton have only just paid £8.6m for Andy Johnson - it looks like a very very bad deal - giving us no strengthening cash freedom

From WoW. Joleon Lescott has finally completed his move from Wolves to Everton.
The Merseysiders will pay up to £5m, plus a 15% share of any sell-on fee, for the services of the defender who has signed a four-year contract at Goodison.
The move was initially delayed because key officials at Everton were away from the club, and then as a result of Everton's concern over the player's long term fitness.
However, after further negotiations, the transfer has now been completed with Wolves agreeing to defer the final instalment of the fee for an additional six months from the date initially agreed, and make it subject to the player not retiring from football within 30 months due to any pre-existing condition relating to his knee operations.
Chief executive Jez Moxey explained: "Wolves will receive £2m upfront, plus another £2m to be paid in instalments over the next two and a half years subject to Joleon continuing to play football. The remaining £1m is subject to player appearances."
Whilst satisfied with the commercial terms of the deal - which Wolves concede has taken a lot longer to conclude than expected - Jez acknowledged that the club was saying goodbye to a firm fans' favourite.
The CEO paid tribute to the 23-year-old, who has been a key player at Molineux since his debut in the 2000/2001 season, and explained how his transfer fee will support Wolves' finances following the loss of the parachute payment.
He said: "Joleon has given his all to Wolves since he joined our academy as a 14-year-old and if there's any player who deserves a chance to play in the Premier League, it's him.
"When he signed a new contract in October last season, we had a gentlemen's agreement that if we did not get promoted, and he wanted to join a Premiership club, then we would reluctantly sell him to the club that presented the best option for Joleon to further his career and one that could afford to pay us an acceptable transfer fee.
"Had we won promotion, Joleon would have happily stayed at Molineux. However, after we failed to achieve our stated goal of returning to the Premiership, we knew there would be interest from a number of top-flight clubs wishing to sign him. We were approached by four clubs who made serious offers and finally agreed a deal with Everton.
"Joleon has been an outstanding player for Wolves - we regret that he is leaving and that he never had the opportunity to play for Wolves in the Premier League in 2003/04 because had he been fit that season who knows where we would have finished. However, he returned to play in more games than any other Wolves player in the next two seasons, playing in all 50 matches last season. We have never had any doubts whatsoever about his fitness."
"He leaves with our very best wishes and thanks for everything he has helped Wolves achieve. He will, of course, be missed but we are sure he will develop into an exceptionally good Premiership player for Everton."
The fee received for the former England U21 international will be important, given the new financial parameters within which the club has to work.
Jez adds: "Bearing in mind the loss of the Premiership parachute payment the money raised through this transfer will help secure the club's financial stability.
"Our future strategy is clear: the team will have to include some younger players who really want to wear the Wolves shirt and prove themselves good enough to compete strongly in the Championship.
"No doubt some of the transfer fee will be used to support this aim and help us bring in new players but there is also a need to protect the club's overall financial position now and in the future."

Joleon & Everton/Sevilla

7th June: Joleon Lescott's move to Everton is getting closer. Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey this morning said he was hopeful it would be completed within the next 48 hours.
Joleon first travelled to Merseyside for a medical last Thursday after the clubs agreed a fee for the 23-year-old defender. But the delay in finalising his move from Molineux appears to be coming to an end and Joleon could finally be set for a move to the Premiership Jez says: "We are into the final details of the deal. I have been confident of this transfer being completed throughout and I'm optimistic it could be finalised in the next day or two."

6th June the up and down story Lescott deal hanging in balance

Wolves defender Joleon Lescott's move to Everton is not a done deal as the 23-year-old has still not signed a contract with the Toffees. Lescott agreed personal terms and passed a medical at Goodison Park last week, but Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has revealed Everton have requested more time with Lescott yet to sign a contract. "The ball is now in Everton's court," Moxey told the club's website. "Their medical team first saw Joleon on Thursday and then again on Friday. It is now Monday and transfers normally happen quicker than this. But Everton have informed us they want more time and we have to respect that." The clubs have already agreed an undisclosed fee for Lescott, which is believed to be in the region of £5million.

2nd June: Lescott set for Goodison switch

Everton are on the brink of taking their spending to over 14million in just 24 hours with the acquisition of Wolves defender Joleon Lescott The former England Under-21 international is currently on Merseyside having a medical and is expected to complete a 5.5million move.

Everton boss David Moyes hinted on Wednesday night another major signing was close and today chief executive Keith Wyness confirmed: "We have concluded our discussions with Wolves. Joleon has been given permission by his club to open talks with us and he will undergo a medical." A fee of around 5.5million has been agreed and Everton hope to conclude the formalities on Thursday and unveil their new signing for the media on Thursday. The 23-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs in recent weeks including Aston Villa, Newcastle and Spanish side Sevilla. Premiership newcomers Reading also registered an interest in the defender but their bid was rejected by the Wolves board earlier this month, allowing Moyes to step in and secure the services of one of the brightest young defensive talents in the country. A product of the club's youth system, Lescott missed out on the chance of Premiership football in 2003 when Wolves were in the top flight due to injury, but in total he has made 235 appearances and scored 13 league goals for the Championship outfit. He will be added to the signing of England squad striker Andrew Johnson, who moved to Goodison Park from Crystal Palace for 8.6million on Wednesday. Having already signed Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard on a season's loan, Moyes is clearly working hard to boost the club's chance of competing for a top-four spot in the Premiership, having dropped back into the bottom half of the table last term following their previous season's Champions League qualification. Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We have been in discussion with a number of clubs interested in signing Joleon and have agreed a transfer fee with Everton. "Joleon is this morning undergoing a medical examination and, subject to the outcome of that, we expect to conclude the transfer which will reflect the player's value."

1st June - the Daily Mail reports that,having signed Andy Johnson for £8.6m Everton willsign Joleon today for £4.5m after he underwent a medical yesterday.  Seems a discrepancy in vale there!! The Wolves site later confirmed the transfer (but not the amount involved)

Sevilla have joined four Premiership clubs in the race to sign Wolves defender Joleon Lescott, who may be sold to generate transfer funds.The UEFA Cup winners, who beat Middlesbrough 4-0 to lift the trophy on Wednesday night, have joined Everton, Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa in the hunt for the 23-year-old centre-back. Molineux boss Glenn Hoddle has been told he will have to operate on a tight budget this summer after the end of the club's 'parachute payments' following relegation from the Premiership two seasons ago. Hoddle has since released Darren Anderton, Stefan Postma, Maurice Ross and Vio Ganea - and knows he must sell in order to generate any cash for summer transfer action. Lescott is the jewel in Wolves' crown and would command a fee of around £4million, which is easily affordable for all of his suitors.Chief executive Jez Moxey said: "Most clubs go through a period of re-building at one time or another and our time is now, so we need the fans to understand the realities of working within a tighter budget."

Ince considering new contract offer

28th June: after meeting with Moxey and Glenn on Monday, Paul Ince has not re-signed. He is thought to be holding out for a similar deal as last season but Moxey has already said the deal is a reduced one. Talks are due to resume later in the week as the Wolves players return to training. Moxey has said he wants this sorted before the squad go to Spain.

Paul Ince is still unsure whether he will be playing his football at Molineux next season and will meet with Jez Moxey to discuss a new deal The 38-year-old is currently taking a residential course in applied management after which he leaves for a family holiday, and will not talk with Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey until he returns. "I've been offered a year and it's going to be a case of sitting down personally with Jez to see where we go," Ince told the Birmingham Mail. "I've only just come back from being away, I'm doing this course for a week and then I'm off on holiday for 11 days."After that I'll hopefully be able to speak to Jez and we can see how things stand." It is believed accepting the deal currently on the table would mean a substantial cut in wages for the Wolves skipper. Last year Glenn Hoddle had to intervene after Moxey appeared to undervalue Paul in the contract offer.

Chris Cornes

Chris faces a six month ban after a random test at the training ground revealed traces of a cocaine substance. The ban is backdated to April.  He strenuously denied knowingly taking a banned substance but the “strict liability” rules take no account of this. His future at Molineux is now in doubt and will be considered at the next board meeting. Chris looked a strong young prospect and we were looking forward to seeing him in the first team this season.

It was very pleasing to see that the board have decided to support Chris - whilst warning him severely about his future conduct and we look forward to seeing him in first team action this season. His suspension lasts until October.

INCE, CAMS offered contracts

10th May 2006.  Wolves confirmed that both Colin Cameron and Paul Ince have been offered new contracts. Both are out of contract but Cams had been told he was surplus to requirements. 3 Man-of- the-match performances on his recall from a loan spell at Millwall showed Glenn what everyone else who pays to see the Wolves knew. Cams’ agent says that Coventry are interested in him. Colin is fairly certain to be leaving Molineux this summer.

Molineux exits for Wolves quartet

Wolves have released Darren Anderton, Stefan Postma, Maurice Ross and Vio Ganea but are holding talks with Paul Ince about extending his stay.Wanderers confirmed this week that manager Glenn Hoddle would continue in his role despite the Black Country club missing out on the Championship play-offs. And the former England boss has decided to release 34-year-old former England international Anderton, ex-Aston Villa goalkeeper Postma, full-back Ross and Romania international Ganea. However, 38-year-old Ince and fellow midfielders Denes Rosa, Colin Cameron and Mark Kennedy - all out of contract this summer - will hold talks with the club. Chief executive Jez Moxey has warned Wolves will be forced to operate on a tight budget after the end of their 'parachute payments' following relegation from the Premiership two seasons ago, and said: "We will be entering into talks with Paul, Denes, Colin and Mark to explain our plans for the future but, at this stage, there are no guarantees that we will be re-signing any of them." Kenny Miller will join Celtic this summer on a Bosman free transfer and fellow striker George Ndah has been forced into early retirement because of injury.

FOR DETAILS OF THE PLAYER CONTRACT PERIODS look here

Wolves looking to resolve Ince future

Veteren midfielder Paul Ince is hoping to resolve his Wolves future this week and has opened talks with about extending his stay at Molineux The 38-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of June, is understood to be very keen to sign a new deal with the Championship side. Chief executive Jez Moxey told Wanderers' official website: "We are going to try and move the situation forward this week. "I'm hoping to speak to Paul's agent today (Tuesday) and the manager will be speaking to Paul himself over the next few days."

 Glenn Hoddle to remain as Wolves Manager (3May06)

Following Tuesday's board meeting, Glenn Hoddle will continue as manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers
Football Club.

During a frank and honest discussion at the board meeting, Glenn clearly explained the reasons behind this season's disappointing results and out-lined how he will approach the difficult challenge of re-building the squad as a result of the club's need to operate within a reduced playing budget."It's no secret that the Board and Glenn are disappointed with the team's failure to secure automatic promotion or a play-off spot, especially as everyone was well aware of the likely financial restraints for next season if we didn't achieve promotion," said chief executive, Jez Moxey.
"That said, Glenn is a proven manager and the board feels confident that he has the skills needed to re-build the squad over the coming season. "During the meeting, we clearly articulated that the loss of the Premiership parachute payment means that there will be a reduced budget for next season. Glenn accepts this and is now looking at how best to shape his squad with the money available.
"We will sit down with out-of-contract players and back-room staff shortly to discuss what this means to their futures. This aside, a reduced budget will necessitate a re-definition of the club's approach to player
acquisition and inevitably lead to more opportunities for younger players from inside and outside the club. "Throughout this process, the club needs the support of its fans. Most clubs go through a period of re-building at one time or another. Our time is now and we need the fans to understand the realities of working within a tighter budget whilst sharing our optimism about the development of a younger first team squad that will compete as hard as possible in next year's Championship."

Hoddle to stay

Glenn has repeated several times that he is on a 12 month contract and has no desire to move. And he also quoted that he believes belt tightening at Molineux means he will be forced to wheel and deal during the close season Currently lying seventh in the Championship table, the Black Country club's hopes of reaching the play-offs now lie in tatters. And the loss of Premiership parachute payments means Wolves will be worse off in 2006-07. But Hoddle said: "I've not come here and spent lots of money - I think we got £3million from the sale of Henri Camara to Wigan but I've spent lass than that. "I've worked diligently in the transfer market and will continue to do so. "I don't know what money is going to be available until next month's board meeting but I've worked on tight budgets before and I'll do it again."

Hoddle denies Newcastle move

Glenn Hoddle moved quickly to deny rumours, backed by betting odds reducing to 3:1 that he was moving to Newcastle following Graham Souness’ sacking.

Midlands Masters

The Midlands Masters is on 23rd July 2006 (the day after the 40th anniversary dinner)features the Wolves, Villa, Birmingham and some team from Sandwell- more details here http://www.mastersfootball.com/midlandsmasters_2006.htm

If you’d like to go Gavin’s Wolves site has a comp running until Tuesday 16th May here ----

http://www.wolvesfansite.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=897

Wolves pull plug on reserves

Wolves have scrapped their reserve team, citing changes to the structure of the league and a danger of over-playing youngsters as the reasons, Wanderers' second string finished fourth bottom in last season's Premier Reserve League (north) but only Premiership sides will be allowed to play in that competition during 2006-07. Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We expect that next season more of our young professionals will be either involved in the first-team squad or will be gaining first-team experience out on loan. "Given there's also a 28-game Academy league programme to fulfil, we felt there was a danger of overplaying our youngsters if we also entered a reserve competition. "This approach worked successfully for Derby County last season and other Midland clubs are likely to take this course, in fact Leicester have already said they will not play in a reserve league. "Reserve-team coach Terry Connor will continue to be involved in the coaching of the club's young pros and will take responsibility for arranging friendly games."

January 2006 Transfer Window Stories

Other individual stories are linked to from this summary

IZZY McLeod
Wolves gained pole position inthe race for Issy McLeod (MKDons) but pended discussions while they pursued Tomasz Frankowski. But it looks as though Glenn has abandoned the McLeod optin. Izzy

Tomasz Frankowski   Wolves seal 'Franek' deal

26Jan06 Wolves have completed the signing of Poland striker Tomasz Frankowski for an initial £1.4million from Spanish club Elche. Known as “goal hunter” by Poland his chant there is
Franek Franek Lowca Bramek. (with Lowca pron U Ov Sa)

A compilation of Franek’s goals should appear here.

Free video hosting, video codes at www.vidiLife.com

Franek has just been voted Polish Player of the Year - WoW says

The award, made to Tomasz Frankowski by his fellow professionals, was presented live on Polish ;television last night. The TV station, Canal Plus, linked up with Molineux to make the presentation to the striker via satellite. Tomasz won a whopping 40 percent of the vote. In second place was Ebi Smolarek of Borussia Dortmund with 18 percent, third Maciej Zurawski of Celtic with 17 percent, fourth Artur Boruc, also of Celtic, with 16 percent and fifth Liverpool's Jerzy Dudek.
The presentation came after an evening of awards in 13 different categories, with the one going to Tomasz considered most prestigious.
Canal Plus presenter Filip Surma said: "Tomasz was the winner by a big margin. Many people believe he has made the biggest contribution to the national team getting through to the World Cup Finals. Also, his goal scoring record is very good - which is why he is known in Poland as the 'Fox in the Box'.
Tomasz, who posed for pictures with his trophy before training this morning said: "I am very happy to win this award, especially when I look at the names of the other players who were also nominated.
"Last time I won Best Striker so this is a move forward for me. "But this award is for last year and I am a professional and now I am thinking about what I can do in the future.
"I have to show the manager at Wolves I have good form and then I will be able to show the supporters what I can do."

ealier: Wanderers boss Glenn Hoddle has been trying to push through a deal for the 31-year-old since the transfer window opened and have now tied Frankowski to a two-and-a-half year contract. Chief executive Jez Moxey said: "This is a player Glenn has been coveting for a long time. "Despite his age, the manager has assured us - as best he can - that Frankowski is the missing link to help improve the number of goals we score and, in turn, get into the play-offs and hopefully win promotion. "International transfers are, generally speaking, more complicated than domestic ones, but this deal has been particularly tortuous." Frankowski, who scored for his country in their 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat by England at Old Trafford in October, has scored eight goals for second division Elche this season and his sale has prompted the resignation of the Spanish club's president Ramon Sanchez. He could make his debut for Wolves against Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday if he receives international clearance in time

Thomasz’ record is
  year  country Club              games goals
1993/94 [France] RC Strasbourg (reserves)  ? 22
                               -------
1994/95 [France] RC Strasbourg         10 2
1995/96 [France] RC Strasbourg         11 0
1996 [Japan] Nagoya Grampus Eight      7  1
1996/97 [France] CEP Poitiers (top scorer)  32 22
1997/98 [France] FC Martigues          19 5
1998/99 [Poland] Wisła Kraków (top scorer) 29 21
1999/00 [Poland] Wisła Kraków         26 17
2000/01 [Poland] Wisła Kraków (top scorer) 28 18
2001/02 [Poland] Wisła Kraków         26 9
2002/03 [Poland] Wisła Kraków         12 6
2003/04 [Poland] Wisła Kraków         22 15
2004/05 [Poland] Wisła Kraków (top scorer) 26 25
2005/06 [Poland] Wisła Kraków          4  4
2005/06 [Spain] Elche CF             14  8
                              266 153 58%!  
2004/05 International. for Poland:        8 6
2005/06 International. for Poland:        5 3
                               13 9  69%

earlierWolves have been watching the Polish international for some time. They have made three improving offers to €1.8m (£1.2m) but Elche are said to be holding out for another €250-300k

23rd January: Sky Sports News Reports suggest Wolverhampton Wanderers are closing in on the signature of Polish striker Tomasz Frankowski.

A fee in the region of ?2 million (£1.4 million) has been agreed with Spanish second division side Elche and the move is expected to be rubberstamped shortly.

The transfer will bring to an end manager Glenn Hoddle's long chase for a centre forward, with that search having taken on added urgency after it was revealed last week that Kenny Miller's long-term future lies away from Molineux.

A goalless draw at Millwall on Saturday highlighted Wolves' need for greater firepower if they are to regain promotion to the top flight and the 31-year-old Frankowski would fit the bill having netted seven times for Poland in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

And, despite concerns earlier this month that a deal had stalled with the respective clubs some way apart in their valuation of the player, it is now looking increasingly likely that Hoddle will get his man.

Jeremie Aliadiere

March 24th: Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle has extended Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere's loan from Arsenal. The two clubs have agreed the Frenchman should be allowed to remain at Molineux up to and including Sunday May 21, meaning he would be eligible for the Championship play-off final should Wanderers reach the Millennium Stadium. The 22-year-old initially arrived in the Black Country at the end of January

Long rumoured to be a loan target for Glenn, he has joined Wolves until the end of the season from Arsenal. WoW said “Wolves have completed a loan move for Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere after the striker cut short his stint at West Ham. Aliadiere failed to make the expected impact at West Ham, starting just one match in the Premiership following his move from Arsenal in the summer. However the 22-year-old, who began the season with a brief spell at Celtic on loan, is rated as a player capable of making an impact in the Championship by Wolves. Chief executive Jez Moxey was pleased by the move, saying: "Aliadiere has not been getting the football he needs at West Ham and we are delighted to be able to offer him an opportunity here at Wolves." Moxey added: "He is a talented young player and it gives manager Glenn Hoddle another option up front as we push for a place in the play-offs." The loan will keep him at Molineux until the end of the season.”

Leon Clarke

March 21st Leon went on loan to Plymouth Argyle on a 24 hour recall after 28 days. Hopefully he’ll find his goalscoring touch against Preston in his first match to improve our league position (25th March). Here’s how it was announced.

Plymouth have signed striker Leon Clarke on loan until the end of the season from Championship rivals Wolves. Clarke, 21, will team up with his new team-mates on the way up to Preston North End on Saturday and goes straight into the Pilgrims' squad as they bid to end a run of three matches without scoring. Although he is set to stay at Home Park until the end of the season, Clarke's home bow will be delayed as he is not permitted to play against Wolves on April 1, Argyle's next home game.

Leon has been allowed out on loan to QPR til the end of the season (on a 28 day recall) to regain his confidence. He will be with Keith Lowe and also not permitted to play against us on March 4. QPR subsequently cancelled the loan after Ian Holloway was suspended and the acting manager Gary Waddock decided he only wanted to train fully owned players. QPR are paying their wages until the end of the month.

Keith Lowe

Keith is also on loan to QPR until the end of the season with his spell at Burnley terminated. WoW said ”QPR have signed versatile young defender Keith Lowe on loan from Wolves until the end of the season. The 20-year-old, who can operate at centre-half or full-back, has come through the academy ranks at Molineux and previously spent time on loan at Burnley. However, the terms of the deal prevent Lowe from playing against Wolves at Loftus Road on March 4.” Keith came back to Moli with Leon - see above

Daniel Jones

Daniel has come through the academy ranks to sign a three and a half year contract, making an incredible comeback from a broken thigh injury 14 months ago. Daniel made his bench debut against league leaders Redaing on 18th March 2006.  WoW story here http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307~776339,00.html.

Paul Jones
Goalkeeper Paul Jones has departed Molineux after his Wolves contract was terminated by mutual consent. The 38-year-old Wales international, who was enjoying his second spell at the Black Country club, had fallen out of favour with manager Glenn Hoddle and predecessor Dave Jones. He last featured for Wolves when they were beaten 3-2 by Cardiff at Molineux in September 2004, and has since spent time on loan at Watford and Millwall. Hoddle said: "Paul's been a good servant to Wolves during two spells and we hope he finds another club soon."

On Feb 10th Paul announced that he had a deal with QPR - there’ll be more Wolves there soon than hoops.....and of course two excellent saves cost us the points at Loftus Road.

Queens Park Rangers have signed former Southampton and Wolves goalkeeper Paul Jones until the end of the season. The 38-year-old has been looking for a new club after terminating his contract with Glenn Hoddle's side last month. The veteran custodian had been invited to train with Premiership side West Ham United this week, but the keeper has opted to sign a deal with the Championship club. With Simon Royce injured and Jake Cole currently suspended, QPR caretaker manager Gary Waddock made the move to add goalkeeping cover by securing the services of Jones. "I am really pleased to have signed for QPR," Jones told The Stellar Group's official website. "It has all happened pretty quickly, but once I spoke to the club and heard their thoughts on what they were looking for from me, I had little hesitation in signing until the end of the season. "I am going to train as hard as possible and hopefully force my way into the team. "But I know a lot about Simon Royce and he is a very good goalkeeper, so it should be a very interesting few months and hopefully, there will be a good competition for the goalkeeper's spot.

Lewis Gobern

March 24th Midfielder Lewis Gobern has signed for League Two club Bury on loan until the end of the season. A 24-hour recall option will apply once the loan has passed 28 days.

Kevin O’Connor

Kevin is also out on loan - his first. The 20year old joins Stockport County with a 24-hour recall option will apply once the loan has passed 28 days.

Kenny Miller
Kenny has signed a pre-agreement to join Celtic at the end of the season here 
The Wolves’ Scottish International is free to leave on a Bosman in the summer and it seems increasingly likely that Wolves will cash in during the transfer window with Sheffield Utd and Birmingham apparently offering £1.5m. Wigan were also interested altough Kenny has always favoured Scotland. His preference, Rangers, appear to be cooling but there are rumours of Celtic interest. 17th january and Sky report interest from Blackburn Rovers, Fulham and West Ham Kenny

Maurice Ross
Scottish full-back Maurice Ross, who has been on loan at Molineux from Sheffield Wednesday, has signed a contract which runs until the end of the season after being released by the Owls. Ross, who only moved to Hillsborough in August, has been on loan at Molineux since October after being frustrated by a lack of first-team action with the Owls. And the former Rangers man has now agreed a deal to stay with Glenn Hoddle's side until the end of the season. Ross said: "When I arrived at Wolves I hadn't played much in the previous six months hence I was only taken on until January but I'm really happy to sign now until the summer, it will give Wolves a chance to take a longer look at me and vice versa. "It will also give me the chance to play my part in trying to help the club achieve its aim of winning promotion."

earlier: Wolves are still debating whether to take up the option to sign Mo. He has had three quite impressive performances after his poor debut at Luton

April updates - Gabor, Vio, Mickey

Gabor Gyepes

Wolves' Gyepes faces lengthy layoff

Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle believes defender Gabor Gyepes could be facing up to a year on the sidelines after cruciate knee ligament surgery. The 24-year-old went under the knife in London this week after first sustaining injury during the 3-1 Molineux defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last month. Hoddle said: "Gabor has had his operation, which was a very big operation, and it's going to be anywhere between six and 12 months before he's back. "We wish him well and he's on the road to recovery already."

Meanwhile, Hoddle added that Jackie McNamara, who is on the way back from cruciate surgery, would not be rushed back into action. "Jackie's had a few reserve-team appearances but we're just going to have to wait to get him a little bit sharper," he said.

Vio Ganea
In Saturday’s Express & Star Steve Marshall reported that Vio has blasted Glenn Hoddle in a Romanian interview - full story here http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/sport/wolves/article_89114.php
Vio is quoted as saying "He's the most difficult coach I have worked with in my entire career," said Ganea. "I don't even know if I can name two or three players who are satisfied with Hoddle.
"He runs an extremely stressful and demanding training programme, and whenever we are under pressure he is the only one making it worse by pressurising us even more.
"He has no idea how to win over his players and I just can't forget the fact that the Polish striker Tomasz Frankowski, who is my age, was transferred for £1.4m and has not scored, while I have scored five goals in 12 matches."

Glenn Hoddle retaliated by claiming it was a disciplinary action that caused the outburst. Glenn Hoddle has taken a swipe Vio Ganea after comments attributed to the unsettled striker were reported by a Romanian press agency. Ganea was reported to have described Hoddle as "the most difficult coach I've ever worked with" as well as saying he did not know "even two or three players who are satisfied with Hoddle". But the Wolves boss said: "There's a story behind the story. "Maybe Vio's attitude has changed because I fined him a week's wages for fighting on the training ground and that's unacceptable. "Perhaps he's never had a manager who's done that to him before. He can either take that on the chin or respond how he has done. I'll make my own response when I've read the story and spoken to the player."

Crowd favourite Vio Ganea is also out of contract this season and rumours are that Cardiff are in for him as WOlves look to cash in.  His agent is reported as saying he’ll move within 2 weeks but will stay in England as his family has settled. 

Colin Cameron
April 8 Cameron star of the 2-2 draw against Coventry match report here

April 6 Cameron recalled by Wolves

The 33-year-old midfielder joined the Lions last month after being told he would not be offered a new contract at Molineux once his current deal expires at the end of the season. But now Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle has exercised his right to recall the Scot at 24 hours' notice. Hoddle is short of midfield numbers as Darren Anderton, Denes Rosa and Seyi George Olofinjana have all been ruled out of the Sky Blues clash by injury. And although Cameron himself has been receiving treatment for a minor knee injury, he is poised to be pressed into service on Saturday afternoon

Colin departed on loan to Millwall on 3rd March and will debut against Luton.

Colin "Mickey" Cameron may have played his last game for Wolves. The midfielder has joined Millwall on loan until April 1.  Cameron will be eligible to play for the Lions tomorrow at home to Luton and the loan may be extended until the end of the season. The 33-year-old Scot was told in January that his contract with Wolves will not be renewed when it expires in the summer as the manager has other, younger options in midfield such as Mark Davies and Rohan Ricketts. Several Championship clubs expressed an interest but Cameron - who played for Wolves reserves in the one-all draw with Manchester United last night - has opted for the Den. 
Colin for the Wolves in August 2001 in a £1.75 million transfer from Hearts.

This season he has made 25 (eight as a substitute) appearances for Wolves and scored five goals. In total he has made 183 appearances (35 from the bench) and scored 24 goals. (The younger midfielders between them have scored one goal!)

And here’s Mickey when he slaughtered the Tractor Boys last season

httpwww.wolves.premiumtv.co.ukpageNewsNewsDetail0,,10307~797065,00.html

earlier:Wolves have offered Colin the chance to leave on a free as they won’t renew his contract at the end of the season.  The hard working Scottish international midfielder has turned several games in our favour over his time at Wolves. Dave Jones Cardiff are said to be interested.

Paul Jones
Jonah has also been told he can leave. The Welsh international hasn’t played for us since 2004 and spent time out at Millwall on loan while Marshall was injured.

Sammy Clingan
The impressive young player has joined Gary Megson’s Nottingham Forest

George Ndah retires

George’s career at Wolves had been marked by match-winning goals - such as “that one” against Newcastle in Wolves 3-2 win in the FA Cup on 5th January 2003 - and by many long term injuries. Wolves announced at Glenn Hoddle’s pre-Norwich briefing that George had decided to retire. London Wolves would like to wish George exvery success in his new ventures WOW said

Putting It All Into Perspective 

Glenn Hoddle was joined at Friday's press briefing ahead of the Norwich game, by George Ndah who today announced his retirement from the game. Below George gives his reasons for retiring along withhis feelings and his thoughts on his days at Wolves and the club's supporters.

He said: "I have been thinking about it (retiring) for quite a while. I got the injury against Sheffield Wednesday and I was on the stretcher thinking 'oh my God - I can't believe this is happening again'.
"I got through that and then when I got back training my knee wasn't feeling that great and it was swollen when I played a couple of reserve games. We came to the decision that I needed a minor operation over the summer in any case. Then, as I trained each day the swelling was just increasing. I told Baz (physio Barry Holmes) that I needed to see a specialist and so I went to Cardiff to see my good friend John Fairclough who told me that the knee hadn't recovered from the original injury and if I were to continue then in later life I could be crippled. "When you hear things like that then it all comes into perspective. I love football but it's not worth that. "I spoke to the gaffer and Jez once I came away from seeing the specialist and told them what had been said. The gaffer told me to go away and think on it for a few days to know that I was sure of my decision, as you're a long time retired. But after I'd done that I still felt the same and so here I am, having announced the fact that I am retiring.  When you're young, all you want to do is play football but for me now the injuries are hampering that to the point where I'm not enjoying it anymore.  Even when I play a game my recovery is much longer now - it'll take me two or three days to get back to where you need to be, which makes it difficult to train every day.  The gaffer understood my situation and he looked after me - that's why I have played a few games this season.  I have been a pro for 14 years, I have met some fantastic people, I have played at some great stadiums and no one can take that away from me. I am very grateful for what I have achieved and what I have done. Football moves on, and we have got a very good squad here. We have underachieved this year and the boys will be looking to put that right next season.  I like to think that I have always played to the best of my ability and I think the fans have appreciated that over the years. From my first game against Port Vale to my last one this season, the fans have been fantastic. That is something I'll never forget and the fans here will always have a special place in my heart, along with the fans at Crystal Palace who have always been good to me.  It was a dream move for me to come from Swindon to come to such a big club like Wolves. My whole family came up and I had a box for them to see me make my debut. Wolves had been out of the top flight for 19 years and I was a part of the team that got them back up there. I would have liked to have been able to see what I could do in the Premier League but it wasn't to be.
"I have got a few things in the pipeline that I am looking at now that my playing days are over. I don't really want to talk about stuff until it materialises. Football is a small community and I intend to stay in touch with many people both here and at my previous clubs. The hard thing is going to be not coming in and seeing the boys every day and being part of the banter. I have been involved in that environment since I left school and so it will be difficult getting used to being away from it. But at least I can now eat what I want, drink what I want and go on holiday when I want! Football is a massive part of my life, but I have a new life now and I am really looking forward to it."

John Richards

John Richards answered fans’ questions on Gavin’s Wolf-fan-site forum during September -  click here - (you may need to register)
eg Posted by Mr Wolf: Thanks for the memories JR....saw you play in some cracking games in my youth (and score some cracking goals) and you were always an absolute gent when it came to autographs !! My question:
"You had a number of great strike partners over the years...but apart from those players that you actually partnered, which other Wolves player from a different era did/do you most admire and why"
And John’s reply

Difficult question, particularly as I have had the pleasure of meeting many of the greats from the fifties. I never saw any of them play, but Billy Wright, Bill Slater, Bert Williams, Peter Broadbent etc. can only be described as gentlemen and fantastic ambassadors for Wolves. From conversations with supporters, they have a high regard for Peter Broadbent as a quality player; from my experience he was equally as impressive as a person.
In more recent times, the contribution of Steve Bull cannot be overstated, particularly as it was such a difficult time for the club.

more Qs & As here

Clyde back for Wolves

Wolves defender Mark Clyde played his first game for over a year as the reserves went down 3-0 to Nuneaton Borough.

Northern Ireland international Clyde, 23, has not featured for Wolves for over 12 months thanks to hip and ankle injuries but could now go straight into the squad for the game against relegation favourites Crewe on Saturday.

Boss Glenn Hoddle has found himself short of defensive options since Jackie McNamara was ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

HODDLE EYES COLE AND TYSON

Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle wants to sign Chelsea striker Carlton Cole on loan - and is also tracking Wycombe hit man Nathan Tyson. Hoddle is seeking to find cover for Carl Cort, Kenny Miller and George Ndah who are all out injured. Vio Ganea and youngster Leon Clarke are the Championship club's only fit strikers. And the Wanderers chief said: "Tyson is one of five or six young players we have been monitoring and still are.”Another was Carlton Cole. We had hoped Chelsea might let him come to us and sharpen up before they lose Didier Drogba in the African Nations Cup," he added on Wolves' website. Cole made seven appearances for Wolves on loan in the 2002/03 season, and has also spent longer spells at Charlton and Aston Villa.

MIMMS PRAISE FOR NEW BOY Paul Harrison

Wolves goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms has praised new signing Paul Harrison after the former Liverpool man signed a short-term deal at Molineux. The 20-year-old, who was released by the Reds in the summer, has been handed a two-month contract after impressing in a reserve game against Blackburn and will now be looking to be handed a more permanent deal by boss Glenn Hoddle. Mimms told the club's official website: "Paul came in at short notice, played at Blackburn and couldn't be faulted. He's got his chance now to have a couple of months with us and try and impress the manager." Meanwhile, scans have revealed that Michael Oakes has suffered severe bruising to his ankle after the alleged stamping incident at Watford last weekend.

JOLEON LESCOTT LINKED WITH EVERTON

(3May05)Rumours abound of a £4m bid for Joleon by Everton. Portsmouth are also said to be interested

http://football.guardian.co.uk

Everton look set to win the race to sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Joleon Lescott, heading off late interest from Portsmouth. David Moyes is keen to add a central defender to his ranks and it is understood that talks have begun between Everton and Wolves with a view to a contract offer. Wolves are likely to want in the region of £4m for Lescott but Everton's valuation is believed to be nearer £3m, with any disagreement over the fee offering Portsmouth a chance to gazump their Premiership rivals.
Lescott is one of the most highly rated players in the Championship and has also attracted the attention of Aston Villa this season. He has two years remaining on his contract at Molineux, which was renegotiated last year, although Wolves are resigned to cashing in on their most saleable asset amid financial restructuring brought on by their failure to win promotion to the Premiership and the ending of parachute payments.
Lescott has never played in the top division, having missed the 2003-04 season with a knee injury, and that lack of experience at the highest level will curtail Wolves's asking price. Having played regularly in the last two seasons there is no reason to suggest he has not made a full recovery from his injury, but Everton, notorious for their rigorous medical checks, will not take any chances.
Moyes is expected to have some £10m at his disposal this summer and a proportion of that transfer kitty has been set aside to sign a central defender with Lescott regarded as the solution to what has been a long-standing problem. Last year Per Kroldrup joined from Udinese but the Dane struggled to make an impact and switched to Fiorentina in January after one Premiership appearance.
Moyes filled that void by re-signing Alan Stubbs from Sunderland but the 34-year-old defender is out of contract in the summer. David Weir, who will be 36 next week, also has no long-term future at Goodison Park, and Joseph Yobo, the mainstay of Everton's defence this season, continues to be linked with a summer move to Arsenal, paving the way for Lescott's likely arrival.
Should Lescott leave Molineux he might be replaced by Luke Chambers of Northampton Town. Hoddle is among a number of managers to have checked on the 20-year-old's progress and saw him play on Saturday along with Hull City's Peter Taylor.
 

JOLEON SIGNS NEW CONTRACT 19th October 2005

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