Squad for 2007-8 - squad list follows

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The 2007-8 squad numbers are:
 1  Matt Murray (GK)
 2 Darren Ward (transfer list 2008)
 3 Neill Collins (London Wolves Kit sponsored player)
 4 Seyi Olofinjana (Vice Capt)
 5 Gary Breen (Capt)
 6 Jody Craddock (Capt 2006-7)
 7 Michael Kightly (Sponsored by London Underground Wolves)
 8 Karl Henry (Capt 2.)
 9 Andy Keogh
10 Jay Bothroyd (transfer list 2008)
11 Stephen Ward
12 Rob Edwards (transfer list 2008)
13 not allocated
14 Darren Potter (3rd Capt 2006-7) (transfer list 2008)
15 Mark Little
16 Mark Davies
17 Matt Jarvis
18 Stephen Gleeson
19 Stephen Elliott (transfer list 2008)
20 Charlie Mulgrew (On Loan to Southend Utd)
21Daniel Jones
22 Lewis Gobern
23 Freddy Eastwood 
24 Darron Gibson (loan from ManU)
25 Graham Stack (GK) (returned to Reading)
26 David Edwards
27 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
28 (was Jamie Clapham )
29 (was Kevin O’Connor) (transfer list 2008)
30 Carl Ikeme (GK)
31 Wayne Hennessey (GK)
 32 Kevin Foley
33 Michael Gray
34 Kevin Kyle (returned to Coventry)
35 Elliott Bennett (on loan to Bury)
36 Lee Collins (on loan Hereford)
37 
39 Denes Rosa (on transfer list)
40 George Eolokobi

and the youth team signed March 2007 without squad numbers are:

Matt Bailey
Elliott Bennett (awarded 35)
 Liam Hughes (On loan to Bury)
 Mark Salmon
 Lee Collins (awarded 36)
Click here for details
 

SEE ALSO THE CONTRACTS PAGE HERE

 Garry’s rumour mill
2008-9  - click on index item to view

click on any line to go to that story

May/June/July/August 2008 Window 2008 Transfer Rumours
Chris Gunter here
Steve Howard here
David Jones here



January 2008 WINDOW
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
Dave Edwards
Kevin Kyle
Erland Hanstveit
Wes Hoolahan
Girts Karlsons

END of 2006-7 season Departing PlayersS

Steve Morgan - Wolves Takeover

Michael Kightly signs until 2011

Wayne Hennessey signs until 2010

Matt Jarvis signs for two years

Darren Ward signs from Palace for three years

Stephen Elliott

Michael Gray signs for 1 year

Freddy Eastwood signs for 4 years

Billy Sharp

Departures Cort Ricketts McIndoe Johnson Clapham Frankowski

EARLIER NEWS FOLLOWS YOUTH SIGNINGS UNTIL 2009

Bohemian Ward signs

Wolves sign Keogh

Darren Potter Signs

Mark Little Signs

Matt signs

SOUNESS BIDS FOR WOLVES



4 to leave
Joleon to Everton 14Jun06 Joleon v Kenny (Celtic v Everton)

May June July 2008 Window

Chris Gunter

Mick, Terry Conroy and Steve Morgan joined Wayne Hennessey and Dave Edwards in Wrexham for the Wales U21 Centenary match against England which England won 2-0. But rumours persist that they are trying to get Chris Gunter - previously a Cardiff apprentice - in on a season’s loan from Spurs. The 18 year old is thought to be key to Spurs’ future but unlikely to break into the first team yet. http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/05/16/wolves-eyeing-defender-deal/

Steve Howard

Wolves are reported to be chasing the Leicester striker

David Jones

20th May 2008 Wolves are close to a £1m deal for the 23 year old - another ex-ManU player

January 2008 Window

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 
Both QPR and Wolves are in for the Bristol forward but Wolves can’t match QPR’s newly acquired spending power or ambition
 The E&S reported “I’m a very ambitious person and I want to play in the Premiership,” said Ebanks-Blake before his first training session with his new team mates today.

Dave Edwards
Midfielder David signed from club in turmoil Luton Town. Resigning manager Kevin Blackwell paid tribute to how well Dave was playing and Wolves paid £650k for a player they admitted to monitoring for some time. 

Kevin Kyle (from Express and Star)

Wolves new boy Kevin Kyle checked into Molineux after sealing a season-long loan deal and insisted: ” Iwill prove my worth.â”�

Boss Mick McCarthy swooped to sign Kyle this morning to end the striker’s nightmare spell at Coventry City and add the target man he has been chasing since the summer.  After completing his medical today Kyle hailed the move as a “dream come true and said he is relishing the prospect of a clean slate at Molineux.

“I’m really glad to be here, it’s a dream move. I haven’t had a smile like this since my son Max was born,”€� he said today. It’s a fresh start for me and I’m sure some fans will have their opinions, but Iâ’d like to think all the fans will give me a chance and somewhere down the line they’ll hopefully thinkâ”He was a good addition and he’s done his bit”I’m all out determined to do that – there is no better feeling when you ‘re doing well than the fans shouting your name.”�

The McCarthy factor has clearly played a key role in convincing Kyle that Molineux is the perfect place to relaunch his career. It’s great to link up with Mick (McCarthy) again,”� the striker said.  He got the best out of me when he was at Sunderland. In the season that we got to the semi-finals in the FA Cup and the play-offs, I got 16 goals.  Mick believed in me and gave me the opportunity to go out and prove myself. Kyle’s signing comes as a surprise, but it appears that the boss has been able to convince owner Steve Morgan that Kyle’s addition will add the finishing touch to his attacking mix.  Morgan and McCarthy sat together in the directors box at Anfield last week to see Peter Crouch make a decisive impact off the bench against Villa and that may have swayed the Wolves owner’s thinking.  Kyle’s goalscoring record is five goals in 27 starts for Coventry. The 26-year-old Scottish international was with McCarthy at Sunderland where he scored 19 goals in 73 starts. At 6ft 3ins he adds more height to a team now boasting six senior strikers and McCarthy will look at him as a potential impact player. he boss said today: He’ll be a big addition to the squad. (Ed:without irony!)

Girts Karlsons
Wolves have taken big Latvian international striker Girts Karlsons on trial as boss Mick McCarthy looks to find his elusive goalscorer. 
At 6ft 2ins and with a powerful aerial presence, 26-year-old Karlsons is seen as the target man McCarthy wants and can join for no fee as he is a free agent. Karlsons, who is in the final day of a two-day trial, was 22-goal top scorer in the Latvian top flight in 2006 and has scored 63 goals in 129 games for champions Metalurgs over two spells.He was linked with Bristol City in the summer and has since had a trial at Southampton. Agent Jens Steffensen, who is in England representing Norwegian target Erlend Hanstveit, believes Karlsons could be just what Wolves need. “He’s a very good ‘box’ player, and at 6ft 2ins tall, he’s very good in the air,” he said. “Technically, he’s very strong and he has everything it takes to be a very good striker in England, especially the Championship

Erland Hanstveit
The Brann management have confirmed Wolves interest and that a deal is done. (remember - Seyi came form Brann) Odin H reports from Norway Erlend Hanstveit is a skilfull player with good technique and understanding, and he likes to go forward from his left back position. He was a big talent when he was 15-16 years old, and even Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in him. So may be he has not lived up to the big expectations. His weaknes is that he could have been a bit quicker. He is also vice captain in Brann and made his debut when he was 17 years old and played in Brann whole his career.  However the club hasn’t been able to agree personal terms

He has played 241 matches and 15 goals.

Wes Hoolahan
Mick won’t confirm interest but Hoolahan’s future seemed settled
 

2007 departures

London Wolves would like to recognise the contributions of the departing players, especially long serving Michael Oakes, to whom Matt Murray paid tribute.

August 15th. WoW reports that 2006-7 Captain Jody Craddock is to go out on loan to Stoke City and keep up his match fitness, initially for one month but probably until January

meanwhile it’s reported that both Jemal Johnson and Jamie Clapham will move to relegated Leeds.

Three out of contract players, plus a loan signing, have left Wolves with four more being made available for transfer.
Craig Davies has ended his season long loan spell from Verona whilst striker Carl Cort, midfielder Rohan Ricketts and long serving goalkeeper Michael Oakes after (8 years at WOlves) are now all free agents.

Rohan Ricketts joined Barnsley on two year contract whlle Carl Cort went to Leicester on the same length contract

Denes Rosa, Jamie Clapham, Jemal Johnson and Tomasz Frankowski are all on the transfer list.

Hungarian midfielder Rosa signed a three-year deal last summer but failed to win a place in the side under new manager Mick McCarthy. He made just one appearance this term, in the League Cup, and spent a month on loan at Cheltenham.

Defender Clapham was one of the boss' early signings, arriving at Wolves on a free from Birmingham, just before the start of the 2006/07 campaign. He made 28 appearances (five as sub).

Johnson was another McCarthy capture, for an undisclosed fee from Blackburn. However, after 24 appearances (10 as sub), he was sent out on loan to Leeds.

Frankowski, who is contracted to Wolves until summer 2008, spent the whole of 2006/07 on loan to Tenerife. Finally in September Frankowski makes Wolves exit:

Wolves have parted company with striker Tomasz Frankowski after a miserable 20-month period at Molineux. The Poland international arrived from Elche for a fee of £1.4million in January 2006, but failed to score in 17 appearances that season. Mick McCarthy gave Frankowski just one appearance - in the Carling Cup - last season before sending him on loan to Tenerife and the 33-year-old is now free to find another club after leaving Molineux before the transfer window closed. Chief executive Jez Moxey told the club's official website: "This was an unsuccessful transfer for both the club and the player. "Tomasz has told me how frustrating it had been that he hasn't been able to show the fans what he believed he was capable of. "It was felt best for all concerned that we cancelled the contract and we wish him well for the future."

Also coming to the end of their contracts are Lewis Gobern and Kevin O'Connor. Gobern has been offered a new two year deal, which he has yet to accept, whilst the club has a 12 month extension option on O'Connor which will be exercised. (He did sign)
Yesterday it was announced that Jackie McNamara had left Wolves.

Manager Mick McCarthy says: "I want to bring new players in - no question about that. So I told all the lads before they left yesterday that some will be leaving and some will come in. That's the way it is."

Jay Bothroyd on loan to Stoke City

March 14th 2008 - Jay Bothroyd secured an end of season loan to high flying Stoke City, and may even get himself promoted to the Premiership.  As one of the two strikers Mick managed to grab when he took over (Jemal Johnson was the other and is now with Paul Ince at MK Dons) Jay’s time at Wolves showed the promise he’s always shown with some spectacular strikes, but always never as prolific as he and we wanted.  But he will always be remembered at Molineux for scoring the winner against the Baggies

Good luck to Jay

Michael Kightly da-da-da-da

2nd March 2008 - Michael Kightly was named Football League Young Player of the Year for 2007 at the Football League Awards. You can see the awards ceremony on Thursday 6th March at 8pm on Sky Sports 1 or 11:30pm on SS2. Please visit the Football League site at

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Michael Kightly has won the FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year Award for the Coca-Cola Football League at the 2008 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Football League Players.

The announcement was made at a gala dinner at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Sunday 2nd March 2008.

The 22-year-old Wolves midfielder received the accolade as a result of being ranked 3rd in the FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players which was announced on the night. This made him the highest ranked under-21 representative, and as a result, the FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year for the Coca-Cola Football League.

Commenting on the 2008 Football League Awards, The Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: "For the third consecutive year, The Football League Awards has been an enormous success. Once again, it has given us the opportunity to recognise and reward the outstanding contributions made by fans, clubs and players to the continued growth and development of league football."

The number one spot in the FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players went to West Bromwich Albion striker, Kevin Phillips, followed by Andy Gray of Charlton Athletic and Michael Kightly of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The full list of The Top 50 Football League Players can be found in the April issue of FourFourTwo which is on sale now, and is also available to view on the FourFourTwo website www.fourfourtwo.com.

The Football League Awards show will be aired on Sky Sports 1 on Thursday 6th March at 8pm.

Meanwhile former Wolves youth and first team player Keith Andrews, now Paul Ince’s captain at MK Dons, won the League 2 best player award. Keith suffered as badly as any player this century from the Molineux Boo-Boys before deciding not to renew his contract and go on a free to Hull.

To find out more about The Football League Awards please visit www.footballleagueawards.com.

16th June - Kights signs until 2011. Barry Baker’s sponsored player Michael Kightly who joined us from Grays of Essex has accepted a new deal to keep him at the Moli for four years.  His outstanding contribution since his arrival, undoubted professionalism and great skills have made him the crowd’s favourite. 

And now Kights gets a call up for England U21 (17August 2007)

Nationwide Under-21 International Friendly 7.45pm, Tuesday 21 August 2007 Bristol City FC, Ashton Gate
Ticket Hotline 0871 222 6666 


A year ago, England's Under-21s were beginning their season with their first UEFA Championship Qualifier against Moldova at Ipswich Town, with a place in the Holland Finals their aim.

While Theo Walcott and David Nugent were scoring for the Three Lions in their 2-2 draw, down the A14 in Northamptonshire, and almost a million miles away, Michael Kightly was scoring Grays Athletic's third goal in a 3-1 win over Conference rivals Rushden and Diamonds.

Now, twelve months on, it's all change for the 21-year-old Basildon-born winger, who received his first call-up to the Under-21s on Thursday morning for the friendly against Romania in Bristol.

However, prior to his loan to Wolves from Grays in November, and the subsequent permanent deal agreed in January, Kightly had seen action for the Three Lions having been selected for England's National Game XI by coach Paul Fairclough.

Kightly didn't play in any official matches, but did have a run-out when they played in the opening game of Forest Green Rovers' New Lawn stadium last September. He was then called into Fairclough's initial squad for the European Challenge Trophy game against Holland in November, but his move to Wolves curtailed those ideas.

A former Southend United trainee, Kightly was released by the Shrimpers having made just five starts. He moved to Grays Athletic in July 2005 and helped them finish a respectable third in their debut season in the Conference and also collected an FA Trophy winners medal. His rise from non-League to the Under-21s almost mirrors the path taken by Under-21s Coach Stuart Pearce, who named him in his first squad as full-time coach.

Pearce was with Wealdstone when he made the move into the Football League with Coventry City in 1983 and three years later, while at Nottingham Forest, he picked up his only Under-21 cap in a game against Yugoslavia in Peterborough. Pearce then went on to establish himself as one of England's all-time legends, collecting 78 caps and reaching two major Semi-Finals.

"Players coming up from non-League doesn't happen so often these days," said Pearce, "But Michael deserves his call up."

"After moving from Grays he did well with Wolves towards the end of the season and really impressed, so this will be a good opportunity for him."

Kightly is not the only newcomer to the Under-21s, Craig Gardner from Aston Villa earns his first call at any level after some good performances from last season that he carried over to this season's Premiership opener with Liverpool.

In the defensive positions, Pearce has named a trio of players with bags of England youth team experience, Michael Mancienne, Martin Cranie and David Wheater.

Midfielders Michael Johnson and Fabrice Muamba also step up from the U19s along with Dexter Blackstock who joins Matt Derbyshire, Luke Moore, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott as one of the forwards.

"Wheater and Cranie both played in Premier League matches last night and are familiar with each other having played alongside one another for England before. So they should settle in well," added Pearce.

"Blackstock has also started the season well scoring for QPR at the weekend."

"But that's what our aim is, to promote players and work them through the system. We have a great deal of international experience in this squad, through all levels, so it will be good to see them all together next week and get a good start to the season."

Tickets are on sale now priced just £10 adults and £5 concessions from the Ticket Hotline 0871 222 6666 or in person from Ashton Gate.

more FA and England news at thefa.com http://www.thefa.com/England/U21s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/08/EngU21s_KightlyCalled.htm

Michael Gray

Another of Mick’s former players joined the Wolves on a one year contract - Michael Gray - 32 year old ex Sunderland and Blackburn, laying all the credit at Mick’s door.  This gives some of the extra needed defensive cover, with Breen and Craddock also aging.

Matt Jarvis - The Express & Star Reports

Wolves swoop for Gills’ winger

Wolves completed their first signing of the summer today by landing Gillingham wide man Matt Jarvis for an undisclosed fee.

The transfer represents another swoop on the “young and hungry” brigade Wolves are turning to in their efforts to revitalise Molineux. The 21-year-old Jarvis, who was named in the PFA’s League One Team of the Year for last season, signed a two-year deal after passing a medical yesterday. The stocky winger was out of contract at Priestfield but Gillingham were still able to claim a fee because he is under 24. However, the clubs have struck a deal rather than opt for a tribunal.

Jarvis’s growing reputation away from the game’s major spotlights has seen an increasing number of clubs beat a path to Gillingham’s door.  Two bids, one from Plymouth, were turned down before the January transfer window while Leicester, Newcastle, Watford and Charlton have all been eyeing a move for the Middlesbrough-born ex-Millwall youth player. He had a £1m valuation at that stage and Wolves are likely to have agreed a substantial six-figure deal with further payments tied to appearances and promotion. He has already played a key role in the recent history of his new club, scoring the goal which enabled 10-men Gillingham to beat Wolves in October 2004 and sentence former boss Dave Jones to the sack.
“That was my first ever goal which is quite a good memory for me – but not for Wolves,” said Jarvis. “Now I’ll be looking to make up for it. I played left midfield for all of last season but have, in the past, played up front and on the other wing.
“I was at Millwall for five years as a kid but didn’t get offered a contract so I moved to Gillingham which is where I did my YTS.
“I’ve spoken to the manager Mick McCarthy and he seems like a man who’s very keen on encouraging you. You always want to work for a manager that you can look up to and talk to and everyone tells me he’s a good guy to work for.”

Jarvis is the first in what promises to be a wave of signings this summer.

Darren Ward

Darren joined us from Palace on a three year deal 3rd July 2007.

The E&S reported Molineux new boy Darren Ward today targeted a Premiership return after finally sealing his Wolves switch.
The 28-year-old was today unveiled as Wolves’ second summer after penning a three-year Molineux deal. Ward has moved for an undisclosed fee, which is believed to be around £500,000. And now the ambitious centre-back, who attracted top flight interest, believes the club can mount a serious promotion challenge.
“Its exciting to be a part of what is going on at Wolves – I have played here a few times and you can’t help but be impressed. I just want to get out there and get started now,” he said.
“I know I won’t walk into the team but I’m determined to do well and hopefully get back into the top flight.
“I played quite a few Premiership games at Watford. Since then I played in the FA Cup final, play-offs and in other big games too and I have always done well,” he said.
“I know I can handle that kind of thing – I believe I am a Premiership player. But you’ve got to prove it and I hope I can do that at Wolves. Ward spoke to former Molineux midfielder Mark Kennedy before opting to join Wolves. “What attracted me to Wolves? Everything. You only have to look at the training ground and the stadium, where I’ve played a few times, to realise the size of the club. “The chance to work with Mick McCarthy also appealed – I’ve played against his sides a few times and he’s done a great job here and wherever he’s been. Now I’m looking to settle down as quickly as possible.” Ward has had to wait over a week for the deal to be finalised as he ironed out some issues with his former club – and admits it has been tough to wait. “Last season I did well when I played, even though I didn’t play as many games as I would have wanted. Lets hope I can continue that.” Ward will join fellow new boy Matt Jarvis and the rest of the Wolves squad in reporting back for pre-season training today. A day of weigh-ins and medical checks awaits before the hard work starts tomorrow. Darren didn’t play against us at the Palace in April.

Kevin Foley

WoW reports that we have signed the right back from relegated Luton.

Stephen Elliott

Wolves are poised to make a bid for Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott – even if they land top target Freddy Eastwood.

Mick McCarthy is keen on a reunion with the 23-year-old forward, who he helped mould into one of the Championship’s most feared strikers after picking him up from Manchester City reserves. So far Wolves interest has not extended beyond informal enquiries – but that is set to change with a formal offer this week. Elliott was a revelation during McCarthy’s tenure at the Stadium of Light – and a main reason why Sunderland were promoted during his second season. The forward has scored 22 goals in 78 appearances for the Black Cats – but has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons. He is now injury free but with Roy Keane in the hunt for another striker his hopes of playing next season appear slim.

Wolves in for Chelsea’s Michael Mancienne on loan

Wolves are reported to be looking for a long term loan for Mark Davies’ impressive England centre half colleague and should learn soon whether Jose will loan him out - he had an impressive spell at QPR last season (although we neat them!)p

Michael McIndoe moves to Bristol City

Michael McIndoe today revealed the reason he left Wolves – to further his international career.

The Scottish winger was saying goodbye to his former team-mates at the club’s Compton Park training ground this morning after sealing a shock £400,000 switch to Bristol City last night.

McIndoe, who scotched talk of a rift with Mick McCarthy, reckons a move away from Molineux can help relaunch his career.

“I think the fans will probably have seen me and thought he’s a decent enough player, but at this stage in my career that isn’t good enough for me, I need to be moving to the next level.“

Billy Sharp

BILLY sHARP decided to move to Sheffield Utd, his home town club

Express & Star reports Wolves face serious competition for £2m-rated Scunthorpe hot-shot Billy Sharp after Championship rivals Norwich were confirmed as one of “four or five” interested clubs. Norwich are believed to have turned their attentions to Sharp after losing out on Luke Varney to relegated Premiership side Charlton. Boss Mick McCarthy is believed to be keen on Sharp, whose 32 goals helped the Irons to promotion to the Championship. Previously, the 21-year-old striker was thought to be beyond Wolves’ means, but Steve Morgan’s £30m takeover of the club has potentially opened up the prospect of more expensive targets.

Sharp isn’t the only striker target Wolves are monitoring, with Southend’s Freddy Eastwood also under consideration. An inquiry from Wolves is believed to have been made to Eastwood’s agent Neil Fewings regarding his availability.

Dangerous

Wolves’ signing of Sharp’s strike partner Andy Keogh could be a factor in their favour, although the Iron may not want to have two dangerous players in opposition at the same club now they are going to be playing at the same level. 
Scunthorpe chairman Steve Wharton said: “I can confirm Norwich are one of four or five clubs showing an interest in Billy.
“Obviously I can’t go into any detail while discussions are on-going. Clubs looking at Billy know that our asking price is £2m, plus various other things built into the package to make it substantially more. “But I’m still desperately hoping Billy will stay with us and lead us into the Championship. We have offered him the best new contract that we can.” With a year to go on his current deal, Scunthorpe are aware their prized asset will become a free agent next summer and may wish to cash in on him now rather than let his contract run down.

Freddy Eastwood signs 4 year deal

4th July: Moxey reports that Freddy has agreed terms and will sign a contract in the next few days although reports still suggest Charlton will up their offer. He signed on Thursday 5th July - as one great striker left this world another arrived at Molineux

Wolves have had a £1million bid for Southend striker Freddy Eastwood rejected. The Molineux men have made an offer of £750,000 plus £250,000 if they are promoted next season – but the League One side said No. Southend chairman Ron Martin today confirmed a £1m offer has been tabled – but insisted their star striker isn’t for sale at any price. “I have told Wolves that Freddy isn’t for sale,” he said

Matt Murray

The Wolves Goalkeeper, tipped for an England call up looks to be daed cert for Wolves Fans Player of The Season, has already won the London Wolves award and is in the PFA Championship Team of the Season as Goalkeeper

PFA Championship Team of the Year:
Matt Murray (Wolves), Graham Alexander (Preston), Gareth Bale (Southampton), Darren Moore (Derby), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Jason Koumas (West Brom), Carlos Edwards (Sunderland), Dean Whitehead (Sunderland), Diomansy Kamara (West Brom), Michael Chopra (Cardiff), Gary McSheffrey (Birmingham)

and he’s also the PFA Championship’s fans’ player of the year too - from the PFA site

Fans' Player of the Year in the Championship is Matt Murray who also had the honour at the weekend of being voted, by his fellow pros, as the top stopper in his division, and with Wolves currently occupying a play-off position it could be a memorable end to what has been a fantastic season for the Molineux keeper.

STEVE MORGAN - WOLVES New Owner 9th August 2007

Steve Morgan’s takeover was finally executed on 9th August but Mick revealed that he had already been funding the acquisitons of players over the summer.  A ceremonial tenner and the club was his. But he also paid SJH two old fivers. SJH, in return, surprised Steve by giving him the numberplate from his car - WFC 1.

see the press conference here click on picture

STEVE MORGAN - WOLVES TAKEOVER MAKES SENSE

After an exhaustive search to find the right new owner for Wolves, the club is delighted to announce that, subject to contract and formal approval from the Hayward Family Trust trustees (the ultimate legal owner of the club), Sir Jack Hayward OBE acting for himself and the trustees has agreed to procure the transfer of 100% of the shares in Wolves to British businessman Steve Morgan OBE, via Carden Leisure Ltd, a company controlled by him. Having now struck a deal, the process for completion is expected to be concluded in early June. It was felt important to inform supporters of this exciting news as soon as possible but for obvious reasons, no announcement could be made until Wolves' season had ended.

In keeping his promise to supporters to step aside for the right person, Sir Jack has taken the unprecedented step of 'gifting' the shares of Wolverhampton Wanderers (1990) Ltd, the club's holding company, to Carden Leisure for £10 (ten pounds) in return for a £30 million investment into the Club. All of the £30m will be used for the benefit of Wolves. Sir Jack is making this gift for the benefit of the club and in order to secure the future of the Club on a long term basis.

It is intended that the new capital, over a period of time, will be used to help re-establish Wolves as a Premiership club. Although this is a significant amount of money there will not be an 'open cheque book' approach to signing players; instead the club will build on the current strategy of steadily and progressively developing a team of young, hungry and talented players.

Having been impressed by what he's seen of the club to date, Steve Morgan is keen to ensure stability and continuity by retaining Mick McCarthy as First Team Manager and Jez Moxey as Chief Executive.

Sir Jack purchased Wolves in 1990 for £2m and has invested £50m of his personal wealth into the club. He announced his intention to step aside in September 2003. Since then a number of parties have expressed interest but, in Steve Morgan, Sir Jack feels he has finally found someone who not only has the best interests of the club at heart but also has the resources necessary to take over the responsibility for returning the club to its former greatness.

In recognition of his unique commitment to Wolves and to ensure his experience is not lost, Sir Jack will remain Life President and be available to the Club to provide whatever support they require. Sir Jack's grandson Rupert Hayward (son of Rick Hayward), a lifelong Wolves fan, will join the board which will also consist of Steve Morgan (Chairman); Jez Moxey (Chief Executive); and local businessmen and Wolves fans John Bowater; John Gough and Kevin Threlfall who joined the board at the beginning of last season.

Steve Morgan was the founder and former Chairman of UK house builder Redrow plc, before selling a majority shareholding in 2000. He is now Chairman of the privately owned Bridgemere Group of Companies, Harrow Estates plc, one of the UK's leading contaminated land specialists and Salamanca Finance plc, one of Eastern Europe's leading development finance companies.

A massive football fan, Steve was born and grew up in Liverpool and has followed Liverpool F.C. since childhood. In 2004 he came close to buying a controlling interest in the Club. He fully understands the game, its importance to fans and its local community <
No further comment will be made by the club, Sir Jack or Steve Morgan until the legal formalities have been

completed. At that time a formal media conference involving the principals will be held at Molineux.

Birmingham POst reports: http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/printable_version.cfm?objectid=19149989&siteid=50002

Mick McCarthy will be given another chance to steer Wolves back to the Premier League after Steve Morgan, the man who has agreed to buy the club for £10, gave the Yorkshireman his full backing.

Morgan, a former Liverpool shareholder who tried to complete a takeover of the Anfield club in 2004 before turning his gaze on Wolves, has agreed to buy out current owner Sir Jack Hayward for the symbolic fee in return for a promised £30million investment in the club.

The coup looks to be a bloodless one, with former Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy and chief executive Jez Moxey both set to retain their jobs in the new regime.
McCarthy surpassed expectations by guiding Wanderers into the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs, having taken over at Molineux last July.
However, their dream of a return to the top flight, which they last graced in 2004, was ended by Black Country rivals West Brom.
Any notion McCarthy could lose his job following the takeover of Liverpudlian Morgan, who is expected to travel to Athens tomorrow to watch Rafael Benitez’s side in the Champions League final, was quickly dismissed.
A statement read: "Having been impressed by what he’s seen of the club to date, Steve Morgan is keen to ensure stability and continuity by retaining Mick McCarthy as first team manager and Jez Moxey as chief executive."
Moxey, meanwhile, told Sky Sports News: "Steve is pleased with what he has seen of the club and how it’s been run. He’s also happy with Mick as manager.
"We are a football club and we’re trying to get to the Premier League. There’s going to be investment into the team.
"But we’re not going to have an open chequebook approach. We’ll continue with the strategy we’ve developed this season with Mick - selecting and recruiting young, hungry players."
McCarthy was in agreement with his chief executive, insisting he would not be wasting Morgan’s money in the transfer market.
"If you look at Michael Kightly, he could play anywhere and he cost £25,000. Why not look there (in the lower leagues)?
"We haven’t spent a lot of money on players but what they’ve all had is the desire to play and the work ethic. The most expensive buy was Andy Keogh and he’s been brilliant. If you speak to everyone about the place they have a humility about them. Whoever I sign I want that attitude."
Moxey revealed negotiations with Morgan started at the turn of the year and the remaining loose ends would be tied up in a matter of weeks.
"You might say the process started when Sir Jack made his public statement that he would give away the club for no money to him but an investment into the club," Moxey added. "But negotiations with Steve have been ongoing since January. The deal is subject to formalities which will be completed in the coming weeks.
"Today’s announcement, having got knocked out of the play-offs, was to let our supporters know where we’ve got to and in Steve Morgan I think we have found the ideal guy to take the club forward."

Moxey also praised Hayward for his selfless decision to relinquish his ownership for the good of the club.
"I think what Sir Jack wanted was a British businessman, ideally, someone who had the club at heart.
"Steve will inject £30million into the club and, with Sir Jack having done what he’s done, giving it away for nothing, it is a gift to the fans.
"This is not about money for Steve Morgan, though, it’s about safeguarding the future of the club."
Hayward bought Wolves in 1990 for £2million and has since invested around £50million of his personal fortune in the club, earning him a special commendation.

The club statement continued: "In recognition of his unique commitment to Wolves and to ensure his experience is not lost, Sir Jack will remain life president and be available to the club to provide whatever support they require.
"Sir Jack’s grandson Rupert Hayward, a lifelong Wolves fan, will also join the board."
McCarthy was also quick to hail Hayward’s actions, telling Sky Sports News: "He’s been a wonderful owner.
"What a magnanimous, gracious thing to do - to hand it over and take nothing out of it.
"Quite clearly Sir Jack’s love of the club has been evident all of the time. His desire to leave it in the right man’s hands has been evident from the start."
 
 

Matt Murray keeps the faith

Matt keeps the faith - and keeps the faithful hoping. Clearly Matt Murray will be the key to a promotion season, and we’re delighted that he has signed an enhanced contract. Garry writes “Matt Murray has pledged his future to Wolves by signing a long-term contract extension.The keeper has established himself as the number one under Mick McCarthy and his impressive efforts this term have won him many fans.The club had feared that their number one could be lured away from Molineux, but he has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with an option in place to extend the commitment by a further 12 months should the club return to the Premiership.McCarthy was relieved to thrash out a new deal with the keeper, as he told the club's website: "It's great news for the club that Matt has re-signed."We are trying to build a team here and that's a huge boost because we all rate him very highly and think he's one of the best keepers in the country."This shows his commitment to Wolves and I'm thrilled."

Mick McCarthy named new Wolves boss - 2006

Wolves have confirmed former Republic of Ireland and Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy is to become their new manager the 47-year-old, who has signed a 12-month rolling contract, will officially take over as manager on Monday after returning from a holiday in Portugal. He succeeds Glenn Hoddle in the Molineux hotseat after the former England boss left the post complaining of insufficient transfer funds on July 1. McCarthy was sacked by Sunderland in March during a miserable season for the Black Cats which brought just three league wins and ended in relegation. But Wolves will point to his previous record at the Stadium of Light, with McCarthy having steered the Wearside club to the 2004 First Division play-offs in his first full season and then the title in 2005. He will be expected to wheel and deal in the transfer market with Wolves having released or sold several high-earning players this summer following the end of their parachute payments, which followed relegation from the Premiership in 2004. "I'm delighted to be joining Wolves," said McCarthy. "There's a big job to do at Molineux and I'm relishing the challenge. "I can't wait to get down to work. With just two weeks to go before the start of the season there's lots to be done. "It's going to be a busy but exciting time." The Yorkshireman began his managerial career with Millwall in 1992. He became the Republic of Ireland boss in 1996 - taking them to the 2002 World Cup finals and elevating them from 54th to 13th in FIFA's world rankings. He resigned that post in November 2002 and four months later took over as manager at Sunderland, who were already heading for relegation from the Premiership. Wolves' chief executive Jez Moxey added: "We are thrilled to have agreed a deal for Mick to take over as manager of Wolves. He has all the qualities we were looking for in a manager and has an excellent record of football achievement. "I thought the job he did at Sunderland in taking them to third in the Championship in 2003/04 following relegation and then winning promotion as champions in 2004/05 was one of the most impressive managerial jobs I have seen in this division." It would appear McCarthy has already begun working on bringing new players into the club with his former Sunderland centre-half Gary Breen joining Wolves on a two-year contract on Thursday.

Mick’s record

 
DATE OF BIRTH: February 7, 1959
NATIONALITY: British
 
MANAGERIAL CAREER:
2002 - present Sunderland
1996 - 2002 Republic of Ireland
1991 - 1996 Millwall

PLAYING CAREER:
1990 - 1991 Millwall (player - manager)
1989 - 1990 Lyons
1987 - 1989 Celtic
1983 - 1987 Manchester City
1977 - 1983 Barnsley

HONOURS:
Coca Cola Champions - 2005 (Sunderland)
Championship Manager of the Year - 2005 (Sunderland)

The towering figure of Mick McCarthy returned to club management in March 2003 when he was named as the new manager at Sunderland, ending a five-and-a-half year term in charge of the Republic of Ireland national side.

Born in Barnsley, he made his debut for his hometown club as an 18-year-old defender. He moved on to Manchester City in 1983 for £200,000 and won his first Ireland cap a year later. He left City in 1987 for Celtic and helped them to the Scottish League and Cup double in 1988 before transferring to France for a brief spell with Lyons.

By March of 1990 McCarthy was back in England, initially on loan with Millwall. A year later, at the age of 32, he became Millwall's manager and steered the Lions to third in the First Division in 1994, narrowly missing out on promotion.

In 1996, McCarthy took over from Jack Charlton as the Republic of Ireland manager, and while he rose to the challenge, his tenure could have benefitted from a little Irish luck. A slow start to the qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup saw the Irish finally book their place in the finals. It was this tournament that turned out to be the most dramatic period of McCarthy's tenure as Ireland manager, including a well-publicised run-in with Roy Keane.

Despite receiving the backing of the FAI during the summer, McCarthy resigned in November 2002. Under his leadership the Irish side had risen from 54th to 13th in Fifa's world rankings in just over five years.

Four months later he was appointed manager of a struggling Sunderland as an immediate replacement for Howard Wilkinson. The Black Cats went down that season, although McCarthy largely escaped the blame, and in April 2005, he secured Sunderland automatic promotion to the Premiership by winning the Championship title.
But the following season he lost 22 premiership games but has preserved a good reputation.
 
 

Mick and Roy make up

BBC West Midlands report that Mick and Roy Keane - who haven’t spoken after Mick sent the Irish captain home from the World Cup in 2002 have made up. Keane said “life’s too short to hold grudges”. The first result of that is Neill Collins’ loan deal.

Bohemian Ward set for Wolves

Wolves have agreed a fee with Irish side Bohemians for striker Stephen Ward. The 21-year-old impressed on trial at Molineux and boss Mick McCarthy believes he is good enough to command a place at the club. A Wolves spokesperson confirmed Ward had arrived back in the midlands on Thursday morning to complete personal terms.

He said: "We have agreed the basis of the deal with Bohemians. Stephen did well in his trial with us. This is a player the manager wants to sign and we are looking forward to having talks later."

Wolves sign Andy Keogh for £500,000

Wolves finally signed Andy after the Irons needed him for last weekend’s match but he won’t be able to debut against the Baggies.

Wolves have made a £500,000 bid for Scunthorpe striker Andy Keogh - and are hopeful of clinching his signature next week. Molineux chief Mick McCarthy will have to wait until after this weekend to find out if his offer for the highly coveted Iron frontman has been successful, because Scunthorpe are relying on Keogh for their top of the table League One clash with Doncaster on Saturday. But Wolves are optimistic that the 20-year-old, who turned down an improved contract offer last week, will be a Wolves player by the end of the month. McCarthy said today: “We have been in contact with Scunthorpe and I think everybody knows I have watched him. We’ll just have to see what happens now.”McCarthy hopes to add the Ireland B international and another striker to his squad before the January transfer window closes. The club were knocked back in their attempts to sign a Premiership forward on loan today, but have not given up hope of adding more players before next Sunday’s eagerley anticipated FA Cup Black Country derby against West Brom. The club lodged a bid of around £500,000 for Keogh, but may be prepared to up their offer and would also consider adding a player to sweeten the deal for the League One side.

Wolves sources have scotched rumours that the club are considering a swoop on Torquay United youngster Jamie Ward and Plymouyh fullback Tony Capaldi. The club have watched both players, but neither are transfer targets this month

Stephen Ward signs

New boy Stephen Ward could be in contention for the Albion clash if his international clearance is received in time.

McCarthy said today that the 21- year-old striker is just a week away from regaining full fitness after finishing his season with Bohemians in Ireland in the autumn.

“Obviously Stephen hasn’t played since the season finished in Ireland back in the autumn, but he is not far away from being ready,” said McCarthy.

“We saw in training that he is approaching fitness and he could be involved as a substitute in the near future. I’m not sure how far he is from playing a ful 90 minutes.”

Mark Little signs deal to 2010

Wolves hope to ward off Premiership interest in rising star Mark Little after signing him up to a new long-term contract.The club have tied the teenage defender to a new deal extending to 2010 after a clutch of Premiership clubs - including at least one of the “big four” of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - started tracking the England under-19 star. Top-flight scouts have been watching Little since the turn of the year and there were genuine fears that the rookie right-back might be poached in the summer. “I have signed until 2010 and it’s great for me,” Little said

Neill Collins signs permanent deal to 2010

Wolves complete Collins capture

Wolves have signed loan defender Neill Collins on a permanent transfer from Championship rivals Sunderland. The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an initial £150,000 fee which could rise to £250,000 depending on appearances and promotion for Wanderers. Collins has made three appearances for Wolves since first arriving at Molineux from the Black Cats in November. And Collins said: "I am delighted everything is sorted now, I have been here for a while on loan but now I can focus on the future - not just for this season but beyond that.

"It has been a frustrating period for me because I came here from Sunderland wanting to play but have only recently got into the team. "I spoke to the manager a couple of times about it but I think he would have questioned my motivation if I had not been frustrated so he kept telling me I would have a role and to just be patient."

Neil was in on loan from Black Cats

Wolves have bolstered their squad by completing a move to sign Neill Collins on a two-month loan deal from Championship rivals Sunderland. The 23-year-old defender will go straight into manager Mick McCarthy's squad for the weekend clash with Southend at Molineux.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We are delighted to have brought Neill to the club. "Mick felt he wanted to strengthen that area of the team and we wanted to make that happen."

Youth graduates sign: Matt Bailey, Elliott Bennett, Liam Hughes, Mark Salmon and Lee Collins

Matt Makes The Grade
Another Academy youngster has made the professional grade at Molineux.
Eighteen year old Matthew Bailey signed pro forms this morning and will become a member of the first team squad when pre-season training starts in July.
The midfielder, from Birmingham, is the fifth this month to be rewarded with a contract until June 2009. Previously Elliott Bennett, Liam Hughes, Mark Salmon and Lee Collins were recruited to the senior ranks.

Academy manager Chris Evans says: "Matt has come to the end of his two year apprenticeship and so the time has come to make a decision on his future. We are delighted that he has impressed sufficiently during his time in the Academy to lead to him being offered a professional contract.

"It will be a new challenge for him, but he has overcome many hurdles since joining the club at the age of eight. Every year he has had to prove he has progressed and he deserves to be given this reward.
"Matt has trained with the manager and the first team players recently and he has done well. Now he is going into first team football and he will be treated no different to any of the other, more experienced, players.
"He is a level headed and local lad, and he follows on from the four boys the other week who were also offered professional contracts.

"Four of these youngsters have been with us since the age of eight and the camaraderie is there. They all were involved in the Wolves side which won the world under 12 youth tournament in Japan, and then went to the European tournament in the Netherlands. "Matt has been very successful at youth level and we hope and believe that he can now push on in the senior squad."
 

Chris Evans

Chris resigned this week (13th November 2007) as Wolves Academy boss after 17 years with the Wolves to work for Gary Megson as number 2 at Bolton Wanderers.  Chris has helped to develop some outstanding talent through the academny, from Robbie Keene, now captain of Ireland and Spurs to Joleon Lescott who recently achieved his first England caps and Wayne Hennessey (see Wayne) Wales’ undoubted number 1. We wish him well and look forwad to some of his academy players thrashing BW next season.

Jacqui Oatley from the Sporting Star

Jacqui was a member of London Wolves - many congratulations to her... and Dave Bassett is voted chief MCP

Bob Laslett elected to WWFC Board

Life long Wolves fan and Global Chief Executive of Wolves main sponsors, Chaucer Group has been elected to the Wolves Board. (8th January).  Bob became a member of London Wolves in 2005. Many congratulations to Bob. His colleague Dave Dungar writes:

Whilst the small announcement in the Express and Star on Tuesday night of Bob Laslett’s appointment to the board of Wolves was in keeping with Bob’s modesty, I thought the occasion merited a more comprehensive piece.

As a Wolverhampton born lifelong Wolves fan myself, I know that Directors from outside the Wolverhampton area are usually regarded with suspicion. Working with and for Bob, I can testify that Bob is the real deal when it comes to the Wolves. Bob attended the same school as Wolves legends, Peter Broadbent and Jimmy Murray, in Kent, and Wolves became, and remained, Bob’s team from the 1950’s onwards, as a result of this connection.

An incident that for me sums up Bob’s lifelong passion for Wolves, came a couple of months ago when Bob, like some kid wanting to show off his new toy from Santa, excitedly summoned me into his home study to view his most prized possession, which turned out to be the complete set of 1950’s Billy Wright Soccer Books, each inscribed to him from his parents at Christmas each time they were published.

The Wolves fans, if they haven’t already guessed it from the amount of support given to the Club by Chaucer, can rest assured the Wolves Board has a true fan installed as the latest member, in the shape of Bob Laslett. In many ways, it is much easier for us local fans to support the Wolves than it is for our large travelling support. As a case in point, Bob’s journey to shout the boys on, is always at least a 14 hour return trek, every game is an away game for him.

David R. Dungar
Brewood
Staffordshire

The Birmingham Mail said

Chaucer boss Bob Laslett takes up seat on Wolves boardJan 9 2008
 
By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail
 
 
BOB LASLETT, global chief executive of Wolves' sponsors the Chaucer Group, has joined the board.

The lifelong Wolves fan, whose company took over as sponsors in 2004, will now join a board comprising chairman Steve Morgan, chief executive Jez Moxey and local businessmen John Gough, Kevin Threlfall and John Bowater.

"Bob is an international businessman of high repute, with a proven track record of building successful businesses," said Morgan.
 
and the Express and Star added from Steve Morgan...

“Bob’s background complements the wide experience of the existing board. We have a very strong team of directors to take us forward. As a lifelong fan, and having supported the club as a main sponsor for a number of years, I know Bob is very excited at the prospect of serving on the Board. We all look forward to working with him more closely.”

Mr Laslett added: “I’m extremely honoured to be joining the Board. My boyhood hero was Peter Broadbent.  “I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and play for Wolves but joining the Board comes a close second. “I’m looking forward to providing an international perspective as the club develops its plans for the future.”

Bob Laslett - President and Co-Founder, Columbus Oil and Gas 
Bob has been directly involved in the Project management of Offshore Oil and Gas Projects since 1972. Co-Founder (1987) and the present Global CEO of International Management Consultancy ‘Chaucer Group'. An engineer who has been specifically concerned with the Planning & Project Controls of Major Oil and Gas Projects for over 35 years.

Chaucer was founded in 1987 by Bob who had previously spent many years working in the oil, gas and energy industries.

Since its foundation, Chaucer has developed significant expertise in advising global corporations across a range of key business sectors, including:

- Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals
- Retail and Leisure
- Software & Telecommunications
- Energy and Power Generation
- Pharmaceuticals

Chaucer is headquartered in Faversham, Kent, UK with offices in Houston, Chicago, Moscow, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

Chaucer is a unique independent award winning business consultancy whose origins are firmly embedded in the principals of project management and the use of technology for improving business management.

The company combines in-depth knowledge, capability and experience in the critical business process of business performance improvements, project and change management.

George Eastham Auction

Charlie Mulgrew

Wolves have confirmed that the “swap” with Celtic for Lee Naylor brings in 20 year old Charlie Mulgrew - yet to proved himself at Celtic but showing potential. Gordon Strachan described Charlie as the “missing link” (not another one!) in February in this BBC report

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has challenged defender Charlie Mulgrew to prove his first-team credentials during his loan spell at Dundee United.
"We're definitely keeping a very close eye on Charlie and we've been pleased with him," he told Celtic's website.
"He still needs to work on some weaknesses in his game, but he deserves all the praise he's been receiving at the moment. "I'm delighted it's going well for him because I like his attitude." Mulgrew has earned plaudits for his displays at left-back with the Tangerines since joining the club until the end of the campaign.
Celtic have, meanwhile, had problems at left-back this season.

Mo Camara, Ross Wallace and Mark Wilson have all played in the position and Strachan hopes that Mulgrew can prove to be the missing link. "He can do well in the Scottish Premier League and the next challenge for Charlie when he comes back will be to prove that he can play and do well for Celtic," he said. "There's a desire there to prove that he can play at the top level and, so far with United, he's doing very well."

Charlie’s record

Defender Charlie Mulgrew, who has already made one Scotland Under-21 appearance. He is a
defender, playing mainly at left back.

Having progressed through Celtic's youth system, Mulgrew turned professional in July 2002. By January 2006 he had yet to make his debut for the club's first team, so in order for him to gain competitive experience he was loaned out to fellow SPL side Dundee United for the remainder of the 2005–06 season. A successful spell saw him feature regularly for United, scoring 2 goals in 14 appearances and being named SPL Young Player of the Month for February. [1] He then returned to Celtic hoping to force his way into first team contention untill moving to Wolves, where he hopes for more opportunities to prove himself.

He has represented Scotland at all levels up to and including Under-21 international.

PROFILE:

Full name - Charles Patrick Mulgrew
Date of birth - March 6, 1986
Place of birth - Glasgow, Scotland
Height - 6 ft 2 in
Position - Defender

CLUB INFORMATION:

Current club - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Number - 39

YOUTH CLUBS:

Celtic

PROFESSIONAL CLUBS:

Years Club Apps (goals)

2002– 2006 Celtic 0 (0)

2005 - 2006 Dundee Utd (loan) 13(2)


NATIONAL TEAM:

2005– Scotland U21 3 (0)
 

Darren Potter

Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter has undergone a medical ahead of a season-long loan switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Republic of Ireland youth international, who spent a spell with Southampton in The Championship last season, has taken the necessary tests at Molineux and is likely to seal his switch in the coming days. Potter featured in The Reds' UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign at the start of last season but was unable to break into Rafa Benitez's Premiership plans. After first catching Wolves boss Mick McCarthy's eye during his time at St Mary's, Potter is now on the brink of joining the former Sunderland boss at his new club. "Darren is here and he's having his scans," McCarthy told the club's official website. "He's a talented player and we're hoping to wrap things up on his loan pretty soon. "I watched him last year when he was playing for Southampton and he impressed me. "He did excellently. He's a modern-day central midfielder, he is young and hungry and we are happy to see him here at Wolves."

Liverpool profile: Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Darren Potter ended the 2005/06 season on loan at Championship side Southampton. Potter was given his Liverpool debut by Rafael Benitez in the Champions League qualifier with Graz in August 2004.
A creative central midfield player, Potter came on as a substitute in the first leg in Austria then made his full debut in the second leg 1-0 defeat. He saw regular action in the Carling Cup run in 2004 and made 10 appearances in the 2004/05 season. Potter is a former Liverpool schoolboy's captain who was once with Everton but the Blues didn't take the option to sign him. Potter is a highly rated central midfield player who has a good eye for a pass. He has progressed from the Academy and has been a regular member of the reserve side, under the close influence of Hughie McAuley

Wayne Hennessey Welsh Debut (v NZ) and Full Welsh Debut (v Czech Rep) (2June07)

27th August 20007 - Wolves announce that Wayne’s contract has been extended to 2010.

Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was thrilled to earn his first senior Wales cap in Saturday's friendly at Wrexham. The 20-year-old appeared as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw with New Zealand. "If someone had told me I would play for even a minute, I would have been thrilled," he told his club's website. "So to get on for 45 minutes and not concede a goal is the icing on the cake. It would be fantastic if I have another opportunity soon."

Wales 0-0 Czech Republic BBC report

Euro 2008 Group D qualifier
Millennium Stadium, 2 June 2007 Ryan Giggs had no dream ending to his Wales career but left Cardiff with pride intact as they matched the Czech Republic in this Euro 2008 qualifer.

Only a fine save from Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech denied Giggs a 13th Wales goal to add to his 64th and final cap.
Wayne Hennessey was equally impressive for Wales, the 20-year-old commanding his area and denying Tomas Rosicky and Marek Kulic with excellent stops.
The draw suited neither side's Group D hopes but showed promise for Wales.

The pre-match build-up may have been all about Giggs ending his international career to concentrate on club football, but after kick-off it was all about qualification points. The Czechs needed a win to keep pressure on Germany and the Republic of Ireland at the top of Group D. For Wales three points were imperative to keep afloat their already distant hopes of making the Euro 2008 finals. Milan Baros and Rosicky showed the Czech's intent to shoot on sight with hurried efforts that skewed wide of Hennessey's goal. The Wolves youngster was preferred to veteran Danny Coyne and, in his second international appearance, showed early poise by calmly plucking a floated free-kick out of the air.
In front of him Danny Gabbidon was deployed as a sweeper, looking far more positive than in last week's friendly draw with New Zealand, with Lewin Nyatanga partnering James Collins at centre-back. The first real goal threats came from Wales and fittingly it was captain Giggs who supplied them. First the Manchester United wing got lucky from a rebound but seized on the chance to thread the ball towards skipper-in-waiting Craig Bellamy. Only the outstretched leg of defender David Rozehnal denied Bellamy a gilt-edged scoring chance, then moments later Giggs sent a free-kick curling just over the Czech crossbar. A driving run from Marek Jankulovski, recently a European Cup winner with AC Milan, down the left carved out a shooting chance for Rosicky. But the Czech skipper could not get any power into his shot and Hennessey was able to watch the ball trickle wide. The biggest threat to the Wales goal by far - in all senses - was giant centre-forward Jan Koller, whose strength when the ball was played into feet was causing problems. If Koller was the threat close in, Rosicky was getting closer with his long-range efforts.

As the half-hour mark approached only a flying save from Hennessey prevented the Arsenal midfielder from finding the top corner of the Wales net with a 25-yard drive.

The combination between Bellamy and Giggs still showed promise for Wales, while Jason Koumas looked lively in the home midfield. Koumas, being courted by Premiership clubs following West Brom's Championship play-off loss to Derby last week, had Cech scrambling across his goal to touch a snap-shot wide. Simon Davies' charged down shot was the last significant action of the first half, with the Czechs on top but by no means in control. Sparta Prague forward Marek Kulic replaced Baros for the Czechs after half-time but, as in the first half, it was Wales who carved out the first opportunity. Collins' deep pass sent Bellamy scampering away down the left channel and the Liverpool man cut the ball back for Giggs, only for Rozehnal to produce another fine tackle. But the Czechs' response was a cross for Koller, nodded on for Rosicky, with Sam Ricketts' saving header averting a dangerous situation. Then the woodwork came to the Czech's rescue as Koumas cannoned a free-kick off the junction of post and crossbar with Cech beaten. The Chelsea goalkeeper's next task was far more simple as Giggs failed to get enough curve on a shot and instead clipped the ball into Cech's midriff. David Jarolim replaced defender Jan Polak to support Rosicky in the visitors' midfield, the danger man who soon after blasted a free-kick against Collins. With 68 minutes on the clock Giggs picked up a loose ball on halfway and sped upfield. The 33-year-old ghosted past the first Czech defender before jinking past a second, a third, then a fourth white shirt and onto his favoured left foot. The Welsh fans were on their feet anticipating a fairytale ending only for Cech to prove the ogre of the piece, standing firm to pull of a fine save high to his right.
Hennessey pulled off an equally impressive stop soon after as Kulic broke through, spreading all of his considerable frame to block the goal-bound shot. It was end-to-end stuff and Davies fired over from Giggs' back-heel, Koumas blazed over, before Jarolim had a shot charged down by Collins at the other end. Two minutes before the end Giggs was replaced - to a huge standing ovation - by Rob Earnshaw, handing over the captain's armband to successor Bellamy. Kulic nearly dampened things with a header that flew over the Wales bar, but Wales were able to bid farwell to one of their finest ever players with a draw full of pride, fight and no little skill.

However, the point leaves Wales on seven from six games and almost certainly out of the qualification picture. The Czech's led Group D only until Saturday evening when Germany, who still have a game in hand, beat San Marino 6-0 to top the table by two points.
Wales: Hennessey, Ricketts, Nyatanga, Gabbidon, James Collins, Robinson, Ledley, Koumas, Simon Davies, Giggs, Bellamy.
Subs: Coyne, Evans, Earnshaw, Arron Davies, Fletcher, Crofts, Llewellyn.

Czech Republic: Cech, Ujfalusi, Kovac, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Polak, Sivok, Rosicky, Plasil, Koller, Baros.
Subs: Blazek, Matejovsky, Pecka, Jarolim, Hubschman, Kulic, Zapotocny.

Referee: Paul Allaerts (Belgium).

Hennessey toasts big future

All good things come to an end - but, for Wayne Hennessey, his extraordinary run of clean sheets for Stockport should just be the beginning.

The 20-year-old picked the ball out of the net for the first time in senior football - in his 10th match on loan from Wolves - as County lost 3-1 to Barnet on Saturday.

The previous nine matches all ended in victory for Stockport without Hennessey conceding a goal - a run that set a new Football League record as well as catapulting County into the League Two promotion frame.

Not bad for a rookie who had never played a first-team game before January.

And after 18 months out of the game with serious knee and shoulder injuries, the 6ft 7in Welsh Under-21 international is making up for lost time.

Hennessey, who was fourth-choice at Wolves, told BBC Sport: "This is my first taste of first-team football and it has whet my appetite for more.

"It is a massive chance for me to show what I can do because I wasn't getting an opportunity at Wolves. Hopefully I have done that.

"Being a goalkeeper you never know what is going to happen but obviously I have been delighted with the way it has gone.

"It was unbelievable to break the record - it is hard to take it all in."

The Bangor-born keeper is known as 'Van der Sar' by his County team-mates for his physical resemblance to Manchester United's Dutch star Edwin - they share the same elastic frame.

But he has always looked up to one of his countrymen, Neville Southall, as his inspiration and hopes to follow