The Return of Wolves.

October



A slight alteration in tactics saw us drastically raise our game from the failures of the previous month, starting off with an impressive 2-0 victory against Wigan. Richard Stearman's first half header set on our way before a late Griffiths goal wrapped things up for us. Griffiths continued his goal scoring run with a superb hat trick against fellow newly promoted side Brentford in a great 3-0 win. A late Leicester City goal robbed us of a third straight win, but continued our unbeaten run. We were lucky to take a point against bottom side Yeovil, after throwing the kitchen sink at them we were able to grab the goal we needed to stretch our run to 4 games. We rounded off with a thumping win over Playoff winners Preston, where we dominated from start to end, and where Griffiths got his 5th goal of the month.



An unbeaten month, and 3 wins in 5 sees us rise up the league, into a much more respectable position. It is still early days, and a couple of loses will see us slide into a relegation battle so we need to remain consistent and keep up our good form from this month

We also brought in experienced centre back Gary Caldwell on a free transfer. Although he's getting on, I think he could still do a decent enough job at this level. He also has good mental stats and I think he could be useful in helping bring some young players through, and on fairly low wages I think it was worth it. Don't expect to see too much of him in the first 11.

November



I think the best way of looking at this is another unbeaten month, and the tactical change has definitely made us difficult to beat which is good, probably what we had to do after getting promoted. Mark O'Hara got his first professional goal against Brighton, although they equalised in the second half to split the points. We then played out a goalless draw against West Ham, the games only real chance coming after just 5 minutes when Paul McGowan was played in by Tony Watt, but he was unable to find the back of the net. In the next game, we were behind against Huddersfield twice but managed to claw them back twice, Stuart Armstrong's late goal rescuing a point from the jaws of defeat. We rounded off the month by beating Blackburn at Ewood Park (Sorry George). Though we were behind at half time, we came out strongly in the second half and were soon even, before Tony Watt ended his recent goal drought to win the game.



We sit comfortably in the top half, a few wins away from being in the race for the playoffs, but also if form takes a downward turn then we will be dragged into the relegation battle

December



The month kicked off with me being offered the now vacant West Ham job, which I declined due to the fact that I am actually really enjoying being Wolves manager and want to see this through. West Ham are also sitting below me in the league and it would have been a backwards move. But still, being offered the job must mean I'm doing something right.



Our first result of the month was a goalless draw with Norwich, where both of the best chances fell to them so I'll definitely take the point from this. In our next game, we went in 2-0 down at half time and managed to bring it back to 2-2 which was excellent. Next up were a Crystal Palace side who had just been relegated from the Premier League the season before, and we made them look second best from the off. Jamie O'Hara opened the scoring as his corner went straight in, and then 2 goals from Tony Watt secured the win by Half time. Although palace were better in the second half, a brace from Leigh Griffiths meant that we won this comfortably. An early goal from Watt gave us the win against Bolton, a second provided by an unlucky own goal from a Bolton player. Derby were perhaps unlucky not to take the 3 points, but 2-2 it finished after Colclough equalised in the second half. We then faced local rivals Birmingham City, this time at their ground. A dodgy penalty converted by Griffiths was added to by Colclough before they got one back to make it a tense last 10 minutes. Our 15 game unbeaten run was ended in some style by Nottingham Forest. The team looked as though they just got complacent, and Forest took full advantage. Cannot complain with the scoreline, their play deserved it, we were made to look like a school team.



We have pulled even further away from the relegation zone, but we haven't gotten any closer to the playoff places. I'm not too bothered about this, and in fact another season at this level might be the perfect thing for us as it will allow our players to develop so that they are ready for the premiership when we get there.

January



We started the new year with our FA Cup tie against Aldershot, where we comfortably saw them off 2-0 in a game where we were unspectacular but efficient and our safe passage through to the next round was never really in doubt. This came at a price though, as shown below. A 3-1 defeat by Leeds followed this up, and this was a major disappointment and we were defeated despite, in my opinion, being the better side, so it was fairly hard to take. Following this, we drew consecutive games against Doncaster and then Middlesbrough, which were both probably fair reflections of how the games went. We then had our FA Cup 4th round tie against Swansea, and we managed to hold out against the Premiership side coming back from a goal down 3 times, and despite ending the game with 9 men after both Stearman and Mark O'Hara were sent off, we managed to hold out for the replay at Molineux. Should we manage to get through that at the start of February our reward will be a tie away to Blackburn, and as such we've managed to avoid any of the really big sides, although obviously it will be a hard tie. Our next game was away to Burnley in the league, and a threadbare squad with our only fir centre back being Gary Caldwell we put in a poor defensive performance, but showed our strength in depth up front as plenty of our attacking play got us 3 goals, but 3 in 5 minutes for them killed the game off. The month ended with a game against Ipswich, which was another 0-0, we had the better chances but didn't take them.









No league wins this month which is disappointing, exactly the same distance from the playoff places as the relegation zone. We need to have an upturn over the next months in order to make sure that we stay up, although last season 53 points was enough to stay up, so potentially just 4 wins from safety.

Just caught up with what I missed ! Unlucky in the last month mate ! But some great months earlier on and it is a good season considering your newly promoted right in the middle of the table ! Shame you had to beat Blackburn but I liked the apology ha ha. Good luck for the remainder of the season!

February/March



The big news on an international front was that young Centre back Mark O’Hara made his international debut for Scotland in the March friendly game against Mexico, playing from the start and managing a very solid rating of 7.4. Tony Watt was also selected in the squad, although he did not make it onto the pitch. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone also made his debut for the England under 21’s which is good to see as he had been selected in a few squads without making it on.
February:



The month started with that FA Cup replay against Swansea, and after battling to a draw in the original game, we were soundly defeated here, Mark O’Hara’s goal making the score line slightly more respectable but overall, still a very poor result. A draw at the Den in our next game was an improvement, but having led for much of the game, I had hoped we would be able to get all 3 points, but it wasn’t to be. We ended our winless run against Sheffield Wednesday, a thumping 3-1 win, where O’Hara and Griffiths did the damage for us. We were then deservedly beaten by Wigan, before rounding off the month by beating Brentford, in a game which could, and should, have been a much more comfortable win that 2-1
March:



We started off by losing against a high flying Leicester side, who simply outplayed us, not much more that can be said about this one. A 2-2 draw with Preston next was infuriating, having missed a penalty, hit the bar in injury time, and the fact that both of their goals would have been comical had they not been against me, but we had to settle for the point. A comfortable, if expected, win against Yeovil followed this, before we absolutely demolished Brighton (a game which cost the Brighton manager his job), with all 4 of my attacking players getting a rating of above 9, and only one of my starting 11 getting below an 8. We were however beaten soundly in the next game, as we got complacent against West Ham and they took advantage of this, and frankly at times I thought we would be on the end of the kind of score we had just inflicted on Brighton, it being just 3-1 flatters us slightly.



At the end of that, we sit in the top half, but I think the playoffs will be a step too far at this point, but equally, although mathematically still possible, we have essentially guaranteed our survival in this league which was the main aim at the start of the season.
Our youth candidates came in, and unlike last season where there we no real candidates who I thought would break into the first team in time, this season we have one, in the form of Alvechurch (which a quick google tells me is about 25 miles from Wolverhampton) born centre midfielder Regan Mitchell.



With a bit of tutoring, and the right training, he could become a very handy player for the squad and will hopefully become the first in a line of players from my youth team to play a role in the first team squad. He’s also a Wolves fan, which is nice to see.

Still doing well mate!! Thumping win over Brighton

Cheers George!

April/May



Started the month with a disappointing loss against Huddersfield, where we took the lead but were pegged back and lost it. The roles were reversed against Blackburn, as we were behind within 14 seconds, but came back to win it late on. Against Norwich, we faced 10 men for the majority of the game, but by this point we had nothing left to play for having guaranteed safety but also being out of reach of the play off places, and it showed against a side who were still chasing the play offs. We lost to Palace as well, probably deservedly, before 2 goalkeeping mistakes gifted Jamie O'Hara a brace, and we sent Bolton down to League 1. We led 3-1 against Barnsley, but playing a couple of fringe players and youngsters, we were unable to hold onto the league and conceded a late equaliser.



Finished the season comfortably mid table, achieved my targets this season, so very pleased with that. A couple of players in for next season and I will hopefully be in and around the playoffs.

Season summary to come soon...

Season 2014-15

League:



Comfortable mid-table finish, no more than can be asked for in my first season back in the Championship. But as with last season, there were certain areas of the squad which I would like to highlight for praise:

• Attack: While a common problem for teams who are recently promoted to the league is that they are simply unable to score enough goals, we have had no such issues, with only second placed Burnley and 7th placed Nottingham Forest getting more goals than we managed, and indeed we scored the same amount as champions Derby. This certainly reflects well upon the team going forward, and gives us a foundation to be confident next season
• Set-pieces: While admittedly down from last season, we were once again one of the top scorers from Set pieces this season.
• Difficult to beat: Our big problem has been that we draw too many games, we haven't actually had that many defeats (relative to our position. A fair few teams above us lost more games, which suggests we have been successful in managing to make us difficult to beat

While this is obviously very good, the season has not been without its disappointments, and these are listed below:

• Defence: We conceded far too many goals this season. This, I think, can be put down partly to a lack of quality and also injuries to several key defenders over the course of the season, and simply the formation and style of football we employ. If we are to progress, we certainly need to get tighter at the back.
• Clinical: Although we have had a really good attack this season, there have been a number of games which we drew, and when I looked at the stats, it transpired that we had had a few clear cut chances which we failed to take. I would like to be able to improve upon this.

Cups

FA Cup: Lost in 4th Round v Swansea
League Cup: Lost in 2nd Round v Millwall

No real complaints here, could have probably gone further in the League Cup as Millwall at home is a very winnable tie, but hey, thats football. These were once again not my main focus, once I have established myself in the top flight, I'll pay more attention to these.

Player of the Year

3rd Place: Paul McGowan Again, a very good season, much more goals for him than last season (9 compared to 1) and also 8 assists from the attacking midfielder.
2nd Place: Stuart Armstrong - Has proven himself this season, and been one of my favourite players this season. Seemed to be involved in a huge amount of my build plays/
1st Place: Aaron Taylor-Sinclair - An average rating of 7.14 says it all, he's been incredibly solid this season, laying on several chances for other players and also being defensively very solid. A great season for the left back.

Building for next season

I need a right back, probably need a more experienced winger and I'll let one of the younger ones go out on loan and another striker as both Doyle and Cassiddy should be leaving in the summer. I will also be looking at bringing in a goalkeeper as I'm not sure Johnstone will be able to reach the standard I require, and Hennessey is wanting to leave

Season 2015-16

Pre-Season



These are my results. If you've followed this, you know my feelings on friendlies, but here they are anyway.



Its been a totally infuriating transfer window. I managed to get my main target when I signed 21 year old English Right-Back Sam Byram from Leeds for an initial fee of £4.4 million with a further 825k over the next 2 years. However, it was all downhill from here as I attempted to bring in a number of players, either on loan or fully transferred, but they instead chose to go elsewhere for whatever reason. I had also already allowed a couple of players to leave the club on the basis that I was going to be getting in suitable replacements, which might have not been the wisest move but they were surplus to requirements and, in some cases, on huge wages (Kevin Doyle, for example, was on 47500 per week, far more than anyone else in the squad). Other than Byram, I only managed to bring in a couple of players on free transfers, none of whom I expect to be regular starters but all of whom could yet play a role in the team. Carl Ikeme and Bakary Sako leaving also meant I have now achieved my aim of having a team made up entirely of UK and Irish players. I also managed not to lose any of my first team players, so I would say that I have a stronger first team this season, but that my squad as a whole is probably weaker.











My Squad

Goalkeepers



Like with last season, Sam Johnstone will be my number one, and new signing Ryan Allsop will be his back-up. After this I'm a bit short in this department, but hopefully there won't be any period where both of them are unavailable.

Defence



Largely the same as last year, although the addition of Byram fixes my problem area of right back. Taylor-Sinclair will continue at left back, as he has proven himself more than capable here, and Batth and O'Hara will be my first choice centre backs, with Stearman also more than capable of filling in when injuries or suspensions come into play, or if bad form needs to be rectified. Rainey and Caldwell will be called in in case of emergencies, and Foley will be second choice right back, while Golbourne will be second choice at left back.

Midfield



Bannigan and Armstrong will be starting in my two centre mid formations, with O'Hara my 3rd choice, and youngster Regan Mitchell will get a bit of game time in order to continue his development. Keith Andrews will also play a part if he needs to. Paul mcGowan will continue in the attacking midfield role which he has made his own over the last few seasons. Ismael ha proven himself a valuable asset and will get a chance at being my starting right winger, while McKenzie will play on the left. Boyd can fill in either of these and will make the majority of his appearances from the bench. Colclough could also be recalled from his loan should the need be there.

Forwards



Watt and Griffiths will be first choice and will share the role of my lone striker, and Billy Sharp will be waiting in the wings should I need to use him.

I would imagine that, barring injuries, my starting 11 for this season will be: Johnstone (GK): Taylor-Sinclair (DL), O'Hara (DC), Batth (DC), Byram (DR): Bannigan (MC), Armstrong (MC); McKenzie (AML), McGowan (AMC), Ismael (AMR): Watt (ST)

In other news, over summer young winger Rory McKenzie gained his first Scotland cap:

Good season mate !! And good team review mate ! Great signing in Bryam too

August



We started off our season at home against Doncaster, and although we lost, I have absolutely no idea how. We had 61% possession of the ball, 27 shots compared to their 9, and hit the woodwork an unbelievable 4 time during the game. Stuart Bannigan also tore his hamstring in this game, and will be out for 3 months which is a huge blow for us. We then faced Gillingham in the League Cup, and despite being dominant throughout, Taylor-Sinclair's sending off left it looking like we might go out before Tony Watt's goal sent us through. A great second half come back with goals from new boy George Best, and Jamie O'Hara giving us the win. After falling behind against Ipswich, we took the lead, before they went down to ten men. However, we seemed to get slightly complacent and allowed them to grab a late equaliser. We led at half time versus Crystal Palace, but a red card for Danny Batth, quickly followed by an equaliser for them left us looking to salvage a point. We managed this, but also finished the game with 9 men after Mark O'Hara was sent off. After this, we were put out the League Cup in the second round for the 3rd year running. A quite remarkable game against Barnsley rounded off the month, as we were 2 down within 8 minutes from a header, and then a dodgy penalty call. We pulled one back through Keith Andrews (a goal which won goal of the month), before Barnsley were 3-1 up after 16 minutes. A penalty of our own was scored by Leigh Griffiths, before we equalised with Andrews second of the game. After this, both sides threatened to take the lead, before we eventually managed to do so through a glancing header by Griffiths.



Too early in the season to really read anything into it, but we sit just outside the playoff places. If we are around this area in coming months, I'll be very pleased.

Funny thing, I also had the goal to take Wolves back to EPL as fast as possible and I succeded (1st place in both divisions). The key was to buy young players that developed from great League One players into good Championship players.
Now you are having a second season at Championship and if you aim to not just get to the EPL but to remain there my best advice is to try and buy a bunch of good young players now to be ready when the day of promotion comes, so you won't standig there with a squad undeveloped from the squad you had in Championship (it could be quiete a task to keep such a squad in EPL). Secondly be sure you have a tactic you feel comfortable with, on my blog I made a guide for a tiki taka tactik wich took my Wolves team right up to Premier League and we have been there for a while now (In my sixth season).

Good Luck, very enjoying to read from someone who coincidently picked the same team as me, with the exact same goals

Cheers

Cheers George, looking like a promising season son far! And Ara, I have found my formation that's working for me just now, and if they continue to improve as they are, then most of my squad should be ready for the premiership by next season, so its looking promising.

September



A perfect month of results! Only managed that once before, in September of the season I won League 1. We started with a tough away trip to Cardiff, who had only just been relegated. I expected this to be a really tough game considering that they have stars like Javi Garcia in the side, and it was, but thankfully just before half time we managed to take the lead through Paul McGowan. We came out in the second half in the same mood and extended it shortly after, although the lead was cut shortly after we managed to hang on and Garcia's late red card secured the result. We were on the road again to new boys Crewe Alexandria next, and having taken the lead early on, it looked like heading to a stalemate after they equalised on the stroke of half time. However, the lead was re established with 10 minutes to go, and we extended it further in the closing stages. A blinder of a first half saw of Blackburn at Ewood Park, although they got 1 back in the second half and only the linesman's flag prevented a second. Huddersfield were the next team to take us on, and Tony Watt on a real run of form continued it, with Boyd and McGowan also scoring. We ended the month with a scrappy 1-0 over Yeovil, which I'll take as it was our only clean sheet of the month.



A great month, and we're 4 points clear at the top having already beaten the team below us away from home! If we can keep this up, then the premiership surely beckons!

October



Month started off well with 2 Tony Watt goals within the first 10 minutes giving us the win at Brentford. We did however drop points against bottom side West Ham, which was unfortunate, and unlucky given we really could have won this game. We were 3-0 up before conceding 2 goals which made it a much more nervy end to the game, but managed to hang on in there for the 3 points. Billy Sharp made his first start, and also got his first goal in this game. We then drew against Brighton, and they will be absolutely gutted with this one given the last kick (or head, as it was) of the ball grabbed the point for us, but very pleased with this one. The last game was a huge disappointment, even if the 4-1 scoreline did flatter them massively. In reality, was a close game where they probably edged it.



Still top of the league, but Blackburn have had an absolute stormer of a month and won all their games, so the gap at the top is down to just 1 point. Cardiff have also been in freefall this month, picked up 1 point...

November



Just 2 games this month so far, a thumping win at home against Millwall, and a very disappointing loss away to Sheffield Wednesday, who are now just a point behind me. A couple of managerial sackings in the division this month, and I proved to be a man in high demand...





Obviously turned down both of these, as it would defeat the point of the story. We also had a large delegation on international duty this month, most notably 5 different players all called up to the Scotland squad. There was a point when 4 out of the 11 on the pitch for Scotland were Wolves players which is great to see. There is another game in November coming up, and its a huge one.



My first Black Country Derby. At home. Probably the biggest game of the season, and potentially the biggest of my managerial tenure at Wolves so far. Stay tuned for that

Well well well things are looking good for you keep it up man! BTW whatever you do give Zeli Ismail as many chances as possible. He turned out to be like a hidden wonderkid for me so don't let him leave, you'll regret it .
Great story, keep it up!

Cheers

Great work mate ! Doing very well at the top Hopefully Blackburn finish the top 2 ! You first ha ha.

Black Country Derby Special



Probably not too far away from my strongest line up for this game. Danny Batth was injured and as such Stearman started in his place, although both are very able players so that wasn't too bad. Ismael also out, and with George Boyd lacking match fitness at present, Colclough came in to hopefully do a job. Andrews also starts as he's been playing well this season.





I think, looking at that, we would have been good value to get all 3 points but have ended up having to settle for the draw, even if the goal I did get was bizarre. They took the lead through a great strike from the edge of the box in the 11th minute, and this is how it stayed, without and incidents of note, until I won a corner in the 35th minute. Aaron Taylor-Sinclair delivered the cross, which Ben Foster in the West Brom goal came to get. However, rather than punching it clear or collecting it, he seemed to drop the ball into his own net. This was the real turning point. Up until then, West Brom had been the better side, after that it was wave after wave of me putting pressure on them, with occasional breaks by them, but ultimately, although we hit the woodwork twice, none of this led to anything of note. Disappointing not to win, but at least we haven't lost the game.

Sorry for the delay guys, I'm taking a bit of a break from this save at the minute as uni has just started again and I'm trying to get some pretty important things sorted with regards to my degree but will get back to it when that's all done. Hopefully should be within the next week or so!

no worries mate ! Best of luck!

Doing exceptional at the moment and a return to the Premier League doesn't seem too far away now!