" Why Wolves now face their toughest test - "
Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:03 am
Why Wolves now face their toughest test -
By Nathan Blake
Saturday 3rd March 2018
I said a few months ago I thought Wolves would hit a brick wall at some stage.
And no matter who you are, or how good you've been, when you've built a lead of 15 points it can easily start to fritter away.
They're now in a very tricky situation having lost a couple of games. I have no doubt they have the players to tear the league apart, but psychologically the next two or three games are tough for them now because they could find themselves off top spot for the first time in a long time.
If Wolves go lose-lose and Cardiff win their next two... wow. Nobody would have predicted that.
It got to the point where, despite predicting that Nuno's side would slip up, I started to doubt myself. They looked so strong, I watched them in the FA Cup against Swansea at Molineux and they should have won. No doubt they're an excellent side but I've been in that position where you think you've got promotion all wrapped up and it unravels. Football is a strange game.
December, January and February is a horrible period: it's freezing cold, you're playing at night, you're battered and bruised — plus it's hamstring season and injuries can happen. It's monotonous and undoubtedly the hardest part of the season.
I initially thought Wolves' blip would come in that period, with many of their Portuguese players used to a fortnight's winter break.
They held off for a time and finally it's happened.
And the last thing they want now is for snow to arrive and fixtures to pile up in March and April due to postponements. Most teams — with the probably exception of Cardiff — will be desperate for spring to arrive. The pitches harden up, it gets warmer, it gets easier.
As we've seen however, winter has kicked back in.
Whatever happens, I can't wait for that game between Cardiff and Wolves on April 6. If the Bluebirds can get to that game within touching distance, it will be wonderful.
By Nathan Blake
Saturday 3rd March 2018
I said a few months ago I thought Wolves would hit a brick wall at some stage.
And no matter who you are, or how good you've been, when you've built a lead of 15 points it can easily start to fritter away.
They're now in a very tricky situation having lost a couple of games. I have no doubt they have the players to tear the league apart, but psychologically the next two or three games are tough for them now because they could find themselves off top spot for the first time in a long time.
If Wolves go lose-lose and Cardiff win their next two... wow. Nobody would have predicted that.
It got to the point where, despite predicting that Nuno's side would slip up, I started to doubt myself. They looked so strong, I watched them in the FA Cup against Swansea at Molineux and they should have won. No doubt they're an excellent side but I've been in that position where you think you've got promotion all wrapped up and it unravels. Football is a strange game.
December, January and February is a horrible period: it's freezing cold, you're playing at night, you're battered and bruised — plus it's hamstring season and injuries can happen. It's monotonous and undoubtedly the hardest part of the season.
I initially thought Wolves' blip would come in that period, with many of their Portuguese players used to a fortnight's winter break.
They held off for a time and finally it's happened.
And the last thing they want now is for snow to arrive and fixtures to pile up in March and April due to postponements. Most teams — with the probably exception of Cardiff — will be desperate for spring to arrive. The pitches harden up, it gets warmer, it gets easier.
As we've seen however, winter has kicked back in.
Whatever happens, I can't wait for that game between Cardiff and Wolves on April 6. If the Bluebirds can get to that game within touching distance, it will be wonderful.
Re: " Why Wolves now face their toughest test - "
Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:22 am
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Re: " Why Wolves now face their toughest test - "
Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:23 am
Wolves v Reading | Fixture Postponed
3rd March 2018
This afternoon’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Reading has been postponed on safety grounds after another night of heavy snowfall, high winds and subzero temperatures.
Wolves’ operations team, club staff and volunteers worked throughout the day and night in a bid to save the game, however the club’s safety team, in conjunction with the Wolves Safety Advisory Group, inspected Molineux and the surrounding area this morning and deemed it unsafe for the match to go ahead.
Wolves managing director Laurie Dalrymple said, “Whilst challenging weather conditions up and down the country had already forced a number of EFL fixtures to be postponed we were determined to get this fixture on, and a number of dedicated individuals gave up their time and effort yesterday to help make that a possibility.
“However, the safety of both home and away supporters and the numerous match day staff has to take precedence, and after the dreadful and dangerous weather failed to cease, we have been left with no choice but to postpone this fixture.
“Unfortunately it is not just Molineux that has been affected, but the surrounding areas are extremely treacherous, including many of the city car parks, which are presently unusable.
“With Wolves fans planning to travel from all over the country and Reading supporters coming up from Berkshire, we have made the decision to call the game off now rather than wait and hope that the weather will subside later today.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the hardy volunteers and club staff who worked through the night in a bid to save the game - unfortunately it just wasn’t to be this time.”
All departments at the stadium will also be shut today due to the conditions, including the Wolves Megastore, Ticket Office and Museum. A date for the rearranged fixture will be communicated in due course, with tickets purchased for the game still valid for the rearranged date and refunds available to those who have purchased but cannot attend (excluding season ticket holders).
3rd March 2018
This afternoon’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Reading has been postponed on safety grounds after another night of heavy snowfall, high winds and subzero temperatures.
Wolves’ operations team, club staff and volunteers worked throughout the day and night in a bid to save the game, however the club’s safety team, in conjunction with the Wolves Safety Advisory Group, inspected Molineux and the surrounding area this morning and deemed it unsafe for the match to go ahead.
Wolves managing director Laurie Dalrymple said, “Whilst challenging weather conditions up and down the country had already forced a number of EFL fixtures to be postponed we were determined to get this fixture on, and a number of dedicated individuals gave up their time and effort yesterday to help make that a possibility.
“However, the safety of both home and away supporters and the numerous match day staff has to take precedence, and after the dreadful and dangerous weather failed to cease, we have been left with no choice but to postpone this fixture.
“Unfortunately it is not just Molineux that has been affected, but the surrounding areas are extremely treacherous, including many of the city car parks, which are presently unusable.
“With Wolves fans planning to travel from all over the country and Reading supporters coming up from Berkshire, we have made the decision to call the game off now rather than wait and hope that the weather will subside later today.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the hardy volunteers and club staff who worked through the night in a bid to save the game - unfortunately it just wasn’t to be this time.”
All departments at the stadium will also be shut today due to the conditions, including the Wolves Megastore, Ticket Office and Museum. A date for the rearranged fixture will be communicated in due course, with tickets purchased for the game still valid for the rearranged date and refunds available to those who have purchased but cannot attend (excluding season ticket holders).