IF any Wolves fans are concerned about Mick McCarthy getting into a blind sense of panic at the below-par start to the season then there’s certainly no need to be.
McCarthy was in top form at this morning’s usual pre-match press conference, recognising the seriousness of the situation but also able to keep a lid on any fears of anxiety.
And let’s face it, with what McCarthy has been through in his managerial career already the loss of back-to-back games in the Championship isn’t going to knock him out of his stride.
As well as discussing the following day’s game and his reasons for recalling Jody Craddock, McCarthy also revealed his trusted lieutenant and right hand man Ian Evans is having to scale down the more physical side of the job due to problems with an old hip injury.
Terry Connor, a hugely popular figure among the players, will step up to a more hands-on coaching role while Evans will do more scouting and oversee games from the stand on matchday as well as still being involved around the camp in the build-up to games.
And that’s important.
McCarthy, Evans and chief scout Dave Bowman are very much a triple act in how they work together, identify players and share the same footballing principles.
And Evans’ dry sense of humour and vast footballing knowledge is another big factor in making the players feel at ease, particularly during the slightly dodgy spell that Wolves are suffering at the moment.
Evans isn't one who delights in facing the press, perhaps strange given his engaging personality and capacity for one-liners.
But he produced one highlight last season when stepping in for the ill McCarthy just after news of Graeme Souness's interest in a takeover had broken.
With the club having made their short statement in what turned into a very messy PR affair, obviously they were keen to draw a line under the subject and move on.
But good old Evans, unaffected by the complex nature of football politics, answered a question as to the players presumably being unaffected by the speculation by describing how the timing wasn't the best and it could all "throw a spanner in the works".
A marvellous if brief flashback to the days football people were given leeway to say what they think!
Comments (6)
Wolves seem to have at the helm at the moment solid people who tell it like it is and don't panic. There's not many like that left in a world where, when something goes wrong, most football managers look for someone to blame rather than for a solution.
All power to Mick and his team. We think they will take us to Premier League.
Posted by George and Doreen | September 23, 2007 1:25 PM
Posted on September 23, 2007 13:25
we should wish that fitness guy all the best of luck as he did a very good job
and welcme tony too..
Posted by Anonymous | September 23, 2007 7:26 PM
Posted on September 23, 2007 19:26
Yes the departing fitness coach Kunle Odetoyinbo was very highly thought of and regarded as one of the best in his field. Perhaps one positive legacy of the Glenn Hoddle regime! But Tony Daley is also rated strongly among his peers. Throw in the fact that he played at the highest level himself, and of course knows the expectation levels which pervade Molineux, and it looks a promising combination.
Posted by Paul Berry | September 24, 2007 8:36 PM
Posted on September 24, 2007 20:36
Daley's personal history of injuries should make him good at handling players going throuh the same thing. Good move.
Posted by Guy | September 24, 2007 10:36 PM
Posted on September 24, 2007 22:36
Never mind Jody Craddock. Bring back Mark Kendall.
Posted by Stripey O'Flaherty | September 27, 2007 1:56 PM
Posted on September 27, 2007 13:56
Have Wolves fans turned yet? Will they be singing McCarthy's name after another home 6-0 defeat? Tony Daley? When did he ever know the meaning of the word 'fit'? When do the Redrow homes get build on the North Bank? Question, questions
Posted by George Berry's hairdresser | September 27, 2007 9:36 PM
Posted on September 27, 2007 21:36