Sometimes even journalists end up wishing that a story would run its course.
That after endless bouts of seemingly going round in circles, there could be some resolution, some closure.
At Wolves this season there have been enough column inches written about Freddy Eastwood to bring down a small rain forest.
From his arrival as a big-money ‘star’ signing, to his opening the season on the bench, to his coming in and scoring goals for club and country, and then back to sitting on the bench, Eastwood’s Molineux inauguration has provided the Wolves fans with plenty of debate to sink their teeth into.
Then, with five minutes on the clock at Ipswich on Saturday, came the chink of light press and public alike were all hoping for.
Eastwood, having knuckled down and started to adapt his game to Mick McCarthy’s demands, placed the ball on the penalty spot after Michael Kightly was felled by home keeper Neil Alexander.
For Eastwood, and all followers of the story, possible salvation.
A fifth goal of the season, a place back in McCarthy and supporters’ hearts, and the chance to relaunch his Wolves career.
But no.
After an interrupted run-up, Eastwood’s tame penalty was saved.
Little over half an hour later his afternoon was over, substituted by a manager who felt his front two of Eastwood and the born-again Jay Bothroyd, “wasn’t working.�
And so back to square one and on to last night.
Eastwood, whether as a punishment or simply another chance to build up his match fitness, was sentenced to reserve team duty in the second string ‘derby’ against Albion at The Hawthorns.
He played 50 minutes, put himself about as best he could, and produced one typically Eastwood cameo of a turn and blistering shot that was tipped over the bar.
So, as Eva Peron once warbled, “Where do we go from here?�
Eastwood believes he needs a run of first team games to get up to scratch while McCarthy believes he needs to get up to scratch to get a run of games.
As Limahl once warbled, “Neverending story�.
Still we have to ask the questions, as yet the case cannot be closed.
Meanwhile both parties continue to happily voice their side of the arguments with refreshing honesty, the affable Eastwood after last night’s proceedings and McCarthy at a press briefing this afternoon.
There has been no falling-out, at least for now, and both will still be hoping that somehow, Eastwood will adapt to his new home and his Wolves career will become the sort of blockbuster befitting his Hollywood surname.
And so say all of us.
Comments (5)
So Eastwood has knuckled down. Always wondered how do you knuckle up?
Posted by C.Plating. | November 1, 2007 4:50 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 16:50
There's plenty of examples of signings having a nightmare start then coming good. I predict freddie will end this season with 18 goals.
Posted by Hatton Wolf | November 1, 2007 10:24 PM
Posted on November 1, 2007 22:24
Just give him time. I thought Mick put it well the other day when he said that Freddie isn't used to playing in the style that MM wants him to play, so a few small adjustments and a run in the side will see him good I reckon.
Keep the faith, that's what Jay B did and look how he has come on!
We need players to be fighting fo rtheir place, and angry when they have a bad game. This is a lot of what we've been missing for a decade, so let's not get nervous when our "star player" doesn;t make the first team automatically every week.
Soup-a Soup-a Mick, Soup-a Soup-a Mick
Posted by Radoom Thirkettle | November 2, 2007 12:36 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 12:36
If it's soup-a strikers Wolves want, then surely they should sign Billy Oxtail.
Posted by S.Sassoon | November 2, 2007 12:47 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 12:47
Or the legendary Tommy Ato
Posted by V. Sassoon | November 2, 2007 8:00 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 20:00