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Pre-season Chelsea Chat: Wolves

Finally, The Chelsea Blog concludes its pre-season chats with Thomas from Wolves Blog:

 

 

TheChelseaBlog: So, a new season awaits – what are you hoping to get from it?

WolvesBlog: The last two seasons we’ve had in the Premiership have both been tremendously exciting; punctuated with miserable lows and exhilarating highs. I’m hoping for more of the same, but hopefully with fewer lows.

 

TCB: What do you realistically expect?

WB: Survival. Staying in the Premier League is all I expect. I do think we have a squad capable of pushing higher up and maybe even sneaking into midtable, but consistency was a real problem for us last season. We’d beat Chelsea one week and lose to Wigan the next, it was crazy. But if we can string some performances together and beat the teams around us, hopefully we’ll survive comfortably, rather than having to rely on the last kick of the season.

A cup run would be nice too, as we haven’t had one of those for a while. A trip to Wembley is long overdue for everyone in old gold, so I hope Mick will take both the League Cup and FA Cup seriously.

 

TCB: Do you think the transfer window has been kind to you?

WB: Mostly yes. There have been no significant departures so far, which is good because we all feared the likes of Kevin Doyle and Matt Jarvis might be the subject of big money offers. We’ve signed a commanding center-back in Roger Johnson, which we badly needed and made Jamie O’Hara’s loan move from Spurs permanent to sure up the midfield. I think we’re still short a defender and a forward, but there’s still time before the window closes. Fingers crossed.

 

TCB: Is there anyone you’d give your right arm to bring in?

WB: Any decent left-back.  It’s been a real problem area for us in recent years so we all hoped we’d see a new full back arrive before the new season, but that hasn’t happened.  There was talk we were going to get Bertrand on loan from you lot at one stage, but that went flat, as did our pursuit of a young lad from  Scotland, who ended up at Rangers.  But like I say, there’s still time so maybe we’ll get someone in before the end of August.

 

TCB: Who are your most important players?

WB: Wolves are definitely more of a ‘team unit’ who don’t necessarily rely on specific players.  However, if I had to single out two individuals for praise, I’d go for Doyle and Jarvis.  Jarvis brings electric pace and genuine threat to our team, something that every side needs to do well in the Premiership. Every time he gets the ball out wide, even against the best sides, you just feel something might happen.   Doyle is a tremendously clever player. He’s strong, agile and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve ever seen him miss-control the ball. Doesn’t get the goals he deserves, something that I hope changes for him  in the forthcoming campaign.

 

TCB: What about opposition players? Which PL player worries you most?

WB: That’s a difficult one as there are so many excellent players in the PL.Tevez is always a thorn in our side, but there’s a good chance he’ll be off before the end of August.  Ashley Young is another and he should go from strength to strength at Man Utd.

Looking at the Chelsea side, I have to single out Drogba. Seen him play live a number of times now and even when he’s not particularly in the game, you’re always wary of him. That’s the sign of a quality player.

 

TCB: How do you think your manager stands up against the rest?

WB: Well, all I can say is that in the five seasons Mick McCarthy has been with us, we’ve improved every year.

 

TCB: What more can you possibly ask?

WB: He does make mistakes and more than a few strange decisions, but somehow always seems to do enough to come out on top.  I’m obviously biased, but I love the bloke and think he’s one of the best managers in the league (outside the big guns of course).

 

TCB: And your supporters – can they give the opposition a run for their money?

WB: Everyday of the week. One of the best supported clubs in the land.  Can’t wait to see the capacity of our stadium pushed up towards 40,000 (it’s under development as we speak) so we can really make ourselves heard.

 

TCB: Where do you think you’ll finish this season?

WB: 15th is my prediction and I think that would satisfy most. We’re capable of better but could easily do worst. Survival is the minimum requirement.

 

TCB: Any predictions for the top four?

WB: I thought Man City would win it up until watching the Charity Shield.  Swaying back to United now, with Chelsea and City just off the pace. But it truly is up for grabs. I can see anyone of 5 clubs lifting the trophy come May. Bring it on I say!

 

TCB: Cheers Thomas.

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