Wolves at the door
Sunday 3rd January, 2010
By Richard Ault

Driving past Rovers’ ground this week has revoked memories of a more successful era in days gone by. No, we aren’t signing prolific goalscorers from Real Sociedad, nor tricky international wingers from our Merseyside neighbours, but the ‘Next Game’ board has been advertising today’s game with Wolves.

When most of us think of home game against Wolves, we undoubtedly think of two strong sides in the First Division (Championship) during the early 1990’s, attacking with style and backed by two sets of vociferous supporters. Some great players for both clubs have played in the fixture down the years, not least Aldridge, Bull, Nevin, Daley, Morrissey and Thompson.

How times have changed in the last decade.

For us, it’s not been such a pleasant change either. Aside from gargantuan cup wins and our first major cup final, the ‘noughties’ weren’t exactly what we’d call memorable when it came to league competition. Relegation from the second tier was followed by financial worries, the sale of our best players and no fewer than nine managers.

Of course, this is Tranmere, and we had our memorable league matches, and even League One has provided us with some classic matches and great moments. But, at this moment in time, we seem a million miles away from those heady days battling for promotion to the Premiership.

The Premiership, of course, is where Wolves now are. It’s their second stint in the top flight in the past decade, and under Mick McCarthy they have built a side that will make a real fist of staying there.

The likes of Jody Craddock and Karl Henry boast the kind of experience every club needs, whilst Andy Keogh and Michael Kightly add youthful exuberance – when fit. Unlike many top-flight sides, Wolves also have a cluster of players with recent experience at League One level, something that may well be more of a hindrance to Rovers.

Elokobi, Iwelumo and Halford have all turned out for Colchester in the past five years or so, while Keogh, Hennessey and Surman also have experience at Rovers’ level.

Team news

Today’s game will probably come too early for Alan Mahon and Bas Savage who both remain sidelined, though Les Parry should have an otherwise fully fit squad.

Wolves will name their strongest side and can welcome George Friend, David Jones and ex-Bournemouth forward Sam Vokes into their squad.