As September ends, David Evans reflects back on what we learned about Wolves.
1. Price is Right
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
Fans have been crying out for the mini-Pirlo to return and Jackett this month has re-inserted him into the starting eleven.
Many fans cited his impact into the side last season, following a spell out on loan, to help protect a shaky defence.
Once again, Price has stabilised the midfield and shielded the defence alongside his partner in crime, Kevin McDonald.
His tenacity and passion to win the ball, with a cheeky smile to go with it, are some of the many qualities which have kept him a fan favourite.
As Conor Coady returns to the side following his red card against Brighton, Price will likely remain a figure in midfield with either K-Mac or the former Huddersfield Town man being his dance partner.
The next time Jackett feels he should change things, perhaps he should look back into the archives to refresh his memory.
2. Tried and Tested
Jackett looked to adapt Wolves to a new way of playing this season.
Fans called for a ‘Plan B’, Kenny responded with a new ‘narrow’ style.
It wasn’t pretty to watch, but perhaps Kenny felt the side needed to be one step ahead of the opposition.
The Championship may have been surprised by Wolves attacking pace and power last season, but Kenny may have smelt the dangers of being found out easily this time round.
This new ‘narrow’ formation was just not working. Even as much as Jackett kept sticking to his guns every week.
Then came Preston away and Jackett referred back to his tried and tested method of 4-2-3-1.
With wingers, well, on the wing with attacking pace up front and McDonald and Price supporting the defence.
A poor performance would follow against Preston but a dominant victory a few days later against Fulham might suggest that Jackett’s search for his right blend was an old habit all along.
3. Lead from the back
The defensive frailties continued with poor showings at Bolton and Middlesbrough away.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell took most of the blame for two glaring errors but what this highlighted was an in-experienced defence left to fend for themselves.
Richard Stearman’s perplexing exit only gave more ammunition for fans when our defences collapsed.
If Jackett felt that Stearman was not required for ‘footballing reasons’, what he did have in abundance was experience.
Ebanks Landell, Hause and Iorfa are still younh professionals. In the physical game that is the Championship, these fledglings juy need a parent to help guide them from the nest.
This tutoring will help them to develop, over time, into the potential they possess.
Danny Batth’s much needed return against Preston seems to have helped to solidify the defence once again.
It’s early days still, but two games have already proven that in a side which is promoting youth, experience is still the key.
4. Two sides to every coin
This month we saw two new deals for two important players. James Henry and Kevin McDonald.
One saw how you can play the ugly side of the negotiating game. The other showed why you can do your talking on the pitch.
Kevin McDonald, on form, is one of the most valuable members of the Wolves side. His outstretched and quite public contract saga seemed to have an affect on the pitch.
McDonald’s performances were way below par, and in turn, seemed to affect the team and contribute to Wolves poor run of form so far this season.
It could just be a co-incidence and a wait off his mind, but since the Scotsman signed the dotted line, we’re starting to see the Kevin McDonald of old.
I’m pleased as punch that Kevin has signed a new deal. However, on performances alone, he didn’t earn a new contract.
On the other side of the coin we have James Henry.
He seemed to be destined for an exit from Molineux this summer with a rumoured interest from Charlton.
Placed out of the side during most of pre-season, Henry seemed to work his way back into the team.
The former Millwall winger could be argued as the standout player for Wolves so far this season. His dedication and pin point crosses have helped to steer Wolves back into games.
Especially when the cause may have already been lost.
With a new deal signed, we will hopefully see Henry continue his great form.
Two deals signed, but we saw the two different ways to play the contract game.
5. Unity will prevail
If September was turning into a nightmare on the pitch, it was becoming a disaster off it.
Despite Jackett and Moxey fielding questions honestly and openly in the first ‘Fans Parliament’ of the season, fans reading back the comments seemed to be more confused and concerned after the session had finished.
Throw in Steve Morgan’s sudden announcement of his sale of the club and Wolves were in danger of going into a serious meltdown.
Of course results only just add fuel to the fire in a world dominated and influenced too much by social media.
A situation appears to go from bad to DEFCON ONE after you check Facebook or Twitter.
A forum where initial reactions, whether good or most of the time bad, are kings.
What Wolves needed on Tuesday night at Craven Cottage was a win, and the boys delivered.
It was the standout performance of the season and just what the whole club needed.
It was Wolves back to their best. It was a much needed smile after a few bleak weeks.
There may be a shadow over Wolves future at the moment, but sometimes in life, a struggle can bring people closer together.
Tuesday’s win feels like it could be the start of this unified front. Forget the moaning, let’s all get through this together.
Wolves are in the darkness, but this is where they could have found the light.
Do you agree with David’s points for September? Post your comment below and share your thoughts.
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