A 2-2 draw at St.Andrew's would, under 'other' circumstances be classed as a decent result. However, there really was the need to get an improbable maximum return from yesterday's game.
Early promise and a surprise lead were soon pegged back by season long defensive frailties. However, to come out with a point illustrated that Wolves have finally come to grips with playing away from home in the top league.
It now looks pretty certain that Leicester will be joining us in the Nationwide next term. It also looks a good bet that Leeds will make up the threesome. Shame that, working in the city in West Yorkshire it’s a real pity (not) to see them struggling.
With West Brom going past us in the other direction and, with a bit of luck, Smallsal, going back to where they belong there will be quite a few less local derbies next season (local to the West Midlands that is)
It would be nice to finish with a bit of a flourish at home to give the fans some hope for next season. With both Everton and Spurs having nothing to play for there is the possibility to get six more points. We can all enjoy a great day out in the North East at Newcastle but nothing will be coming back down the A1 in terms of points.
This Wolves team has combined with the shocking side of 1983-84 to break a 72-year record for being unable to win on their travels in the top flight. 6 measly points this season, from a possible 54 to date, you have to question Jones’s tactics but now is not the time.
As Steve Bruce said in a generous pre-match interview the poor start undid us. Not the poor start at Blackburn, the poor start the second the team ran off the pitch, triumphant, at the Millennium stadium last May.
Perhaps the point could be proved by the fact that only the champions of last season, Portsmouth, have managed to survive in the Premiership. Well the season before we were promoted, Birmingham finished in the play-off positions and managed to do quite well for themselves. Perhaps having to pay £38 is worth it if you want to stay there. £25 gets you a quick 12-month appetiser for the big league.
Can we repeat Albion’s quick return? Well considering we showed bargain basement ambition last pre-season it seems unlikely. However, let’s see, there are some signs of encouragement, shift some of the dead wood at the club and see what’s left…
By Dave Burgess