Pressure - Loads Of It! West Ham Vs Wolves Preview
The Guvnor
By Scott Cooper
October 1 2004
PRESSURE! Dave Jones is under it. He's not just being covered by a fine covering of pressure, but the former Southampton Manager is in it deep. So much so, that a loss away at West Ham, could see him get the sack!
| MATCH DAY INFO | |
| FIXTURE | West Ham Vs Wolves |
| STADIUM | Upton Park |
| LOCATION | London |
| COMPETITION | The Championship |
| DATE | 02.10.04 |
| KICK OFF | 15:00 |
PRESSURE! Dave Jones is under it. He's not just being covered by a fine covering of pressure, but the former Southampton Manager is in it deep. So much so, that a loss away at West Ham, could see him get the sack!
Sod the politics, the excuses and the fine details. The bold fact is that in four seasons Wolves Manager Dave Jones has spent almost £30M on players. On the 2nd October 2004 Wolves play West Ham United, £30M poorer (£5M spent this past summer alone) and 19th in The Championship. Putting it mildly....It's not bloody good enough!
So it will come as no surprise that Jones' pre-match press conference was based on the flak flying around Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas......
"I don't read about the flak but of course I'm aware of it," said the Manager.
"If I listened to everything that was being said then I probably wouldn't get out of bed in the morning. I just have to make sure that I put out a team that can go and do their stuff."
"I have a responsibility - the coaching staff and the players have one too. I've fired plenty (of criticism) at the players and now we'll just have to see how they react tomorrow."
he added.
Jones, and thousands of Wolves fans were furious with the performance against Cardiff on Saturday and Jones could ring the changes. Paul Ince has asked for a do-or-die performance, asking players to take "20 stitches to the head" if it was to mean a clean sheet.
Jones could give a debut to Mikkel Bischoff, a defender signed on loan from Manchester City and young defender Keith Lowe - who made his home debut against Cardiff on Saturday - could start.
| Who's Hot, Who's Not. | |
| Hot | Paul Ince - The Guv' has asked for a performance. He'll be up for this one against his old team. |
| Not | Vio Ganea - The Romanian International is out injured for the season. |
| Crocked | Murray, Ndah, Sturridge, Kennedy, Edwards, Ganea |
| Possible Line-Up | Jones could "Change any one of the 11", so predicting the line-up could be difficult! |
| Subs (From) | n.a |
| Prediction League Latest * | Home Win
-45% Draw - 27% Away Win - 27% |
*Prediction League stats correct at the time of publish. To predict in the Prediction League, please click here.