The Month That Was: May 2005

Hoddle Signed
By Scot Cooper
June 2 2005

WE take a look back at each month throughout the pre-season. May has come and gone, but it wasn't exactly a quiet month. Read on....

THE CLOSED SEASON: MAY 2005

We started the month of May with Wolves Chief Executive Jez Moxey slamming his critics over the 2004/05 summer spending. The Wolves chief executive (story here) told the media that the impressive unbeaten run which Wolves ended the season with was just a sign that the squad was capable of challenging for promotion.

Rohan Ricketts then told of his desire to sign for Wolves on a permanent basis and Wolves beat Sheffield United - who still had Play-Off ambitions - 4-2 at Molineux on the final game of the season.

The following week news broke of the tragic death of Wolves fan Kate Freeman. Mrs Freeman, a 16 year old schoolgirl was killed in a road traffic accident whilst she walked with her farther to the Sheffield United game.

Hoddle was then set to sign on a permanent basis on May 13th, but the date was unlucky as a late glitch put the deal back. On May the 14th we told you how Keith Andrews was set to sign for Hull, but confirmation of the move due to the Irish Midfielders Holiday was delayed somewhat.

On May 17th Glenn Hoddle finally put pen to paper on a one-year rolling contract to the delight of the Wolves faithful. Once Hoddle had signed, players followed. First it was Matt Murray who penned a new 3 year deal, Michael Oakes would follow suit a few days later.

On May 19th Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle confirmed that Wolves would not be taking up the deal to sign Mikkel Bischoff and we reported how former boss Dave Jones was set to sign for Cardiff City, we were right as Jones signed a deal at the Welsh Club the following day.

Rohan Ricketts put pen to paper several days later and Wolves unveiled their new black away strip. Confirmation of our exclusive on Keith Andrews finally hit the news on the 25th May and former Wimbledon man Kevin Cooper was then placed on the transfer list at his own request.

The month ended with confirmation that Glenn Hoddle was using a new hi-tech coaching system at a cost of £200,000.

The closed season is never dull.