WWFC Monthly Update – September 2013

2/9/2013 Transfer Deadline Day

Sky Sports have turned the transfer deadline day into an event.  It’s advertised for weeks in advance, and Jim White has assumed legendary status as the over excited anchor man.  Nice yellow tie mind.  Some managers, such as Old Floppy Chops ‘Arry Redknapp, have secured their reputations on the high speed last minute wheeling and dealing conducted with the fervour of the forgetful lover rushing round the supermarket on Valentine’s Day.

For Wolves, the big news is that bids from Nottingham Forest and Leicester City for Sako and Doyle respectively have been rejected.  These are two top drawer players that will significantly drive the Wolves promotion push until the next transfer window in January.

Surprisingly enough, Johnson and O’Hara remain at the club, in limbo, without a squad number and according to Kenny J, no part of the manager’s plans.

3/9/2013 Final Score FLT Wolves 2-2 Walsall (Wolves win penalty shoot-out 4-2)
Scorers  – McAlinden, Sako

Local rivals defeated, Sako scores after asking to play to demonstrate his commitment to the cause, and over 13,000 fans see David Davis slot in the deciding spot kick.  I fancy a run in this cup and would love a trip to Wembley to see the lads.  As one of the 81,000 fans who packed the grand old stadium in 1988 when we defeated Burnley in the Sherpa Van Trophy final, I can recall the sense of excitement and pride at seeing some Wolves lift a cup.  Bring it on.

14/9/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Wolves 3-2 Swindon Town
Scorers  – Golbourne, Doyle, Foley (3^rd)

Midweek news reports note that the much misunderstood Roger Johnson has finally left the club to meet up with his former manager from their Cardiff City days, Dave Jones, at Sheffield Wednesday.  See ya.

Wolves continued their positive start to the season with a home win that confirm the old adage of winning when you are not at your best.  Or something like that.

Wolves shaded possession but Swindon had more shots (23 to our 11) and more shots on target (9 to our 6) as Ikeme kept the Robins at bay.

Golbourne opened the scoring after three minutes when a cross from wide left drifted beyond the helplessly back pedalling Foderingham, to get Wolves off to the dream start in a home fixture.   At the end of the first half, somewhat against the balance of play Doyle scored his first of the season after good work in the box from Leigh Griffiths.

Swindon weren’t out of it, with Mason going close before N’Guessan shrugged off Batth’s challenge before coolly striking past Ikeme from the edge of the area.

Foley appeared to have wrapped the game up when he slotted home following a cross from Sigurdarson, but there was still time for bitten finger nails when Mason picked up a short free kick as the Wolves midfield dozed, and sent a 30 yarder into the net.

On another day, this game would’ve gone to the visitors, so whilst Wolves drop a league position on goal difference and keep the unbeaten run going, it is clear that central midfield and possibly central defence need to be addressed.

See?  We’re never happy.

17/9/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Wolves 0-1 Walsall (3^rd)

‘Boo!  Boo!  Jackett out!!  You don’t know what you’re doing!!  Boo!’

In the week that the Champions League resumed and relative Premier League newcomers Swansea City achieve a creditable 2-2 draw against Liverpool, the pride of the West Midlands were getting down to business at Molineux in League One.  And the mighty Wolves were there, unbeaten in the league so far, ready for the match up with the noisy neighbours.

A bumper derby crowd of over 22,000 saw Wolves slip to their first defeat of the season, with the Saddlers scoring late in the second half.  Despite throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at the Walsall goal in the final few minutes, this was a result that had been coming for a couple of games.  Wolves are vulnerable in midfield and the defence is being exposed too frequently.  Honourable, last gasp saves from Ikeme, Batth and co weren’t quite enough this time round and the amassed Walsall ranks celebrated their result against their exalted rivals.

Cue disappointed Wolves players, rocked by the defeat.  Cue embarrassed Walsall officials as the club twitter feed celebrated the victory by sending this tweet.

Someone might be looking for a new job!

Fortunately Wolves get to play Walsall again this year.  Should be a good ‘un.

In theory Wolves have the resources to make an impact in this league, and to all intents and purposes have made a good start.  Nevertheless, bringing so many new faces together and expecting them to gel so quickly is a real challenge.  Third place is encouraging, but a lack of cohesiveness and a conservative formation at home leaves the team exposed.

Whilst the recent derby games have featured the traditional rivalries of the Villa, Blues and Albion, Wolves now move on to a somewhat lower profile, but no less important game versus Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.

Leyton Orient have won all seven league games played so far but my feeling is that my local team, Peterborough United, are the team to look out for this year.

And that opening line from this report?  Complete nonsense, of course.  But Wolves fans expect success, now.  They are already starting to get edgy on the fan-sites.  There is much to be done.

22/9/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Shrewsbury Town 0-1 Wolves
Scorer  – Sako (3^rd)

Another Saturday, another local derby.  In a sense, little to report – a late Sako penalty after Town’s Taylor handled on the line, and was shown red for his sins.  By all accounts Wolves were poor again in midfield, yet the old adage of winning whilst playing poorly being the mark of a successful side holds true; Wolves remain third.

As the Championship gives more leeway than the Premier League, League One is more forgiving than the Championship.  Shrewsbury were another side to spurn chances (redolent of Crawley and Port Vale) which on another day would’ve seen the Wanderers to defeat.

Of perhaps greater note today is the fact that the Shrewsbury manager, Graham Turner, faced Wolves for the first time since he left the Molineux team’s managerial hot-seat in March 1984.  Turner is an inductee into Wolves’ Hall Of Fame; the manager who guided the club out of the fourth division and into League Division Two in successive seasons.  The manager who bought Steve Bull from West Bromwich Albion.

For those of us with long enough memories and a loft full of football programmes from the era, Turner’s arrival at Molineux was not widely heralded with a fanfare.  We had come to like Brian Little and the change at the top seemed to come out of the blue. Wolves were mid table, having both won and lost four games, and drawn one.  After consecutive relegations there was something like stability.  The result of Turner’s first game in charge was a 2-1 home victory against Tranmere Rovers on October 11^th 1986, with Forman and Mutch being the goal scorers.

The programme for the day boasts of the new sponsorship deal for the ‘Today League Championship’, following the announcement of a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with the ‘Today’ newspaper.   If memory serves, the now defunct ‘Today’ was the first newspaper to feature colour.  Under the new deal the rewards were heady.  Each Division One (now Premier League) club got £14,545.  Division Two (Championship) teams received £7,273, and Divisions Three and Four received £3,333 each.

The prize money for winning each of the four leagues were (Division One) £50,000, (Division Two) £25,000, and (Divisions Three and Four) £12,500.  Don’t forget, this was years before Sky TV, the Premier League, The Champions League, multi million pound wages, Gareth Bale and supporter alienation.

Eight years and over 400 games later, Turner was relieved of his duties as Wolves stagnated in the equivalent of the Championship, and was replaced by ex-England boss, Graham Taylor.  There comes a time when the same manager delivers the same message to the same players, in the same way, and it has no impact whatsoever.  Turner’s time had come.

The footnote to the day?  Steve Bull, the all-time Wolves hero, in the away end, a supporter, just like you and I.

 

28/9/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Wolves 2-0 Sheffield United
Scorers  – Griffiths, Sako (3^rd)

So we reach the end of September with Wolves having drawn one, lost one and won seven.  Rather remarkably (and the pundits would say somewhat fortuitously), we haven’t conceded a goal in the first half of any fixture this season so far.

This is a return that I certainly would’ve taken at the start of the season.   It is clear that there are some issue with the team; the consensus it that the first half performance against the Blades was Wolves poorest of the season.  However, following Doyle replacing Sigurdarson at half time, the performance improved, to be capped off by a Bakary Sako thunderbolt from 20 yards.

This game was a potential banana-skin – the Yorkshire club had lost their previous five fixtures.  This is exactly the sort of tie that Wolves allow to slip through their grasp, breaking an opponent’s run of poor fortune.

Not today, however.  Wolves are still in third place, with the form of Peterborough United and Leyton Orient still keeping us from the automatic promotion places.  It is, of course, still very early in the season.

On to October.

Let’s get ready to rumble!

22/9/2013 EPL/Cup:  Peterborough Phantoms 3-4 (PSO) Swindon Wildcats

After a narrow home defeat away in Sheffield on Saturday night, the Peterborough Phantoms were opening their league schedule against the Swindon Wildcats on a balmy Sunday evening in Bretton.  The new ice and the Phantoms logo were looking good (see photo) and the crowd expectant.

This game felt like it would be a stern test.  Don’t they all?

Swindon forward Jonas Hoog always gives a good account of himself whenever he faces the Phantoms, and their signing of one of the greatest British netminders of recent years, Stevie Lyle, was always going to make this a tough fixture.  Swindon’s season was already well underway, after having started their league programme with a victory against Basingstoke, a narrow defeat against Slough, and a comprehensive win against Telford the night before coming to Peterborough.  Three competitive games played against our one suggested that the Wildcats might already be in the groove before the opening face-off.

The home team started brightly and took the lead through the ever dynamic Will Weldon, assisted by Soar and Hook.  This third line played well all night and had a surprising amount of ice time.  There is no doubt that these younger players, and others, including Declan Balmer and Harry Harley will be integral to the Phantom’s season.

Halfway through the first period referee Boardman took exception to the treatment that Nicky Watt dished out to Sam Smith and issued a match penalty to the Phantom’s forward.  The fight was completely one sided, with Watt landing several punches whilst Smith was standing, and several more after he’d hit the ice.  Something had upset #49, who proceeded to challenge the Swindon bench.  The officials had their hands full at this point, with Levers and Symonds at the centre of a brawl, and Watt and Smith tangling near the plexi.

According to Coach Kynaston, Smith had been prepared to fight and had dropped the gloves; Boardman’s assertion that the Swindon man was unwilling to face up to Watt led to the expulsion.  Watt subsequently pointed out that an illegal cross-check to the chest of one of the Phantoms lit the touch paper.

From the Peterborough camp we get the view that the fight was fair, which I think is important – I believe we all want this part of the game to be ‘by the book’.  You only need to see the reaction to Guildford’s Andrew Sharpe kicking Slough’s Michael Wales (14/9/2013) with his skate to see how hockey fans feel when the accepted line is crossed.

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again – I’m a Nicky Watt fan.  Of course we want him on the ice instead of being in the box or having match bans, and I have no doubt that he wants that too.  Nicky’s comments on Facebook following the game were refreshing – they made clear his stance on the incident and his views on officiating in general.

Make no mistake, Nicky can play, and he’ll contribute to the Phantoms as a forward by working hard for the team and scoring his share.  He also brings a physical dimension that we’ve seen precious little of in recent years.  Listen to the cheer when his name is announced, there’s a big part of the Phantoms crowd who’ve adopted Watt as a favourite already.

Hoog equalised Weldon’s strike, Piatak went coast-to-coast in a moment of genuine skill almost instantly, and Petran and Hoog again traded goals leaving the Phantoms with a 3-2 lead going into the last minute.  Sadly for the home fans, Hoog notched his hat-trick goal following up his own rebound to take us into over-time, and ultimately a penalty shoot-out that was decided by Hoog, following a shut out from Lyle.

The opening weekend yielded one point, which could’ve, perhaps should’ve been more.  We saw some impressive performances from the team, with Levers showing signs of his experience, Piatak thrilling through the centre and both Hutch and Zubek impressing.  Cesky was chosen as the Phantom’s MoM, Hoog, naturally, MoM for the Wildcats.

If the Watt incident was the big flashpoint, the big question regarding the mystery of the Phantoms netminder is still unresolved.  King or Murdy?  Choose one and play him; surely chopping and changing isn’t desirable as the team looks for stability and consistency?

You can follow the Peterborough Phantoms on Twitter at @GoPhantoms

If you have any comments or observations I’d love to hear from anyone who has read the blog.  Find me on Twitter at @phil_smith66, and follow for regular Phantoms updates…

Looking forward to the new EPL season – Introducing James Ferrara

It gives me great pleasure to present another Q & A with one of the Peterborough Phantoms, this time newly appointed captain, James Ferrara.  James currently lies third in the list of all time appearances for the Phantoms, and I would expect him to become the Phantoms’ top appearance maker at some point early next season.  James has been a key member of the squad over the past four years following moving back to his home town club after spending three seasons in Nottingham with the Panthers.

Name:  James Ferrara
Position:  Forward (Currently)

1. Favourite hockey team (other than the Phantoms, of course): Pittsburgh Penguins
Reason for following them:  They have been my favourite NHL team since I started playing, around the age of 5. My favourite players were Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, and I take a lot of my inspiration from supporting them at a young age.

2.  I know from my Q&A with Luke that you both support Manchester United.  Is there a reason why you follow them?
I have no idea why, as well as loving hockey, I always loved football from a young age, and grew fond of Manchester United and my favourite player at that time was Ryan Giggs. I think Luke then copied me.

3.  You have played something in the region of 275 EPL games for the Phantoms and 175 times for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League.  How would you describe your hockey career so far, and what would you describe as your own hockey career highlights?
I feel extremely privileged to have played so many games at both levels in my career. Starting out with the Phantoms as a youngster I was lucky to have been involved with a lot of games at a very young age.  When the opportunity came to move to Nottingham, whilst starting and completing my degree, it was a hard decision to leave, but one I have never regretted.  I believe that’s where I developed my understanding and knowledge of the game, and moving back to Peterborough I have used the knowledge gained within playing amongst many different roles in the phantoms team, and helped me become the player I am today.

Anytime I played for my country were highlights for me, and have gained medals at both Division 1 and 2.  The two trophies won in Nottingham were also highlights, the playoffs and the Challenge Cup.

4.   As we stand on the verge of a new season, can you tell us what your hopes are for the Phantoms this year?
The first hope is that the team gels quickly and we make a good start.  I very much like winning, and so I hope we make a better start to the league, enabling us to make a push for a cup semi-final place.  It will be difficult, but from what I have already seen of our squad, it is not out of our reach. The guys are getting more familiar playing together from what I have seen over the past couple of weeks, so hopefully this is a sign of things to come.  I believe we need to at least finish in the top half of the league, potentially a top four finish would be a great season, and an improvement on recent years.

5.  It’s all change in terms of the squad this year at the Phantoms.  Obviously some big players have either retired or moved on – Jeff and Maris spring to mind.  What do you think the fans can expect to see from the additions to the squad this year?
Firstly, it is sad not to have Jeff and Maris around.  They were fantastic players for the phantoms, and I have learnt a lot from them, not only as hockey players, but also as great leaders.  But these things happen in sport, and I believe the additions we have made make our team very different on paper, but we should to see a very fast, offensive team with a lot of character who is difficult to break down.  We have a great blend of young and experienced players, with depth in all positions, so there is no excuse for not working hard every night as there is competition in all positions. No player can afford to take a night off, and I think this will have a positive impact into our performances.

6.  We seem to have some really high quality young players in the squad, a number of whom made their mark last year.  How hard is it for the young guys to step up to the demands of the EPL?  What impact do you expect them to make this year?
It is difficult; I know having had to fight my way into the Phantoms side, and again at Panthers. But young players shouldn’t get disheartened if they don’t get their rewards immediately.  The learning process is different for every individual – it is about commitment, hard work and dedicating yourself to becoming a better professional.  It is important they talk to, and learn from the more experienced players to help their development, both on the ice and off it.  We are lucky in that we have a number of youngsters looking to prove themselves, and are looking to have impact years to boost their careers.  I have faith many of our youngsters will fulfil more of their potential this year with us.  The EPL is fantastic in that it regularly provides opportunities for younger players to be involved, especially on the teams with tighter budgets.

7.  Over the past few years you’ve been a real utility player, appearing both as forward and in defence.  How would you describe your playing style?  Is there an area of your game you’d like to develop?
I am always hoping to develop my game, and having a lot of different players on our team this year, from different places in the UK, and abroad, I am hoping to learn from them as the season develops. I think my goal scoring needs to be developed, I maybe don’t score as many goals as I should, so would like to develop my confidence in that area this year.

I am firstly a forward, and like to play a fast paced possession game in which to create a lot of goal scoring chances.

My ability to play on defence stems from the fact that even as a forward in Nottingham, I was given the opportunity to develop my defensive game. I think the ability to play offensively and defensively makes me a more rounded player.

8.  You have recently been appointed as team Captain for the forthcoming season, which I feel I must say is richly deserved.  Can you describe what being made Captain of your home town club means to you?  What do you think that you can bring to the role?
I am extremely proud to be the captain, something I have always dreamt of achieving as a fan of Peterborough hockey.  I have played with many great captains over the years, including Lewis Buckman, Jon Cotton, Dwayne Newman and Jeff Glowa for the Phantoms, and also David Clarke and Danny Meyers in Nottingham.  All were different, but all great captains of which I can take something from all.

Just to follow on being captain from some of these players is a privilege, and I hope I can have as much success in the role as they did.

I believe I bring experience and a passion for Peterborough hockey to the captaincy.  I know how to win, and also what it means being around the team and the fans in Peterborough.  I want to make sure I lead in my professionalism to hockey, but also in the way I play.

I feel I communicate well when needed out on the ice and in the dressing room. But I know I will be supported in the role, we have so many experienced guys on the team that we can all hold ourselves accountable for the team’s performances and development together.

9.  And finally – what would be a successful season for the Phantoms and James Ferrara this year?
A top half/4 finish, and a good run in the playoffs/cup would mean a successful year for the team and myself. I hope to contribute however I can to any success the team achieves, and I will be happy!

Once again, thanks to James for answering these questions.

You can follow James on twitter at @jferrara17 and the Peterborough Phantoms at @GoPhantoms

If you have any comments or observations I’d love to hear from anyone who has read the blog.  Find me on Twitter at @phil_smith66, and follow for regular Phantoms updates…

The Ashes – Milton Keynes Lightning

14/9/2013 Challenge Match (The Ashes):  Peterborough Phantoms 5-3 Milton Keynes Lightning

So the last pre-season challenge match finishes with a 5-3 victory against local rivals, MK Lightning, and in the process the Phantoms win the annual ‘Ashes’ tournament, albeit in a one off game rather than the traditional two legged affair.

Games against MK usually have the edge and needle of a local derby and at 6.25pm there were healthy queues as the fans wanted to see if the positive signs from last week’s victories against ENL side Invicta Dynamos could be replicated against Nick Poole’s experienced and gritty outfit.

The first surprise was that Thomas Murdy went to the ice as the starting netminder.  By all accounts Murdy played well in Gillingham last Sunday, and he impressed again against MK.

Phantoms started positively, and in no time at all were benefitting from 5 on 3 powerplay, though there was no end product.  This was a theme that continued in the first two periods and felt like a hangover from last season when the team went something like 17 consecutive powerplays without scoring.  Petran has the ability to boom one from the blue line, but the need to have a Plan B is clear.

Lightning look like an MK team.  They seemed big, strong and experienced.  MK always seem to have continuity which must be one of the reasons why they consistently perform well in the EPL.  How many times have we seen Emersic, McPherson, Carr, Jamieson, Farn, Green, Zatopek, Bowers and Christie lace up for the Lightning here in Peterborough?

In contrast, Phantoms are still bedding in.  Whilst the ENL challenge of Invicta was swept away in a bar room brawl, this fixture proved to be a sterner test.  The Peterborough side struggled to get into gear in the first two periods and rarely cleared the blue line; passes were missed placed and resulted in centre-ice turnovers.  Let’s put this stuttering start down to a lack of familiarity amongst almost every Peterborough line, but also let us give MK credit for playing their game their way, and not letting the home side get out of the traps.

There was a change in goal as Damien King took over between the pipes midway throughout the second and did everything that was asked of him as MK were shut out for the remainder of the game.  The question of who will start in goal for the season opener next week still seems unresolved, despite suggestions in the crowd at the start of the game that Murdy had been chosen as the first choice.

Nicky Watt is a crowd favourite already, and enhanced his reputation with a determined performance that was topped off by a cool finish into a wide open net late in the second after Wall had been moved to his left.  This tally proved significant as it brought the score back to 2-3 to MK.

All to play for with one period left.  Hook, Zubek and Luke Ferrara scored in the third, with Hook’s goal coming from some sublime play by Piatak, who started the move behind his own blue line.  An excellent comeback was complete, with the Phantoms showing considerable resolve.   A victory in this manner is not to be sniffed at, though the score line somewhat flattered the home side.  Nevertheless, should this have been a league or cup game, the points would’ve been gleefully accepted.

Nicky Watt was Peterborough’s man of the match and possibly shaded it over Piatak or Luke Ferrara.  In an act of symmetry MK’s MoM was Tom Carlon (Tom was Peterborough’s MoM in the corresponding fixture last year), a decision that seemed to be based that he has just signed from the Phantoms rather than any strength of performance, though did score and graced the penalty box on a couple of occasions.  The Lightning’s Janne Jokila had been impressive throughout, but almost predictably Carlon picked up the crate of beer tonight.

We are on to the real stuff next weekend and I imagine that there is a great deal of optimism around the camp.  When this team really gels, they ought to be a match for most in the league.

You can follow the Peterborough Phantoms on Twitter at @GoPhantoms

If you have any comments or observations I’d love to hear from anyone who has read the blog.  Find me on Twitter at @phil_smith66, and follow for regular Phantoms updates…

Almost ready. Invicta Dynamos

7/9/2013 Challenge Match:  Peterborough Phantoms 7-4 Invicta Dynamos

The new Phantoms team took their bow on Saturday night, meeting Invicta, a top ENL side from Gillingham.  At the ‘meet the players’ session at the ice rink the previous night it became clear that there is a bit of a buzz about the Phantoms this year.  The feeling is that the team has more to offer offensively, with new skipper James Ferrara suggesting that there will be lots of speed up front.  Two of the new imports, Piatak and Petran looked pretty big, which feels like a positive for the team.  The impression is that we have a lot of young guys on the roster, but the hope will be that the experienced Brits and the imports can steer the ship in the right direction.

Nevertheless, lots of new signings inevitably lead to a feeling of renewed optimism.  This feeling seems to be echoed by the crowd as we take our seats on Saturday night.

I have to say I love this time of year.  Hope springs eternal, and it takes just a matter of minutes for the old routines to be resumed.  Ticket, programme and ‘shirt off the back’ bought, seat taken and I’m ready for the off.  Curiosity abounds about the new boys, and one or two thoughts are exchanged with the familiar faces about some of the old guard.

There seemed to be a good turnout for a Saturday night challenge fixture, which is testament to the belief that surrounds the club at this juncture.

Ready?

The opening face-off took place with a healthy number of visiting supporters making lots of noise about the fact that their team weren’t introduced individually in the traditional manner, and Phantoms fans checking the programme to see who was who.

For a (meaningless) challenge game this fixture had some fireworks and it would be fair to say that C block thought the entrance fee was money well spent.  Obviously the squad need to get to know each other and shake off the effects of the summer break, but we left the rink pleased with what we saw.

Petran comes with a reputation and we saw evidence of the power of his shot when he boomed one in on an early powerplay.  Piatak looked absolute quality at this level, showing plenty of skill and scoring an absolute beauty in the 2^nd, and Cesky showed his class with a shot that beat Invicta’s excellent nettie, Douglas.

Marc Levers impressed too, showing composure, vision, and for a relatively smaller guy, an ability to finish a check.  Lewis Hook showed glimpses of his pace and puck control that make him such an exciting prospect.

Ex-Phantom Callum Fowler showed great control as he waltzed through the Peterborough defence and finished calmly to score one of the best goals of the night.  I’m sure that Fowler could still do a job at this level.

In the 3^rd Cesky went toe-to-toe with Invicta’s #22, Lack.  Lack came off second best on that occasion and later in the period was involved with Nicky Watt, who required treatment for a blood injury and a reported nose broken by Lack’s helmet.   Watt is one of those players who will get plenty of stick if he turns up with a visiting team, but a player the home crowd will really take to.  I’m a fan.

Piatak was my ‘man of the match’, and was announced as the official MoM at the end of the game too.

Other thoughts?

I was slightly surprised to see Levers and Hutch together, and might expect them to pair up with Balmer and Pick as the season progresses.  Obviously the former two have lots of experience and represent a top defensive partnership, but the younger two D men might need greater support when we are playing teams from a higher level.   I also like the idea of lines that that include Luke F/Piatak/Zubek and James F/Watt and Cesky.  That leaves us plenty to spare on a third or even possibly a fourth line.

All in all, this was a good workout.  There was lots of aggression from the Phantoms, and more than a suggestion that we’ll threaten this year.

A dilemma coming up:  Thomas Murdy, recently signed from Swindon will be our netminder for the return fixture against Invicta in Gillingham on Sunday.  I’ll be interested to see who  JK will pick next Saturday, the final challenge game before the season starts, as this will be a real pointer to the starting netminder in the first league fixture the following.  King or Murdy?   I think the starter will be Damien King, who I expect to go into the season as number 1.

You can follow the Peterborough Phantoms on Twitter at @GoPhantoms

If you have any comments or observations I’d love to hear from anyone who has read the blog.  Find me on Twitter at @phil_smith66, and follow for regular Phantoms updates…

Looking forward to the new EPL season – Introducing Marc Levers

One of the most interesting signings that the Phantoms have made during the summer break is that of the experienced utility man, Marc Levers.  Marc has played for the Belfast Giants and the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League since 2003, following spells with the Isle of Wight Raiders and the Basingstoke Bison.  He has notched up over 550 Elite league games, winning 11 trophies along the way, including the Elite League Treble last year.  Marc has represented Great Britain at U18, U20 and Senior level, playing in the World Championships twice.

Marc has kindly answered a few questions as we look forward to the start of the new EPL season.

Name:  Marc Levers
Position: Utility

1. Favourite hockey team/team you support:  Detroit Redwings
Reason for following them:  I picked them when I was a kid because Sergei Fedorov played for them and at the time he was my favourite player.

2. Favourite team from another sport (e.g. football team):  Liverpool FC
Reason for following them:  No real reason, but again I liked them when I was young and I’ve been a supporter ever since.

3. I’m sure that no interview with you could leave out asking you to reflect on your time in Nottingham or playing for Great Britain.  Could you give an idea of your career highlights and how you feel about leaving the top club in the Elite League?
I’ve been very lucky in the fact I’ve had chance to play at some of the top clubs in the country, not to mention the honour of being able to say I’ve played for my national team.  Winning championships is always a highlight and again I can say I’ve been fortunate enough to lift a lot of trophies.

If you asked for me to pick one out of the bunch, I’d have to say it was last year’s treble and finally getting to lift the league trophy in Nottingham, the team I supported as a child and the team I grew up wanting to play for.

There have been so many great times in my career and I could ramble on all day, but I can’t not mention one season in Belfast (that would be 2005-2006).  Again I got to lift the league title, but the experience and memories of that year had much more.

I got the chance to play and learn alongside one of my and a lot of people’s hockey heroes. Theo Fleury made that year even more special and it’s a privilege for me to say I played alongside him.

(At the end of Canadian legend Fleury’s illustrious and at times controversial career, he played in Belfast with the Giants after making over 1100 NHL appearances.  Fleury won the Stanley Cup with the team he played over 900 games for, the Calgary Flames, in 1989.  He also appeared for the Colorado Avalanche, the New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks.  Fleury was selected for the Canadian Olympic ice hockey team managed by Wayne Gretzky in 2002.  Fleury and Canada won gold).

It was extremely hard to leave Nottingham, like I say it’s where I learnt the game and it’s what I class as my ‘Home Town Team’, but sometimes in hockey things change and now I have a new challenge and a fresh start.

4.  You have played over 500 games at Elite League level.  Did you keep abreast of the EPL in that time?  What challenges do you expect the EPL to bring?  What are you looking forward to, and do you have any concerns before the season starts?
I did as much as I could – at times I lost track but I normally knew who was winning.  I think the main challenge for me is getting used to the smaller ice (welcome to Peterborough …).  I’ve been mainly on Olympic pads for the last ten years, so it might take me a bit.

I’m really looking forward to meeting my new team and learning what we can do out there.  At the moment there aren’t any concerns, just ready to get started.

5.  Why choose the Peterborough Phantoms?
I chose the Phantoms because they showed a real interest in me, and I liked where the organisation is heading, plus the travelling distance worked out as I didn’t want to be moving again.

6.  Though you played for many seasons as a forward, you have been recruited to play defence in Peterborough.  A little internet research suggests that this is a role you fulfilled at an early age and when required at the Panthers.  How would you describe your playing style and what skills and qualities do you feel that you can bring to the side?
I would say I’m a hard-working, experienced, utility player.  I read the game well and I hope I can help the team in any way I can, but I’ll let the fans decide on whether or not that’s true.

7.  Did you know any of the Phantoms before signing up?  What are your thoughts about the squad that has been assembled?
I know a few of the lads.  I’ve known the Ferraras for a while through their time in Nottingham.  I also know Tom (Soar) and Will (Weldon) from Nottingham and I’ve either played with at times or against Hutchy and Nicky Watt. I don’t know any of the imports but I’m hearing good things.

8.  And finally – what would be a successful season for the Phantoms and for Marc Levers this year?
I want us to win, I don’t like to lose, so the more wins the better, and I would like a trophy!

Thanks Marc, and welcome to Peterborough!

You can follow Marc on twitter at @Leves16 and the Peterborough Phantoms at @GoPhantoms

If you have any comments or observations I’d love to hear from anyone who has read the blog at @phil_smith66
Follow me for regular Phantoms updates…

WWFC Monthly Update – August 2013

I’ve decided to update the football aspect of the blog on a monthly basis, unless Wolves news comes thick and fast or if there is something that appears to be particularly newsworthy.

So where were we?

You might remember from a previous blog entry that the last game Wolves played whilst I was on holiday was

10/8/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Wolves 4-0 Gillingham
Scorers – Griffiths (2), Sako, Evans  (6^th)

 A comprehensive win, followed all the way on the BBC whilst holidaying in sunnier climes.

This moves us on to …

17/10/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Bristol City 1-2 Wolves
Scorers – Sako, Doherty (3^rd)

I never thought that this would ever be anything but the win that Wolves got, thanks to a Sako free kick and an 85^th minute goal from Matt Doherty.  The truth is that despite taking the lead, City had chances after equalising, and on another day this would have been a defeat.  Kevin McDonald, recently signed from Sheffield United, made an appearance late in the second half and the impression is that he will be a good addition to the squad, bolstering our inexperienced midfield.

23/8/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Wolves 2-1 Crawley Town
Scorers – Sigurdarson, Griffiths (1^st)

This was Wolves first televised league game this season and it started very promisingly, with Sigurdarson having a chance well saved by the Crawley keeper after 5 minutes and heading in a Kevin Doyle cross from the left two minutes later.  This was a great start, with a young Wolves team passing the ball around and looking the part.  Wolves didn’t capitalise on this early advantage, however.

Crawley finished tenth in League One last year and look to have put together a very tidy outfit.  (This view that Crawley have put together a good footballing side was supported a couple of weeks later when Crawley won at previously undefeated Peterborough United at London Road, and could put the victory at Molineux into context).

Following the early Wolves goal, Crawley dominated.

Despite home advantage and a one goal lead, Wolves looked ponderous, and they allowed Crawley to take charge of midfield.  Crawley had the majority of chances in the second half, though Sako nearly profited from what is now becoming one of his trade-mark free kicks.  Wolves managed to keep the visitors out until the 91^st minute when Clarke capitalised on excellent approach play by Adams and slotted a shot from 15 yards past Ikeme.

A point snatched where three were surely assured?  Not quite.

There was still time for the impressive McDonald to win a penalty for Wolves in the 93^rd minute when McFadzean handled the former Blade’s cross in the box and Leigh Griffiths dispatched the resulting spot kick.  A definite penalty and Griffiths’ reputation as our goal scoring saviour enhanced.  It takes some character to put a last minute penalty away, and though it wasn’t the best pen I’ve ever seen, it did the job.

Wolves were fortunate to come away with the win, and it’s the result that counts.  Wanderers moved into 1^st position following this Friday night fixture, to be replaced by Leyton Orient who won their game 24 hours later.

On a sour note, reports arise that Wolves ‘fans’ have thrown bricks through the windows of Crawley supporters’ coaches.

31/8/2013 Final Score:  LG1 Port Vale 1-3 Wolves
Scorers – Griffiths, Sigurdarson, McDonald (2^nd)

A debut for Scott Golbourne, signed from Barnsley earlier in the week, and a comprehensive win with Siggy and Griffiths hitting the net again.

Apart from the fact that Wolves continued their winning streak in the league to four games, this fixture was newsworthy for a couple of other reasons.

Playing up front for Port Vale was Lee Hughes.  Ex West Bromwich Albion players usually get short shrift from Wolves supporters, but the degree to which Hughes is reviled is something else.  The foundation of this bad blood is Hughes’ criminal record; he has convictions for causing death by dangerous driving and assault.  Fans of other clubs will abuse Hughes on this basis too, but given that Hughes used to play for WBA and regularly provoked Wolves fans, he gets singled out for particular attention.

After Griffiths scored he imitated Hughes’ goal celebration in from of the home fans.  Amusing, but we could do without Griffiths being booked or charged with provoking rival fans.

Following the game 23 arrests were made.  Staffordshire police claimed they were faced with violent disorder from a significant number of home fans, though other reports refer to clashes between rival fans.

Wolves have the biggest home following in the division and have sold out their ticket allocation at all away games played so far this year.  Some aspects of the (lazy) media are already suggesting that Wolves caused problems when they last played at this level and history is repeating itself.

I remember going to Vale Park many years ago, in Wolves’ last season at this level.

When Wolves played at second placed Port Vale in February 1989 they were top of the third division.  The attendance that day was 16,362 which was easily Vale’s biggest home gate that season, other than their play-off home leg tie against Bristol Rovers.  Port Vale’s average crowd that year was 6,731, which shows what happens when Wolves come to town for a top of the table clash at local grounds.

It’s funny what you remember from games in years gone by, but I remember that day well, and so does my Dad.  The away allocation had apparently all been sold, but after an additional number of tickets became available, we got ours and headed up to Burslem for a relatively dull 0-0 draw on a cloudy and miserable Saturday.

The away end was packed and the atmosphere was unpleasant.  I recall that someone urinated on the terrace behind us and a bloke near me turned round and abused the offender.  Cue arguments and scuffles on the terrace.  You might find it funny and yearn for standing behind the goals, but on that day it was sullen, mean spirited and depressing.

After the game we made our way to the single exit, which we found to be blocked by a coach.  The bottleneck of fans caused a real crush and I distinctly remember travelling towards the gate without touching the floor.  A wire fence with wooden stakes was flattened due to the sheer weight and volume of people moving as one to get away from the afternoon’s meagre fare.

This was just another example of what football fans had to put up with in the dark old days.  It was uncomfortable and pretty distressing.  When you go to the game with your family you don’t want to lose each other amongst a body of disgruntled people who are desperate to leave but who do not have the means to do so.  People get agitated and aggressive.  My Dad never stood at a football match again, and when I asked him what he remembers about Port Vale he can’t recall the game, just the crush and a coach preventing the masses from leaving.

Back to August 2013.  Wolves are in second place in the division after winning four consecutive league games and despite appearing vulnerable at the back, signs are positive.  The squad has a significant number of players that have come through our academy, we have a goal scorer and Kenny promises the best is yet to come.

Come on you Wolves.