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‘You don’t know what you’re doing’, ‘I’m up for a scrap’. No, not the transcript from Monday’s instalment of the Jeremy Kyle show, but instead the ‘bickering’ we have been subjected to between Wolves boss Mick McCarthy and fans of the club in recent weeks.

In true Jeremy Kyle fashion, here’s a quick recap. With the club several games without a win, fans were understandably growing frustrated with the team. 2-0 down at home to Swansea, McCarthy decides to make a double substitution – taking off wingers Matt Jarvis and Adam Hammill, replacing them with Adlene Guedioura and David Edwards. However, some sections of the crowd were less than pleased – cue the chanting from, how Mick described them ‘mindless idiots’. Then, in true dramatic fashion, Wolves go on to snatch a point.

The press inevitably picked up on this, pushed McCarthy for an answer – cue his defensive response of offering a ‘scrap’ if anyone fancied it. OK, maybe a bit over the top from Mick, but understandable.

The Wigan redemption

Anyway after improved performances against Manchester City, both in the cup and the league, Wolves were faced with a ‘six-pointer’ against Wigan. As only my second game of the season, I was understandably nervous of the response the crowd would give the team if we were to fall behind. I have always been a fan of Mick and the tremendous work he did in his early years at the club (of which he was quick to remind everyone when the criticism cam recently).

A couple of early penalty claims turned down, Wigan missing several good chances, the odd misplaced pass – you could start to feel the tension rise at Molineux. Then, less then 30 seconds after Hugo Rodellega sliced an easy chance wide, Kevin Doyle crossed for Jamie O’Hara to put Wolves ahead, easing the tension slightly.

Wigan decide to make it interesting when Ben Watson taps in after seeing an initial penalty saved. A crucial point in the game, it could tip either way. The sides battle it out until half-time, going in 1-1.

Now, a few minutes after half-time and Wigan look to have come out the better of the sides. Do the Wolves fans jump on the back of the players, complaining every misplaced pass? No. Quite the opposite. Cries of encouragement replace the moans and groans, applause from all four corners of the ground, and the sound of Molineux cheering the name of players – that’s more like it. Even Karl Henry, who was jeered just a few weeks ago, was graced with his own song.

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Captain fantastic?

Buoyed by this, Wolves go on to score twice and comfortably run out the second-half 3-1 winners – a margin that surely would have been greater had it not been for the heroics of Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal. The point I am making is that it has left Molineux with a sense of relief. The poor run is over, we’ve beaten a relegation rival, and we played OK. The fans have recognised this and have shown their appreciation.

I stayed for a few minutes at the end, to avoid the rush for the exit. What was noticeable straight away was the amount of fans that had decided to stay behind and show their appreciation – something that did not go unnoticed by the players. Stephen Ward, David Edwards, Richard Stearman – Wolves “veterans” who have experienced the ups and downs before, leading the applause in front of the fans. But the one that stood out for me – Roger Johnson. The much-criticised captain running towards the Steve Bull, gesturing to the fans with his arms to make as much noise as possible. And you can see his point, he’s been here a few months now and never really experienced the famous Molineux roar. Just that little taste of it could be the confidence boost he really needs.

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So, shall we put the disagreement between Mick and the fans as just yet another tiff that couples go through? It’s been a fabulous love affair between the two, and one that, in my opinion, should continue until one finds the other in bed with someone else. If that bed is the Championship, then fans could well be filing for divorce. But for now, the test results remain positive for Mick.

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Owen Hargreaves could be handed a chance to resurrect his Premier League career after entering into talks with West Brom.The 30-year-old only managed 27 games during a four-year spell at Manchester United thanks to a litany of injuries, and was released as the end of last season.

Baggies sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth revealed his club are interested in the former England man and added that, if fit, his signing would be a “no brainer”.

“We have been in talks with Owen,” he told West Brom’s official website.

“He’s based over in the United States at the moment so we might try to get to meet him in the next week or so and see if he would consider coming to us.”

“If Owen is fit to play Premier League football, it is a no-brainer.”

“Make no mistake, Owen Hargreaves is a fantastic player. He’s shown he’s a top, top player from his England, Manchester United and Bayern Munich days.”

“Obviously, Owen has had a few medical issues over the last few years. But we would be absolutely delighted to get a fit Owen Hargreaves.”

“That would be a wonderful signing for us.”

Ashworth claimed that his club have the medical department to handle a player that has had more than his fair share of injuries.

He added that while Hargreaves does have other options – with Championship Leicester City reportedly interested – West Brom were the first to make contact.

“The three things we’ve got going for us are: one, we’re in the Premier League, which is attractive in itself; the second thing is we’ve got a fantastic medical team. We had an unbelievable hit-rate last season in terms of player availability,” Ashworth added.

“I think that’s attractive to Owen, that we’ve got a proven track record in the last couple of years of maintaining players and keeping them out on the pitch, which is the most important thing.”

“Thirdly, we were the first club to contact him. He’s told me that, and he appreciates that.”

“I’d like to think we’ve got a chance – but Owen has plenty of other options as well.”

When Liverpool lost 1-0 against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, no-one was really that surprised. An example of just how far Stoke City have come in just four years in the Premier League.

It seems that the Potters have developed the prototype for every club trying to reach the Premier League and eventually managing to survive there, establishing themselves as a top half club and even featuring in the Europa League this season.

Stoke only reached the Promised Land of the Premier League in 2008, ending a 23-year absence, and then went on finish in 12th place despite being tipped as favourites to go back down. Their unexpected survival was built around their fine home form, as the Staffordshire side took an impressive 35 points from the 46 available with ten wins. Their outstanding home form has continued in the subsequent years.

They have given newly promoted clubs an outline of how to survive in the tough and uncompromising world of the Premier League. In the first season they did what was necessary to stay up, playing effective and no-nonsense football. This style attracted many critics, but it was ultimately successful. They then built on their strong points, added more quality to the team and then strengthened in the two most important positions (in defence and attack) again this summer. They may have detractors but they have now established themselves in the league while setting a benchmark in terms of sensible planning and taking a strategic long-term view of Premier League survival.

Stoke have always played to their strengthens under Tony Pulis, firstly using Rory Delap’s long throw as a way of causing problems to even the best defences. They were a strong and physical side who would get stuck into sides and make them work hard for any points they won. But recently Stoke have moved on from this approach with two exciting wingers, Matt Etherington and Jermaine Pennant, aiming to get crosses in for Kenwyne Jones and now Peter Crouch, with Jon Walters working hard to create space for the two forwards. In defence, Pulis relied heavily on a dependable back line during their early seasons but he has now added quality to that with first the excellent acquisition of Robert Huth last season and now former England international centre-backs Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson.

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In the now-unlikely circumstance that Stoke are relegated in the next few years, they would have the increased parachute payments to fall back on but it would still indicate a drastic and immediate revenue reduction of around £40m for the club. This is the rather large risk the club is taking by bringing in such quality but expensive players however at present this risk seems minimal with the side having easily enough expertise to survive.

This summer has been a step up in Stoke’s recruitment with international players brought in to add quality to an established side that could challenge in the Europa League this year and no longer are they expected to struggle. The side now have the strength in depth on the bench that is needed to succeed in the league and on Saturday they had the luxury of resting an £8m striker. When Pulis guided the club to the FA Cup final last season, they proved that they are capable of beating anybody on their day – especially at Fortress Britannia – using two mobile strikers, full backs who get forward with fast wingers and a solid midfield.

After a bright start in the league there has been some unsubstantiated talk about them challenging for a Champions League place but this seems unlikely, especially with the Europa League to distract them. However, I am sure Potters fans will accept a season in the top half of the Premier League and maybe even another trip to Wembley.

The Potters spent £60m in their debut three years in order to establish themselves as a Premier League side but, although Pulis won’t fully admit it, the club now has more lofty ambitions and I think it might not be too long before Stoke are regularly representing the Premier League in Europe. Quite a model of how a Championship club can become a successful Premier League side in just a few seasons.

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Sylvain Distin has claimed that Arsenal will fail in their pursuit of Everton teammate Phil Jagielka reports the Guardian.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been trailing Jagielka for the last two seasons but Distin claims he doesn’t want to leave for the Emirates Stadium.

The Toffees’ French centre half believes his 29-year-old defensive partner will stay at Goodison Park and hasn’t indicated a willingness to depart Merseyside.

“Jags is an amazing player, you don’t play for your country if you’re not.

“He’s still young and still improving. He had some injury problems but seems to be over them now and he is quality” Distin said.

“He’s got top clubs after him and that’s a sign of his quality but there’s no sign that he’s going. There’s no reason to be worried.”

The Frenchman added: “He’s not come out and said he wants to go anywhere, so I guess that means he wants to stay. I don’t think any players want to leave here, to be honest.

“There’s no point in saying anything to them about it unless they come out and say they want to go. If he came to me and asked about his future, then I’d tell him what I think, but that has not happened and we are happy he’s staying.”

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Wenger has had two bids rejected by the Toffees so far this summer and after Distin’s revelations he may decide to pursue his other top target Gary Cahill.

Per Mertesacker has also been linked with a move to North London after indicating his desire to play in the Premier League.

Newcastle are set to increase their bid for PSV left back Erik Pieters according to the Daily Mail as they strive to replace Jose Enrique.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew want’s Pieters to replace the Spaniard who left St James’ Park to sign for Liverpool.

His interest in the defender was revealed last week and is now preparing a new bid to bring him to Tyneside.

With the North East derby against Sunderland on Sunday fast approaching Pardew is set to raise his offer for the Dutchman to £7 million.

He wants the 23-year-old in place before the game at the Stadium of Light and is set to use the £5.5 million raised from the Enrique deal to make that a reality.

Ryan Taylor deputised against Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League opener putting in an admirable shift but Pardew wants a specialist.

PSV are struggling financially and are prepared to reluctantly sell the left back in an order to boost the coffers.

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Pieters is keen to move to the North East and is exactly the type of player Newcastle are looking for to replace Enrique.

He certainly holds more experience than the Spaniard with 10 caps for Holland and extensive Champions League experience along with his age and potential resale value fitting into the structure at St James’ Park.

Tottenham winger Giovani Dos Santos is being tracked by Bolton Wanderers according to the Mirror.

The Mexican winger, who came to prominence as a teenager at Barcelona, has fallen well short of his projected target since signing for Juande Ramos’ Spurs in 2008.

But with long-term injuries to a number of key players at Bolton, Owen Coyle has identified Dos Santos as a player to help his side climb up the league, and is willing to meet the £4 million asking price.

The Mexican – who continues to turn out for his national side – has always been on the fringes of Harry Redknapp’s side. A bid just short of the asking price from Sevilla failed to secure him a return to Spain in the summer, and now Owen Coyle will look to persuade Dos Santos that his immediate future lies at the Reebok Stadium.

Coyle has been an admirer of Dos Santos for a number of years and attempted to sign him while he was manager of Burnley.

With the proceeds from the sale of Gary Cahill to Chelsea, Coyle may finally get his man.

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In the words of Sir Elton John, sorry seems to be the hardest word. Yet, Manchester City’s surly striker Carlos Tevez has issued a belated apology to his club, following the much talked about incident in Munich.

The former captain delivered an official apology through City, stating his desire to get back into action and help his side, after three months away from the set-up:

“I wish to apologise sincerely and unreservedly to everybody I have let down and to whom my actions over the last few months have caused offence.

“My wish is to concentrate on playing football for Manchester City football club.”

The apology came after Tevez met with City’s football administrator Brian Marwood, and is believed to have been accepted by boss Roberto Mancini, despite no specific mention of him in the Argentine strikers statement.

The pair have yet to come face-to-face since the forward’s return, but there are rumours that Mancini may be willing to put the whole episode in the past, and welcome back his talented front-man.

This could, however, be a terrible decision on the part of the Italian coach for a series of reasons. Any backing down from Mancini would signal as a victory for Tevez, who would have undermined this manager’s leadership and been welcomed back into the fold. We live in a society that encourages forgiveness, second chances and rehabilitation, but after declaring that Tevez and City were ‘finished’ Mancini’s authority over a squad, possessing more than its fair share of big egos, could be called into question.

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With the dressing room at the Etihad believed to be a settled environment with on-field performances reflecting this, the re-entry of Tevez could serve to disrupt the harmony. The striker is definitely not one to hold back with his thoughts, and after letting down his teammates with his refusal to play, he could find himself side-lined by other squad members. This in turn could cause a rift, and the effects of cliques in dressing rooms have been well documented down the years.

The motives behind the apology must also be analysed, after Tevez was so adamant that he wanted no further part at the club. The forward and his representatives have been searching for a team willing to take on the talented yet temperamental striker for a few months now, and as of yet their quest has been unsuccessful. Tevez needs to get playing again to get himself back on the world football radar, and justify his wage demands to potential suitors, who were believed to all be unwilling to meet the suggested figures. As a result City would not have a player fully committed to their cause, instead somebody using the rest of the season as a stepping stone, to manoeuvre an exit to pastures new. One thing the club need during the close of the campaign are players willing to put themselves on the line to press home their points advantage, as rivals Manchester United have the benefit of experience in title run-ins.

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Tevez may be an extremely talented footballer, and one many clubs would be willing to welcome home. But, in the case of Manchester City there is just too much bat blood, and the Argentine could prove to be the catalyst for a complete meltdown at the Etihad.

What are your views on Carlos Tevez? Follow @Alex_Hams on Twitter and have your own say

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As the Premier League reaches its quarter stage, many players have excelled and impressed in the opening nine games with some high score demolitions and last gasp winners. However, some players have not been up to expectations and this is a chance to name and shame.

The Champions of last year have been embarrassed by their rivals; however they have inflicted similar defeats of their other rivals. Some teams have underachieved so far and some the complete opposite but there is no denying that some players have just been poor. Whether it be missed chances, lack of effort, goalkeeping howlers or defensive mistakes, plenty of performances have raised eyebrows this season for good and bad reasons and here is a list of the top 10 players that have disappointed so far this season.

Click on Roger Johnson to unveil the top 10 players to have disappointed this season

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Chelsea are ready to bid for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell in the January transfer window, as Andre Villas Boas looks to strengthen his squad in a bid to challenge for the title.

The Goodison Park battler has impressed with performances for the Merseysiders over the last couple of seasons, and recently broke into the senior England squad after starring for the under-21’s.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of Rodwell and were rumoured to have made a bid to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford last summer, which Everton rebuffed.

However, The Telegraph state that the Stamford Bridge outfit will make a £20 million offer for Rodwell in January in an attempt to bolster their midfield.

Rodwell fits into Andre Villas Boas’ strategy of nurturing young talent and would also be available for inclusion in Chelsea’s Champions League fixtures due to not playing in Europe this season for Everton.

Everton are reluctant to sell their star player, but due to working on a tight budget because of their failure to find a new investor in the club, may be willing to part company with Rodwell for a large fee.

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By Gareth McKnight

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We are almost three games into the new season, yet the transfer window still remains open. As we draw closer to the inevitable frenetic end of the window on deadline day, transfer rumours are flying about, with clubs trying to sort out their final deals for the summer. For players and managers alike the transfer window poses a distinct threat to their sanity. As rumours continue to circulate there may be unrest or trouble in sides before all deals are done. In light of this, should the transfer window be reformed and closed before the start of the season for everyone’s sake?

The summer long transfer sagas-like the uncertainty over the future of Luka Modric at Tottenham-continue to rumble on, and have now been carried over into the new season. This is highly unsettling for both squads and individual players, as uncertainty remains about whether players will leave and who will be their team-mates for the season ahead. Harry Redknapp has said that Modric has not been in the right frame of mind to play for Spurs, and it isn’t any wonder with the uncertainty surrounding his future. A negative cloud is hanging over Spurs with the whole affair, and they would of benefited from having the saga dealt with before the season had actually started.

While the window remains open, clubs remain in flux and unfinished. Yet points won throughout this period are very real, and those points could be crucial in a title decider or relegation battle. Clubs should be forced to do their pre-season strengthening in pre-season, and start the new campaign with a squad set in stone. This way everyone knows where they are and who they are playing for, at least for the first half of the season.

One benefit of the transfer window being open after the beginning of the season is that it gives clubs the chance to see where they may need to strengthen, if at all, and it gives managers a chance to have a few weeks of league play to make their minds up about certain players and their squads. Surely it is fairer for both players and clubs, if sides are decided before the season, with all deals wrapped up before the start of the new campaign. Sure it is a bigger gamble for a manager if they don’t get to assess their squads in those first few games of the season, but it could certainly make it interesting, with managers forced to deal earlier in the summer and have to live by the consequences of the decisions they make before the start of the season.

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While the transfer window remains open, the beginning of the season is taken over by transfer rumours, which though exciting throughout the summer, can became tedious and irritating at the beginning of the new campaign, when the focus should be purely on the football. It takes attention away from the opening games of the season, as players are unable to fully concentrate on football, with off-field matters seeming to take precedence.

The stumbling block in terms of moving the transfer window is a logistical one. Due to the different starting dates of the European leagues, it would be a disadvantage to other leagues if the English window was to close earlier. It is difficult to see any solutions to this problem, and the current window is a compromise that suits the majority.

With silly season almost over for another year, questions will remain as to whether we should close the window earlier. Managers should have to have their squads ready in time for the start of the new campaign, otherwise it takes away from the new season, and is just another example of how business is taking preference over sport.

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Do you think the transfer window should be closed before the start of the season? Let me know your thoughts below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter

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