The underlying factor that is costing Wolves dear

Football FanCast columnist Adam Thompson feels that Wolves' lack of experience is costing them dear.

I've only viewed Hassan Yebda's goal on Saturday with one eye. The other was too busy flinching at the amateur defending that allowed the Portsmouth midfielder a free header in the six yard box – all this from a player who had to plead with the club to be signed. This time last week I was praising the lads over a valiant display at the Stadium of Light despite losing 5-2. They say a week is a long time in football and the defeat at home to Portsmouth (Wolves' second in four home games) confirmed the honeymoon period is over and Wolves facing a tough ask to claim any points from the next six games. Away trips to Everton, Stoke and Chelsea look daunting and with Villa next up The Molineux, Saturdays result looks ever more disappointing.

Now Wolves have two weeks of feeling ‘Lousy' (to quote Mick McCarthy) until their next game, the feel good factor on the back of promotion has lifted and the atmosphere of frustration was blatant in the stands on Saturday. There is no doubting Wolves when on song play the sort of football that those lot down the road won praise all round for, unfortunately for the Tesco Carrier bags it didn't stave them from relegation. Wolves as a club like to distance themselves with any association to Albion and the comparison of Wolves this term with Albion last term is accurate- for the time being. Fast flowing, easy on the eye football yet without an end product.

The lack of experience is evident- an average age of 23 was fielded Saturday. A thought to ponder for Wolves fans, would old timer Paul Butler had let Boateng's cross wander over his head onto Yebda's bread loaf or better yet substitute Jody Craddock? Michael Mancienne is learning his trade and despite his impressive loan spell with Wolves last season, fans must be reminded this is his first full season as a first team regular and his mistakes are unfortunately not going un-punished.  

In these two weeks of officially feeling ‘lousy' fingers and toes will be crossed that out of the pack emerges a match winner (or two ) and players that are still learning, learn fast. It won't be long until Christmas is upon us where 20 points on the board is a minimum of being able to enjoy the festivities with a not in stomach. However in Mick we must trust and by trust I mean hope, and I hope that Wolves young and hungry become generation, grow wise and merciless.