FMFA Manager

New signing Anthony Patterson spoke to Wolves TV not long after penning a 5 season deal at the club. The 25 year old goalkeeper arrived earlier in the week from Bournemouth along with David Fofana and has already settled in well. The goalkeeper talked about his ambitions for the future and why he feels Wolves is the write move at this point in his career. Patterson has already excited manager McNamara who has welcomed the young goalkeeper with open arms and Patterson stated how he felt he would improve under the new manager.

The full interview is below, obviously like all interviews we show here we've taken out the questions so Patterson's words are what you will here. Patterson said the following not long after the move.

"Thank you for the welcome, it's a pleasure to be at Wolves under the new era at the club and I am really excited for the opportunity to show my true potential. The deal happened out of the blue as Matt told me he was keen for me to go to a club where he felt I would get more opportunity to play first team football as he knew at Bournemouth that would not happen for me. When he told me he was trying to arrange a deal for myself and David to have better opportunities for development I was very excited. He told me it was because he believes in my ability however due to already having a better younger keeper he knew I would be most lightly hardly playing. Although I know Wolves are potentially going to bring in another option in goal I still feel it'll be a better move for me long-term as the keeper will also be a younger option so we can work together to grow. Ian also told me I would play in cup games if another option was successfully brought in as he wants to ensure I can develop to the best of my ability where as matt told me I would most lightly not play at all and he wanted me to be able to show my potential.

Although I have never played under this manager I have heard good things about his way of playing and coaching abilities and have watched teams he has managed and it excites me as they play really good football. When I had a conversation with Ian before the deal was fully agreed he really sold the project to me and how he wants to make wolves the number 1 team in the West Midlands. He told me how much he wanted me and that's another reason the move was easy for me to make, when a manager makes you feel he wants you it's always a good way to start life at a new club because you know if your wanted the chances of playing even if only in the cup are high. He told me he believed in me and felt I could be a top goalkeeper under his development and leadership.

Sunderland is a club I will always be grateful to, they gave me the opportunity to be a number 1 goalkeeper and my performances caught the eye of better teams. Although I will potentially end up being a number 2 here as well their is still a chance of me fighting for a place easier here, both Bournemouth and Sunderland have top goalkeepers where as the keeper coming in here will be young so although they will start off as number 1 potentially due to the guarantee I have got to play cup football I've got a chance to show my ability and fight for the chance to take that shirt away. If they are not successful and another keeper does not come in then I will work hard to prove I am capable of being the number 1. Obviously I would also like to play for England 1 day so playing as much as I can even if to start with it is only in the cup is good experience.

I feel goalkeeper is one of the hardest positions because their are 2 or 3 of you fighting for 1 spot, where as in other positions you have 7 or eight players depending on squad numbers fighting for a number of positions. As a goalkeeper it is always a close bond with the people you work with as you know your fighting for 1 place so it pushes you harder. The fact Wolves may end up bringing in someone to compete with me will push me harder to prove myself and that I am able to do the job at this club. I need to take the opportunities I get to play and show what I am able to do. I love being a goalkeeper because you have always got to think on your feet as if your team are dominating you can have large portions of the game when you have nothing to do. Although this is fantastic for your team due to the fact you have lots of the ball it also means you have always got to be ready as an attack from the other team could come at any point in the game.

I have played as a goalkeeper from a young age, I like the position due to the fact you have to always be ready for anything and be willing to potentially come on at a moments notice if the main keeper gets injured or sent off. If your the number 1 it is a constant fight to keep your place in the side as the other option or options are pushing you hard. Goalkeeper is also a very technical position as you have a lot to think about. When to come and catch the ball, managing the defence in front of you, when to kick or throw, when to use your feet and come out to sweep up.

My short term aims are to fight as much as possible for a chance to gain the number 1 shirt if another option does arrive. Long term I want to become the best goalkeeper I can be and play for England 1 day. I believe Wolves is a great next step in my career in order to achieve my goals and I am looking forward to getting started."

Welcome to Wolves Anthony and we wish you a long and successful career at the club.

New signing David Fofana believes his move to Wolves could be an important step in his career. The 22 year old Ivorian spoke to Wolves TV not long after putting pen to paper on a 8 season deal at the club. Fofana believes he will learn a lot from manager McNamara and the other forwards in the team and believes he has the ability to become a number 1 striker at the club. At 22 Fofana still has age on his side and a lot to learn. He's a player with a high level of talent and potential and Burnley fans saw that a bit last season. Fofana said the following.

"Coming to Wolves is a fantastic move for me, when Matt told me he'd arranged the deal I could not wait for it to happen. I know Wolves are working hard to try and stay in the league and I felt this was a fantastic opportunity for me to help them out. I am a player who since coming to England has not given their best due to lack of opportunity however I believe Wolves is the club where I will get that chance. I love to run with the ball and take players on, although I am not the tallest I am pretty good in the air as well. I feel at the write club with the write manager I can be a success in England.

When I spoke to the manager and he told me about the project here I knew straight away I wanted to come. I loved the passion of the manager and the way he was talking about his plans for the club and how he could see me fitting in. When you know a manager really wants you it's easy to make a move because you know you have a good chance of playing even if you have to fight to start with. I am young and their are better strikers ahead of me so I have to work hard in training to prove I deserve a starting place.

My best position is up front as a centre forward, I can play wide as well however when possible I would rather play up against the centre halves. I like taking players on and scoring goals, I am also happy to work for the team and will run my heart out for every ball. I am a hard worker and always wanting to know how I can become a better player. I believe the coaching team here know how to get the best out of younger players and I believe I can be a success at this club."

Welcome to Wolves David and we wish you every success.

Wolves can confirm that they were again successful in the auction managing to get another player in the second round. While not the first choice target the signing is equally as exciting as it's another very young player who has huge potential and is already very highly thought of. It will also be a vital adition in our fight to remain in the top devision this season. The Wolves board have proven they trust their managers backing and it looks like McNamara and his scouting team have struck gold and managed to keep money left over and got the two players for reasonable prices.

In the 3rd round of the Auction after taking advice from caretaker Alex Nock about what might be needed this season we focused our attention on the goalkeeper department. Although Patterson came in earlier in the week we felt we needed a second strong option and found 2 young keepers who we liked. Our first Target was young up and coming English Goalkeeper James Trafford however we knew he was lightly to go for big money and did not expect to win him especially as Trafford also refused the invite to come on trial with us before the auction, it was clear to us from this refusal that we were not Trafford's first choice either and he was waiting for a better move. So I here you ask who did we get? Let's introduce the new keeper to the fans. Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of 21 year old German goalkeeper Max Weiss.

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Young in goalkeeper terms Weiss is very highly thought of despite not having a massive amount of experience. The young German arrives after making his break through season as a number 1 goalkeeper last season. At 6ft 3 he should have the physical traits needed for the top devision in England. His age is not a barrier to manager McNamara who we know likes young players which is proven with his last signing in the auction of Mathys Tel.

McNamara has already confirmed that Max Weiss will be the number 1 keeper for the start of the season despite his age. Given Weiss age and lack of experience Patterson will still be hopeful that if he impresses in the cup enough that he could take the number 1 shirt away from the young German however McNamara thinks it's highly un lightly to happen. Although only 21 Weiss has already proven he can cope with the pressure of being a number 1 keeper and McNamara feels the youngster is ready for this big step in his career. McNamara said the following not long after the deal was agreed.

"When Max came over on trial it was clear from the start he wanted the move to happen. Given he was our first choice pick we're very disappointed with the attitude of James Trafford refusing to even come for a trial or a look around. Max however jumped at the chance and arrived the day after he was invited. After seeing Max play and how well he fitted into the current squad we knew if we won this bid it would most lightly be a better outcome. We're excited because Max is young and has huge potential. Max is a keeper who is very confident despite his age and believes in his ability. He's however very humble and down to earth and realises he's still got lots to learn as for a goalkeeper he's very young.

We want players who are committed and want to play for Wolves and Max shown from the moment we shown interest that he wanted to come. He's worked well with the goalkeeper coaches and other coaching staff since his trial and when he left us we were hoping he would be the player we'd get. We wish James luck at Brighton and hope it's a success for him their, Max is now our player and we're so excited to see what he can give us. Again like Anthony signed earlier in the week during his trial despite his age he shown great leadership quality so he's also a potential candidate for captain. Max is a keeper with great shot stopping ability, despite his hight he's great at getting down for low shots and he's a very commanding goalkeeper and has great reading of the game, knowing when to come and when to stay. He knows he's still got to improve on his all round game however we could see early on he was keen to do this. Like Mathys he was asking questions about how he could do certain things better and that's something we like a player who's willing to be coached."

Weiss has signed a 9 season deal with the club and we look forward to tracking his progress in the upcoming season. Welcome to Wolves Max and we wish you a successful career with the club. Their will be a press conference with the player on his arrival as their is still paperwork being completed although Weiss is already in the UK due to the fact he knew he would be going to an English club.

Goalkeeper Max Weiss spoke to Wolves tv not long after penning his 9 season deal at the club. The 21 year old German arrives from the FMFA auction after catching the eye in his break through season in Germany last season. At 6ft 3 he's a good height for a goalkeeper and slightly taller than Anthony Patterson brought in earlier in the week. The manager has already stated that Weiss will be given the number 1 shirt due to being closer to his next skill rating although if Patterson gets the captaincy then that may change. Weiss is also on the list to be captain along with Toby Collier and new signings Bukayo Saka, Tray Hume, Jenson Seelt and David Fofana.

Weiss says he's ready for the new challenge that awaits him and feels he's ready to be a number 1 keeper in the top flight of English football. Although having only played 1 full season as a number 1 goalkeeper he feels he's learned a lot and that he's more than ready for the opportunity he's being given. Weiss also stated that despite being very young in goalkeeper terms he feels he's got what it takes to be a top goalkeeper and feels this chance Wolves are giving him will be his chance to prove that. Weiss had the following to say.

"It is a dream for me to move to English football, when I heard I was not 1st choice for Wolves I decided I needed to come on trial to show the manager what I am capable of. When I heard their first choice had refused the offer of a trial I jumped at the chance to come and show what I was capable of. From the moment I arrived I felt welcomed and wanted, the manager explained clearly why I was not the first choice option however made it clear I was someone he was very interested in and he would be putting a bid in for me. When I heard Wolves had won I was excited as from the moment I arrived I felt I fitted in and wanted to make this my next move. When a manager believes in you it makes all the difference as a player, my previous coach felt I had out grown their team and needed this next challenge not only to improve me as a footballer however as a man as well.

Moving to a new country at such a young age won't be easy however everyone made me feel so welcome while on trial so I don't feel I will have a problem settling in. This is a dream for me as everyone wants to play in England it is the best league and the most competitive. Their were around 4 or 5 teams in the title race last season and although Wolves are new to the top flight and while I don't believe we'll be in the title race I do believe we've got the ability to challenge in this league and surprise a few teams.

I am not scared by the prospect of being thrown straight into the side for the 1st game of the season if the manager decides to pick me. I came to be the number 1 keeper here and the manager assured me that would be the most lightly outcome and it is then up to me to keep the shirt. I know I am young however I feel I am ready for the responsibility to be a number 1 keeper at a higher level and feel with the work I have done over the last season I have proven that. I have a lot to learn as in goalkeeper terms I am very young as it takes keepers a lot longer to mature usually however I am determined to prove that age is no obstacle.

I feel I am a strong all round goalkeeper, I feel I am good at deciding when to stay and when to come for the ball. I love shot stopping and am very quick at getting down for low shots. I love ensuring my defence knows what they are doing and what I need from them. Although I am still very young I believe I have a good understanding of the game and one of my main assets is being able to stay on my toes even when I am not directly in the action.

As a goalkeeper you can have large sections of the game when your not involved if your team are dominating the ball, therefor you always have to be ready as you could be called upon any time. Playing in goal takes a lot of concentration because you are the last line of defence so if the ball goes past you their is a high chance it's going into the net. It takes a lot of mental concentration to be a goalkeeper and in my opinion it is the hardest position to play.

Short term my aims are to become the out write number 1 keeper and make the position mine. This may need to be done in stages as if I don't play well early on Anthony who has more experience could take my place. He's already given me some good tips when I joined the team for a late training session after my arrival earlier today. Anthony is a fantastic goalkeeper and I feel I will learn a lot from his experience. Long-term I want to be a top goalkeeper in the world, I want to win trophies hopefully with Wolves however if I out grow this team then some where else. I have signed a long-term deal at Wolves because I believe the manager and his team have the ability to make Wolves a top side."

Welcome again to Wolves Max and we wish you every success.

Wolves announced another deal earlier in the week, again it was with Alex and Sunderland. 3 players have arrived, 1 1st team player and 2 under 23s and two of our under 21ns have left. So let's look at who has come in. The first signing is Bukayo Saka.

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The 23 year old English man is a huge signing for the club, Wolves are still shocked they've managed to obtain a player of this calibre after just being promoted. Saka is pacey and has an eye for goals and assists. This is a top signing for Wolves football club and has made the club even more optimistic about their chances of staying up. McNamara said the following about the new adition to the squad.

"Bukayo is a player with huge quality and I can't believe we've managed to obtain such a big signing, Managing to get a player of this calibre is a big step for Wolves. After just being promoted this is a signing we could not have predicted we'd manage to get done at the beginning of pre-season. Bukayo is quick direct and loves to provide goals and assists. He's a player who will add much neeeded quality to the side and we're looking forward to having a player of this quality in our side. Bukayo will increase our chances of staying up massively and we're looking forward to having him play for us. The fact he's been willing to sign a long term deal with the club is also fantastic."

Carlo Akeme is also going to be happy with the deal as we've signed 2 players for the under 23s as part of the same deal.

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Jonson and Jones were great aditions to the squad for the under 23s. on the older side of u23s football they will be good players to have to make up numbers given we have a number of players close to being promoted to 1st team football. Akeme said the following.

"We are really happy to have gained these 2 extra new players in our squad, they are both useful players and will add much needed depth to our squad as we have a number of players who have got better and may be promoted during the season. Johnson and Jones will be really good players to have as options and I am sure they'll provide us with fantastic contrebutions. I am grateful to Ian and his team for managing to achieve a deal of this quality. I am looking forward to seeing these lads make their first appearances."

Saka has signed a 7 season deal at the club and the two youth players have signed long term deals as well. We wish our 3 new signings good luck and a blessed career at Wolves football club. Bukayo Saka's press conference will be held sometime tomorrow.

New signing Bukayo Saka spoke to Wolves TV not long after penning a 7 season deal at the club. The 23 year old Midfielder stated that coming to Wolves would be a new challenge for him and that he wanted to play for a club where he could be a mentor to less able players. The England international also stated that the manager and project was also a key element in his choice to decide to come to wolves. He also was grateful for the chance to play in the top devision again and he felt Wolves could be a team to watch in the upcoming season. Saka said the following.

"When I heard Wolves were interested in me it did not take long for me to decide to make the move. Ian is a manager who is highly thought of and he is very good at developing younger players. Although I am only 23 I have already had a lot of experience and am an international player however I still have a lot to learn. I feel that Ian will be able to develop me and make me better as a player. Wolves have huge ambition and that's another reason why I wanted to sign for the club as they know where they want to go moving forward.

I have played for some amazing clubs in my short career so far and Wolves is next on a fantastic list, they are a club who want to grow and improve as a team and I am excited about that. Will it be a tough season? of course it will, Wolves have just been promoted so they will be fighting to stay up however with the players the club have brought in it's clear the club are serious about staying in this league. It is also great that 5 of my team mates arrived before me so that will make settling in a lot easier. I have enjoyed my first few days of training and I feel this club can go a long way.

As a player I would say I am direct, fast and enjoy taking players on. I like to run with the ball and beat my man as much as I can. I am always keen on providing goal contributions weather it is assists or goals. I like to play on the wing as I love running at my full back and enjoy playing at the top end of the pitch. I can also play at full-back as well when needed which is always useful because it means I can provide the manager with multiple options.

Speaking to the manager and ownership was a huge factor in my choice to come to the club. I felt from the first conversation that I was wanted and when you move to a club that is something as a player you have to take into account. It is horrible being at a club when you don't feel like your wanted however from the first chats I had with Ian I knew this was a good move for me to take the next step in my career. He explained to me how he sees me fitting into the way they want to play and that was exciting for me.

Short term my aim is to get into the team and ensure I can get a position in the starting 11 on a regular bases. Long term I want to become the best player I can and assist Wolves to become the big club I believe they can. I want to win as many trophies as I can and ensure that I can become the best player I can be."

Welcome to the club Bukayo and we wish you every success at Wolves.

After a busy pre-season Wolves are ready for the start of the new season. It has been a busy few weeks for the new Wolves coaching and development team working on who needs development and making the squad stronger to give us a better chance of remaining in the league. Both squads have had a lot of work done on them and the final bit of work on the youth squad will hopefully be done in the next couple of days. A number of players have been put through extra training in order to make the squad more competitive. The 1st team squad have also spent money and brought in a number of new signings plus a couple of trade deals. The new head of development for the Academy has been promoted to u23s head coach after working on her coaching badges over the summer as Carlo Akeme has been promoted to 1st team goalkeeper coach due to our goaly coach recently leaving us. Head of Academy development will now be taken over by Casey's mother who was already her assistant anyway. Although it was not the most ideal change so soon before the start of the seson it is fantastic that we've been able to sort all the rolls out internally and people who already knew the rolls so hopefully the transition won't be to difficult. Casey Parker said the following about her new roll.

"I did not expect to get the chance of a coaching roll so quickly after completing my badges. I had been enjoying my roll as head of development however my Mum is more than capable of taking on that roll in my place. Getting the chance to coach this set of young players is exciting and it's a great break through for women potentially getting more involved in the man's game. I have already met a lot of the academy players over the past few weeks since I have been in the roll of head of development so I don't see it being to difficult to get into this new roll."

McNamara said the following.

"I have enjoyed getting the team ready for the new season and working on squad improvements, although it's been a busy time it has been exciting. My players have been fantastic and were open to my ideas very quickly. We've got a number of players with a high amount of potential and the signings we've brought in will be huge improvements. The new signings are also a mix of youth and experience which is always useful. Their have been a lot of changes since coming to Wolves a few weeks a go however they have all been positive. All that is left to do now is select a captain so my focus over the next couple of training sessions will be to assess who is the best player for that roll. Casey will be picking her own under 23s captain. It's going to be a hard season however I believe we have what it takes to stay in the league."