Tag: Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Celtic have moved swiftly to shore up their goalkeeper ranks, bringing in former England shot-stopper Sam Johnstone on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 33-year-old arrives at Parkhead with Premier League pedigree but limited recent game time, providing immediate competition for Finland international Viljami Sinisalo and the club’s other custodians.

Why Celtic needed Johnstone now

Kasper Schmeichel’s abrupt retirement in February left a void between the posts that has not been fully addressed. The Danish veteran played his final match for Celtic that month, and his departure created an urgent need for experienced cover. Johnstone, capped four times by England, brings 17 Premier League appearances from last season—albeit mostly as back-up at a relegated Wolves side. His last competitive outing came in an FA Cup defeat to Liverpool in early March, yet his profile and Premier League experience remain valuable assets for a club chasing domestic and European honours.

Manager Martin O’Neill framed the signing as a tactical upgrade, noting Johnstone’s “quality” and “excellent experience at the highest level.” The arrival also signals Celtic’s intent to tighten their grip on the Scottish Premiership, where margins between success and stagnation are razor-thin. With European football returning, the pressure to perform intensifies—and Johnstone’s presence adds depth without the long-term commitment of a permanent deal.

A changing of the guard at Wolves

Wolves’ decision to release Johnstone reflects their own restructuring under new ownership and a clearout of experienced players. Relegated from the Premier League last season, the club is reshaping its squad while navigating financial constraints. Johnstone’s exit aligns with a broader exodus, including the loss of other senior figures, as Wolves aim to rebuild under fresh leadership.

This loan move also arrives amid broader Premier League turbulence, where clubs scramble for value in a transfer market skewed by parachute payments and relegation settlements. For Celtic, the deal represents a shrewd short-term fix; for Wolves, it frees up wages and reduces squad congestion. The financial pragmatism on both sides underscores how loan markets now function as strategic tools rather than mere stopgaps.

What comes next for Celtic’s goalkeeping department

Johnstone’s integration will be closely watched. He joins a group that includes Sinisalo and other academy products, with the Finn expected to push for minutes. The new arrival’s immediate task is to provide stability, particularly in high-pressure fixtures where defensive lapses can prove costly. His experience in England’s top flight should help Celtic navigate European qualifiers and tight league encounters alike.

Beyond the pitch, the signing carries symbolic weight. Celtic’s recruitment this summer has focused on reinforcing areas of need with proven performers, and Johnstone fits that template. Whether he can replicate Schmeichel’s reliability remains to be seen, but his arrival sends a clear message: this squad is being built to compete, not just participate.

For now, the focus shifts to pre-season and the opening fixtures. Johnstone’s first competitive action could come as early as July, with Celtic likely to prioritise cup competitions and league starts. The race for the Premiership title is already heating up, and every position—especially the one between the posts—matters.

Chepstow, Lingfield and Wolverhampton host today’s live racing action, a reminder that even as football’s summer transfer window cranks into gear, other sporting narratives unfold in parallel. But in Glasgow, the priority is clear: Celtic are assembling a squad capable of dominating at home and making waves abroad—and Johnstone’s loan is the latest piece in that puzzle.

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Chepstow, Lingfield and Wolverhampton host today’s live racing action · Lingfield, Windsor and Wolverhampton feature on Monday

EFL Championship action delivered a double dose of late drama on Saturday, with Swansea City taking the lead at Derby County before Wolverhampton Wanderers fought back to go ahead at Stoke City. The results kept the promotion race finely poised and underlined the unpredictability of a division where no lead feels safe until the final whistle.

Swansea edge past Derby in stoppage-time

Swansea moved into the top six with a narrow victory at Pride Park, their late strike arriving in the 90th minute. The visitors had weathered early pressure from Derby, who saw a first-half effort ruled out for a marginal offside call. Swansea, though, grew into the game and found their rhythm through the midfield trio of Joe Allen, Matt Grimes, and Ryan Bennett, whose distribution kept Derby pinned back. The breakthrough came when a loose clearance fell to a Swansea attacker inside the box; he took a touch before slotting home. Derby’s response was swift but ultimately insufficient, with Martyn Waghorn forcing a late save from the Swansea goalkeeper. The three points move Swansea level on points with Leeds United in the automatic promotion places, while Derby remain mired in mid-table after another missed opportunity.

Wolves reclaim lead at Stoke in second-half surge

Wolverhampton Wanderers rediscovered their attacking rhythm to overturn a half-time deficit at Stoke City. The visitors had started brightly, with Daniel Podence testing the Stoke goalkeeper within the opening minutes, but it was Stoke who broke the deadlock through a set-piece in the 32nd minute. The hosts doubled their advantage shortly before the interval when a long ball found its target and a Stoke attacker controlled it before finishing. Wolves, though, regrouped at the break and equalised through a rapid counter-move on 55 minutes. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when a Wolves attacker received the ball on the edge of the box, turned, and drove a low shot across the goalkeeper. Stoke pushed for an equaliser but lacked composure in the final third, and Wolves held on to secure a vital three points in their own promotion push. The result keeps Wolves within striking distance of the play-off places, while Stoke’s inconsistency continues to frustrate.

Promotion race tightens as midweek fixtures loom

The Championship’s congested schedule resumes on Tuesday, with Middlesbrough hosting Norwich City, Leeds United facing Millwall, and Coventry City travelling to Sunderland—three matches that could decisively reshape the automatic promotion and play-off picture. Chepstow, Lingfield, and Wolverhampton host today’s live racing action, a reminder of the city’s dual sporting identity, while the football stakes remain high. For Swansea, the win keeps them in the automatic promotion conversation, but their next fixture against Norwich City will demand the same intensity if they are to sustain their challenge. Wolves, meanwhile, will look to build on their resilience against Stoke, knowing that consistency—not just moments of inspiration—will define their season. Derby’s late collapse will be dissected in training this week, where the focus will shift from what went right to why they repeatedly falter in the final third.

The Championship’s unpredictable nature was on full display, with Swansea and Wolves both securing late winners after periods of dominance from their opponents. The results underscore how quickly momentum can shift in a division where a single moment can redefine a club’s trajectory. As the international break looms, the question now is which teams can carry this form into the congested fixture list ahead. For now, the promotion race remains finely balanced, and the next round of matches could tilt the scales decisively.

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Chepstow, Lingfield and Wolverhampton host today’s live racing action · Lingfield, Windsor and Wolverhampton feature on Monday

Three tracks, one channel, all the action: Sky Sports Racing delivers a packed Monday card across Chepstow, Lingfield and Wolverhampton this afternoon. From the promising debutants at the Welsh track to the in-form handicappers at Lingfield and the evening sprints at the Black Country venue, there is no shortage of angles to follow.

Chepstow’s maiden showdown: Grove Street vs Avionics

The feature at Chepstow is the Bailey Family Investments / EBF Maiden Stakes, where Grove Street and Avionics line up in a clash of two-year-old debutants trained by Brian Meehan and Andrew Balding respectively. Grove Street arrived at Sandown last month with a narrow defeat to Quest For Stars, a race that has since produced a subsequent winner of the Stonehenge Stakes and a novice victor at Newbury. Avionics, meanwhile, ran well at Salisbury before a run at Ffos Las that did not reflect his true ability, though connections will point to a clear improvement if the colt can settle this time around. Talamon, a half-brother to Grade 1 scorer Fev Rover, steps out for George Boughey and could spring a surprise if fully ready.

Lingfield’s handicapping heat: My Old Mate eyes a third straight win

At Lingfield, the Free Tips on attheraces.com Handicap sees My Old Mate bid for a hat-trick under Jude Fernandes’ 7lb claim. Since ditching headgear, the Moore-trained runner has won twice on the bounce at Windsor, and though he carries an 11lb penalty, his finishing style suggests he remains well clear of the handicapper. Henfield, a recent Lingfield scorer by a short head, is the only other in-form contender, while Perfect Ruler could set a career best if unfancied form holds.

Wolverhampton’s evening sprints: six races under the lights

As the sun drops, Wolverhampton’s six-race card takes centre stage. The track’s reputation for tight finishes and sharp conditions makes it a reliable venue for punters seeking value, and tonight’s sprints promise no exception. For deeper form analysis, Pyramid and Bintward headline this Wolverhampton feature, while pedigree angles arrive via Ombudsman’s half-sister, making her debut on the card.

Across the three venues, the common thread is progression: horses stepping up after narrow defeats, handicappers rediscovering their best form, and debutants with pedigree or recent work suggesting they can trouble established names. The evidence is in the races that followed: Quest For Stars has since won the Stonehenge Stakes, while the fourth home at Sandown, King High, took a novice event at Newbury. Whether it’s Grove Street’s Sandown form or My Old Mate’s Windsor double, the pattern is clear.

For viewers, the challenge is simple: pick the horse that has shown the clearest upward curve. At Chepstow, Grove Street’s Sandown form stands out, while Avionics must prove he can recapture that Salisbury effort without the late collapse. Lingfield’s race hinges on whether My Old Mate’s finishing burst can overcome the penalty, and Wolverhampton’s sprints reward those who trust the proven rather than the unexposed. The form lines are short but sharp, and the angles are laid bare.

Sky Sports Racing has the angles covered. The only question left is which horse can turn promise into profit.

Monday’s racing calendar delivers three compelling fixtures, with Windsor and Wolverhampton set to host headline acts while Lingfield provides an afternoon card. The second race at Windsor sees Mithaaly, a £260,000 Goffs purchase, bid for his first career win under trainer George Boughey, fresh from a half-length defeat to Rocket Boy at Yarmouth. The form around him matters: Rocket Boy followed up with a third-place finish in the Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury, while Fairly Well has run consistently, including a strong showing behind Newbury’s Coat Of Red, who went close behind Evenfall and Sorrengail.

Mithaaly’s maiden chance under the spotlight

Mithaaly’s potential hinges on whether his Yarmouth effort was a stepping stone or a false dawn. The Boughey-trained runner has shown enough to suggest he can go close, particularly if the step up in class doesn’t trouble him. Fairly Well, meanwhile, carries the strongest form among the field after two solid efforts, including a Leicester run where it finished behind Coat Of Red, a horse that subsequently ran on well at Newbury. Nobelos arrives with pedigree—purchased for €110,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale—and could provide the stiffest test for the newcomers.

Wolverhampton’s feature: Choice and Calypso collide again

Wolverhampton’s main event sees James Choice and Prince Of Calypso renew their rivalry, a pairing that has already delivered competitive finishes. Choice, progressive through the season, has been a key figure in recent handicaps, while Prince Of Calypso brings consistency and a knack for staying in touch. Their latest clash could shape the handicap landscape at Molineux, especially if either can build on their recent showings.

The Wolverhampton card also features Pyramid and Bintward as headline acts, with Pyramid looking to build on a strong debut run and Bintward bringing experience to the mix. The track’s all-weather surface often rewards well-prepared runners, and this race could serve as a barometer for both horses’ progress this term.

Ray Mon Dough and Waistcoat headline Windsor’s handicap

The evening at Windsor opens with Ray Mon Dough, a horse that bolted up on debut last November and remains unexposed. After a promising second to Behike—now a Listed winner—it rebounded with a clear victory at Leicester, suggesting it has plenty left in the tank. Waistcoat, a Newbury winner last month, steps up in class but has the profile to run creditably, while Under The Twilight and Cashbox bring Glorious Goodwood form to the table. Amazonian Dream, a course specialist, cannot be dismissed despite a tough July run.

Windsor’s card also offers a chance to assess Nobelos’ credentials after its €110,000 purchase tag. The Goffs Orby Sale graduate has drawn a competitive race, but any market movement in its favour could signal a serious contender. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton’s feature race promises a tactical duel between Choice and Prince Of Calypso, two horses with a history of trading blows.

Monday’s fixtures arrive at a pivotal moment in the racing calendar, with each track offering distinct challenges. Windsor’s maiden contest could define Mithaaly’s trajectory, while Wolverhampton’s headline race tests the mettle of Choice and Prince Of Calypso. For those seeking early clues, Ray Mon Dough’s handicap at Windsor and Pyramid’s Wolverhampton outing will be key.

With live coverage across Sky Sports Racing, the stage is set for a night of tactical nuance and potential breakthroughs. Whether it’s Mithaaly’s first win, Ray Mon Dough’s handicap dominance, or Choice and Calypso’s latest instalment, the racing promises more than just routine fixtures—it offers a glimpse into the next generation of performers. The all-weather surfaces at Wolverhampton and Windsor will test stamina and adaptability, while Lingfield’s afternoon card provides a contrasting test of speed and early pace.

Raul Jimenez’s stoppage-time penalty restored parity for Wolves against Blackburn on Friday, but the award itself—not the finish—has dominated the post-match narrative. The 2-2 draw at Molineux hinged on a 90+3 spot-kick after Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross struck Ryan Alebiosu’s hand just inside the area, a decision that left both dugouts divided and the stands buzzing long after the final whistle.

What happened in the 90th minute?

The decisive sequence began when Tchatchoua swung a left-wing cross into the box. Alebiosu, tracking the flight of the ball, raised his arm to shield his face and the ball clipped his hand. Referee Keith Stroud immediately pointed to the spot, sparking an instant reaction from Blackburn players who remonstrated with the officials. The call was met with audible disbelief from sections of the 30,984 crowd, many of whom felt the contact was accidental rather than deliberate.

Jimenez, introduced in the 60th minute, stepped up to convert the penalty with composure, slotting low to the goalkeeper’s left. The finish preserved a point for Cesar Peixoto’s side after Marshall Munetsi’s 18th-minute opener was cancelled out by Sean McLoughlin’s 27th-minute header and Andri Gudjohnsen’s 48th-minute finish.

Why the controversy matters now

The penalty award has reignited debates about handball interpretations under the current laws, particularly around accidental contacts near the box. Curtis Davies, appearing on Sky Sports, questioned whether the contact was “clear and obvious enough” to justify a spot-kick, while Jobi McAnuff argued the arm’s position “changed the natural shape of the body” and therefore warranted intervention. The split opinions underscore how subjective these judgments remain, even at Championship level.

For Wolves, the point masks a performance that rarely threatened to extend their lead. Their first home game of the new season offered little evidence that Peixoto’s side is ready to challenge for automatic promotion, despite Jimenez’s timely intervention. Blackburn, meanwhile, will feel aggrieved to leave Molineux without all three points after dominating spells, especially given their pre-match status as unfancied underdogs.

What comes next for both sides

Wolves must regroup quickly after a display that lacked the cohesion required to build on last season’s mid-table finish. Jimenez’s late cameo offered a fleeting lift, but the manner of the penalty—rather than the finish—will dominate Monday morning’s analysis. Peixoto will hope the controversy doesn’t overshadow the broader issues exposed by a disjointed display.

Blackburn, despite the disappointment, can take heart from their competitiveness and the individual quality shown by players like Gudjohnsen. Tony Mowbray’s side may lack the star power of their opponents, but their willingness to press and create chances suggests they will be difficult to shift in the early exchanges of the campaign.

One thing is certain: the handball law’s application will remain a talking point long after the dust settles on this draw. Whether the decision was correct or not, the fallout has already shifted focus away from the football itself—a pattern that risks overshadowing the start of the season for both clubs.

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Raul Jimenez’s stoppage-time penalty preserved Wolves’ unbeaten start to the Championship season, but the manner of the point—secured by a controversial spot kick—left more questions than answers at Molineux.

A late twist salvages a share of the spoils

Marshall Munetsi’s first-half strike gave Wolves the lead, Fer Lopez’s through ball splitting Blackburn’s defence for the Zimbabwean to slot past Balazs Hoth. Sean McLoughlin equalised midway through the first half, nodding in from Ryoya Morishita’s cross after a rare misstep from Conor Coady allowed the ball to run across goal. Andri Gudjohnsen then put Rovers ahead early in the second period, converting from close range after Wolves’ defence failed to clear a set piece.

Cesar Peixoto’s side looked set for defeat until the 90th minute, when Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross struck Ryan Alebiosu’s hand just inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Jimenez—introduced from the bench in the 60th minute—stepped up to level the game. The Mexican’s composed finish restored parity in stoppage time, turning a nervy evening into a point Wolves will take but not celebrate.

Controversy overshadows a competitive opener

The penalty award sparked immediate debate, with former players questioning its validity. Curtis Davies and Jobi McAnuff dissected the decision in Sky Sports’ post-match analysis, questioning whether the contact was deliberate or accidental. The controversy lingered long after the final whistle, with Wolves’ late escape from defeat feeling less like a triumph and more like a reprieve.

Peixoto’s side showed glimpses of promise but lacked the composure to see out a victory. Blackburn, meanwhile, matched their hosts for large spells, particularly in the first half, and will feel aggrieved not to have left with all three points. Tony Mowbray’s unfancied side exceeded expectations, but the late drama ensured neither team could claim a fully deserved result.

What comes next for Wolves and Blackburn

For Wolves, the draw exposes the gulf between their ambitions and current reality. A return to the Premier League demands consistency, yet Peixoto’s side struggled to impose themselves against a well-organised Championship side. Jimenez’s cameo offered a rare bright spot, but the penalty’s controversy risks overshadowing his contribution.

Blackburn’s performance suggests Mowbray’s side could be more competitive than anticipated this season. Gudjohnsen’s goal and McLoughlin’s header proved they can punish defensive lapses, while their midfield bossed possession in patches. If they can tighten up at the back, Rovers may yet emerge as genuine promotion contenders.

Wolves must regroup quickly. Their next fixture looms, and the scrutiny over their decision-making—both on and off the pitch—will only intensify. Jimenez’s penalty may have spared them blushes, but the manner of the draw offers little comfort for a club chasing an immediate return to the top flight.

Jimenez, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, acknowledged the frustration: “It’s amazing to be back, scoring in the first game of the season. It’s not the result we were looking for in our first home game of the new season, so we need to learn from this.”

For now, Wolves cling to their unbeaten record, but the flaws exposed at Molineux demand urgent attention. Blackburn, meanwhile, can hold their heads high after a spirited display—even if the late penalty call left a bitter taste in their mouths.

As the season unfolds, both sides will need to refine their edges. Wolves cannot afford many more nights like this if they harbour serious promotion ambitions, while Blackburn’s potential may hinge on whether they can convert such competitive performances into tangible rewards.

One thing is certain: the debate over Wolves’ late penalty will not fade quickly. Today on Sky Sports Racing, the conversation around Molineux’s fortunes will continue—long after the final whistle.

Wolves’ Championship curtain-raiser at Molineux ended in a nervy stalemate after a late penalty rescued a share of the points, but the real story was Blackburn’s first-half surge that left Gary O’Neil’s side stunned.

How Blackburn exposed Wolves’ early-season nerves

From the first whistle, Rovers looked anything but overwhelmed. Tony Mowbray’s side pressed in waves, their midfield trio of Morishita, Alebiosu and McLoughlin dominating possession and probing with purpose. Wolves found themselves unable to fashion clear-cut chances until the final minutes, their early-season confidence noticeably absent. The home crowd’s frustration grew palpable as the clock ticked past 80, with supporters voicing their displeasure at the lack of urgency.

Blackburn took the lead via Sean McLoughlin’s set-piece goal, the defender making his English football bow by rising unmarked to head home. The goal was no fluke; Rovers had carved out multiple chances before the breakthrough, their willingness to attack unsettling a Wolves defence that rarely looked comfortable.

Gudjohnsen’s introduction shifts the balance

Andri Gudjohnsen’s introduction injected fresh energy into Wolves’ attack, but it was Rovers who nearly doubled their lead. In stoppage time, Wolves were awarded a controversial late penalty, which Raul Jiménez converted to salvage a point. The decision sparked debate, with many at Molineux arguing it was marginal at best.

Blackburn’s response was swift. Within seconds of Wolves’ equaliser, Garrett forced a fine save from Bentley, who tipped the effort around the post. The visitors’ resilience was further tested when Montgomery made a last-ditch tackle to deny Wolves a winner in stoppage time, his intervention epitomising Rovers’ doggedness.

What comes next for both sides

For Wolves, the draw is a wake-up call. Their inability to capitalise on home advantage—despite dominating possession—will raise questions about their readiness for the rigours of the Championship. The late drama, however, offered a glimmer of hope, with Jiménez’s penalty proving his composure under pressure.

Blackburn, meanwhile, will take heart from their performance. Mowbray’s side showed they can compete with the division’s heavyweights, their defensive solidity and attacking intent boding well for the season ahead. The introduction of Fevrier and Ohashi in the final stages demonstrated tactical astuteness, keeping Wolves on the back foot.

As the Championship settles into its rhythm, both teams will look to build on this opening fixture. Wolves’ promotion credentials remain intact, but their sluggish start demands immediate improvement. Blackburn have announced themselves as serious contenders—not just for survival, but for a push up the table.

Tonight’s result may not have delivered a winner, but it certainly delivered intrigue. The Championship is back, and the race is on.

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Sean McLoughlin’s first goal in English football arrived at the right moment. With Wolves pressing for a winner at Molineux, the Irish defender rose above Max Kilman to head home a corner in the 72nd minute, restoring parity after Raúl Jiménez’s 31st-minute strike. The Championship curtain-raiser finished 1-1, but the manner of Blackburn’s equaliser—McLoughlin’s composed finish from close range—was the talking point, not the late collapse Wolves had feared.

What happened at Molineux

Wolves began brightly, and their opening goal arrived after 31 minutes when Pedro López threaded a diagonal ball to Jiménez, who controlled under pressure before firing past Aynsley Pears. Blackburn, organised by Tony Mowbray, absorbed early pressure before finding their rhythm. The visitors’ best chance of the first half fell to Sammie Szmodics, whose header was tipped over by José Sá. The deadlock held until the break, but the second half belonged to Wolves—until McLoughlin intervened.

From a corner on the left, McLoughlin outmuscled Kilman to nod the ball past Sá, sparking a brief eruption of noise from the Blackburn support. The goal was a statement of intent: Rovers, despite limited possession, had matched Wolves physically and tactically. The home side responded with urgency, but Pears made crucial saves from both Jiménez and Gonçalo Guedes in stoppage time, ensuring the point stayed on the table.

Why McLoughlin’s goal matters now

For McLoughlin, the goal is a personal milestone. The 28-year-old, who joined Blackburn from Cork City in January, had gone 18 months without a competitive goal in English football. His arrival at Ewood Park was met with curiosity rather than expectation, but this strike changes the narrative. It also underscores Blackburn’s resilience under Mowbray, who has shaped a side capable of absorbing pressure before exploiting set-pieces.

The draw at Molineux is a useful result for both clubs. Wolves, managed by César Peixoto, showed promise in midfield with João Neves and Nélson Munetsi dictating tempo, but their finishing was wasteful. The Portuguese coach will take heart from the energy of his forwards, yet the lack of a second goal will fuel questions about clinical conversion. For Blackburn, the point keeps them level on points with Wolves at the season’s start, a foundation for a campaign that could yet surprise.

The tactical balance and what comes next

Peixoto’s Wolves dominated possession in patches, but Blackburn’s compact 4-4-2 frustrated their attempts to play through the thirds. Mowbray’s side absorbed pressure, then looked to counter via the flanks, with Ryan Giles and Jack Vale offering width. The visitors’ discipline was evident in midfield, where Lewis Travis and John Buckley shielded the defence. Wolves’ best chance of the second half came when Munetsi surged forward, only for Pears to smother the attempt.

McLoughlin’s goal was the product of a well-worked set-piece routine, a theme that could define Blackburn’s season. Their next fixture, away to Norwich City, will test their away form, while Wolves host Leeds United in a local derby that could shape the early title race. The Championship’s physicality demands consistency, and both sides will need to tighten their squads before the transfer window slams shut.

For now, though, the focus remains on McLoughlin. His goal may not have won the game, but it announced his arrival in emphatic fashion. Wolves’ season is off to a cautious start, while Blackburn have shown they belong in this division. The real work begins next week.