Source: Daily_Mail
THE MIDLANDER: Why Wolves would drop a howler by kicking out Mick McCarthy now
One of my Wolves-supporting acquaintainces in the Billy Wright Stand bounded up to me at the final whistle following their defeat to Birmingham.[LNB]'That's it for McCarthy,' he pronounced boldly. 'They'll have to do something about him now.'[LNB] Eye on the ball: Wolves defender Jody Craddock battles with Birmingham's Christian Benitez[LNB]Er, hang on a minute.[LNB]'That Steve Morgan,' he continued ranting. Rright hard wotsit he is, you know? I'm in the building game and let me tell you, he ay built up that company from nothing by being a soft touch.' [LNB]Blimey, hold your horses.[LNB]'And Jez Moxey will have seen that for himself, won't he?'[LNB]I'm not talking here about my other pal, Miserable Dave, the prophet of doom who works on the basis of 'We are Wolves and woe is we.' I'm talking about my other pal. Let's call him Stuart. It's his name, after all.[LNB] More from Neil Moxley... THE MIDLANDER: It's only November but Wolves' derby date is a six-pointer19/11/09 THE MIDLANDER: Warning signs are ominous for Coventry as Coleman soldiers on12/11/09 THE MIDLANDER: Foxes boss makes players wear heart monitors to bed03/11/09 THE MIDLANDER: Time for Nigel Clough to emulate Old Big 'Ead after yet another boardroom upheaval at Derby County29/10/09 THE MIDLANDER: Di Matteo must wise up for West Brom to win promotion21/10/09 THE MIDLANDER: It's tough at the top - as Martin O'Neill is finding out14/10/09 THE MIDLANDER: It's high time Nottingham Forest told Billy Davies his job is safe - or at least banish David Pleat to the shadows02/10/09 THE MIDLANDER: Reo-Coker was wrong to tackle O'Neill - just as I was24/09/09 VIEW FULL ARCHIVEI wrote a fortnight ago about the importance of the above match. But you cannot - in your right mind - be questioning whether Mick McCarthy should be removed from his post. For a whole host of reasons.[LNB]First, big Mick deserves some credit. Wolves were in a desperate state three-and-a-half years ago. It might have taken a year longer than most would have wanted - mainly due to injuries - but McCarthy succeeded at a fraction of the cost that was lavished on the team by Dave Jones.[LNB]I remain a big Dave Jones fan. Every club he has ever managed has improved. But McCarthy did it without the need for a play-off victory.[LNB]Secondly, Mick has done it without any parachute money. Wolves' budget for players was around half of that of Birmingham's last season. Over at St Andrew's, David Sullivan and his board gambled big...and won.[LNB]There is certainly more value in McCarthy's squad now than the one he inherited. That's an absolute given.[LNB]Thirdly, Wolves were competitive. Draws against Villa, Everton and Stoke - two of those away from Molineux - show that it cannot be all doom and gloom.[LNB]Fourthly, there is still some time to add a couple of experienced faces that are absolutely necessary to steer Wolves out of the current mess.[LNB]Two off the top of my head....bring Henri Camara back - he's never been the same since he left - and let's see if Lee Carsley is surplus at St Andrew's once McLeish has finished spending Carson Yeung's £40m. (I'll believe that when I see it) [LNB]Part of Wolves' problem on Sunday was the lack of experience at Premier League level. Apart from Kevin Doyle and Marcus Hahnemann there was no-one on the pitch with significant know-how.[LNB]The difference between the two sides stood out a mile. Mainly because Messers Bowyer, Carr and Ferguson understand what's required. Even the likes of Seb Larsson and Cameron Jerome have played for a season in the top-flight. And it showed. Wolves fielded a Championship side.[LNB] Not a lot to shout about: Mick McCarthy has endured a tough season[LNB]All the pre-match noises from St Andrew's were along the lines of 'Wolves are going to tear into us and we have to be ready...' Pity no-one told the hosts what was expected. That first-half was the worst I've witnessed from Wolves at Molineux in donkey's years. Lifeless, directionless. It improved after the break. It could hardly have got any worse.[LNB]Lastly, it makes no sense changing manager in December. McCarthy has seen enough of his own side and knows his players well enough to understand what might be needed and in which position.[LNB]What's the point sacking him and then leaving his successor to make snap decisions in the transfer window? No, McCarthy has to be given an evens-chance to get Wolves out of the relegation zone. He has earned that right. Now, he needs some financial backing to make one or two signings in the transfer window. Only at the end of the season should he be judged.[LNB] Taxi for Moxley...[LNB]Alternatively, humble pie, large slice, for Mr Moxley's table. On January 8 this year, I wrote 'what does Alex McLeish see in that irksome oik, Lee Bowyer?'[LNB]Sorry, Lee: Birmingham star Bowyer[LNB]After promotion, five Premier League goals and a starring role alongside the excellent Barry Ferguson, it's clear what Mr McLeish saw in Lee Bowyer.[LNB]As anyone who watches Birmingham City on a regular basis will testify, it's not been an overnight transformation, though. Bowyer's influence has grown along with his fitness and 'game-time.' (Horrible word, sorry.) [LNB]Just once, when he was sent off for a bout of petulance against Preston North End back in May, did the Bowyer of old rear his head. [LNB]But, other than that it has been a toss-up as to whether his arrival - or that of Stephen Carr's - has been more crucial to Birmingham's improvement.[LNB]I've got my own thoughts on that. But on this score, I was wrong. I admit it.[LNB]That's a drink I owe Mr McLeish and an apology to Mr Bowyer, one of which you can consider having been handed over.[LNB] Explore more:People:Marcus Hahnemann, David Sullivan, Steve Morgan, Barry Ferguson, Lee Bowyer, Henri Camara, Alex McLeish, Mick McCarthy, Kevin DoylePlaces:Birmingham
