Source: Daily_Mail
Premier League demand answers from Wolves over side that lost at United
The Premier League has written to Wolves and asked the club to explain why Mick McCarthy fielded his reserves at Old Trafford.[LNB] The top-flight's ruling body is concerned at such a flagrant snub of the rules and have asked the Molineux club to defend their actions after the champions strolled to a three-goal victory.[LNB] Sheeps in Wolves' clothing: Mick McCarthy's side huddle on the Old Trafford pitch before defeat by United[LNB] A formal charge by the Premier League cannot be discounted as the authority look for sanctions over what they believe to be a blatant disregard of the laws.[LNB]The 3,000-strong travelling fans at Old Trafford were upset at Wolvesmanager McCarthy, who changed all 10 outfield players for the trip tothe reigning champions following the club's victory at Tottenham lastSaturday.[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Were Wolves right to play the reserves at Man United? Do you agree with Mick McCarthy's decision to field his second string Wolves team in the defeat at Manchester United on Tuesday? The manager's decision to concentrate on beating the smaller sides this season has left him open to criticism. But can you blame him for the move? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Chants of 'we want our money back' rang out from the visitors'enclosure and the furore showed no sign of dying down as the formerRepublic of Ireland manager made no apology for protecting his frontline players ahead of Sunday's home game against Burnley.[LNB] There is no suggestion that Wolves will suffer a points reduction. Ifthe Premier League deem that the club have a case to answer, a tribunalwill be convened. If found guilty, they will be hit by a fine.[LNB] But Wolves have been cited over law B13, which states that each clubmust act in good faith towards one another, and law E20, regarding thefielding of a full-strength team.[LNB]A Premier League spokesman said: 'The board have written toWolverhampton Wanderers to request their observations in relation tothe team fielded in their League fixture against Manchester United.Once the observations are received the Board will decide whether anyfurther action is warranted.' [LNB] Wolves chief executive Jez Moxeyadmitted his 'surprise' at McCarthy's selection but said that herespected 'absolutely' the manager's right to choose his team.[LNB] Red rout: Nemanja Vidic (right) celebrates scoring with Darron Gibson (centre) and Michael Carrick after scoring against Wolves[LNB] He is likely to contest vigorously any suggestions of wrong-doing. He said: 'Managers must have complete authority to pick the team they feel is best suited to serve the interests of Wolverhampton Wanderers.[LNB] 'I am absolutely satisfied that was the case on Tuesday night. I was surprised but I respect the manager's decision and authority in these matters.[LNB] 'I don't accept that it has damaged the momentum after two straight victories. We have a squad of players who understand 100 per cent what we are trying to do, and to say the side Mick put out on Tuesday night was little more than a reserves' side is disrespectful to those players.[LNB] [LNB]Questions: Mick McCarthy[LNB] 'There were six full internationals on show and Michael Mancienne, whoplays for England Under 21s. It's an inescapable fact that 10 of thoseplayers have appeared for us in the Premier League already this season.[LNB]'So, I don't accept it was a "sub-standard" side. It's the manager's choice which team he plays.[LNB] 'And let's face facts. History shows us that Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United routinely change their sides to suit.'[LNB] The Premier League contest that, when the bigger clubs change their teams, they are still pursuing a result, whereas Wolves would suggest a lack of ambition, which is a breach of rule B13.[LNB] Charles Ross, editor of Wolves fanzine A Load of Bull, said: 'I've had a few emails off people saying firstly how disappointed at the team selection they are but insisting that the players on show gave what they had.[LNB] 'But the fact of the matter is - and it doesn't matter whether Mick McCarthy rested one, five or 10 players - the Premier League should take a long, hard look at themselves.[LNB] [LNB]THE KEY LAWS E20 In every league match, each participating club shall field a full-strength team.[LNB]B13 In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club shall behave towards each other club and the league with utmost good faith.[LNB]COSTLY DECISION Wolves fans were furious as their pockets were hit hard. One supporter, Nick Evers, 43, said: 'I feel insulted. I put in a nine-hour shift to follow my team and it's cost more than £80 to watch the reserves.' Here's what it cost him:[LNB]£20: Time off work (1 hour)[LNB]£42: Cost of ticket[LNB]£15: Coach travel[LNB]£10: Food and programme[LNB]TOTAL: £87[LNB]'Wolves are competing in a league where it is clear they are notoperating among equals. The gap that the Premier League have createdbegs the question as to why managers like Mick McCarthy feel the needto do this.[LNB]'He knew he was going to be pilloried for his team selection at OldTrafford, but the mere fact he has been forced into this should spark adebate about the anti-competitive nature of the Premier League. Thereare the top four, a well-financed bunch below them and the rest of usfeed off the crumbs.[LNB]'I can fully understand why those people who travelled were disgruntled. If they have spent money, time and effort getting to Old Trafford, they have every right to criticise. But what else do you expect managers like McCarthy to do?'[LNB] Moxey has rejected out of hand the notion that he will offer supporters a refund, claiming it sets a precedent.[LNB] He added: 'Mick McCarthy does not need to apologise to me. He hasacknowledged the fans might be, to use his own words, "a bit unhappy".He is a man who has to make difficult decisions.[LNB] 'Our supporters have been magnificent this season. They wereextremely disappointed by our performance against Birmingham City. Manythought we had just capitulated, and that was with almost the same teamthat did so well at Tottenham.[LNB] 'So, who is to say that side would have done any better at OldTrafford? And, as for whether Mick would do it again he's done itonce, I wouldn't bet against him doing so again.' [LNB] DAVID PLEAT was fined by the FA after he fielded a weakened Tottenham side in a match against Everton.I think this is a very sad day for the Premier League.[LNB]In some ways I can understand what Mick did and I have some sympathy. He is trying to protect his squad, keep his players fresh and do the best thing for Wolverhampton Wanderers.[LNB]But what this tells us is that Mick knew his team whatever the make-up had virtually no chance of getting a result at Manchester United. That is a very sad indictment of our game in the modern age.[LNB]If you had told me that we would get to a stage in the top division where one team would go to play another knowing they could not possibly win I would never have believed you.[LNB]But Mick knows that the playing field is not level these days. He knows that financially his team are not in the same league as United.[LNB]I think Mick will regret this as, whenever another manager chooses to leave a few players out, the day Wolves played at Old Trafford with a reserve team will always be mentioned.I remember in the mid-1980s I took a Tottenham team to Everton on the last day of the season.We were already safe in third and there was no Europe to play for as British clubs were banned at that time. Everton were already champions.I played a lot of young players that day, such as Vinny Samways, Ian Crook and Mark Bowen.[LNB]We lost the game and were fined £10,000 by the FA, reduced to £5,000 on appeal. I fear Wolves may now face the same punishment.[LNB]BRYAN ROBSON used second-string players when he managed West Bromwich Albion against Chelsea.Mick McCarthy would have selected his Wolves team on Tuesday for all the right reasons.[LNB]No manager goes into a game to lose but you have to be realistic. Mick said his side were shattered following their performance at Tottenham so you wonder, if he had picked the same side, would they have still lost against United?[LNB]Mick would have gone to Old Trafford with the intention of giving them as tough a game as possible but playing Burnley on Sunday represents a more important game for Wolves.[LNB] If they win, they get three points and take vital points off potential relegation rivals.[LNB]I made the same decision when manager of West Bromwich. We had Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the Wednesday then Birmingham on the Saturday.[LNB] I didn't feel my players would be suitably rested to perform at their optimum against Birmingham if they had spent most of Wednesday chasing the ball and trying to close Chelsea down the one problem was we lost to Birmingham and I was criticised for it.Yet I'd make the same decision again. [LNB]Obviously you have a duty to your travelling support but it's not a question of integrity, it's realism.[LNB]Those fans will be OK at the end of the season if their side is still in the Premier League.[LNB]The real problem for Mick McCarthy will come if Wolves don't get a result against Burnley.[LNB] THE SEASON TICKET HOLDER'S VIEW IN FULLNICK EVERS, 43, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton.[LNB]'I feel insulted. Effectively, after leaving at 4.30pm, I put in a nine-hour shift to follow my team and it's ending up costing me over £80 to watch the reserves.[LNB]'As a season-ticket holder I could have turned up at Telford and watched them for nothing.[LNB]'I went to Old Trafford to see whether this team, the one that I watched perform so well at Spurs, could do the same.[LNB]'I, along with the players who sat this out, were robbed of that chance. [LNB]'The lads who played were clapped off the field. They did their best and did not let themselves down.[LNB]'But I've never seen so many angry faces among that travelling support. They were totally disillusioned. And that was because of the manager's decision.[LNB]'Personally, I feel that Mick McCarthy has let the club down. Thankfully, financially for me it isn't so much of an issue at the moment, but I bet there are hundreds of families in and around Wolverhampton who would have stayed at home and saved themselves the money with Christmas around the corner. If I'd seen a team-sheet, I know I would have.[LNB]'I feel sorry for the players, too. They would probably have been looking forwards to Old Trafford. This is, after all, what we keep being told the Premier League is all about.[LNB]'Honestly, it was soul-destroying. Mick McCarthy needed to win back some support and he was within sight of doing that after two consecutive victories.[LNB]'But I think he's done himself real damage with this.'[LNB] Taking the Mick: McCarthy defends changes after Man United crush WolvesUnited legend Macari slams Wolves for fielding reserves in Old Trafford lossWolves chief Jez Moxey defends tinkerman Mick McCarthy after Old Trafford controversyManchester United 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0: Much-changed Wolves are like lambs to the slaughter at Old TraffordCompetition: Win a pair of tickets for Wolves v Burnley on December 20 - courtesy of BarclaysWOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS FC
