Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

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8/20/21
Guedioura returns to Wolves

News has just surfaced that Guedioura has completed a move back to Wolverhampton after an unsuccessful loan spell with premiership side, Nottingham Forest. "I am happy to be back with the club that helped me get to where I'm at today. I hope to contribute soon."

Guedioura is expected to dress for tonight's league cup draw against West Brom.

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9/10/21
Matteo prepares for Watford

Not too long ago, before joining the ranks of Wolves and Newcastle, Lam Matteo played brilliantly for Watford, becoming one of the league's top midfielder and displaying his skill in the Uefa Cup (disbanded now).

Today, on his 31st birthday, Matteo's focus will be to beat his old club, and grab all three points, because Wolves desperately need it. After being knocked out of the League Cup by West Brom, Wolverhampton have lost their last 2 matches; including a 4-0 drubbing to league rivals Crystal Palace.

Played, not reported:

Wolves 1-2 Burnley
Crystal Palace 4-0 Wolves

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9/18/21
Schedule change

The match against Southampton has been pushed back, and Sheffield United will take their place, visiting Molineaux next weekend.

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10/12/21
State of Emergency

It is official, Lam Matteo is unable to salvage Wolves season. With only one point gained after the last 4 matches, Wolves sit dead last place of the npower championship. It is all but inevitable that Matteo will be sacked, unless he can pull off some sort of miracle in the next 3 matches.

"I have faith in my men. It has been a sight of pain for me to see this rich tradition club go down the way it is. It's my fault, so I will do my best to turn things around in the next coming weeks. I welcome the challenge."

Played, not reported:

Sheffield Utd 4-4 Wolves
Reading 3-2 Wolves
Wolves 0-3 Norwich City
Portsmouth 3-0 Wolves

Upcoming:

10/15/21 - Wolves v Doncaster
10/22/21 - Leeds v Wolves
10/29/21 - Wolves v Millwall

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Match Report: Molineaux almost suffered another defeat today thanks to Wolves poor defending, a theme that has plagued Matteo's side all year. Sitting in last place the majority of this season, it has been one to forget thus far. Matteo's head is being called for - and it is almost an embarrasment to ask for Wolves faithful to wait any longer for the removal of the head coach.

Despite the request, Matteo managed to grab a point for his team against a resilient Doncaster side led by living legend, Billy Sharp.

Chris Pontius grabbed his first goal as a Wolves player after Ebanks-Blake initial shot was not handled well in the rain by Doncaster keeper, Woods.

The match next weekend against 2nd place Leeds is already sold out at Elland Road, it's quite obvious goals are expected to be flooding into Wolves helpless net.

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Matteo Sacked
As expected, Wolves release American manager
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 1 October 2021


Wolves faithful will not miss the underperforming Matteo.

Reuters - Lam Matteo has been let go as Wolves boss after just two months into the 2021 Npower Championship season. During his tenure, Matteo sunk the newly relegated Wolves from a prominent candidate to be promoted, to the absolut bottom of the pile.

In a a statement received via voicemail, Wolves chairman, Sir Jack Hayward had this to say:

"While we are deeply regrettful of our decision to hire Matteo in the first place, we believe the talent of players he has brought in has more than surpassed our expectations. It is now time to find an adequate replacement for the man to direct said players."

Matteo, now 31, is jobless as a manager - and while his playing career is not officially over, it is not likely the calls will come his way for either department.

Wolves have yet to announce Matteo's replacement, however rumors are pointing towards experienced manager, and ex-England international, Gareth Southgate.

Harsh
But who could blame them, he failed.

"I'll take every day in stride now. It's embarrasing to be let go so early, and it's also right at the time when the players started to truly wake up. Will I manage again? Who knows at this point."

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2021-22 Season Concludes
Cardiff City, Leeds and Wolves promoted, Fulham, Forest and Middlsbrough relegated
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 1 October 2021


Fulham are relegated after 15 years in the Premiership.

Reuters - After nearly 20 years away from top tier Football, Leeds United have completed the historic comeback into the Premiership. Along with Leeds is Cardiff City and the highly improbably Wolverhampton after the club had hired Glen Hoddle after the unfortunate 2 month era of Lam Matteo.

Fulham struggled all season with no scoring threat with all 4 strikers injured after the transfer window, while Nottingham Forest was no match for the level of the Premiership.

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Matteo Q&A Sit down
The unanswered questions...TBA?

While Matteo is no longer welcome near Wolves, he has made some good connections through being a manager, and it seems that Lam is on his way to cashing out on some promises throughout his brief time as Wolves number one.

Mark Schwarzer, current editor for Skysports.com (and Matteo's ex teammate from fulham) interviewed his old friend, and while the summary has not been published - I have my inside sources to post for a bit:

Lam, you held a firm grip as being manager for Wolves - did you ever feel any doubt about the future after losing so many matches?

Matteo: Absolutely not. I couldn't come into it with that kind of mindset. I played for that team not 3 years ago, it just felt like home; so I guess that was my downfall because I got too comfortable, thinking there was no chance they would sack a former player.

So after all is said and done with Wolves, you would have done it no other way?

Matteo: The easy answer is to say I'd win more matches, but the nucleus of that team was not just about winning - it was about tradition and the values Wolverhampton has on the country. When you mention Wolves, people listen, and it's not because they're thinking of Aesop Fables.

Rumors are starting to come in, I read recently that your services are required by a newly promoted Premiership club; can you validate this rumor in particular?

Matteo: First off, I doubt any rumors that are being started about me are holding any ground at all. If there are such clubs interested, I haven't heard anything. While, I'm not ashamed of how I performed at Wolves, I'm not one-hundred percent confident in my abilities to pursue a managing position at this time.

You know how British tabloids are, the other day there was a picture of your son, Alex, sporting a Liverpool FC kit with "Matteo" on the back - can you explain?

Matteo: Honestly, I think in this case I'd have to present a word the common folk here use when absurd comments are made - "Mark, you're daft." if you think because my son had a Liverpool kit on means I'm going to be involved with the Reds anytime soon. Totally bogus, sir. 'Lex wears all sorts of kits, all of them say "Matteo" on the back of it. He's got a bib too, you know, fancy I'll join Babies R' Us as my next profession?

I see. Final question, Lam. Are you retired from playing? Why the secrecy? You're getting up in numbers, but I've seen you play - there are many matches still ahead for you.

Matteo: I've not retired yet. I honestly never wanted to get near to thinking about that until I turned 40. The truth is my accident from a couple years ago was detrimental to my career. I knew I would never be the same player, and recently I have had episodes involving nauseua when running. While, I do not believe my overall health is deteriorating, I feel the pressure that I have placed on myself is weighing in hard against my heart.

Well, I hope your heart stays strong - and if we do not see you on the pitch, I hope we are graced soon with you in a suit - and a Premiership trophy in your hands. All the best, Lam.

Matteo: Living the dream - thanks, Mark.