Trivia Special (International Break) | The South Bank Podcast (Ep 5)

Summary

In this episode of the Southbound Podcast, hosts Sammy, Jacob, and Cameron reflect on Wolves' journey since their promotion in 2018. They discuss the highs of Nuno's reign, the excitement of top-tier football, and the subsequent decline. The conversation touches on the effects of Fosun's ownership, the international break, and a quiz about former Wolves players. With the team facing a tough upcoming match against Fulham, the hosts share their thoughts on Wolves' recent struggles and hopeful outlook for the future. It's a mix of nostalgia, football analysis, and light-hearted banter.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wolves’ rise to the Premier League under Nuno was a thrilling era for fans, marked by big signings and a successful 2017-2018 Championship season.
• 😀 The excitement surrounding Fosun's ownership of Wolves has faded due to slow decline and lack of fan connection after Nuno's departure.
• 😀 International breaks are often seen as a dull time for football fans, with the hosts expressing frustration over the lack of club football.
• 😀 The hosts discuss the negative impact of Fosun's business strategy and the lack of transparency with the fans, contributing to a sense of emptiness around the club.
• 😀 The nostalgia for Wolves' 2017-2018 squad and their dominant Championship campaign is palpable, with fans longing for the glory days.
• 😀 Trivia games in the podcast bring lighthearted fun, with the hosts attempting to guess the career paths of former Wolves players, including Robbie Keane and Francisco Trincão.
• 😀 Fabio Silva’s unexpected call-up to Portugal’s B team surprises the hosts, who reflect on his time at Wolves and his potential for the future.
• 😀 Wolves are struggling to find consistent form, and the hosts express cautious optimism about their upcoming match against Fulham, predicting a 1-1 draw.
• 😀 Fulham is viewed as a dangerous team with strong attacking players, but their weak defense gives Wolves a chance to get a result.
• 😀 Injury updates, including Santi Bueno being withdrawn from international duty, are discussed, reflecting the club's cautious approach with key players during the international break.

Q & A

What was the significance of Wolves' promotion to the Premier League in 2018?

Wolves' promotion to the Premier League in 2018 was a major milestone for the club, marking the culmination of a successful season in the Championship. Under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, the team had an outstanding run, winning the league and earning a spot in the Premier League. The club's rise was also fueled by key signings and the backing of Fosun, the Chinese investment group that took over the club in 2016.

How did the arrival of Fosun impact Wolves' fortunes?

Fosun's arrival brought significant investment and ambition to the club, leading to the signing of top-quality players like Rui Patrício and João Moutinho. This investment and strategic focus helped elevate Wolves to the Premier League, where they quickly established themselves as a competitive force, even qualifying for the Europa League. However, the club has faced challenges in recent years, with some questioning whether Fosun's financial backing and leadership have been as strong in the post-pandemic era.

What role did Nuno Espírito Santo play in Wolves' success?

Nuno Espírito Santo played a pivotal role in Wolves' success during his tenure. Under his leadership, Wolves achieved promotion to the Premier League, qualified for European competition, and became known for their disciplined defensive style and counter-attacking football. Nuno created a strong team identity and fostered a sense of unity and community, which endeared him to fans. His departure in 2021 left a noticeable void, with many fans feeling the loss of that connection.

What are the main frustrations expressed by the hosts about the current state of Wolves?

The hosts express frustration about the current state of Wolves, particularly the decline in performance since Nuno's departure. They mention the shift from a community-driven atmosphere to a more corporate, brand-focused approach under Fosun. There's also concern over the club's lack of ambition and direction in recent seasons, with fans feeling disconnected from the ownership and management. Additionally, the hosts point out the defensive vulnerabilities that have contributed to the team's struggles.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Wolves?

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Wolves, especially financially. As Fosun's resources were stretched due to the global crisis, the club faced restrictions on player investments and transfers. This, combined with the financial focus on Fosun's broader pharmaceutical interests, left Wolves with fewer resources to strengthen the squad. The pandemic and its aftermath played a role in the club's decline, with the hosts noting that the excitement and ambition that once defined the team have diminished.

What is the general mood among Wolves fans according to the hosts?

The general mood among Wolves fans, as described by the hosts, is a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and cautious optimism. While there is fondness for the club's achievements under Nuno, fans feel disappointed by the team's recent decline. There's a sense that the club's ambition has waned and that the atmosphere has become more corporate and disconnected from the fans. However, the hosts remain hopeful for a turnaround and still support the team, albeit with some reservations.

What are the hosts' thoughts on the upcoming match against Fulham?

The hosts are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming match against Fulham. They acknowledge Fulham's strong form, particularly in attack, but also note that Fulham's defense is a weak point. Despite Wolves' own defensive vulnerabilities, the hosts express hope that Wolves can capitalize on Fulham's defensive issues and secure a draw or even a win. They highlight the challenge of playing away at Craven Cottage but remain hopeful for a positive result.

What did the hosts think of Fabio Silva's call-up to the Portugal B team?

The hosts were surprised and impressed by Fabio Silva's call-up to the Portugal B team. Despite not having the expected impact at Wolves, his performances for the under-21s were enough to catch the attention of the national team manager. The hosts expressed mixed feelings, with some skepticism about Silva’s time at Wolves but also a sense of pride that he was being recognized on the international stage. They wish him the best in his career and hope he can eventually fulfill his potential.

How do the hosts feel about the current ownership and management of Wolves?

The hosts are critical of the current ownership and management of Wolves, especially regarding the disconnect between the club's fans and the Fosun group. While acknowledging the financial backing that Fosun provided in the past, the hosts feel that the current leadership has not lived up to the initial expectations. There’s a sense that the club has become more of a brand and less of a community-driven club, which has led to dissatisfaction among fans.

What is the significance of the trivia game played in the podcast?

The trivia game serves as a fun and light-hearted break from the more serious discussions about Wolves' current situation. It tests the hosts' knowledge of former Wolves players and their career paths, providing a nostalgic look back at some key figures in the club's recent history. The game also adds an interactive and entertaining element to the podcast, allowing the hosts to share their memories and opinions on former players, while also engaging with listeners in a more informal way.