Karl Henry at 250

If WW sites are full of rumours of whom Mick McCarthy is keen on poaching from us, one of the persons named, Karl Henry, will certainly not be heading to East Anglia. Karl celebrates his 250th. game in the Old Gold colours today and, if our manager is to be believed, he will be making many more appearances for us in the future.

As he states, "Karl is a leader figure as a captain and has been here in the good times and the bad times". Some might argue that Henry`s rashness has occasionally contributed towards the bad times but there is no doubting his commitment to the club and the positive benefits he brings to the side.

Sure, he can be a little reckless and, sure, he is not a midfield playmaker but teams like ours need an enforcer like Karl if they are not to be overrun in the middle of the pitch. When he is absent, we suffer ... especially our back four. If I do not completely agree with Stale when he claims that Henry "... has good technique and can pass the ball", occasionally he does surprise us with a great through pass: just like the one he launched at SEB in the Birmingham game which directly led to the goal.

Many of us, perhaps feeling exasperated with another Henry sending off or an off-cue pass, thought that Davis would have replaced Henry in the team by now. He certainly is a more accomplished all-round midfielder and in the long term he will be able to replicate those aspects of the game which Henry does so well. But not yet.

Even so, I hope to see the learning process continue today with the two of them them working in tandem against Peterborough. Davis helped to strengthen our midfield against Blackpool last Saturday after Doumbia faded badly. Moreover, we will need to be strong in this area of the game this afternoon because Peterborough are on a roll after back-to-back wins. In Dwight Gayle they have unearthed a gem of a striker.

Because of Henry`s whole-hearted commitment to the cause and the vital contribution that he makes to the team, he is the obvious captain. Perhaps, one reason for our poor performance last season was the players` reaction to his demotion and the foisting on them of the abrasive Johnson. Both are playing better this season now that Henry is back in charge.

I expect a fast, open game this afternoon with Wolves emerging winners by three goals to two, if Henry plays his normal game ... but thinks before diving in.

Congratulations, Karl!

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