Fan column: Wolves' Mateus Mane has the world at his feet
Wolves fan columnist John Lalley has his say.
The Status Quo tune blared through the PA system at Molineux to signal a Wolves’ victory; the lyrics a touch repetitive but a tad difficult to remember as we hadn’t heard them for a while.
The celebrations a little over the top but understandable; the relief throughout the stadium palpable.
Amidst the debris of this debacle of a season, a young newcomer, a guy without inhibition and a refreshing determination to express himself gave the long-suffering fans something to feel proud about.
He happily cavorted around the pitch at the end, soaking up the adulation knowing full well that he belonged at this level and showing not a jot of the nervous introspection that has bedevilled so many of our players all season long.
During the game, he unashamedly took the opportunity to approach the South Bank and demand that the fans up the noise level to inspire the team. I remember a seasoned international player Pablo Sarabia similarly giving us the hurry-up during a game at Nottingham Forest. We replied with both barrels, the derisive message being akin to get your own house in order before you ask us to increase the decibels.
Mateus Mane received an entirely more positive reply and given his level of performance it was the least that he deserved.
West Ham may have been compliant but temporarily at least, Mane in the way that he imposed his character and flair lifted the pall of soul-destroying gloom enveloping the club. And it felt just great, but a sense of perspective is no bad thing. Eighteen years of age, still plenty to learn; pundits, commentators and no doubt agents all salivating at such massive potential.
Has to move on, Wolves already a stage too limited for a guy of his ability. And should this upward curve continue, which is easy to predict but not so simple to deliver, Mane no doubt won’t be being granted a Molineux testimonial in 10 years’ time.
But patience and realism should prevail. Recall Alun Evans at Wolves bursting onto the scene at Molineux and becoming the first £100,000 teenager back in the 1960s.
He briefly shone at Liverpool but his career quickly plateaued out.
In contrast, Robbie Keane rather like Mane shot to fame as a precocious kid at Wolves, moved on and enjoyed a stellar career.
Mane should be in no rush either; he’s got the world at his feet.
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.