Joe Hodge has been speaking about his lack of game time at Wolves – and shared how Gary O’Neil has been with him about the situation.
Hodge has made just one appearance so far this season for Wolves.
That came in the Carabao Cup against Blackpool.
Hodge suffered a hamstring injury in that match though and had to be withdrawn in the second-half.
He was unavailable for a few squads after that, but Hodge returned to the bench against Manchester City.
He was then left out against Aston Villa, with Tommy Doyle coming back onto the bench after being unavailable to face his parent club City.
Last week Hodge suggested that he could leave Wolves in January if his level of involvement does not increase, and more quotes from the player have now emerged…
Joe Hodge shares how Gary O’Neil has been with him over his lack of minutes at Wolves
Hodge is clearly really keen to increase his minutes at Wolves.
He’s fit again now, and is ready to make an impact.
But it’s difficult because Wolves have some quality options to play in the middle.
Hodge himself knows and accepts this, but is still hoping that he will get a proper chance from O’Neil.
And Hodge has shared how the head coach has been the him regarding his current situation.
He said (Express & Star): “He’s been alright and we’ve had a couple conversations. It’s difficult to have that when I’m not playing because the only thing on my mind is that I want to be playing football.
“When you see the team come up on the board every week and you’re not in it, it’s disappointing. So it’s hard to have that sort of relationship with him.
“Obviously I’ve been injured, which is not his fault or my fault, but I want to be playing football. Gary knows that and hopefully I start getting some more minutes soon. If not, we know the option is there for January.”
Hodge’s honesty is refreshing
It is very clear from these quotes, and the ones last week, that Hodge is not happy with his current level of game time at Wolves.
It is refreshing to hear him just say how he’s feeling, because no one can then begrudge him leaving in January if it comes to that.
Hodge’s determination for more minutes at Wolves is very admirable.
And he’s a good player, who probably deserves a bit more involvement.
But Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes are just so solid in that midfield. And then you’ve got players like Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Boubacar Traore waiting for chances as well.
And the signing of Tommy Doyle definitely will not help Hodge.
It would therefore be no surprise if Hodge did leave on some kind of basis in January.