Iwelumo unfazed by Valley return
Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo is hoping the Valley turns on him on his first return to Charlton since leaving in the summer – to fire him up even more.
Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo is hoping the Valley turns on him on his first return to Charlton since leaving in the summer – to fire him up even more.
The powerful frontman is likely to receive a good reception from the home support tomorrow, after top scoring in his only season for the Addicks.
But the 30-year-old Scot admits he would relish a few catcalls to inspire him and show the Charlton faithful what they are missing, after already grabbing five goals this season.
He said: "If I'm being totally honest, I'd prefer to get a bit of stick. It makes no difference to me. Footballers have to be very thick-skinned and they shouldn't be affected by little things like that.
"I'm definitely not, so hopefully I get a little bit of stick. I wouldn't mind that because it would spur me on a bit more."
Iwelumo was part of a Charlton side who had a similarly promising start to the season like Wolves, as the Addicks reeled off an eight-match unbeaten Championship run until losing at Wolves on October 20.
That form fizzled out and the former Stoke and Colchester target man admits he has learned lessons – namely that Championship success can be a battle of who is physically strongest.
He said: "Last pre-season there was a great buzz and an expectation at Charlton. We started off well but slipped off the pace and I've learned from that. It got to the point where because we had good quality, we thought we could just turn up and win.
"Here at Wolves, we've got a good balance – we've got a lot of energy, but we've also got a physical presence. We mix and match it very well."
Table-topping Wolves remain unbeaten and in terrific form with 13 goals in four games. Iwelumo is relishing the exciting football the team is playing.
He said: "That's why I came here. With 'Kights' (Michael Kightly), 'Jarvo' (Matt Jarvis), 'Wardy' (Stephen Ward) and (Andy) Keogh, the service is unbelievable.
"It's set up for me better here. It's natural, there's a great flow to our game and it's entertaining to watch. Against Forest, we could have been 8-0 up at half-time, so that's why I came.
"At Charlton we played very nice but there weren't a lot of chances. Even the Charlton-Wolves game last season at the Valley, I think Charlton forced 46 crosses and not one attempt on goal.
"Look at us already, Ipswich – Sylvan back post header, goal and that's what it's about. If the service is there, the strikers will get chances and hopefully score."
Despite the disappointment at how things turned out, the Scotland 'B' international bears no hard feelings over his exit.
He said: "I left in a good way. I'm an honest guy and if I have a problem with someone, they know that. I told them I wanted to go to be here."
