Ian Sharps felt Wolves under-21s could have claimed victory in their 1-1 draw with West Ham United on Monday night if his players would have taken the chances they were able to create.
With James Collins currently taking first-team training, lead academy coach Sharps – together with Wolves Women manager Dan McNamara and under-18s assistant James McPike – is overseeing the under-21s and was pleased with the opportunities the side created in their Premier League 2 outing at Keys Park.
After Tawanda Chirewa opened the scoring midway through the first half, West Ham pulled level in the second period and after the Old Gold spurned several chances, including hitting the crossbar late on, Wolves were indebted to goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin who saved an added time penalty to secure a point, but Sharps felt the game should have been put to bed earlier in the contest.
On a point against West Ham
“There were really pleasing aspects; a lot of the energy that they gave, the enthusiasm, they had a right go at the game plan, and it was just a disappointing not to score more goals.
“We’ve talked a lot about decision making in the last third and I don’t think we particularly made great decision in the last third.
“We’ve got some great players up top – the three that started and the three that came on – and they’ve got some great ability but just didn’t make the right decisions at that end of the pitch.”
On creating chances
“We’re definitely pleased with the chances we created. I think we’re one of the highest teams in the league for xG, which is really good because last year we were probably quite low down the league, but that is something the lads have worked really hard at and took on board.
“Getting forward, running forward, working hard to create chances, but unfortunately tonight we didn’t put the finishing touches to things, but hopefully next week it changes.”
"I loved the energy and enthusiasm of the game."
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) November 4, 2025
Lead Coach Ian Sharps on last night's draw with West Ham ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/t0xMYo7GSO
On Benjamin’s late penalty save
“He's a great lad, Lewys. He’s coming to life now, he’s growing into his body, he was kicking really well today and he’s got a really bright future ahead of him. I was saying on the bench when we conceded [the penalty], that he’s not very good at penalties, so he definitely proved me wrong tonight.
“But I’m really pleased for him. He’s had a few setbacks this year in terms of injury, but he’s a great lad and he’s got good potential.
“Scott Bevan and the rest of the group, Flatty [Jon Flatt] and George [McMahon], work really hard with them. They have their own little sell, that they love to talk about themselves, but they’re a great bunch of lads and the standard they’re at is because they all push each other daily and it’s great to have them.”
On taking temporary charge of the 21s
“We’ve all got good relationships with the lads and James McPike and Dan McNamara have stepped up today onto the bench and they’ve been a great help with James and Rich [Walker] doing the first-team, which is brilliant for them.
“It’s a great experience and our lads know that maybe there’ll be [first-team] places available come Saturday. The lads listened, had a right go at the game, at the plan, but it just wasn’t to be at the end today.”
