Testimonials: Time To Say Goodbye
(That’s To The Very Concept, Not Just To The Players Honoured)
Testimonials aren’t what they used to be. No longer, thanks to today’s bulging wage packets and the cossetted existence of the players they belong to, are they necessary or even appropriate. They used to represent one last pay day before popular, often down-trodden stalwarts stepped out into a less certain world – and they usually produced exhibition games packed with goals.
Jimmy Mac Is Back
Forward’s Return To Arena He Graced
Jim McCalliog has completed a nostalgic three-night stay back in Wolverhampton by going to a match at Molineux for the first time in nearly 40 years. The Scottish international stayed over in the city with wife Debbie after attending Thursday night’s official opening of the club’s new museum and took in the home game against Nottingham Forest before setting off for home this morning.
Memorable Opening Night At The Museum
Something – And More – For EVERY Wolves Fan
From near one of the far walls, a cheer goes up. It’s Jim McCalliog, his wife Debbie and one or two former team-mates. Jimmy Mac’s shot has just gone in under Pat Jennings for Wolves’ equaliser in the home leg of the 1972 UEFA Cup final. A few yards away, Malcolm Finlayson is re-watching footage of the 1960 FA Cup semi-final and final. “Amazing,” he says. “Norman Deeley has just scored at Wembley and everyone has just trotted quietly back to the half-way line except possibly Barry Stobart. He has just given him a quick hand-shake first. No other fuss.”
Kendo – A Crowd-Pleaser Over The Border, Too
Memories From Wales Of Popular Keeper
We are greatly indebted to Newport historian Andrew Taylor for granting us permission to use in full his excellent published article on the late County and Wolves keeper Mark Kendall. We, of course, penned our own tribute to the man he calls The Clown Prince of Somerton – all at Molineux will relate to that title! – after his very sad passing in 2008. But so packed is Andrew’s piece with interesting anecdotes and snippets from well beyond the West Midlands that we felt it was perfect for posting on this site…..
Dear Diary, Entry 15
A Sort Of Look In The Mirror For Martin
Saturday, October 20: It’s always nice to hear of former Wolves players no longer in the area who want to stay in touch. Not for the first time, Martin Patching has made contact with us to order a book from Thomas Publications. It’s for his 54th birthday on the first of next month. He wanted to see what the Wolves version in the Daily Mirror’s excellent When Football Was Football series was all about.
Success Story From A Land Down Under
Neil In Limbo After Rush Of Honours
John Richards’ latest Q & A interview has taken on a slightly difference appearance – due partly to the special challenges presented by phone conversations across the world. Wolves Heroes’ co-owner engaged Skype to renew acquaintances with Neil Emblen, a man he knew well from his time on the Molineux board in the mid-1990s.
Booked In For An Appearance
A Signing At Wolves
Several of Wolves’ high-profile first-team players are due to turn out in support later this month of the newly-published book by club historian John Hendley. ‘Greatest Games: 100 Pieces Of Gold’ is now on sale through Wolves’ various retail outlets and in selected high street locations.
Down To A Tee
Jokes, Golf And A Big Pay Day For Charity
‘Where’s Gouldy?’ asks Phil Parkes an hour or so before the first ball is struck. “Is he scared I’m going to nut him again?’ Lofty, just back from playing five rounds of golf during a three-week holiday in Orlando, has caught up on the news that Bobby Gould is otherwise detained. The popular keeper is in good fighting form but concedes quietly as he retreats to the locker room: ‘Nah, he’s all right, Bob…..he just got under my skin in that game against Arsenal!’
Gould To Manage The Wanderers!
‘Final’ Chance For Bobby
Ok, it’s not THE Wanderers – the one for whom he scored 39 goals in 93 games across two spells in the 1970s. But Bobby Gould is back barking his instructions from the sidelines. The colourful former striker is thrilled to have accepted an offer to take part in a prestige friendly with a difference at the famous Kia Oval cricket venue on Wednesday.
City Slayers
Giant-Killing Deeds Of One-Time Wolves Midfielders
We can find little reason to explain why we are using this piece other than there is a Molineux link and because Manchester City, the champions of England, currently stand more than 100 places higher in the football ladder than Stockport County. Their paths, in League football, will probably never cross again, given the vast gulf in their respective resources as they contemplate futures in the Champions League and Conference respectively.