October 30: A Big Day For Wolves Midfielders

Not one but two of Wolves' most influential midfielders from the last half a century will have good reason to remember this day in history. It was the very date, 37 years ago, on which Mike Bailey made the last of his 436 League and cup appearances for the club. And today is also a big anniversary in the life of Paul Cook, who was signed exactly 24 years ago at the start of a Molineux career of 214 competitive matches - just under half that of the 1960s and 1970s favourite.

A Prize Catch - And No Passport Required

Not once but twice in the Graham Turner years, Wolves travelled to the holiday island off the north-west coast of Wales to prepare for Second Division campaigns - their first two back up, in fact, following their 1980s slide to the Football League basement. Because of a combination of their own impoverished state and the fact they were hardly seen as a big draw, overseas trips were off the agenda for much of that decade, so much so that even a few days around the British coastline when they came along.

'Wolves' In Rivals' Clothing

Tuesday, September 24: Enjoyed seeing Kevin Keen at close quarters as he deputised for Steve Clarke at Albion's press conference the day before their Capital One Cup tie against Arsenal. Thought he spoke very well, as Keith Downing has on the occasions he has been pressed into the role. Kevin related one of his more painful experiences in the competition during his address - a 6-0 semi-final defeat with West Ham on Oldham's plastic pitch more than 20 years ago.

Des On The Move

Des Horne, now the only surviving member of the forward line in the Wolves side who won the FA Cup final in 1960, has moved back towards his roots. Contrary to some reference books, the left-winger was born in Durban rather than Johannesburg and has moved back to the state of Natal after more than four decades in and around the latter.

Simkin Strikes An Unfortunate Blow

When we read on Facebook that Darren Simkin had hit the lady captain in a game of golf, we felt compelled to investigate a little further. Surely this mild-mannered 1990s defender hadn't suffered a very ungentlemanly descent of red mist that would have warranted a card of the same colour?

Crawford On Happy Wolves Times

Ray Crawford has used a rare trip back to the West Midlands to say another thank-you to the household who put up he and his family in the early stages of his prolific Wolves career. But it wasn't just Mr and Mrs Average with whom he, his wife and two children lodged - it was none other than Yvonne and Ron Flowers.

Messages Pour In From Near And Far

Three more former Wolves players have contacted us to express their sadness at the recent passing of Peter Broadbent. Ken Knighton, who was back at Molineux for the funeral of Barry Stobart in the first half of September, emailed us from his home near Bristol to reflect on the presence in his young life of such a gifted inside-forward.

'He Was The One Who Made Your Blood Tingle'

It's the realisation of who isn't present at sad events like this afternoon's that remind us most of all how the years are hurtling by. As the Wolverhampton Wanderers community turned out in force once more, this time to honour the passing of Peter Broadbent, so we were left to regret how age and in some cases illness had prevented the attendance of several other long-time team-mates who would love to have been there to pay their respects.

Duo Who Would Have Greatly Changed Molineux Landscape

Magnificent a player though everyone agrees Peter Broadbent was, we are perhaps entitled to ask whether there was a time when Stan Cullis wavered in his appreciation. The inside-forward was about a third of the way through his phenomenal Molineux career when The Iron Manager reportedly had his sights set on strengthening in his position.

Artist Who Was A True Legend Among Greats

It would have been impressive enough for Peter Broadbent to play 497 League and cup matches for a Wolverhampton Wanderers side pottering along in mid-table. Class act that he was, though, he just happened to do his work while they were cutting edge; not only winning and chasing trophies but also stocked with any number of other top players who were after his shirt. Put simply, he was imperious among a team of true greats.