August 2022

What A Match!

New Slant On Coping With Three In A Marriage

Graham Hawkins left behind a football-loving wife and two sons, one of whom has made his living from the game for around 25 years. But the task of compiling the book about his life, domestic team and career has been taken up by the family member who never saw him play or manage and who met him only once.

A Nod From King Kenny

Legendary Fund-Raiser Geoff On What Might Have Been

“Don’t get injured today,” said Kenny Dalglish, no doubt with a well-hidden smile. Two or three hours later, another huge icon of the game said as a parting shot: “See you Monday!” Alan Shearer and newly-promoted Blackburn were eagerly waiting to welcome Geoff Thomas to Ewood Park. Ten months before Wolves jumped in and pulled off the marquee deal that convinced chairman Jonathan Hayward to proclaim to the football world exactly who they should get their money on for the First Division title, the Crystal Palace and England midfielder was all set to return to his Lancashire roots.

Fondly Remembered: Ray Chatham

Popular Wulfrunian Who Refused To Be Pigeon-Holed

Discussion about Wolves utility men often homes in on Les Wilson, who – including a match on tour with the club in America – filled every gold shirt from number two to number 12. Chat on this subject should also take in Alan Sunderland, who was only a couple of jerseys short of a full outfield set as well by the time he departed to Arsenal a few months before scoring against John Barnwell’s Wanderers in the 1979 FA Cup semi-final.

In High Office

Distant Memories From Molineux’s Corridors Of Power

So who was Wolves’ secretary immediately before Keith Pearson? A pat on the back for all those who recall the name Peter Redfern. When we talk about local boys made good, we are talking of his ilk – someone who admits he was hopeless at football but nevertheless made it at Molineux through his expertise off the field.

A Hugely Admired Role Model

Big Send-Off For A Leader In His Field

Football’s Secretaries Union, which helped sustain Keith Pearson through and beyond his highly eventful working life, continues to do him proud on the other side. For many years after calling time on his service to the game, the long-time former Wolves secretary met up with counterparts from around the country for golf days and post-round analysis at the ’19th hole’.

A Glimpse Of Molineux Prominence

How Injury Cost Noel Possible Crack As Bert’s Successor

The lot of a professional footballer can be a delicate affair, subject to the whims and caprices of health, managerial preferences and perceptions and a very large slice of Lady Luck. One needs only look to back on the career of one of the most dramatic of goalkeepers and how it interfaced with that of his competitors to get a feel for the very real ups and downs that make up a life in football.

Life Without Conor

Captain’s Departure A Major Gamble

Wolves deeming Conor Coady surplus to requirements? The very thought was unimaginable for much of the last five years. Now it is reality in the early days of the season and we wait with bated breath to see how things play out after what can only be described as a major gamble from the club.

Sundy Nights Out!

Rutter Reunion On Island In The Sun

John Rutter has had another reunion in the sun with Alan Sunderland, one of his best mates from their respective careers at Molineux. The two were in the same youth side at Wolves more than half a century ago and have met up a number of times across the decades, including twice in Malta.

How’s This For Starters?

Kick-Off Day Is Here – And What Memories!

So are Wolves in credit or deficit in opening-day fixtures across the full span of their history? And have they played more of them at Molineux or away? Time for some checking back in the record books…..But first some curious facts:

Dear Diary Entry 130

A Chance Missed With Doug

Sunday, July 3: Was disappointed to learn that I had failed to spot former Wolves reserve Doug Griffiths at the packed funeral of Albion legend Bobby Hope a few days ago. The one-time England schoolboy was a player for the Scottish international inside-forward and then his assistant manager at Bromsgrove and was one of a number of non-League figures in the huge gathering at Shenstone, near Lichfield.