Memories Of A Big Night Out

Tuesday, July 7: Have started to think about the piece I have been asked to write for the forthcoming book on favourite Wolves games played under floodlights. It is being brought out by Clive Corbett and Steve Gordos, who have a massive array of matches to consider. One that still holds very fond memories has come to my mind, if it hasn’t already been covered by others.

Sunday, July 12: David Kelly lived up to his street-wise reputation by dodging an early-morning call from BBC WM following the death of Jack Charlton. The radio station rang him for a reaction to the sad news of his former Republic of Ireland boss and then, having read a social media post about my particular recollections, called me to ask if they could have a quick live interview at 7.05am the following morning. Any thought of being able to have a brief on-air catch-up with ‘Ned’ disappeared, though, when it became clear he had had the good sense to insist his piece with Paul Franks was recorded yesterday afternoon.

Tuesday, July 14: Heard a lovely story from Les Wilson, who did more than cross swords with Big Jack in several Wolves-Leeds games and score when being marked by him in a clash at Elland Road. He also befriended him when the former England centre-half was coaching in Vancouver and was left with wonderful memories of a personal nature. The Wilsons’ eldest daughter Natasha was a mere infant at the time and had her first pair of shoes bought by him as a thank-you for the friendly welcome the family gave him in the city.

Sunday, July 19: The disappointing final afternoon to Wolves’ domestic programme should not and will not be allowed to detract from what has been another tremendous season. A second successive seventh-place finish, but this time with a slightly higher points total, represents outstanding overall progress, with more Europa League activity to come. It’s worth saying again that this has been a truly remarkable year, with Wolves starting a competitive campaign earlier than ever before and, thanks to the virus, ending it later than at any time in their long history.

Monday, July 20: Have enjoyed playing a small part in a birthday surprise for the son of a former Wolves youngster. Best not say too much at this stage but it has involved a little ringing around of 1960s Molineux hopefuls and we hope to reveal much more in an article in the coming weeks.

Wednesday, July 29: Received an email from Ken Knighton saying he had enjoyed the three-page feature we wrote on him for the latest issue of Backpass. It meant a lot. It’s always nice when an interviewee expresses approval of such a weighty piece of work.

Friday, July 31: Have been delighted to add the names and Wolves scoring details of Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez to the Goal Aces section of this website. Please check it out and see where they fit into the pantheon of the club’s all-time leading marksmen. Click on the appropriate words at the top of this page.

Saturday, August 1: Was interested to hear that Paul Cook had resigned as manager of Wigan following their extraordinary end to the season. From the depths of despair over going into administration to the highs of a Championship record-equalling 8-0 victory over Hull (with the help of seven first-half goals) to the anti-climax of relegation because of a points deduction, it has been some month for all concerned. We await with interest the result of an appeal against their demotion to League One but the stock of their departed boss remains high.