Off The Mark On Day One

Monday, August 1: A satisfactory start for Mark Kennedy in his new role as head coach of League One Lincoln. A 1-1 home draw against Exeter rang in the new era at Sincil Bank after the former Wolves and Republic of Ireland player left Birmingham’s backroom team in May in the wake of Lee Bowyer’s departure. Good to him in his first crack at management.

Tuesday, August 9: Shocked and hugely saddened to hear of the death of Pat Quirke after a short illness. What this man didn’t know about Wolves was barely worth knowing and he did much to make a trip to Molineux’s wonderful museum a great experience for countless visitors. He was 72 and hugely respected and admired by colleagues at the club – no wonder an early decision has been taken for the side to wear black armbands at Saturday’s first Premier League home game. RIP Pat.

Saturday, August 13: Lee Naylor, increasingly seen in the Molineux media room on match days in the second half of last season, was back among us this afternoon for Wolves’ clash with Fulham. Chris Iwelumo and Mel Eves were among other ex-players present for the so-so first home game of 2022-23.

Thursday, August 18: Had a familiar registration number in my rear-view mirror for some considerable time today as Jonathan Hayward, having presumably acquired the desirable and distinguishable Wolves-theme plate that his father had for years on his Jaguar, asked if he could follow me from Keith Pearson’s funeral service to the wake. There was something very apt about Brocton Hall Golf Club being the venue. It was where Bill McGarry often allowed his squad to play in the 1970s and where Keith informed Ron Flowers that he and other non-playing members of the 1966 squad were to be honoured.

Friday, August 19: Glad to catch up on BBC TV with the lovely tribute to Rachael Heyhoe Flint that came with the unveiling of a gate in her name at Lord’s. A pity it had to come during an England Test Match defeat at home to South Africa but what pride there must have been for her son Ben – over from Singapore for the ceremony and match – and other members of the family. It’s difficult to believe that it’s five and a half years since her passing-away.

Sunday, August 28: Was delighted to see two familiar but long-departed faces at this afternoon’s Wolves v Newcastle game. Bumped into former Molineux physio and Magpies fan Barry Holmes by Billy Wright’s statue before the game and was then delighted to see Stephen Ward on duty with Mikey Burrows in the media room and at the microphone. Hope we have his presence again soon – with the time to ask more about what he’s up to now.

Friday, September 2: A brilliant turn-out once more at the Wolves Former Players Association golf day – one blessed again by lovely weather. Among those taking part in the tournament at Oxley Park were Colin Brazier, Steve Bull, Willie Carr, Kenny Hibbitt, Andy Mutch, Phil Nicholls, Geoff Palmer, Phil Parkes, John Richards and Terry Wharton, along with ex-Albion and Manchester City midfielder Gary Owen and Wolves general manager for marketing and commercial Russell Jones. Steve Daley, Steve Kindon, Paul Walker and Gerry Farrell were among those attending but not competing as a whopping £9,000-plus was raised for charity.

Saturday, September 3: Nice tribute to Sammy Chung from Wolves and their supporters at kick-off of today’s game with Southampton – and good to see Match of the Day make reference to it by homing in on his face on the big screen during their highlights package. He would have been delighted with the side’s ice-breaking victory if not by the injury woe that came their way in the process.