Upsetting News From Down Under
Sunday, April 5: Sad to hear that former Wolves coach Brian Garvey had died in Australia at the age of 88. The promotion-winning Watford defender, who has a place in Colchester’s hall of fame after participating in their giant-killing exploits of five and a half decades ago, served at Molineux as part of Bill McGarry’s coaching team in the 1970s. We send our deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
Monday, April 6: Relieved to see that Conor Coady – currently on loan at Charlton – had left hospital after being knocked out during the 1-1 draw at Watford today. The former Wolves and England defender, who moved south from Wrexham in January, received lengthy treatment after being hit by a shot. The 33-year-old, making the 500th appearance of his club career, was carried off on a stretcher but was given the all-clear after scans.
Wednesday, April 8: Barry Douglas, the full-back who played a full part in Wolves’ promotion from the Championship under Nuno in 2018, has announced his retirement as a player. The 36-year-old, who developed a reputation as something of a set-piece specialist here (remember those terrific free-kicks at Bristol City and at home to Leeds, for example?), had been without a club for several months since leaving St Johnstone. After leaving Wolves soon after the winning of promotion, he also played for Leeds, Blackburn and, for the second time, Lech Poznan.
Thursday, April 23: Enjoyed facing the camera and answering some questions in Molineux’s International Lounge this afternoon from long-time former Sky Sports touchline reporter Greg Whelan as part of a new project he is heading up. The West Midlands-bred Wolves fan produced the 13-minute film that accompanied the unveiling of the outstanding Honved sculpture on the outside wall of the Billy Wright Stand 17 months ago. More information on the content of this follow-up production will follow in due course, suffice to say at this stage that John Richards, Steve Bull, Andy Thompson, Mel Eves and Graham Turner were also among those interviewed.
Saturday, April 25: You wait seven weeks for a home game and then get this. Wolves v Spurs today was dismal fare, settled by a late goal in the visitors’ favour. It was something of a day for left-backs around the Molineux lounges with Andy Thompson and Lee Naylor on media duty and the recently-retired Barry Douglas being interviewed by Paul Berry in several corporate areas before going on the pitch at half-time for more of the same.
Thursday, April 30: Thoroughly enjoyed having a meet-up in the Lake District with former Wolves merchandising manager Peter Pridmore, who is now living in the north west in contented retirement. It’s already seven years since he left the Molineux payroll after a stint of almost 20 years, during which he lived in Lichfield. Nice to report that he remains in close contact with several former club colleagues, including long-time secretary Richard Skirrow and his wife, Jane.
Friday, May 1: A last-orders reminder from us about the Dancing At Wolves stage production taking place in Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre in Hanover Street on Monday (7.30). The evening celebrates Liverpool’s title-winning glory of 1975-76 and falls on the 50th anniversary of the May 4 victory at Molineux that condemned Bill McGarry’s Wanderers to relegation. Among those appearing are Phil Thompson, David Fairclough, John Aldridge and Wolves’ goalscorer, Steve Kindon, all being introduced by MC Elton Welsby. Tickets can be purchased at https://purchase.epsteintheatre.com/ChooseSeats/52001
Saturday, May 2: Something to be thankful for after the recent unhappy run of defeats with Wolves hitting back for a point at home to Sunderland this afternoon. It was by no means a classic and the atmosphere was fractious but it was nice to see Jody Craddock in attendance at the game between two of his former clubs, his stint with BBC WM coming on the day Andy Thompson and Lee Naylor took their usual places elsewhere in the media area.