In Search Of Duggie

Wednesday, May 1: Fielded an enquiry from the producers of the Leamington FC programme asking whether we could connect them with Dave Woodfield about an editorial piece. Presumably it’s for next season now but they will be hoping he has an interesting tale to tell about his football upbringing in the area.

Saturday, May 4: The mood has by no means been like this at the end of all Molineux seasons but there seemed to be considerable sadness at saying our goodbyes today following Wolves’ last home game of 2018-19. Like 12 months ago, many wanted the fun to carry on and on for weeks to come but at least there was a sign-off victory over Fulham this afternoon and the knowledge that Europa League qualifications means it will be a shorter close-season break than usual.

Thursday, May 9: Received a text from Matt Forman saying he hoped his former club Wolves would beat or hold Liverpool in three days’ time and so do a favour to the other club he now supports, Manchester City. “I grew up watching Liverpool beat Moenchengladbach in the European Cup final and now, as a Midlands man, I am supporting the underdog. What a season!” he told us.

Sunday, May 12: Was disappointed that BBC WM duo Mike Taylor and Mel Eves were unable to repeat their pre-Everton stop-off on the way to Wolves’ big game at Liverpool today. Would have been nice to provide some refuelling for them again but Anfield was naturally crammed to bursting point on the final afternoon of an epic Premier League title race and they opted to park up much earlier. Clearly, the mood at the stadium was not as happy at the end as after the sensational midweek Champions League comeback against Barcelona.

Sunday, May 19: Was delighted to pass on an invitation, in my role as honorary president of the Viking Wolves Supporters Club, for John Richards and Kenny Hibbitt to travel to Norway as their guests this summer. The star duo have been lined up to sit at the top table at the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations and we have already reported that they will not be the only former members of the Molineux playing staff to do so.

Wednesday, May 22: In the build-up to play-off finals weekend, was reminded of the number of players who appeared in the unforgettable Charlton v Sunderland showdown at the old Wembley in 1998 and who later served Wolves. In the victorious Athletic line-up was Shaun Newton while the Black Cats took to the field with Jody Craddock and Michael Gray and sent on Alex Rae as a substitute. Gray has an unfortunate place in history as the only man to miss in a shoot-out of 14 penalties, with Newton converting immediately before for what proved to be the winner.

Sunday, May 26: Interesting to hear that John Richards had appeared on a New Cross hospital radio broadcast with Hugh Porter and Anita Lonsborough today. Might explain why Hugh rang me a few days ago asking whether Wolves Heroes’ co-owner had ever been sent off. From the man himself comes the reminder that, yes, he was twice dismissed – away to Belenenses in the UEFA Cup and at home to Aston Villa, when he took the long walk with Brendan Ormsby. “He nutted my elbow with his nose, then smacked me across the head!” he said.

Monday, May 27: Isn’t Keith Andrews a class, articulate act as a Sky Sports pundit or co-commentator? Obviously highly prized by his employers, too, because he was very much to the fore as Aston Villa beat Derby at Wembley today to ensure Wolves won’t be the only West Midlands club in the Premier League next season. Also offering an expert view over the weekend was Michael Gray, who was there for Charlton’s dramatic win over his former club Sunderland yesterday.