‘Legends’ Leap For Popular Centre-Half

Jody Craddock is on course for a pre-Christmas entry to the list of the top 50 appearance-makers in Wolves’ proud history.

The enduring central defender, who has looked to be on his way out of Molineux more than once, has already climbed several places this season in the club’s all-time appearances list.

His total of 224 competitive first-team matches left him 57th going into this afternoon’s game at Wigan, with his former team-mate Michael Oakes and the late Roy Pritchard among those he has overtaken in 2010-11.

At the start of the season, he was level with George Showell and 19th century star William Beats on 218 games and now has the 235 played by Neil Emblen and Joleon Lescott in his sights.

He will be in the top 50 if he goes past the duo – something he could achieve as early as mid-December if he remains a regular in Mick McCarthy’s side.

And Craddock will be on the brink of the 250-game mark if he emerges as a Premier League ever-present this term, although cup appearances could take him past that landmark.

No Wolves player has reached the milestone since Lee Naylor, who left for Celtic in 2006 after playing 334 times for the club.

We have recently updated Craddock’s standing in the Legends area of this site and will continue to do so at regular intervals, as the need arises.

And another change could become likely this season, fitness, form and suspension – no irony intended! – permitting.

Karl Henry, sent off today at the DW Stadium, is out on his own as the nearest challenger to Craddock in the list of appearance-makers among Wolves’ current squad.

He had played 173 senior matches for the club going into combat this weekend, although he now faces another lay-off.