Those Golden Memories, 50 Years On

What a contrast it was! On March 2, 1974, Kenny Hibbitt and Geoff Palmer milked the adulation of the gold and black masses packed into a near-100,000 crowd at Wembley.

Today, at a special event to mark the exact 50th anniversary of that magical day, the duo were at a near-deserted Molineux, accompanying small groups of fans on VIP tours.

Hibbitt awoke to two inches of snow around the family’s Gloucestershire home but took his place in the afternoon celebrations of the club’s first League Cup triumph.

There was a somewhat surreal backcloth to the occasion anyway with Gary O’Neil’s team in action at Newcastle well over 200 miles away.

Many supporters clearly chose to either travel north in the squad’s slipstream or follow the St James’ Park action from home as it unfolded.

But, hopefully, there has been widespread acknowledgement among the Wolves family of the significance of today’s date.

“Hard to believe we were just taking the lead 50 years ago,” said Palmer at around 3.40, before being reminded the epic final against Manchester City had kicked off at 3.30, not at 3pm.

“Anyway, Hibby’s goal came just before half-time and gave us something to build on. I know I have been credited with helping make it but it really wasn’t the best cross that I slung over. 

“I would have been aiming for one of the front lads but put the ball behind them and fortunately on the outside of Kenny’s right foot.”

Hibbitt received an early-morning text from fellow scorer John Richards oday and said: “It’s hard to believe it is so long ago.

“It was a brilliant day for us all and for the supporters. It’s nice that it is still so fondly remembered. It’s certainly not a day that any of us will ever forget.”

As well as a q&a with the two players, participating fans were today given a look round the dressing-rooms, chairman’s suite, directors’ box, media lounge and museum.

We were delighted to be involved and have enjoyed spotlighting the club’s 1973-74 League Cup heroics over the last fortnight and are not quite finished yet! Please log on again on Tuesday.