Fan column: International break leads to nostalgic Wolves memories

But not this time; I’m feeling punch-drunk already, so the chance to retreat into a spot of comforting nostalgia came as welcome therapy. 

Friday meant a happy few hours of reminiscing with members of the Wolves Former Players at their annual golf day at Oxley Park. Terry Wharton, the superb ball-striking winger from the 1960’s being the most experienced campaigner with the event debutant Dave Edwards the most contemporary. 

League Cup winners, Geoff Palmer, Kenny Hibbitt, John Richards, Mel Eves and Colin Brazier all competed alongside Andy Mutch and Robbie Dennison both promotion winners and goal scorers at Wembley in the Sherpa Van Trophy triumph in 1988. 

Hilarious stories, repeatable and otherwise were shared and recalled with riotous regularity. A welcome first visit from a non-playing Bob Hazell, the fearsome looking central defender from the late 1970’s was an absolute delight. Softly spoken, articulate and wonderfully personable, he is the complete antithesis to his former on-field persona; a lovely, gentle guy. 

He recalled with great amusement his famous cup-tie sending-off at a packed Highbury after a clash with Graham Rix and Malcolm MacDonald.

 Former striker Norman Bell told the story of 1974 goalkeeping hero Gary Pierce and his first day of training under Bill McGarry. ‘The boss told Gary to go and get his hair cut. You’re a footballer not a pop-star, said Bill.’ 

Suitably admonished but apparently insufficiently shorn, Pierce returned to training only to be sent back to the barber by a dissatisfied McGarry demanding another shearing! 

Great Fun; sadly, Phil Parkes still recuperating was really missed. So too regular attendees Steve Kindon, Willie Carr and Phil Nicholls, all unable to be there. 

Nevertheless, the day saw another bumper cheque on its way to local charities.

On Saturday, a pleasure to meet our former keeper Vince Bartram now National League Eastleigh’s goalkeeping coach at their hotel prior to their game at Tamworth. Vince played 10 games for Wolves, three against Chorley including the 3-0 fiasco at Bolton back in 1986. It was indeed a dire time for the club. 

But Vince remains grateful that Wolves gave him his initial chance.  He enjoyed great success at Bournemouth and as David Seaman’s understudy at Arsenal. Don’t know if it was Vince’s influence, but the Eastleigh keeper saved a first-half penalty at The Lamb. No happy ending though, Eastleigh lost 1-0.