Jody Craddock deserves Wolves testimonial, says Cameron

Jody Craddock was today backed as an "exceptional case" to win a Wolves testimonial.

Craddock, who will be 37 later this month, was told on Thursday that he won't be joining the pre-season trip to Ireland on Monday.

New boss Stale Solbakken has informed the evergreen defender that he isn't part of his plans for next season.

The Norwegian is looking to sign another centre-back and has Roger Johnson, Richard Stearman, Christophe Berra and Danny Batth competing for places, while Steven Mouyokolo will soon be fit as he recovers from a cruciate ligament injury.

But such is the esteem that Craddock is held in, that the door has been left open for him to land a new deal and talks are planned for next week with chief executive Jez Moxey.

That would qualify Craddock for a benefit year

Former team-mate Colin Cameron, who played with Craddock for three years from 2003-06, believes his old colleague deserves a testimonial.

"In this day and age, players playing for one club for nine years are very few and far between," said the 39-year-old, now player-manager of Cowdenbeath.

"He deserves a testimonial. There are exceptional cases and because of the service he has provided for the club, he's such a case.

"It's a two-way thing – the club has been excellent for Jody and he has repaid that.

"It's harsh what's happened because he's a great lad, but, with the commitment he's shown, it would be nice for him to get some sort of recognition."