I knew I was going to witness something special on Thursday night. Most people who were invited did.
Jody Craddock was hosting his first ever art exhibition in Wolverhampton and his collection of portraits and floral paintings were about to capture the imagination.
A clutch of esteemed art critics held their champagne flutes thoughtfully, while Beverley Knight, Vikram Solanki and a scattering of celebrities dazzled beside our centre half’s finest efforts.
So real was his Liam Gallagher creation that you half expected to wear the frontman’s tambourine – if you dared to stare long enough.
So euphoric was his depiction of Richard Stearman’s celebration at home to Doncaster that is was impossible not to smile.
And so moving was his tribute to Bobby Robson that you wouldn’t have been alone in feeling a hair or two stand up on the back of your neck.
Amid the whirls of Craddock’s paintbrushes stood the unassuming man himself, whose self-effacing demeanour was arguably the most splendid sight of all.
As was the arrival of his team-mates, who were genuinely delighted to share in the big man’s success.
When Mick McCarthy walked in to offer his support shortly after, the scene was set for an unexpected image to round off the evening perfectly.
Still smarting from a 3-0 defeat to Blackburn and the search for an elusive clean sheet, it would have been far easier for Mick to swerve the glare of the media for one night, even if it did belong to one of his men.
Hopefully, there’ll be another addition to the Craddock exhibition next year when we avoid relegation. Perhaps he can call it ‘spirit’, ‘pride’ or something along those lines.
Because despite the glorious collection of pictures all around us last week, it was the sight of the lads and their manager together that was the showpiece sight of the evening.
*Anyone interested in having a look at Jody’s range of artwork and possibly stumble upon a nice little Christmas present, click on www.craddock-art.co.uk or www.art-affect.com
Let’s hope this is the frame-work for the season, because we could still easel-y go down. Hopefully we can brush negative comments aside, and MM can canvass Morgan for some extra funds. If we can move forward in January, this snapshot will provide a bigger picture. We all need confidence to draw on.
Aaaah – Fantastic
Awesomely impressive! Having clicked my way through his portfolio, I am surprised that he’s also managed to squeeze in a career as a professional footballer.
Beautiful babsobutly beautiful.
Jody Braddock you are a bredit to the Bolves. Bamazing work.
Baahhhhhhhh.
Superb – love it
Baahhhhhh.
My own fave was “Two fish suppers, with 14 bacon rolls”
Never mind off the pitch… on it Zeli Ismail has signed a three year professional contract with Wolves.
Great news – (have a look on Youtube if you have never heard of him!)
How long before we get to see what he can do in the Prem? Rooney was thrown in at 17 so why not give him a place on the bench?
Great news! Rooney was 16 when he scored that debut goal against Arsenal. Would love to see Zeli in the first team squad and a coherent policy of bringing our own academy players through to the first team.
Even more good news…
Peter Odemwingie is yet to shake off a knock and is expected to miss West Brom’s meeting with Wolves as a result.
Believe that one when i see!
Never mind the paintings, who is the half naked tart standing next to him, and don’t forget, I’ve been out of the country for 20 years so I don’t know any of the latest “personalities”
That’s Beverley Knight local pop star
Dont call her a tart you tart! She’s a class act, even went to Highfields and treats her chauffers very well! Plus, how could you tell she had nothing on below the waist??
That’s a oxymoron, “class act from Highfields”!!!!!!
Like Scottish goalkeeper, or Army Intelligence or Albion footballer.
Thought Highfields was demolished the year you left.
It all nearly kicked off last week when Scooped found out I was Smestow-educated.
Old rivalries run deep.
Guest writing for the E&S now Thomas – impressive!
Good article – hope they didn’t edit your views too much!
Ta Stourbridge.
I’ve been inundated with requests for stuff this week, with the derby at the weekend.
And with Ben joining Craddock, Henry and the rest of the injured boys in the treatment room, I’m a busy boy indeed.
Fear not though, I’m not neglecting my first love and the preview is all but ready to go.
Up The Wolves (Blog)
Must be a light news day for the Mirror as they are running the Robbie Keane and Lescott to return to Wolves in January story again.
A combined transfer fee of £15million apparently!
What a load of cr@p! If we spend £15 million in January I will get my @rse out in the club shop on a match day!
Well what can I say football is art a beautiful game and so are your talents as an artist……..well done mate
Urban Macca artist