For a wilderness generation who has to take their parents’ word for it, Wolves weren’t put on the footballing map to make up the numbers.
Aside from a dogeared ticket stub from a 4th round replay in 1995, I’d only had evidence to the contrary, where Molineux would echo to the shrills of the players on the pitch, and the biting wind would make you wonder why you even bothered.
Dad would be with me throughout, carefully cooling my Bovril. The days when his loyalty wasn’t measured by points, but Golden Goal tickets he’d buy in forlorn hope and fanzines he’d fumble for when he couldn’t feel his fingers.
He wasn’t there last night, when all those indelible memories assumed greater poignancy, as Nuno realigned the stars and told the world that Wolves weren’t put on the footballing map to make up the numbers.
This was a win for all ages, with the oldest generation finally content that things were how they should be. Our rock and roll elders basked in the Led Zep revelry (been a long time, eh?), while my own son stood open mouthed in wonder, his eyes shimmering off the light show that genuinely took his breath away.
I just sat there dumbstruck, carefully cooling his Bovril.
This wasn’t so much a win to eradicate the miserable days of old, but to carefully store them away in the archives, once and for all.
In beating Manchester United to reach Wembley, we entered a new paradigm so enticing that we should no longer look back with anger. Nor should we define this win as the pinnacle, as Fosun’s millions and Nuno’s alchemy suggests that this is just the beginning.
My only regret was that my Dad wasn’t there to see it, having braved the elements on my behalf for so many years, precisely for this moment. He was holding Grandma’s hand in hospital, as she took another turn for the worse.
She could recount the good old days with the best of them, when the Sporting Star was printed in old gold hue. As Diogo Jota smashed home gloriously to scenes I’ll never forget, she’d have seen her great-grandson leaping for joy.
She’d have been very happy.
Wow. Ben thanks for that write up. Creating memories us all what this is about.
So sad your dad couldn’t see his grandsons eyes in that moment.
Bless you & all your family from the Wolves family & im sure everyone on this blog.
As for last night in simple terms “it what defines us as Wolves fans”.
Thanks so much RickRack. Very kind of you.
Bloody brilliant piece mate. Absolutely love it, and best wishes to your Grandma. I hope she was able to take some pleasure from picturing you and Arthur celebrating what must have been a special night for all the Wolves fans at the Mol.
It was a very late night here or should I say very early morning (4am kick off) in Western Australia. I was tired and emotional at the start watching the scenes from my beloved Mol but I was as proud as I was at that great day in Cardiff by the end of this brilliant performance.
We have plenty to be greatful for right now and it feels all the better having felt all the downs and ups.
Family is indeed a great part of our wonderful club and I wish Ben and family all the best during this time.
I was proud today of my son 13, born and bred here in Oz wearing his kit with pride whilst out and about today. Most of his mates won’t be wearing their strip as we, The mighty Wolves, have put them to the sword.
The pack gets stronger together!
WOT 2019
How did you manage to watch it (Wolves Ocean Reef)?
Watch virtually all the games. Always streaming from somewhere and have a great Android box. SBS our local provider shows at least 1 game live each week and we have our own version of MOTD.
Still the best way is at the casino in the City.
We are recognised as
West Oz Wolves and they open up the VIP area for us.
Great.
Thanks Smethwick. It must be a bit surreal living and breathing it all from Australia?! I would imagine it would actually deepen your allegiance ever further, despite being so far away. I wish I could join you out there!!!! I was going to say it beats Wolverhampton on a cold and wet Saturday night, but on the otherhand…Lol!
Hi Ben.
I was a season ticket holder for years along with my brother and best mates. All from Smethwick.
I moved to Africa and then Australia 20 odd years ago but have been back a few times to watch The Wolves, most memorable of course being at Cardiff. I read every page and of course this Blog so I am pretty well informed.
I do miss the games but certainly not the weather.
Please keep up the great work and if you ever make it out this way please drop me a line. I might not look after your Bovril but I’ll make sure your beer is cold.
Thanks Bagsy. Grandma still fighting. Hope to see you sometime mate
Super sentiments Ben, wish my dad and grandad were still around to see this superb team. Best team I’ve seen in the gold and black since my first match in 1960. Best regards.
Thank you Terry. That is some endorsement of Nuno’s men too.
Poetic summation as always my friend. No better sentiment than ‘a victory for the ages’.
WEMBLEY HERE WE COME!
All the lads were all brilliant, but Moutinho was my star man. When Wolves took control second half it was because he took control. As good as the finish was, it was the little magician shimmying through their defence that created the chance. You’ve got to be some player to put Neves in the shade but that’s exactly what he’s done this season. Just think how much better Ruben will be for his time spent partnering such a quality performer,
I said in the preview the key was getting Jota into the game and no surprise he was instrumental. Should have scored in the first half but took a much harder chance in the second to more than atone. He’s a different player to the one that started the season and now looks a world beater.
The same applies to Jimenez of whom I have nothing more to add. Sensational.
I sincerely hope we can avoid Man City in the semi-final draw, but if that’s who we’re paired with so be it. Wolves can beat anyone on their day and what a day it’s going to be.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone who has made this happen. These are the days.
Spot on Thomas
Pogba 90 odd mill
Moutinho 5 mill
These are the days
Hey Thomas, always love reading your blogs & posts, but these last two years we’ve struggled to choose a MOTM due to the amount of contenders per game – including the 12th man.
I give my vote to Jimmie last night due to the importance of that 1st goal but also his all round play. Defending on our own goal line on 90 mins & when we get possession back he’s racing to the other end.
A special mention to our back room fitnesses coaches – with probably the smallest squad used & potentially the fittest we really do have a club that’ll become the envy of many.
Thank you mate. They were all excellent weren’t they? I thought the back 3 were magnificent too. No mean feat to nullify Rashford, Martial and Lingard.
What a lovely post Ben
Great memories, old and now new
We are finally back on an even keel with the so called big boys
I have only been embarrassed to be a wolves fan once in my life
It was never in a pub or on holiday surrounded by Man U and arsenal fans or even when we were relegated twice to the third division, or in the fourth division, No , I was always proud of our history and badge
It was a day after we had beaten Man U not so long ago actually and some twat of a marketing guru peanut brain thought it would be a good idea to put the game on d DVD and sell it to us
Something like ‘ the day wolves beat the mighty Man U ‘
It embarrassed me almost to the point of being sick
It made us look like a really small club when I think we were in the same feckin league!!!
Any how not any more
To be honest, most Man U fans have been good regards the result, hard not to agree that we were the better team really
The best thing I heard was on a Man U vlog
“ it was like playing a champions league team tonight to be honest “
Happy days for sure
Utw
Wembley here we come
I got given that DVD for Christmas that year. It’s still got the wrapper on.
Haha
Love it sleachy
Never undo that wrapper
It’s probably got a free ticket for the Old Trafford tour inside
Thanks Marney. It felt like the dawning of a new era on Saturday evening. What a joy to see it.
Ben. I had a lump in my throat reading your post. How you capture the moment in words is amazing. I especially liked how you wrote:
“Dad would be with me throughout, carefully cooling my Bovril.”
followed later by
“I just sat there dumbstruck, carefully cooling his Bovril.”
I love reading your posts.
As for the game ……. feking Wow! Bring on City.
Thank you Brompton. That means a lot. The thought of doing it was a bit daunting, as I wanted to do justice to Grandma and Dad, and I’ve just not been in the habit of blogging lately. It would have been easier to ask Thomas to do it, which has been a bit of a default position of mine. So I was glad to be able to put something together which seemed to go down well!
A really brilliant piece which superbly captivates this great moment. Thank you Ben.
I am one of the old generation to whom you so precisely refer. I was first on a packed South Bank back in 1947, sitting on my uncle`s shoulders — an experience, still vividly remembered, which resulted in a life long affinity for this club. In those early years, we were outright superior to all others. We just kept on winning almost as a right. The main question on each match day was ” how many “.
Then, quite suddenly, it all changed. The great Stan Cullis was unceremoniously kicked out and we just stopped winning. Like all of my generation I thought that this would be a temporary setback, from which my team would certainly recover, so that we would quickly return to the status quo, again sweeping all before us.
But I was totally wrong. The next 60 years have been largely barren, the occasional periods of revival being cruelly short lived. Old sods like me were just left with our memories.
But no more. Last night changed everything at a stroke. This is who we once were. The mighty Wolves , driven on by frenzied support amid a wall of noise, and able to give an outright whupping to a supposedly top team. I guess I will not have been the only old stager to shed a tear after seeing that. It was well worth the wait.
I’m with you all the way on your message, Mike. Except that my Dad took me to the old North Bank for the first match after WWII against Arsenal in August 1946. Why he took me I don’t know. (He used to go to watch Villa before WWI with his closest brother who was killed in that war. Going to watch pro football seemed to remind him of his brother’s death, so he didn’t like it.)
Wolves beat the Arsenal 6-1 in that game. For about 50 years I told everyone we won that game 6-0. I guess kids push unpleasant experiences out of their mind! And it took that long for somebody to correct me.
The Man Utd FA Cup game reminded me of that. While I was between the ages of 12 and 23 we won the League three times and FA Cup, twice. And in those years we were nearly always in contention until near the end of the season. Then from about 1980 we went into decline and have been limping for roughly 40 years. With that win against Man Utd, the last forty years have become something that can easily be forgotten—like Arsenal’s goal in August 1946!
The Football League was founded in 1888 and, when that first season finished in 1889, Wolves were 3rd. Now, in 2019, only three of the original founders are in the Premier League (Everton, Burnley and Wolves)—we are 7th (top of the three)! Over those 130 years Wolves rank 4th in number of points won. In the top three 130 years ago and still in history’s top four now. Next season we will be aiming for top six in the Premier League. We were there 130 years ago, and we will soon be there again. Long may it continue!.
Thank you Mike. I imagine you’ve seen some incredible players down the years. 6-0 against Arsenal eh?! (or 6-1?!) Would you remember the cup being brought back home in 1949? It would be great to catch up sometime and listen to some of your memories. I’d like to get your all-time Wolves I-XI too. that would be some team!
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Ben
Me to, stopped me dead in my tracks, my wife asked me why I was upset.
Great post Ben, you ought to write tear jerkers for a living.
Thank you Witley. I am not sure if I should be proud or guilty for inducing tears though!
Only proud Ben, very proud. All the best.
Thank you Richard. It did me when writing it, but the tears began when thinking back to Dad in the 80s / 90s, fumbling for an ALOB with his loose change when he couldn’t feel his fingers. Dad sacrificed so much for me. He’d have been a millionnaire now if he hadn’t have bought me a programme every game, and a pie and a drink – for season after season. It felt right that Arthur my boy was there though, even if he wasn’t. He’ll be back soon enough, and I think he is contented that things are as they should be!
Best wishes to your Grandma for a speedy recovery Ben.
Nothing, no matter how fantastic transends family.
Thank you Stu. She is still fighting and looked a bit better yesterday! I told her the score yesterday in hospital and she smiled. It’s amazing what a tonic the Wolves can be for the soul. It’s why our love knows no division (as the banner once said!)
Yep…new destiny and the reputation bus of Wolves rolls on..Wembley indeed…get the coaches ready just like the Don Everall days..I hope I’m there..
The match.. emphatic win and another historical moment on Tv every body praising us….great goals too..how can it get any better other than us lifting the cup?
Great post Ben you sum it all up best wishes to you and your family.
Wolves Aye We
Thank you Dorset Wolf. That means a lot. Makes writing it worthwhile.
Ben please pass our best to you Father met a couple of times true gentleman.
Rob Jill.
What quality timing on this clip from the BBC, this kid will be famous for more than being a hard ba%#@*d. It were funkin cold out there, he ain’t got a vest on…
https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcmotd/status/1107248170747285504
This one is taken from twitter this morning.
But me, I like RikRak’s version. Nice one Phil, feckin ace son.
Stu!
Back at ya.
Fekin nobody puts Coady in the corner. Lmfao
Sums up beautifully everything which is special about sport and family. I hope the result brought some small relief to you all this difficult. time.
As for the performance I can’t remember such dominance, especially over a team that is still one of the most expensive ever to be assembled.
Moutinho is worth more than all of them combined with Raul and Jota not far behind. In fact I look through the team and can’t pick out one Utd player I’d take over one of ours.
Just to add a little spice, is it just me who thinks with his superior distribution and on current form Ruddy should be starting every match?
Man City, Watford or Brighton – bring it on.
No word of a lie. Yesterday morning before all quarter finals had been played I suddenly had a premonition that we would be playing Watford in the semi final. You know when you just get a feeling about something……
I had us playing them in the final.
No wonder l never get things 100% right!
Thanks Prawnie. It was a special evening. One we’ll remember forever. Arthur my boy will. He has not stopped talking about it since. He didn’t half wave that flag before kick off!
Watford next then Man City in the final.
Booking my hotel now lol.
Brompt,
How do you know which date?
Which hotel?
Sat 18 May.
ANY hotel near Wembley lol
Six of us have already booked and are staying at the Premier Inn in Uxbridge, on Thursday 16th May and Friday 17th May. The Tube goes direct to Wembley Park (Wembley way) and the hotel has great restaurant. If we topple Watford we are also booking Saturday the 18th.
Mr & Mrs Lowves
Mr & Mrs Twisx
Mr & Mrs StuWolf.
It could all get very messy ( we hope).
Hi Stu
Have been inspired by your leadership and will be staying, with Mrs Happy Wanderer at the same hotel on the 18th. Provided we turn over Watford of course.
Just can’t stop watching the Jota goal
I’ll be watching us in the final on May 18th from the Coconut Bar in Arillas, Corfu.
Last night was really special what a brilliant performance to beat a very good side.
2nd half we were right on it, 2 goals of supreme quality. Watford await us , maybe the Sunday game I’m not sure?
Bet they’re already taking measurements & studying beard length & thickness for the Nuno statue!
Before the game it was 6 deep in the bars of the two pubs I tried, so no Golden Glow in the Great Western for me! But to be at that game was one of the great Molineux highlights. Atmosphere second to none. You have to admire the club & the direction it’s taking. Onwards & cupwards! Here’s to Wembley!
Taxi for Solskjaer
Even if you’re a Manure fan ya gorra love the banter.
Lmfro
There we were, all the Houston Wolves Supporters Club, even newest member Mrs CFH, in Nick’s Place, when in walked this rather large Wolves shirt with a big, bespectacled bloke inside it.
Scouser to boot.
Turns out he is a Liverpool fan, but more importantly, Connor Coady’s cousin!
The shirt was sent to him by Connor, and he was told to look us up, and being a Liverpool fan, was obviously wanting us to win.
Really sound bloke, good fun to be with.
In addition to Stiltonburger Deathwish, I predicted Watford.
Check with Twixxo.
We face timed early doors and thats wot I told him.
We all know the egg spurts had us down to lose, that Yanited were an unstoppable force, Pogba is god, yadda, yadda, yadda.
If I was as wrong as they are so consistently at my job, I would be fired…………and I’m self employed.
But lest we forget.
Yanited were tired, had an off day, the weather was bad, had to travel a long way, had a host of injuries and any other old excuse for being out played, being outclassed and for being shit.
The ONLY reason for the above is we didn’t let them play, and the last half hour was a masterclass of a footballing lesson.
To paraphrase a line from the movie City Slickers, “If pride was people, we’ed be China”
Once again, the only player who did not have an outstanding game was John Ruddy, coz thanks to our magnificent defence, he had fuck all to do.
Bet he had more coffee and finished more crosswords than he does in training!!
I got so much spring in my step I bounced over me house!!
The most famous “club” in the World, trounced and deservedly humbled by the pack.
I could go on all afternoon.
Shit eatin’ grin now permanently fixed on me fizzog!
FOwb
Ben,
A genuinely brilliant write up.I had my special time with dad at Xmas coming over. Just seeing him beside me at Molineux was surreal.Words don’t describe how I felt.
He got me into wolves over 30 years ago when he handed me the centenary of wolves book down from a dusty shelf.I immediately fell in love.
I was never in it for the glamour ,I don’t know why ,as everyone in my class was utd or Liverpool .
Now I’m just enjoying winning,but my enjoyment has always been the hope that someday……..
Someday seems to have arrived.
Thanks dad,you’ve given me so much!But wolves is the cherry on top!
Thanks Raydewolf. It sounds like we’re very similar then. My Dad got me a division 4 Staw Distribution shirt when all my mates were wearing Liverpool and Everton tops. He told me that Ron Flowers had sold out of Liverpool shirts, as I wanted one. I think he was being a bit strategic, looking back. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad decision!
I nearly went to the dark side myself !
Thankfully not.
Ok. Last night. The afternoon began at 2pm and watched the end of the Leeds game. Then the rugby including the England capitulation against the Jocks. Swansea v Man City. Beer flowing. Atmosphere around Wolvo electric.Pubs rammed. The new song for Raul belting out in the Old Still. Then THE MATCH. Wow. Surely we have now found a level that I can’t recall. As Ben says in his excellent contribution. The old timers (like my old man) will always bang on about Honved. Johnny Hancocks. Billy Wright. Bill Slater. Bert Williams. And rightly so. Nuno is a great student of Molineux history and he is aware of the old warriors and the esteem in which they are held. He made us aware of the die hards in the stands who lived through the good times. He loved the electric atmosphere generated from the youth in the South Bank and commented on the beer drinking! This man is taking us back. Right back to days long left behind. When the Wolves were THE team. Christ there are loads of us on here who have lived through the years of mediocrity. Seemingly clinging on. Hoping that next season will be the game changer. Then occasionally a couple of decent seasons followed by the inevitable relegation. Not any more. We’re Wolverhampton.We’re on our way back.
Cheesie, seventh in the EPL and a semi final spot, we are back,we have arrived big time !!
Sure av chap. and we will be gooin up a few more notches under Fosun. Chairman Guo to lift the FA cup in May !
Last night was without doubt the greatest I have ever experienced at Molineux in my 62 years on this planet. At the end I cried.
Ben – your post is without doubt the most beautiful and emotive I never read on this Blog. At the end I cried.
OODCL
Firstly, I’d like to make a public apology to my cat, who had to be physically restrained by my good lady as Raul notched the first and my euphoria spilled over. When Diogo did his thing, poor pussy considered it much safer outside and made a terrified exit, not to return for two hours. Sorry Tiggs, but this was a special, oh so special occasion.
There are bad games, good games and games you know will never be forgotten. This latest outing definitely falls into the latter category and I’m here nearly 24hrs later still tingling with adrenaline and the thrill of it all.
Joao Moutinho was just plain awesome. I always admired him as a player but feared that when he moved to the Mol’, his best days may be behind him. But, in truth, this was as complete a midfield performance as I’ve ever seen from anyone, ever. Every situation he conjured up the perfect response. He was just magnificent.
I suppose in reality they all were. All their hard work came together to treat us to one of the greatest showings I’ve seen from our heroes in Old Gold.
Watford in the semi and I have decided I shall do my damndest to get myself a ticket. If so, it will be my first ever trip to Wembley.
Some delightful, teary, bleary eyed reminiscences from Ben and others on today’s blog. I’ve just loved reading ’em. Thanks people.
Let me know Steve about tickets … although I’ll be away … if you def want 1 or 2 then I’ve got folks who sit close by to help with your quest…
ASAP mate….
Thanks Twix. I’ll definitely be after 1 for myself but I have a fair few loyalty points so may well be able to get one. I guess I won’t know until the details come out from the club. May be able to help out some of my buddies in Ivybridge Wolves though.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Steve.
It seems that the 8 people I’ve asked are all going to be walking down Wembley Way mate.
The take up is much much higher than I ever imagined.
Best bet is to get in touch with Stu…
I had a similar problem although in my case it was a large German Shepherd shooting to the door in sheer panic with his ears down! The Labrador never moved & carried on snoring!!!
Ben, outstanding report & best wishes to your Gran, hope she’s soon on the mend.
Typical Labrador. innit. 🙂
Thanks Wolfstroker. It was an emotional one, for sure. I think our cocker spaniel was hiding from my wife, who was watching it at home. He was petrified of her apparently!
You can all start the preperations for the Semi’s.
Brompto you can book your Hotel.
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2019/03/17/wolves-face-watford-in-fa-cup-semi-finals/
Ben, if you had been born in an earlier time, I swear that you would have spent time sitting around a table in a darkened room somewhere in Wolverhampton’s Latin Quarter, drinking Absinthe and taking opium with the likes of Coleridge, Shelley and Keats.
Not because I think you are a drunken druggy.
Not at all.
It’s because you are a Romantic Poet at heart, which shows through every time you put pen to paper, or should I say finger to keyboard.
A beautifully written piece which, given my rather emotional state at the moment – I keep filling up every time I remember the joyous happenings of last night – is threatening to turn me into a blubbering wreck… again.
I’ll comment on the match a bit later when I’ve settled down.
Meanwhile, the PMDG’er and I send a load of love to your Gran.
Thanks Doog. That’s the biggest compliment I think I have ever had, ever! (and coming from you only gilds it further, obvs!)
I think I need a stash of drugs and alcohol to make sense of what’s happening at the Mol these days! I could do with it when trying to chronicle it all too…it is too much for me to do justice to. But I’m glad I appeared to succeed on Grandma’s / Dad’s behalf yesterday morning.
I’m just happy to be here seeing evenings like that. You think that things can’t get any more seminal (Derby home and Neves / Cardiff away / Chelsea home etc etc) and then they go and raise the bar yet higher.
And god bless you and your family Ben
Thanks ever so much LWL
Best wishes Ben (and Scooped…)
Hope your Nan comes through this….
Great write up mate and more primal hugs to go with it…
Whilst most has already been said the one thing I’ve picked up on the video replays is that for the first… Connor Coady was 1st player to congratulate Raul following a pitch length follow up and for the second … Dendoncker, Neves and Jonny we’re right on the heals of Jota having sprinted 3/4 of the lengths of the pitch in support.
This team is exactly that …. A TEAM…
I’m missing the semis but will be back for a 3 day bonanza on May 18th……. and that’s following the sandwich of the Bloggers Ball and Liverpool away ….. Those were the days my friend I thought they’d never end…
Thanks Crunchie Kid. That Crunchie was just what we needed at half time to top up the sugar levels again, for the second half onslaught! Always a better experience when you’re alongside me when witnessing it my friend x
Here’s a picture of an over excited Wolves fan last night when our first goal went in.
No idea who he is, but seems like a nice chap. Anyone put a name to him?
He certainly pissed off the grumpy old gal who sits next to us in the Steve Bull.
For that, many thanks!
It can only be the legend that is London Wolves Loyal….
Given away by the only bloke wearing a 60’s rosette…..
That rosette was my uncle Peters ,he still resides in Wolvo and it was proudly worn by him while he attended the 1960 cup final
And that stupid old bint in front of me had a fucking go at me for shouting
f f s !
What are some people even doing there ?
When i asked her why people shouldnt shout at a football match she didnt have answer , she just put her hood up for some reason !?
Nuno beard for the when we win the final
Mrs l w l is over the moon about it ( not )
Always nice to see you both doog !
Thanks Ben, took me right back to my first visit to the Molineux in 1949 and how this team is heading for the same dizzy heights.
The game was at Breakfast time here in New Zealand for which I was served with Poached Egg, Bacon and Manchester United..ON TOAST
Hiya kiwi wolf … I’m in Christchurch for the semis … and desperately need to know how to stream the game from Wembley on what I believe is the 7th April…
Any suggestions would be appreciated…
Lord Twix
You could pop in on my lad. He lives on Mauger Drive (named after the speedway legend). He could get you sorted out. Only problem: he’s a manure fan!
I haven’t heard from him all day.
I normally do on Sunday mornings.
Strange that
Thanks Joe …
Remember it will be 3am on a Monday morning……
Man U fan or not he won’t want Lord and Lady Twix getting smashed at that time of the morning…
Great gesture though Joe and we’re honoured to be offered it… xx
Mike
Thanks Kiwi. So you must have remembered us bringing back the cup in 1949? And then again in 1960? Jessie Pye scoring two at Wembley in 49?! You’re a bloody hero!
Fabulous piece Ben, it really brought a tear to my eye.
I found it hard to believe what i was seeing last night it was a tad surreal , was this my beloved wolves , making a talented expensive Man u team look ordinary HELL YES IT WAS.. Nuno has forged a team that is an absolute joy to behold , resolute yet exciting , organised but with flair. 5 million for Joao Moutinho bargain of the season surely and of the PL era surely ,the little master i call him.
Thanks Darryl. It makes it worthwhile writing the occasional blog when I hear things like this. Thanks!
Lovely piece Ben. I had planned to meet up with your dad in APV prematch but it wasn’t to be. My thoughts are with you and your family.
It was a dismal walk to Molineux in the relentless rain but I had good company. Inside, the ground was a haven and and Wolves’ second half performance left me awestruck.
Back in the Novotel I caught up with my better half, plus Ian and Sue (Newark Wolves). And then the bar erupted in spontaneous applause as Dendoncker joined family and friends. We also met a couple of Irish Wolves fans, from Dublin and Limerick, and Rob and Julie from Surrey (Leatherhead?).
A great weekend and some more to come, including trip(s) to Wembley. I see the E&S reckon that Wolves v Watford will be on Sunday 7th April with a 3pm kickoff. If that is the case I’ll need to change my hotel booking at Best Western Plus in Wembley, currently the Friday and Saturday.
Thanks so much Exiled Wolf. It was a shame Dad missed out, but it’s comforting to think that more days like this are surely in store in the future for him – and he won’t have to wait for years to see them! It would have meant a lot to him to catch up with you, so hopefully you can do it again in the future.
Stu wolf will probably know but the Raul song went something like “Give the ball to Raul he will score. He comes from Mexico . Si Senior” . I can’t remember. I was pissed.
Someone the Wolves wantyou to knowwwwwww
Best in the World and comes from Mexico.
Our Number 9
Give him the ball and he’ll score every time.
Si Senorrrrrrrrrr
Pass the ball to Raul and hewill score
Wonderful write-up Ben. For me hopefully it will be about creating some memories of my own. I have timed my first trip to perfection and will be London for the weekend of the semi’s. I have asked the club if there will be an opportunity for me to purchase tickets as an overseas member but haven’t heard yet. Do you guys think it will be difficult to secure tickets?
We are getting around 33250, so you will be there I would think.
Thanks Melbourne. I will keep my fingers crossed for you and a ticket! I take it you’re flying from Australasia and not Melbourne in Derbyshire? That’d be pretty decadent! Safe flight my friend!
Thanks Ben and Stu
I could watch Jota’s goal all day long and not get bored, what a finish, what a celebration, brilliant.
Thank you Ben for inspiring us across the globe. I wish you and your family well.
Wow! What a game and what a result!
When we played Chelsea I know many thought we did well because Nuno prepared well for that game, but I didn’t think that’s all he’d done. He’d actually prepared for the Man U game. I felt the team held back vs Chelsea, happy to contain them and save our tactics, energy, set-pieces, everything, for the cup game.
In a way, this was the cup final I wanted, and I don’t care how many people say we won cos Man Utd played badly. I’m not buying it if it was on sale. Man U wanted this badly, and Ole was royally pissed off he lost. He was outplayed and well beaten, fair and square. We’re well past the stage now when teams were caught by surprise that we could give them a game. They all know what we’re worth now, and they prepare accordingly. So none of this playing badly excuses anymore. And btw, I still think it should have been red. Guy took out his legs and near broke them.
But we’ll play the 2nd Manchester team in the final now instead. After we leap over the Watford hurdle. One game at a time. Let’s continue to enjoy the journey. The promised land awaits!
Congratulations team! You made us proud!
Go Wolves!!!
Thanks Go Wolf. I agree on the card too. I didn’t see enough in the replays to show it should have been overturned. No matter though, on we go to the semis!
Agreed on all points GW.
You are talking rubbish, GW. Man U lost because they played badly, simple as that.
I’ve mentioned before in previous posts that we only ever beat these so called top teams because they play badly. It’s got nothing to do with superior tactics or players. If they don’t play badly then maybe it’s because we were lucky. Impudent Wolfs/Wulfrunians, how dare they consider gatecrashing the top 6 party darlings of the national media.
I don’t care if we don’t get the credit we deserve (only Shearer of all the so called experts seems to get it) and long may the top teams continue to play badly against us – except that we are going to be the top team that they all look up to pretty soon especially as being FA cup winners will further boost our attraction for potentially even higher level signings this summer. Come on Lionel, you know that you want to make the switch…….
It could all get Messi…..
He would look pretty sitting on the bench for 75 minutes…………….
Now, if I signed, being Portuguese……………..
Thanks for that write up Ben, brilliant. Hope your Gran is on the mend.
Yesterday was epic, magnificent, stupendous. At no stage did I think we would lose, I was certain we would win, it just felt right.
Feels so good to be a Wolves fan these days! 🙂
Thanks Sevlow. She looked better yesterday, and definitely looked more comfortable when we told her the score from Saturday night. That was a nice moment x
Good to hear Ben. 🙂
There follows theDOOGooder’s ABC to Wolves beating Manchester United on Saturday, and why we’ll win the FA Cup.
A – Marks for Wolves’ performance – A++++
B – Balls! Mitres are best, just ask Neves.
C – Captain Coady, marshalling his men like a Five Star General.
D – Doherty doing the business down the wing.
E – Everywhere we go-o-o, people wanna know-ow-ow. Where the ‘eck are you from?
F – Fosun, to whom we owe so much. Special shout out for Jeff Shi, just because he’s a sweetie.
G – Now is the Greatest time to be a Wolves fan since before most of us were born.
H – History beckons for this Wolves team.
I – I spy with my little eye, something beginning with F.A.C.
J – Jimenez, Jota, Jonny. Just magic!
K – Kiss my backside Paul Merson and the other pundits who keep predicting we will lose.
L – Leander Dendoncker, the missing link in our midfield.
M – The Molineux massed choir and Moutinho, the little master.
N – Naa Naa Naa Na-na-na-naaa Na-na-na-naaa Nuno!
O – Ole – not Solskjaer, but the cries of “Ole” as we gave Man U a lesson in how to keep the ball.
P – Pride in the Pack! Together we’re stronger.
Q – As David Coleman used to say, our performance was:- “Quite remarkable!”.
R – Ruben Neves – Ruddy marvellous!
S – Saiss. Has he cemented his place in the side?
T – The twelfth man. Every one of us played our part. My throat’s still raw.
U – Underestimate us at your peril.
V – VAR bollox! That was a red card.
W – We’re Wolverhampton, we’re on our way back. And don’t forget BIG Willy.
X – The X Factor.. Nuno Espirito Santo.
Y – Why not? We can win this thing!
Z – Zzzzzzzzz! Sleep well, we’re in good hands. See you all at Wembley!
Methinks thee should get out more………………………!!!!!!!!!
Y’all will be pleased, nay ecstatic, to know that I have booked my room at Premier Inn, Uxbridge, for May 17th and 18th.
The F.A. have ordered the Old Gold and Black ribbons already.
Troy Deaney is an absolute carthorse /donkey, and has no business being on a football pitch.
I said something similar about Glen Murray, before we played Brighton away, and that kind of back fired on me!
It would actually be nice to play Brighton again in this year’s FA Cup, but with that diving, cheating, mincing little twat stirling about, I’m sure citeh will get to the final.
Wonder how far, with a following wind, Big Willy can drop kick the little poser??
Still got shit eating grin plastered all over me ugly gob!!
FOwb
Troy Deaney is a fat Blue Nose twat. And with a name like that he ought to be driving Thunderbird 4. Not stepping out at Wem Ber Ley against a proper team that doesn’t play in a strip that looks like the cover to a Domestos bottle. And call itself after an annoying relative to the wasp. Apart from that he is alright..
Wow mate that’s brilliant …. yet another Bloggers Ballbash ….in Uxbridge….
I corrr wait….
Were just up the road from there …me and some other wolves shall meet you boys for a lot of drinks
Excellent quote by a fan after the game in the Wolverhampton Express and Star today “THEY SAID THIS CLUB WOULD LOSE ITS SOUL UNDER THESE OWNERS.INSTEAD IT HAS FOUND IT”…….
Brilliant quote Cheesey. Thanks for that.
No worries Wolfie. I just thought it was a really brilliant comment. The picture was of a bloke in his late 50’s. He knows the score.
And I will say great respect to Jeff who is very aware of the fan base and has totally respected our traditions. Well done to Jeff and Fosun. Hope Chairman Guo enjoyed proceedings Saturday night!
Cheesie,
I reckon Guo & Jeff will be stopping in the Prem in Uxbridge when they know The Blog will be there.
And….
Reckon the cat could put in an appearance on the hallowed Wembley turf
Chairman Guo may well be residing in a leather armchair. Smoking a cigar. With a cat on his lap. Which will obviously be next door neighbours cat. I fear the cat will be enthused with opium.But that is great. If all beings in this world were chilled out . We might not get strange and weird happenings like in NZ last week. Hope not hate.
And if they can’t get a room, they can rent mine wot I just booked for cup final weekend!!
Had a wedding up in Bury with shit load of manc fans family aswell
Very emotional day and the night was so special just so proud to be a Wolf ?
In all my time watching football, and it’s a LONG time, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a centre forward who can control the ball with virtually any part of his body hold up the ball, and then lay the ball off to a teammate, as expertly as Raul Jimenez.
And he’s becoming a cold and clinical finisher.
He is getting to be like a mixture of The Doog, King John and Bully.
And I notice that he’s starting to do the Steve Bull ‘Aeroplane’ goal celebration when he scores.
Those three players went on to be Wolves legends.
Over to you Raul.
And how the f does that chicarito muppet get picked over him for the national tean??? They must play the wrong way!
I agree, Doogle.
It’s a lllloooonnnngggg time!!
Magnificent. We’ve played some really good stuff in the last 18 months but Saturday night saw us hit new heights. We utterly and completely controlled a team that is still a major force in world football from start to finish. Nuno’s philosophy of controlling the game without the ball was on strong display in the 1st half, but my dog we were a whole new beast after the break. Maintained our discipline whilst breaking out in numbers, moving the ball quickly and creating clear-cut chances.
When Moreno saved Raul’s header I was beginning to think we might get undone by a sucker punch, but such was the professionalism of this squad there was never any danger of that. Quite simply the most professional, efficientand ruthless display I have ever seen from a Wolves team.
Yeah. We were quite good, weren’t we Jack.
not sure where to start…Your write up Ben caught me in an emotional state and brought a lot of stuff flooding back….my Dad was the eldest of 5 brothers…all brought up in Dudley. They only went to home games but then the four eldest took the train to Burnley ( which was the modern day equivalent of flying to Vladivostok) to watch what turned out to be a defeat that arguably cost us the double in 1959-60.They didn’t go to another away game. Their Aunt Rene could recite to me every member of the Floodlit 50’s teams.
They have all gone now….but I have a sneaky suspicion that wherever they went to had to have provided them all with a streaming service on Saturday night. They would have immediately recognized the reincarnation of the skills and guts of their 50’s warriors, dismantling Manchester United with something to spare.
Its 48 hours on and still have not taken off my scarf
Like I said last week…only 11 games left this season…and now only 10 in which to savour this wonderful team/coaches and crowd…oh and the blog too.
Truly we are out of darkness….
Just to change the topic.
I was watching a short video of Ireland’s first practice and I was wondering what Matt Doherty must be thinking.
It’s like he fell through some time warp into the 1970s.
I guess it was the same with O’Neill and maybe that is why he made the comment about lack of a detailed plan for the players.
Have you booked a room in the Premier Inn at Uxbridge Tim? Clive is looking forward to meeting you.
I’ve just watched a quite lengthy interview with Diogo Jota made for ITV before the Man U match.
It’s very interesting and gives a good insight into the man and why he came to Wolves:-
“For the project”.
I like the sound of that, it smacks of permanence. Which, in view of the interest being shown by ‘Big Clubs’ in a lot of our players can only be a good thing.
You might already have seen this but, if not, give it a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhnfW0gB6Q8&pbjreload=10
Does anyone know when the Semi Final tickets are going on sale? I don’t see anything on the Wolves site.
Got this email from Wolves.
It looks like all season ticket holders will get the chance to buy a ticket.
Brilliant. Ian spoke to me today too. IF I manage to get away from Scotland on Saturday I plan to overnight at Wolverhampton and travel down by coach.
Don’t panic guys. Every STH, every member, my wolves and young Wolves have been guaranteed a ticket.
Announced in the last hour…We are having 33,000 tickets for the game on Sunday 7th At 4pm.
Uxbridge Premier Inn booked for Sunday night.
Life is good
They want £450 to sit upstairs in the middle not inc. food or booze so that’s a £700 day with the train fare and a drink etc.
You have to sit on your hands and be a good boy as well !
Try box office events £199 a ticket selling like crazy I just got 4
All the best
Just now Wolves £299 and Watford £129, me smells some demand and thus they have put the price up. Could always sit with the cockneys.
Hopefully Stu is right and members on 100 points will get a ticket?
How is everyone getting there ? I planned a train journey but the train will call at Watford Junction which might cause a problem . Unless British Transport Police are running separate trains from Wolves and Watford . Has anyone heard anything yet ?
For the final, Singapore Airlines, Houston to Manchester, deplane wearing Wolves top, Enterprise rental car to Premier Inn, Uxbridge, with a stop off in Wolvo to visit club shop and parents, keys thrown up the corner of hotel room for two days of making merry and then the same journey in reverse!
Tim Spiers:-
Had it confirmed that yellow cards have been wiped after the FA Cup quarter finals, so no player is on a booking for the semi #wwfc
Like Clive. (But for Semi final)
Drive to Premier Inn Uxbridge Sunday, park car, keys bunged in the corner, tube from Uxbridge to Wembley Park tube station.
Mr & Mrs Lowves
Me & Jen de Wolf , Grandson Seb.
My son and his gitrlfriend from Inverness
“Celebration time come on”.
Premier Inn Uxbridge already booked for final, on Thurs/Fri/Sat
Mr & Mrs Twix
Mr & Mrs Lowves
Me & Jen de Wolf
Clive from Hastings
As I have been informed that my grandson’s birthday party is being held in Linlithgow on Sat 6 Apr and my granddaughter’s birthday party is being held in Pegswood on Sun 7 Apr (I got my dates wrong lol) 7my plans (IF I have the balls to put this in place) are as follows:
Leave Grandson’s birthday celebration in Scotland on Sat 6 Apr early and travel to Wolverhampton. Get on coach at Molineux at 0830 hrs on Sun 7 Apr and travel to Wembley (video calling my granddaughter en route)
Plans for the final to be confirmed but which would probably be drive to Uxbridge Premier Inn on the Saturday and join up with you lot.
I’m also booked in at Uxbridge Fri/Sat for the final (fingers tightly crossed).
Just booked the Premier Inn for the final. See you there.
Wolves’ rearranged Premier League clash with Arsenal at Molineux will take place on Wednesday 24th April, 7.45pm.
The pair were originally scheduled to meet at Molineux last weekend, but the fixture was postponed due to Wolves’ involvement in the Emirates FA Cup.
The new dates means the fixture will be Wolves’ penultimate home game of the season, before Fulham visit Molineux in May.
Ticket details for the visit of the Gunners, which will not be televised live, will be announced in due course.
Tim Spiers:-
Had it confirmed that yellow cards have been wiped after the FA Cup quarter finals, so no player is on a booking for the semi #wwfc
Wembley’s capacity is said to be 90,000 so if each team gets 33,250 tickets where do the remaining 23,500 go?
I know that for the final all the hangers on get distributed tickets but I wouldn’t have thought the demand from them for semi-final tickets would be anywhere near the same.
If Watford don’t sell out, which is a possibility, would we get the surplus?They’ll probably come out with some crap about segregation issues although in 1974 there was a Wolves enclave in the Man City end because they couldn’t sell all their tickets.
Is this going to be 1974 all over again with deputy John doing a Gary Pierce (who deputised for Phil Parkes) as we end up 2-1 winners? I was there then and fingers crossed……
I see we’ve been given the east side of Wembley Stadium for our semi final. Pubs on that side include The Torch and Crock of Gold.
As the general concensus seems to be that we WILL win the semi final, I have also booked the PMDG’er and myself into the Premier Inn Uxbridge for the Friday and Saturday of the final weekend.
Although it seems a bit silly to stay in a hotel half an hour away by tube from Wemberleee when the Best Western Hotel is 7 minutes walk away and only a few quid more expensive.
Still, never mind. If it means an extra Bloggers’ Ballbash, and all that that entails,I’m up for it.
Bring on Man Citeh!
Good man DOOG and good lady .. Mrs PMDG’r.
Great news you two.
Forgot to tell you that getting off the tube, down the steps and a gentle walk up WEMBLEY WAY … life’s good…
The atmosphere will be electric singing … Nuno had a dream …
Hi Mike before you go off on your jollies can you stick on the blog or text me the address of Maltawolves (I think it was you I was talking to about it) as we may pop into Valletta and would be nice to meet up with yet more like minded soles before we go home.
Have a super break with your family and see you when you get back.
Although I usually can’t remember what I had for breakfast I’m pretty sure Malta Wolves doesn’t come up on the radar Ken, I’m afraid.
So I’m sorry that I can’t help you on that one mate.
Have a great holiday yourselves … xx
Hi Ken
The Malta Wolves Supporters Club
Contact: Alfred Camilleri, Club President, 52 St. John Baptist Street, Sliema, SLM 02, Malta
E-Mail: acamilleri@euroweb.net.mt
Hope that helps, we spoke to him when we were in Malta a few years back but didn’t get to meet him unfortunately.
Ian, if not done so already, consider booking into the Premier Inn at Uxbridge for the final. Prices are rising everyday and the “majority” of us bloggers are staying there and it would be great if you could join us. I have chosen the cancel option just in case Watford beat us!
Bloody hell wondering if the Premier at Uxbridge big enough to hold us all?
We need to book the Sat night or we will come unstuck
It will be full of just us bloggers. Rooms still left as I type this.
#facupfinalexcited
Just made a reservation. Maybe catch up with all the Bloggers staying there.
I’m really saddened by my fellow Bloggers, who I might add, I love dearly. Really bad luck to book hotels before we have played the semi final.
Nuno had a dream, but only one game at a time dream, Stay humble, stay positive.
See you all at Weemmbbbbeeerrrleeeyy !!!!
I tend to agree mate. Watford are going to be no pushover. The semi is virtually a home game for them and they certainly gave us a tatering earlier in the season.
I’ve booked our room simply because I want to be where the rest of the bloggers are in the event of a dream Cup Final.
If it got to it, and all the rooms were gone, I’d feel pretty pissed off.
However, we have taken the ‘cancel anytime’ option, so I’m hedging my bets.
Certainly still humble, but trying to stay positive.
Mark. The cancel option is what I took too. But, WHEN we beat Watford I will go back on the hotel site, book another room (if any are left) at the lower rate and cancel my initial one saving me a whopping £7.00 lol.
Well said Whitley remember when we lost the semi final in the Sherpa Van Cup 88-89 season, every coach company around Wolves and hotels booked around Wembley for the final and we lost.
Here’s an interesting little snippet.
https://www.coachesvoice.com/my-idea/
Interesting stuff Wolfstroker.
He not only walks the walk, but he can talk the talk too.
When he wants to.
Witley.
When we 6 bloggers played Palace and then Tottenham in the same week we stayed at the Uxbridge Premier Inn, because, it is a really nice convenient place with a superb restaurant.
When we saw we got through to the Semi’s we booked because even If we don’t make it through to the final, we shall as we did at Christmas take in a couple of shows and enjoy Londons delights, so not jumping the gun, putting the kiss of death or messing with lady luck at all. Just pure and simple forward planning and preparation.
If I try to book the same rooms now or IF we get through then the price will double. As an example “we got two nights for £77, if we book the Saturday night today it is £92 just for the one night”.
So off we go to London to enjoy our fantastic season, if lady luck shines on us on the 7th April, well bugger me, we are in London that weekend and could pop along to Wembley to watch a game.
No Brainer I’m afraid.
Hi guys and girls, here’s an opportunity to vote for Ruben Neve’s goal against Derby last year, for the EFL goal of the year…
https://mobile.twitter.com/wolves/status/1107996412350996480
Where are you considering being seated for the Semi Final Stu. I was thinking about the middle tier around the half way line. Thoughts?
East Stand
Block 111
Row 44 ish
I’m a behind the goals sort of fan.
Just been up for Southampton tickets and they are hoping to announce ticketing either today or tomorrow.
Dunnit!
Ruben Neves it is!
Just seen this on the Watford site
‘Due to the exceptionally tight timescales involved and system constraints placed upon us, we have decided to allow season ticket holders to purchase two tickets each under their own Fan ID number (although we do encourage, of course, the assignment of a second ticket purchased to another Fan ID number).’
I can’t see Wolves doing anything similar because if all STHs took up this option we would be way over our allocation.
Am I right in saying that a mini bloggers ballbash is planned to take place in the Premier Inn Uxbridge for the Final, with the following booked in:
Stu and Jen
Ken and Carmen
Mark and Sue
Mike and Lillian
Dougie and Barbara
Clive
Me
With possibly more joining us?
If so, we really really need to give Watford a kicking as this promises to be awesome.
Semi Final ticket info on the Wolves website….
Stu… or anyone else who knows.
Call me stupid if you want….. (Shut up Clive)….
But I am trying to find how many loyalty points I have. I’ve logged in to my account and there doesn’t seem to be anywhere on the Wolves website to find out.
Can you help?
Here we go, looks like everyone will be pleased…
https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20190320-semi-final-ticket-information/