Between them they gave over 100 years service to the good ship Wolverhampton Wanderers.

 

Made over 2,500 appearances, scored almost 400 goals, and collected almost 200 senior England caps.

 

There were also honours outside of the game, including a CBE and MBE, and there's also the small matter of a 1966 World Cup winning medal on the way at some point in the near future.

 

Whether as full back, centre half, wing half, or striker - trainer, manager, ambassador or director - they never wavered in their devotion to the gold and black cause.

 

And so it was last night that the first six Wolves legends were inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame in front of a devoted and appreciate audience which sold out Molineux's Hayward Suite.

 

Tributes were paid loud and long to the Wolves contributions of Jackery Jones, Stan Cullis, Billy Wright, Ron Flowers, Derek Parkin and Steve Bull, the choice of a selection panel who debated the deluge of nominations from the club's supporters.

 

Of course Ron, Derek and Steve were present to hear them in the flesh, with family members of the three now departed greats in attendance as their past achievements received their fully deserved honours.

 

The evening got underway with a video tribute from Wolves Chairman Steve Morgan, who unfortunately couldn't be present due to a long-standing engagement in London.

 

"The idea of the Hall of Fame is to recognise the stars of the past who have made Wolves into such a great club," said Steve.

"There have been so many fabulous players to choose from over the decades - we were spoilt for choice which is the greatest position to be in."

 

And CEO Jez Moxey then welcomed the assembled guests.

 

"It is a great honour and privilege to see everyone at Molineux for the launch of the Hall of Fame," said Jez.

"We are delighted to have found a way to permanently recognise the achievements of some of the outstanding individuals who have played for or managed this great club."

 

It was after the dinner that the formalities of the evening took place, with the six new inductees honoured in front of an appreciative and hushed audience in a presentation - including videos and live interviews - lasting an hour-and-a-half.

 

 

First onto stage was Steve Bull, who amongst other things related to host Bob Hall a previously unheard story of how he once tried to swim 300 yards of the Baltic Sea whilst on a pre-season tour of Austria and Germany.

 

The 'exclusive' had been revealed by former Wolves boss Graham Turner in a letter read out to the gathering.
"It was the last night and we were allowed a few drinks," Bully recalled.

"Myself and Kevin Ashley thought we'd swim across this little inlet but of course, when we both jumped in Kevin jumped out.

"I made it across halfway and then realised I wasn't going to make it - I'd gone under three times!

 

"Luckily a boat passed by and picked me up otherwise I wouldn't be here tonight and all you'd have to look at would be the videos."

 

Bully's former team-mate and sparring partner Andy Thompson then joined him to recount more tales and present him with a 'This is your Life' style red book detailing his career and Wolves' history - with all six inductees receiving a personalised special edition.

 

Derek Parkin was up next, with the video presentation including his former colleague and close mate John McAlle talking about Mike Bailey giving him the nickname "Squeak" and Dave Wagstaffe detailing how wingers might have got past him once - but never again!

 

 

"It's a bit embarrassing to hear some of the tributes," said Derek.

"But of course it's also nice and the highest praise you can get is that from your own team-mates."

 

Bobby Thomson joined Ron Flowers on stage as he received his accolade, with the Wolves and England half back admitting he still sometimes struggles to believe the success of his own career.

 

 

"Ever since I knew I was coming here I've been thinking back to how it was that a lad from a small mining village ended up playing for Wolves and being selected for a Hall of Fame," said Ron.

 

"From the moment I arrived at Wolves, I couldn't believe I was there playing with my heroes like Billy Wright, Bert Williams and Johnny Hancocks.

 

"I didn't even know how to address them at first - should I call them 'Mr' or 'Sir'? - but they were wonderful with me and helped me settle in straightaway."

 

The inductee from the earliest part of Wolves' history was Jackery Jones, and his grandson Philip brought the house down with a series of stories about the defender who became known for rarely missing a game.

 

 

"My grandfather enjoyed shooting at Apley Park but one day he actually shot himself in the foot," said Philip.

 

"He did actually have to miss a game for that, but was back the following week!

 

"I once found one of his old contracts saying he only got paid if he didn't play if it was a football-related injury - so that's why he was back so quickly!"

 

Stan Cullis was next to be honoured, with his children Andrew and Susan relating tales of their father after viewing the video presentation which included Malcolm Finlayson describing how the hugely successful former Wolves captain and manager was always hard but very fair.

 

 

Talk focused on that subject with Andrew, who also offered up a perfect example.

 

"I remember playing a junior match and Dad came to watch," says Andrew.

"We won 5-0 and I actually scored three goals, but when I came off Dad said, "Andy, you'll never make it!"

 

"When he was a manager Dad used to go home for his lunch or if he didn't he'd phone my Mum," added Susan.

"One day he hadn't done either which my Mum thought was a bit strange.

"Then she turned on the television to watch the 6-o'clock news to see him getting off a plane in Moscow - he'd gone to buy a player and had forgotten to tell her!"

 

The final inductee was Billy Wright, with daughter Vicky moved to tears by the emotional video tribute shown on the big screens.

 

 

"He was also a great Dad as well as great footballer," said Vicky, who was joined on stage by legendary Wolverhampton referee Jack Taylor.

 

"Football took up a lot of his time but he also gave every bit of himself to his family - I remember we'd be at home and we'd all be singing and Dad would be sat in the corner with tears of happiness.

 

"I never saw him lose his temper, never saw him in a bad mood, he was just a regular, lovely, genuine guy and we still miss him dearly."

 

Vicky was then joined by Andrew, Philip, Ron, Derek and Steve for the closing ceremony which featured the specially-commissioned plaques marking their achievements which will initially be put up around Molineux before one day being housed in a permanent museum.

 

In keeping with the theme of honouring the achievements of the past whilst also looking to the future, the evening finished with a video package highlighting the efforts of the current Wolves squad and management and a rousing ovation for Mick McCarthy, who attended the evening,

 

And who knows? Maybe some among the current Wolves ranks will find themselves in line for Hall of Fame recognition in the many years to come.