Election Fever is currently a hot topic of the day with the country awaiting news on when Prime Minister Gordon Brown will take the country to the polls.

And that particular date is going to be of particular interest to a trio of Wolves players who are preparing to take the plunge and play their part in mainstream politics.

Viewers of Wolves Player, the club website's television station, will have got to know all about the 'Debate Club' in recent months as captain Karl Henry, midfielder David Jones and striker Chris Iwelumo get together to chew the fat over a whole manner of subjects.

Well the three of them have now decided that they are so good at debating, they want to do it properly!

And so the 'Debate Club' political party is about to be launched, under the campaign slogan: "There ain't no party like a Debate Club party". ©

Having enthralled/annoyed (delete as applicable) the rest of the Wolves dressing room in equal measure, Karl, David and Chris are planning to stand for election to the Houses of Parliament under the 'Debate Club' banner, with a manifesto linked to the general theme of: "Vote Football, Vote Debate Club."

The three posed for pictures ahead of a planned press conference to officially launch their party in a narrow corridor next to the gymnasium at Compton, and were in defiant mood.

"I like a good tackle on the pitch, and now it's time to start tackling the big political issues of the day," said Karl, set to stand for the Wolverhampton North East constituency he lived in as a youngster.

"I think everyone knows that I'm one of the best debaters in the Wolves' dressing room, and am now ready to carry that forward into the House of Commons arena.

"I'm ready to put a shift in and keep plugging away, and hopefully will pick up enough votes to secure promotion to Parliament."

David Jones is more used to a producing a silky pass than a Houses of Parliament security pass, but is also looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"We've often heard about issues being used as a political football - well now we're putting the two together," said Jones.

"We've been trying hard to knock on the doors of Premier League defences this season, but it should be easier to start knocking on doors around the local area as we hit the campaign trail."

And the big man himself, striker Chris Iwelumo, is also up for challenging the current status quo whose figurehead is of course his compatriot Gordon Brown.

"We've got one survival fight ahead of ourselves in the Premier League and now we're set for another with the Debate Club," said Chris.

"The three of us tend to argue quite a bit between ourselves so there could be plenty of ups-and-downs in party meetings, but there's nothing wrong with good and healthy mass debate.

"I usually like sticking my head on any cross that comes into the box, but on this occasion I'll settle for a few crosses put in the Debate Club box come election day."

The timing of the General Election could prove crucial given the fact Wolves still need to secure their Barclays Premier League status, but CEO Jez Moxey has pledged to support the ambitious trio as much as possible.

"We are always talking about the excellent work our players carry out in the community and this promises to be another excellent example," said Jez.

"A lot of fans have often told me that I should run for Parliament, something to do with not giving forthright answers to straight questions apparently.

"What was that you said?  I'm not entirely sure what you mean.

"Anyway, if the lads want any advice then I'd be only too happy to help.

"Just as long as they don't try anything dubious with their expense claims!"

The Debate Club are now awaiting the Notice of Election so they can formalise their political party, but will clearly be hoping the big day doesn't arrive before the end of the season.

However there are already plans to distribute thousands of Debate Club manifestos to fans attending home games between now and the end of the season.

Supporters are likely to be asked to raise cards of support during the game with Stoke on Sunday week, to the new campaign song, "The Possible Reality", while the three are also set to tour Wolverhampton on the team coach spreading their message via a megaphone whilst leaning out of the sun roof.

Raif Ollop, a spokesman for the Electoral Commission, said all independent parties are welcome to join the political process.

"If the Debate Club wish to put themselves forward, and follow all the correct procedures, then they are welcome to contribute to British democracy," said Raif.

"Although as a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, after the events of this season they certainly won't be getting any votes from me."

WOW will of course be providing updates on the efforts of the intrepid trio over the coming weeks and months.

* What are the big issues you as Wolves fans would like to see the Debate Club tackle as they launch their political careers?  Send to comments@wolves.co.uk  

MEANWHILE CLICK THE FREE EXCLUSIVE VIDEO LINK ATTACHED ABOVE RIGHT TO SEE THE DEBATE CLUB'S FIRST EVER PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST, INCLUDING SOME OF THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE BIG ISSUES OF THE DAY.

AND, ABOVE ALL, PLEASE REMEMBER: THERE AIN'T NO PARTY LIKE A DEBATE CLUB PARTY ©