On This Day: February Edition

1st February 2023
The February Edition of Wolves' History

16th February 1935: Stan Cullis makes debut for Wolves

Following his transfer from Ellesemere Port, Stan Cullis made his debut in a 3-2 defeat to Huddersfield Town at Molineux on the 16th of February 1935. Cullis would go on to make a restricted 171 appearances due to the outbreak of the Second World War and became the ‘official captain’ aged twenty. Cullis would even go on to captain England, making twelve appearances.

However, his impact as manager of Wolves would be even more influential – becoming Wolves’ most decorated manager and leading the club to its most successful period, winning three league titles and two FA Cups between June 1948 and September 1964.

5th February 1887: Charlie Mason becomes clubs first international player

In a 1886/1887 British Home Championship game against Ireland, Charlie Mason made his international debut for England on the 5th of February 1887, becoming the first Wolves player to be capped by their country. The game ended as a 7-0 win for England at Bramall Lane. Mason was also a part of the side that played in the club’s first league game: a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. The full-back would go on to make almost 300 appearances for Wolves, as well as gaining two more caps for England.

11th February 1939: Molineux records highest attendance

In a fifth-round FA Cup tie against Liverpool, Molineux played host to its record attendance as 61,315 Wolves fans witnessed Wolves run out 4-1 winners. Wolves would go on to reach the final of the FA Cup that season before losing 4-1 to Portsmouth at Wembley.

Interestingly, Molineux’s record attendance in its current configuration would also come against Liverpool, as 31,746 fans witnessed the Premier League game in January 2020. However, it was the visitors leaving as victors on that occasion following a 2-1 defeat for the home side.

24th February 1968: Derek Parkin makes Wolves debut

On the 24th of February 1968, Derek Parkin made the first of his record 609 appearances for Wolves in a 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle following an £80,000 move from Huddersfield Town. Parkin would remain at the club until the 1981/1982 season when he signed for Stoke City. During his time at the club, Parkin would play a key role in the clubs 1974 and 1980 League Cup wins – with the 1974 being a particular high point for Parkin.

5th February 2011: Wolves end Man Utd.’s twenty-nine game unbeaten run

Following a joint club record twenty-nine games unbeaten in the league, Manchester United travelled to Molineux seeking to make it an outright club record of thirty consecutive league games unbeaten. However, it was the home side who completed the victory over the visitors, with goals from George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle cancelling out Nani’s early strike.

“I took to the project, and I believe in it a lot. I will do everything for the fans.”

Matheus Cunha