Selecting the players, games and kits from Old Gold history he deems to be the most underrated is Express & Star contributor and Wolves fan of more than 60 years, John Lalley.
Goalkeeper | Fred Davies
Followed the hugely successful Williams and Finlayson and inevitably suffered by comparison, playing in a declining team. Reckoned to be the fittest guy at Molineux, Davies was a natural athlete, supple and agile with sound positional sense. He had exceptionally good hands, came confidently for crosses and quietly excelled in over 170 Wolves appearances.
Defender | Gerry Taylor
Rarely mentioned but rarely criticised – the mark of his consistency. Wholly understated, Taylor was a strong, determined, alert full-back, sharp in the tackle and constructive in his distribution. Often a patient understudy, he rarely failed when called upon. Over 180 games in some excellent Wolves teams without any histrionics. A top professional.
Midfielder | Kevin McDonald
An imposing figure of the Kenny Jackett era. McDonald was a tough player with the control and confidence to demand and retain the ball in the most congested areas of the field and had the vision to pick a pass with aplomb. Although no great pace, he was blessed with a creative footballing brain, making for the ideal link between defenders and forwards.
Forward | Terry Wharton
Wharton formed two outstanding wing partnerships, first with Alan Hinton and then alongside Dave Wagstaffe. A sharp, direct winger, he was a skilled provider of assists, as well as being an accomplished finisher himself. A magnificent striker of the ball and an exceptional penalty-taker, he scored 79 goals in over 240 games.
Manager | Graham Hawkins
Surprise appointment after relegation in 1982, but Hawkins responded magnificently. Wolves stormed to promotion, finishing second, losing only seven games. Young players were skilfully coached, enabling the team to achieve an impressive 20 clean sheets. Euphoria turned to calamity. Unable to strengthen and with financial ruin approaching, a blameless Hawkins was jettisoned.
Match | Cardiff City 0-1 Wolves, 1986
An inconsequential match played before a paltry attendance, but for the club, it was hugely significant. Steve Bull registered his first goal for Wolves and in so doing unwittingly shaped the beginning of the end to the most catastrophic deterioration in our history. The club reclaiming its soul and its identity – Bull the catalyst; fiction about to turn to reality.
Season | 1972/73
Playing some outstanding attacking football, Wolves finished fifth in the first division that season and suffered two excruciatingly close defeats in both the FA and League Cup semi-finals. Yet construed by some as underachievement, having lost the UEFA Cup final the previous season. Wholly unfair and answered unequivocally with the triumph at Wembley in 1974.
Shirt | 1975-79 away
I remain besotted by our iconic gold and black, but for sheer aesthetic quality, the alternative white strip of the mid-seventies was a belter. Dazzlingly bright and subtly contrasted by three jet-black leaping Wolves centrally located. Parallel to the badge, a simple upper-case WW logo. Stylish in its simplicity; unpretentious and classy.
This article originally featured in Wolves' official 2025/26 matchday programme. Last season's programmes are still available to purchase online through retailers Curtis Sports.
