retired_brianrt

After 39 games of the Championship season, we sat fourteen points clear of second place Leicester City, which made me smile immensely. We were also 19 points clear of third place, meaning that a win in our next game would secure promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of trying. That game was at home against Sheffield Utd, another team that had underachieved throughout the season. It took until the 49th minute for us to secure promotion, as a Neil Mellor brace and Brede Paulsen Hangeland's first goal for the club was enough to give us the win. Andy Gray's penalty couldn't dampen the team's spirit, and when the final whistle was blown the scenes of joy were unprecedented, fans and players storming the pitch to celebrate our return to the promised land.

---

I took Selina out that night to celebrate the promotion of the team, and walking into the ground the following day everyone was in a jovial mood. Players, coaches, secretaries, even the tea lady. They all had smiles on their faces, and the club seemed to be uplifted by our promotion securing win. All that was left for us to do now was to secure the title, and, as was a real possibility, get past the 100 point barrier, which is a great achievement in any division.

The next step came in the shape of an away trip to Gillingham, and yet again we were comfortable, never needing to get out of 2nd gear as we cruised through to a 2-0 win, another Neil Mellor brace, with a goal in each half, enough to secure us yet another three points, our 30th win in the league

retired_brianrt

It was nice to have a chance to clinch the title in front of our own fans, and just as we secured promotion at Molineux, I was confident we could go one better and win the Championship title. The fans were in amazing voice, and the ground was packed to the rafters three hours before kick off. Singing and chanting floated all round the ground, and as the players were in the tunnel they were pumped up for the game. Watford were our opponents, and it looked as though they had come to spoil the party, particularly judging by the way they started in the game. They had three or four good chances in the opening half an hour of the match, but in the end it was a Colin Cameron penalty that put us in front, after Neil Mellor was felled in the box. Our lead was doubled less than three minutes into the second half, Seol Ki-Hyeon latching onto the loose ball and sliding home past Chamberlain. Neil Ardley's unfortunate own goal put a slightly flattering look on the score, as the visitors had played well and didn't deserve a 3-0 defeat, but it was what they got. Miel Mans put himself in my bad books though after a rash tackle on the far touchline earned him a second yellow card and a one match suspension.

...

Miel was badly missed in the next game, an away trip to Millwall, as we were crap in the midfield, and Kevin Cooper's red card just before half time didn't help matters. Kevin Braniff had put his team in the lead with a side footed finish from Ifill's cross, and the second Millwall goal was scored by Ifill himself, as he headed home from a corner to give his side a win. It wasn't the fact we lost that upset me, what did was the performance. It was by far and away our worst one under my management, and I let them know just as much in the dressing room barrage they received after the game

I returned to training on the Monday to find that Irish winger Mark Kennedy was absent, the second time this season. I had let him off with just a warning the first time, but he should be getting prepared to fork out a weeks worth of wages after his no-show. I was still livid from the Millwall game, and the lads knew better than to get on the wrong side of me. So they got their heads down, got on with it and worked bloody hard that morning, although I expected that anyway, but they doubled up their workload. This turned out to cost us, as Kenny Miller went down with a pulled groin, keeping him out for 2-3 months, not something I was hoping for as I prepared for our final three games

retired_brianrt

Wigan came to Molineux next, and they were one of the participants in the dullest game of football I have ever seen. There were two chances in 93 minutes of football, both falling to defenders, and the game petered out into a drab 0-0 draw. It meant our home games for the season were finished, having stayed undefeated and conceded just 6 goals, doing exactly what I said we needed to do at the start of the season - keeping Molineux a fortress.

Mark Kennedy did recieve his fine just before our trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich, but due to injuries to both N'Zogbia and Witschge, he took his place in the side. Again though, we were foiled by the 'keeper, who kept eveything out that he could manage, aswell as the help he recieved from his defenders and his posts (twice!) and for the second successive game we had to settle for a 0-0 draw, making Kenny's injury look really much more serious than it was. I was disappointed with how the month ended, but the fact remained that we had secured the Championship title and would be playing Premiership football again next season

retired_brianrt

April 2005 Summary
(Championship unless stated)

Wolves 3-1 Sheffield Utd
Mellor (31,49) Hangeland (35) : Gray (pen 53)

Gillingham 0-2 Wolves
Mellor (10,64)

Wolves 3-0 Watford
Cameron (pen 35) Seol (48) Ardley (o.g 57)

Millwall 2-0 Wolves
Braniff (10) Ifill (62)

Wolves 0-0 Wigan

Ipswich 0-0 Wolves

Wolves win Championship title

retired_brianrt

With one final game left to play, an away trip to Brighton, I wanted the season to end on a high note. Although the win wasn't the best performance we had ever had throughout the season, it was a win. Goals from Ioan Viorel Ganea and Ashley Young, in what could be his last game for the club before he goes back to Watford, were enough to seasl the win, even with Leon Knight's late strike for the home side. The final whistle went and I found myself congratulate by players and staff, before Glenn embraced me in a crushing bear hug with a huge smile on his face. We had done it. Wolverhampton Wanderers were back in the big time.

---

We celebrated like never before, a session of drinking lasting nearly four days was enough to send me to bed for another 48 hours. When I woke, I was still recovering, but I picked up my laptop to find a few impressive e-mail messages that just showed how good we had been all season. As well as my award for Manager of the Year, Colin Cameron picked up player of the year, while Ashley Young deservedly earned himself 2nd place in the Young player of the Year competition. To top that off, we had a total of four players in the team of the year for the Championship (Matt Murray, Jody Craddock, Richard Witschge and Colin Cameron, with Ashley Young and Seol Ki-Hyeon named among the substitutes). Our Scottish midfielder was also voted Fans' player of the year, which saw him pick up three awards, and earn himself a years extension to his contract with the club.

The League Table made for good reading, as we won the title by twelve points from Leicester, finishing 19 points clear of third placed QPR, a Championship record. Our four strikers hit 59 goals between them, and we conceded just 6 goals in 23 home games, staying undefeated at Molineux. I was, going into the summer break, a very happy man. I was gearing myself up for a long, hard pre-season, and for the season ahead, but I was confident we could pick up the points to stay in the Premiership this time around

retired_manragh

Congrats Sherm, up into the premiership always a good start, good story as well!

retired_brianrt

May 2005 Summary
(Championship unless stated)

Brighton 1-2 Wolves
Knight (87) : Ganea (4) Young (44)

...

Championship Standings - End of 2004/05 Season
(Top 6 Only)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> PL W D L GD PTS1. WOLVES 46 32 9 5 +63 1052. Leicester 46 28 9 9 +37 93-------------3. QPR 46 25 11 10 +27 864. Nottm Forest 46 23 11 12 +24 805. Burnley 46 23 10 13 +16 796. Leeds 46 21 11 14 +15 74</pre>


Championship XI
(Season 2004/05)

Murray (Wolves)

Ardley (Watford)
Stewart (Leicester)
Craddock (Wolves)
Lucketti (Preston)

Cameron (Wolves)
Witschge (Wolves)
Evans (Nott'm Forest)
Williams (Leicester)

Ward (Brighton)
Dublin (Leicester)


English Premiership
Champions : Arsenal
Relegated : Everton, Charlton, West Brom

English Championship
Promoted : Wolves (as Champions), Leicester, QPR (via Playoffs)
Relegated : Stoke, Sheffield Utd, Crewe

retired_brianrt

Cheers Panpardus - I have to say I didn't expect it to be as enjoyable as it has been, and it's always a nice feeling to win promotion. Lets just hope i can stay there now

---

Wolverhampton Wanderers Squad Summary
(Season 2004/05)

Matt Murray
Matt had firmly established himself as number one before the season, but 26 clean sheets speaks volumes for his ability. As a 'keeper, he is top notch, and I am pleased to have tied him to another four years at Molineux

Michael Oakes
Despite not seeing that much playing time, Michael never once complained. He worked hard, did well when he had to step in, and his experience will be crucial in our Premiership campaign

...

Mark Clyde
Another player who didn't get much playing time, and it is unlikely he will next term. He is a useful back-up player though, and shall be kept in case of injuries or suspensions

Rob Edwards
Kept virtually injury free through the season, and was a star at right back. Always consistent, always encouraging the others and will be made club captain next season. The model professional and one I am delighted to have in my side

Tuomas Aho
Performed way beyond my expections all season, hence the reason he played 28 games. He is superb in the air, his pace is something we lack at the back and I firmly believe this boy will become a star for us. Scored a couple of timely goals too

Joachim Bjorklund
The experienced Swede was a useful back-up when we were struggling. He wont be getting a playing contract next season, but if he completes his coaching badges I will offer him a role at the club

Jody Craddock
I offered Jody the captaincy but he declined it. I will be relying on his previous Premiership experience will be crucial to our fight for survival and I am confident he will be a regular for several seasons yet

Joleon Lescott
A young, talented, English defender, who wanted to leave in January. He has had a change of heart now, and will be another vital cog in our Premiership side. I am not intending Joleon to go anywhere but with him insisting on a minimum fee release clause in his contract I do worry he could be going soon

Lee Naylor
Our regular choice at left back, Lee was immense throughout the season, and although I am looking for another left sided defender, unless they are top quality Lee will keep his place in the team

Arthur Numan
Another of our Dutch contingent, he didn't play much but has been offered a coaching contract for the upcoming season, as I believe his knowledge of the game will prove priceless

...

Brede Paulsen Hangeland
Brede was my first signing for the club, and I had the utmost confidence in his abilities. In that holding role he was superb, but with the arrival of Alou Diarra he and Miel Mans will havge to rotate on a three way scale. He will play an important role though

Miel Mans
My record signing as manager, and the £1.5 million I weighed out was money well spent. Despite his raw inexperience, he proved to be very effectual in the role in front of the defence, and I believe with Miel, Hangeland and Alou Diarra, it is our strongest area of the team

Richard Witschge
Signed as a back up player, his top notch performances put him right into first team contention. He was magnificent on that left wing, and eanrt himself a place in the team of the year, and a one year extension on his current deal

Shaun Newton
His experience helped others along this season, but his wage is quite high and he will not be retained next season. I wish Shaun all the best, and some of his contributions were well needed at the time

Ashley Young
This young man impressed me a lot, his performances on loan from Watford really excelling on that right wing. With his employers having to play in the Championship for one more season I think he might get some more playing time for them, although I will be trying to sign him permanently

Colin Cameron
Belied his increasing years with some unbelievable performances. Hit 14 goals in the league, mainly through being the teams penalty taker, but his performances behind the strikers were terrific. I was surprised with how well he played, but he will be kept on next season after changing my mind through the season

Kevin Cooper
Another man who surprised me with his performances, but has announced his retirement. I was hoping to keep him on, but I wish him a happy retirement and his contribution will not be forgotten in our promotion season

Charles N'Zogbia
I brought Charles on loan for a little time in the season, and in his 13 games I was mightily impressed. With Mark Kennedy leaving the club I shall be renewing my interest in Charlie next season, as he will prove a useful asset to the side

...

Seol Ki-Hyeon
Our South Korean striker was also our top scorer, hitting 16 league goals, and creating another 14 in the process. Has been attracting attention from the big clubs, and hopefully he will want to stay with us, but I wont stop him leaving if he wants to

Ioan Viorel Ganea
Another striker who had a good season, he hit 14 goals and eanred some caps for Romania. Gets a second chance at Premiership glory. I will be keeping Ioan as a good option upfront in the next season

Kenny Miller
The Scottish international played well, and he chipped in with some useful goals, and having played in the Scottish premier division he gets his chance in the English top flight, and I am delighted it is with us

Neil Mellor
Neil joined us on loan from Liverpool to provide an extra bit of cover upfront, and he proved to be an astute signing on my part. 12 goals in 21 games says it all, and although unproven in the top flight I would be willing to give him a chance. He earns a lot of praise from me and our fans

retired_bbcarr

Just caught up, sherm. Congratulations on the promotion. Nice to see Fatty Mellor doing well

retired_brianrt

Cheers Terk - I know Mellor holds a place in your heart after his excursions with your Forest side so I thought you might be pleased

---

The pre-season was going to be an important time for the club, and I was focused intently on getting the players with enough quality that we needed for our Premiership survival. With that in mind, I left John in charge of the friendly matches that had been arranged, leaving me with all the time in the world to secure some signatures. I didn't have to wait too long to either, defender Richard Dunne joining on a free transfer after his release from Manchester City. He was an Irish international so I was delighted to pick up someone with his quality for free. With three transfers already scheduled to join up with the squad (Van der Gun, Floren and Healy), I was trying desperately to find proven Premiership players to add to the ranks. As it turned out, I was in luck, one phone call from Rafa Benitez enough to get me two of these players. One was a left full back, which was top of my list, as Stephen Warnock agreed terms on a three year deal, signing for £975,000, a steal in my estimation. for me though, the biggest coup was in securing a striker of not just Premiership standard, but International standard too. Czech Republic international Milan Baros agreeing terms for a season long loan deal. He was recovering from a spinal injury, and hadn't played in the red of Liverpool for 8 months, so I was more than willing to take him on board and give him the first team chances he both craved and deserved. Milan's first training session with the boys was all I needed to see how good his finishing was. He could, and did, score from anywhere, and the boys were more than happy to have him on side.

The next couple of weeks were spent dividing my time between the transfer market and Selina, which can get quite irritating when I mention dealings in bed and get 'that' look. Still, it was a hectic schedule I was on, and I did manage to secure three more signings to the squad. The reason for this was the departure of Seol Ki-Hyeon, our South Korean top scorer from the previous season rejecting contracts from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Betis in favour of a £4.5 million move to Middlesbrough. This allowed me to spend a little luxury in the transfer market. Mika Vayrynen was a Finnish international who couldn't get near the Heerenveen side, and I felt he would provide some good competition for Van der Gun. With his side willing to get him off the wage bill, a £350,000 deal was quickly thrashed out with the surprise European qualifiers from Holland. I also managed to secure another goalkeeper, bringing the tally up to three for the first team squad. Former Liverpool stopper Sander Westerveld agreed terms and he would be stiff competition for young Matt Murray. The third signing was one that I wasn't overly sure on, it was recommended to me by John. Hugo Viana had fallen out of favour with his current club Newcastle, and with a sudden lack of left sided midfielders at the club, I acted quickly and brought the Portuguese midfielder in for the sum of £1,400,000, the second highest fee spent in my time at Wolves. I was a little unsure about the signing, but I was prepared to give him some time to settle and see what he could do