Wolves supporters have every reason to feel an immense sense of pride in what their current team is accomplishing under the astute guidance of Vitor Pereira. The club has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few months, and their recent performance has captured the attention of football fans across Europe. As of now, Wolves are the most in-form team on the continent, having secured an impressive six consecutive wins in the Premier League, a streak that culminated in a resounding 3-0 victory over Leicester City this past Saturday. This kind of form is rare in football, and it speaks volumes about the turnaround that has taken place at the club.
The turnaround is nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering where Wolves were earlier in the season. The club was struggling in the relegation zone when Gary O’Neil was sacked in December. The departure of O’Neil left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Molineux, but the appointment of Vitor Pereira has breathed new life into the team. Under Pereira’s leadership, the club has not only avoided relegation but has become one of the most formidable sides in the division, showcasing resilience, tactical discipline, and a flair for attacking football that has made them one of the most exciting teams to watch. Pereira deserves significant credit for this remarkable transformation. His ability to galvanize the team, instill confidence, and implement an effective tactical approach has been crucial in propelling Wolves to their current heights. Where O’Neil’s reign was marked by frustration and underperformance, Pereira has steered the ship back on course and made the team a competitive force in the Premier League once again.
The players have also played a crucial role in this remarkable rise, with several individuals hitting their peak form since Pereira’s arrival. Among the standout performers is Jorgen Strand Larsen, the Swedish striker who scored his 13th goal of the season in the 3-0 win over Leicester. Larsen’s goal-scoring prowess has been a key factor in Wolves’ success, and his partnership with the dynamic Marshall Munetsi in midfield has added a level of creativity and unpredictability to the team’s attacking play. Munetsi, who has become one of the driving forces in the heart of the midfield, is another example of the team’s rejuvenation. His hard work, vision, and tenacity have been vital in controlling games and supporting the forward line. His chemistry with Larsen and other attacking players has been one of the catalysts for the club’s attacking resurgence.
At the back, the defense has been solid, with Andre being widely regarded as one of the best in his position. His leadership, defensive acumen, and ability to break up opposition attacks have been crucial in maintaining Wolves’ defensive stability. His all-around performances have been integral in helping the team not only achieve consistent wins but also maintain a strong defensive record. It is no surprise that Wolves’ defensive unit has been one of the most impressive in the Premier League during this run of form.
Despite the high praise for current stars, it is a former player who has recently been the subject of significant attention due to his lasting impact on the club. Dave Edwards, a former Wolves player, made a bold and heartfelt statement about Conor Coady, describing him as the most important player to have worn the Wolves shirt since the legendary Steve Bull. Bull, a figure synonymous with the club’s history, is arguably the greatest player in Wolves’ storied past. His 13 years at the club saw him score 306 goals and achieve 18 hat-tricks, earning him a place in the hearts of Wolves fans for generations. His status as a club icon is untouchable, but Edwards’ statement regarding Coady is a reflection of the immense impact the former captain had during his time at Molineux.
Edwards believes that Coady’s contribution to the club, particularly in the modern era, makes him a figure of comparable significance to Bull. Speaking after Coady’s return to Molineux with Leicester for their 3-0 defeat, Edwards expressed his admiration for the former Wolves captain, saying, “I wanted him to get the welcome and reception that he deserved. While he is now an opposition player, I really do think he has played a huge part in helping Wolves to get where they are as a football club.” Edwards continued, “I have said it before I believe he is the most important player to wear the shirt since Steve Bull – he has been that important.”
Coady’s impact on the club went far beyond his performances on the pitch. As captain, his leadership was invaluable. He had an innate ability to unite the squad, rally the players, and instill a sense of pride in wearing the Wolves jersey. Coady was the embodiment of the club’s values, and his commitment to both the team and the community was second to none. His dedication to the Wolves cause saw him constantly engaging with the fanbase and being a visible presence in the local community. It wasn’t just about what he did on match days; it was about the way he represented the club off the field. His leadership, on and off the pitch, became a symbol of everything the fans wanted to see from their captain. Coady’s strong presence in the dressing room and his ability to manage pressure in high-stakes games made him an ideal leader, and his influence helped propel Wolves to new heights during his time at the club.
The bond between Coady and the Wolves supporters is undeniable. Even though Coady left Molineux for Leicester in 2023, his relationship with the Wolves faithful has remained strong. When he returned to the stadium on Saturday, the Wolves fans serenaded him with chants, showing their appreciation for the man who led their club through some of its most successful years in recent history. Coady, now 31, acknowledged the reception with gratitude, thanking the supporters for their unwavering loyalty and affection. It is clear that, regardless of where his career takes him, Coady will always be a cherished figure in the hearts of Wolves fans.
What Coady achieved at Wolves was truly remarkable. His journey with the club began when he joined in 2015, and he quickly became a central figure in the team’s rise through the divisions. Coady was part of the squad that earned promotion from League One in 2014 under manager Kenny Jackett, and his leadership qualities were immediately evident. As the club moved forward, it was Coady’s ability to organize the defense and lead by example that helped Wolves gain promotion to the Premier League in 2018 under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Coady’s leadership on the pitch was instrumental in Wolves establishing themselves in the Premier League. He captained the team through two European campaigns, a feat that had eluded the club for decades. His consistency at the heart of the defense, combined with his vocal leadership and commitment to the team, made him an invaluable asset. His ability to keep the squad together, especially in moments of adversity, was crucial in the club’s rise to prominence. Many of his performances in the Premier League, particularly during the club’s European campaigns, were exceptional and earned him the respect of his teammates, managers, and supporters alike. Coady was also a key figure in making Wolves a competitive force in the Premier League, and his leadership helped propel them to the upper echelons of the table. His tactical understanding of the game and ability to read situations on the pitch helped Wolves become one of the most organized and disciplined teams in the league.
Since leaving Wolves for Leicester, Coady’s performances have seen a slight decline, which is understandable given the changing dynamics of his new club. While Leicester remains a strong team, Coady has found it more challenging to maintain the same level of influence he had at Wolves. His potential return to Wolves was briefly discussed in January when the club tried to sign him in a swap deal involving Craig Dawson. However, with the current depth of Wolves’ defense, including players like Matt Doherty, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Toti Gomes, it’s unlikely Coady would have been a regular starter in the current setup. The evolution of Wolves’ defense means that Coady’s style of play, while still valuable, may not fit seamlessly into the team’s current tactical system. Despite this, his legacy at Molineux remains untarnished.
Nevertheless, the legacy that Coady left at Molineux remains one of the most important in recent memory. Whether or not he returns to the club, his impact will continue to resonate for years to come. As Edwards rightly pointed out, Coady was not just a player but a symbol of the club’s values, identity, and resurgence. He embodied everything Wolves fans want to see from their captain, and his leadership helped guide the club to heights it had not reached in decades. Even as Wolves enjoy success under Vitor Pereira, they will always have a deep sense of gratitude for the foundation that Coady helped build.
In conclusion, while Steve Bull may still be regarded as the club’s greatest-ever legend, Conor Coady’s contribution to Wolves in the modern era is undeniable. His leadership, dedication, and the success he helped the club achieve will be remembered for generations. For Wolves supporters, Coady’s impact is not just about his time on the pitch, but about the heart and soul he brought to the club. Coady’s leadership qualities and commitment to Wolves will forever be etched in the club’s history, and as the team continues to move forward, his legacy will remain a key part of the club’s foundation for years to come.