Wolves v Ipswich Town, 9th November 1974

Highlights of a First Division match between Wolves and Ipswich Town at Molineux on 9th November 1974.
Following on from their League Cup success the previous season, the 1974-75 season proved a disappointment for Wolves. In their first defence of the trophy, Bill McGarry's team were beaten at Molineux by Second Division Fulham. Further exits at the first stage of the FA Cup and UEFA Cup followed with defeats against Ipswich Town and Porto (although Wolves did manage to beat Porto 3-1 at Molineux following a 4-1 reverse in the first leg of the UEFA Cup). In the First Division, the inconsistency that plagued Wolves throughout that particular season ensured a moderate 12th place finish.
In some respects, it was surprising that the season was a relative struggle. The Wolves defence remained largely unchanged from the success of previous seasons, although goalkeepers Phil Parkes and Gary Pierce split appearances between them throughout the campaign. The inspirational Mike Bailey was at the heart of the Wolves midfield and was ably assisted by Kenny Hibbitt (who top scored for Wolves with 17 league goals for the season). In addition, talented players such as Barry Powell, Steve Daley and, towards the end of the season, Willie Carr appeared for Wolves in midfield alongside Bailey.
However, despite some consistency of selection, Wolves were undergoing something of a transition in other areas throughout the 1974-75 season. With Derek Dougan relegated to just a handful of appearances in the final season of his distinguished Wolves career, Bill McGarry sought his replacement to partner John Richards. Either Alan Sunderland, Steve Daley, Peter Withe or Steve Kindon were selected instead of 'The Doog.' Sunderland was the player initially chosen by McGarry for the number 10 shirt but after a lengthy scoreless run, his season ended with a broken leg sustained in training. Kindon eventually prevailed and he finished the season with a creditable 10 goals in 29 league appearances.
Another magnificent servant of the club, Dave Wagstaffe, was injured at the beginning of the season - a continuation of an injury that had occurred prior to the League Cup final the previous season. The unenviable task of replacing 'Waggy' as left-winger went to John Farley but, at other times, Steve Kindon, Alan Sunderland or Steve Daley were chosen for the position as Wagstaffe would complete only 13 appearances for the season. It was perhaps McGarry's experimentation in those positions (some of it enforced through injuries) that resulted in an underwhelming season for Wolves.
Ipswich had continued their excellent progression under Bobby Robson and would finish the 1974-75 season in 3rd position, just 2 points behind eventual First Division champions Derby County.
Originally broadcast by ATV's Star Soccer with commentary provided by Hugh Johns.

[@hussainnabi1232]

I was at this game i was 9 great days

[@Turrican60]

Great stuff! I was at that game, even though I was just a teenager back then. Fantastic to see one of my all-time heroes, King Kenny, bagging an absolute screamer. Even now, I still miss the old Molineux because it was a proper ground with an amazing atmosphere. Happy memories for me, so thanks for the upload, Mercian 1969.

[@tommyhemlock7915]

I’d rather watch endless highlights of games from the 70’s and 80’s than the live stuff that is churned out by Sky and BT. VAR is just the latest (and worst) in a long line of recent “innovations” that have changed the game beyond all recognition from those days.

[@neilrogers7259]

Smack on mate

[@mikewest1542]

I will watch all highlighted games up to the 1991/1992 season , you can guess why !

[@stevie65able]

Great memories of my childhood. Wolves was the first team I barracked for as a very young boy.

[@maakeklein4073]

man take me back to these days before business took over. now it's just a competition bout who's got the biggest bank account nothing to do with the beautiful game.take the money out and then see who's the best!

[@tommyhemlock7915]

Anyone else think Mike Bailey could have been Bobby Moore’s brother? I’ve always thought there was a definite similarity in looks between them.

[@GosWardHen98]

We were there and Wolves were very good that day. Ipswich were a tough side then too & were a bogey team to Ipswich during the 70's. 😤

[@markjenner7199]

Yes your right living in Ipswich in the seventies there was a collective groan if we drew wolves in the cup because they always beat us they held the hoo doo over us for years.

[@user-nj9ss5yz9o]

Ωραίες εποχες

[@jamesjoyce2279]

winning goal right in front of the Cowshed

[@randothol9003]

When football was honest, tough and was finanancially innocent.

[@FabianRuni]

Hugh Johns; funny commentator. "Twinkle toes Gary Own; little tickle here, little tickle there..."

[@WELLBRAN]

my brother when he was small used to go around the house impersonating him.."thats Mortimer...to Withe!...one nothing villa!".....my mum used to say whats he on about?...lol...Now hes 55 and in a wheelchair and no memory...MS.....Sadly

[@daveratcliffe1016]

What an old dump molineux was before they redeveloped it.

[@markjenner7199]

No it had character you don't see in those soul less concrete bowls you have now (mark Ipswich ) the Southbank on TV looked awesome wasn't that the biggest end in England about 30:000 that's bigger than the capacity of Portman Road.

[@paulmoseley8094]

It was a stadium steeped in history with a atmosphere beyond compare. You also have to factor in thar the football on display was far more entertaining. It was also British & still thankfully a sport & not a business.