The Wanderers Post · https://thewandererspost.news/features/when-gazza-came-on-trial-englands-mercurial-midfielder-once-wore-a-wolves-shirt-but-it-was-a-short-lived-experiment-179645
When Gazza came on trial: England’s mercurial midfielder once wore a Wolves shirt but it was a short-lived experiment
10.11.26, 06:30 Updated 07.11.26, 13:19
What should have been an eagerly-anticipated start to Wolves’ first top division season in almost two decades, and a debut campaign in the rebranded Premier League, was anything but that. Manager Dave Jones was given a pitiful amount of money for team-strengthening after promotion through the play-offs in May, 2003.
A shambolic pre-season involved a 6-1 defeat at non-league Morecambe. Jones lost his star defender Joleon Lescott before a ball had been kicked and after a 5-1 opening day humiliation at Blackburn Rovers, goalkeeper Matt Murray was also ruled out for the entire season.
Wolves took one point from their opening six games but by October there were signs of life, with a first victory, against Manchester City, and a thrilling comeback from 3-0 down to win 4-3 at home to Leicester City.
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Johnny Phillips
Editoris a broadcaster, writer and Wolves supporter. A regular on Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage, he has produced three documentaries about Wolves. Johnny's written work includes 'Bitten By Wolves', 'Revolution of Wolves' and 'Our Pack - Wolves at 150'. He hosts the Mutchy & Denno podcast and is a Wolves Foundation ambassador.