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Can Wolves, Coventry and Stoke bring back the glory of yesteryear?

It's been a long time since the Midlands trio's great days in the top flight. But their impressive starts in the quest for Premier League status augurs well.

 

by Joe Morris on 04 September 2007

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    A quick glance at the Championship is rather like a nostalgic trip down football’s cobbled streets. The once big-time clubs roll off the tongue with a pleasing familiarity. Sadly, though, these top-flight giants from yesteryear are just haunting echoes from another age.

    'Back in the mists of time the old gold of Wolves would send a shiver down opponents' spines'


    All but two of the top ten in this year’s Championship make up the bulk of the old First Division. Their names were as evocative as a famous novel or poem. They ran through the old First Division like golden syrup and when they were on form their football had all the sweetness of honey.

    At the top of the Championship are Coventry City, once almost sitting tenants in the old First Division. Just over 40 years ago young, thrusting ex-Fulham striker Jimmy Hill became the Sky Blues' chairman. Hill, you may remember, was the man who revolutionised the Beautiful Game back in the early 1960s, getting all hot under the collar about the maximum wage before introducing all manner of new changes into the game. He was football’s ultimate pioneer.

    But Coventry were Hill’s team and from 1967 onwards the Highfield Road club hovered around the old First Division without setting the world on fire. In 1987, though, this quietly progressive Midlands club won the FA Cup - the first time they had ever won a trophy.

       
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    Comments (10)

    by Andy  on September 04, 2007

    Brian Greenhoff never played for the mighty Potters!!!!

    by STOKIE  on September 04, 2007

    Brian & Jimmy Greenhoff never played together at Stoke City ! nailed on ( fact )

    by Steve  on September 04, 2007

    [quote]Brian & Jimmy Greenhoff never played together at Stoke City ! nailed on ( fact )[/quote]Good piece, i think that Jimmy Greenhoff did play at Stoke for a long time, not with his brother though. Still, good article (fact)

    by Simon White  on September 04, 2007

    No disrepect to The Wolves but I really cannot understand why they are being tipped as certainties for the top 2. I would accept that Mick McCarthy has done a sterling job and created a feel good factor around the club but looking at their squad I see nothing that suggests they would be certain to be promoted automatically. West Brom have lost some good players but have replaced them with equal quality and with numbers too with players like Morrison, Brunt and Barnett as well as 10 other signings. I would suggest that the top two will be made up of clubs that have the size and quality of squad. I do not think that Wolves, Coventry or Stoke meet either of this criteria.

    by Joe Morris  on September 04, 2007

    Hi there Yes you're absolutely right. Brian Greenhoff played for Man United with great distinction. Sorry folks rush of blood to the head. Joe

    by Bowdy  on September 04, 2007

    Stoke are now playing direct play better than Wimbledon ever did and look where they are now. Jimmy Greenhoff is the best player I have ever seen. the No 8 shirt should be in the Stoke hall of fame next to that big empty trophy cabinet

    by Steve  on September 05, 2007

    I am getting on a bit and the memory isnt what it was but didnt Brian Greenhoff play for Leeds United ?

    by Watford Boy  on September 05, 2007

    Well, I'm biased but i think the Horns are showing the quality to go straight back up. We've got a big squad with some good players out injured at the mo but they'll be coming back in as we are beginning the final push. I reckon Wolves will be in the playoff positions though WBA will struggle. I don't expect any team to run away with it this year like Reading did last.

    by Dave Edge  on September 10, 2007

    It would be nice to see some of these small little teams back in the top flight again (for a season or so anyway). Six easy points for us as we march on to European Glory once again....

    by simon white  on September 11, 2007

    Dave, I think everyone who reads this will agree with me when I say that you are a typical Man U supporter, down to earth, modest, non arogant, kind hearted human beings that make it a priviledge for us mere mortals to be in your presence.

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