Wolves head to Preston as memories of Jackett’s reset roar return | OneFootball

Cesar Peixoto’s first away game as Wolves head coach comes at Deepdale, the club’s opening trip of a 150th anniversary season. According to ExpressAndStar.com, the parallels with 2013 are striking.

Back then Kenny Jackett opened away at Preston after successive relegations, days after a home opener against Blackburn that Peixoto has just mirrored. Wolves also travel north without a league away win for 16 months.

That 2013 curtain-raiser marked the Football League’s 125th anniversary between founder members, with Ron Flowers bringing out the match ball. Before kick-off nearly 5,000 away fans answered the players’ applause with a defiant roar that stunned co-commentator Rob Edwards.

The game finished 0-0. New captain Sam Ricketts led a side featuring Danny Batth, Richard Stearman, Carl Ikeme, David Davis and a young Matt Doherty, while Bakary Sako stayed to telling effect.

Momentum built as Scott Golbourne and Kevin McDonald arrived, later James Henry, Michael Jacobs and Nouha Dicko. Wolves swept to the title with a club-best 103 points, nine straight wins and an equalled run of five successive away victories.

Jackett’s death this summer at 64 adds poignancy. Wolves plan to honour him with his family and former players at a future fixture, and McDonald, a guest for the Blackburn opener, reflected on his influence.

As Peixoto’s Wolves return to Preston, another thunderous backing is expected. Supporters hope it might again be the start of something by next May.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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