Graham Turner, 40 years on, the manager who revived Wolves | OneFootball

Next week marks 40 years since Graham Turner took charge at Molineux, an uneasy arrival that sparked a revival few foresaw.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Turner replaced Brian Little in October 1986, weeks after leaving Aston Villa, and faced unrest despite a 2-1 debut win over Tranmere. A month later came a 3-0 defeat to Chorley of the Northern Premier League.

Within 18 months Wolves had won the Fourth Division title and lifted the Sherpa Van Trophy at Wembley, with at least 50,000 Wolves fans. Twelve months on they added another league crown, sealing back-to-back promotions to the Second Division.

Key recruits followed, notably Steve Bull and Andy Thompson for £65,000, initially funded by Jack Harris, and Ron Jukes as chief scout. Bull became club record scorer, partnered by Andy Mutch.

Turner said he accepted the job because he was a Wolves supporter, despite a run-down club with two stands closed and widespread apathy. 'It was my club. And that is why I said yes'.

From 1990 under Sir Jack Hayward, expectations rose as Molineux was rebuilt. The 1993/94 push faltered after injuries to Geoff Thomas and Bull, and after losses at Chelsea then against Portsmouth two days later, Turner offered his resignation the next day after Jonathan Hayward berated the players.

His record reads 179 wins, 110 draws and 123 defeats from 412 games. The affection endures, with son Andy saying fans still stop him for photos. After his first match the chant went 'We’re gonna win the league'. They did it twice.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”