| William Ambrose
Wright was the first hero of mine. I started going to the
reserves in the mid fifties and then to the first team.
My first two seasons were Bill's last two seasons and in
both of them we were the Champions. My first football
memories were so special; seeing the Captain of England
every other Saturday and watching us beat everyone under
the guidance of Stan Cullis and the leadership of Billy. I remember clearly his final match when the first team and reserves formed a line as he entered Molineux to play for the last time. I had the privilege of several times meeting Stan Cullis in his last few years and he told me how highly he rated his captain. I only knew him as a centre-half but my Dad said he was even better as a wing-half. I was proud to attend Bill's funeral when Wolverhampton came to a standstill. No home game is complete without a moment's pause at his statue as I remember "Sir Billy Wright ". ROGER PITT Malvern During the darkest days of Wolves' spiralling decline, Wolves sank into the lowest division in the league. During the following summer I was invited by a friend to attend a Sportsman's Dinner at a smart hotel in Kingswinford. The event was organised by the Wombourne Rotary Club. Among the speakers were Billy Wright and cricket master Basil D'Oliveira. There were several other ex-footballers present and the dining room was crowded when Billy spoke after the meal. He was so upset that his beloved Wolves had slumped so badly that he actually had tears in his eyes when he predicted it would be a long journey back to the First Division (The Premiership was not in existence at the time). All present could not help but recognise that Billy cared so deeply about his beloved Wolves. I had the privilege of watching Billy throughout his career. He was a most wonderful footballer and gentleman of the highest integrity. We owe it to him and his colleagues of the time to do all we can in terms of support to bring back Wolves to their former prestigious position. BILL MORGAN (a supporter of over 55 years) As a nine year old boy some 47 years ago Wolves were my team even though I lived in Durham and only had seen them on the television (black and white of course). Like youngsters who follow Man Utd and Liverpool now I followed Wolves. Billy Wright was my hero. My father took me to see my first football match as a nine year old. It was New Year's day or Boxing Day, I can't quite remember, but it was snowing and the match was at Roker Park, Sunderland. Charlie Fleming played centre forward in the Red and Whites. I think we lost but I have supported Wolves fanatically ever since. I think we lost 2-0 but Charlie Fleming did not score and Billy Wright remained my hero. He was a class act in a half back line of Flowers, Wright and Clamp. Yes, those were the days! My seventeen-year-old son, Mark, is a Wolves fanatic now also, strip and all ... stemming from the days of Billy Wright and my ramblings about the great Wolves. GEOFF WADE Gilesgate, Durham City I am only 13 years of age but I am often told about the great `hero` Billy Wright. I am a season ticket holder in his stand and he seems to me to be a great wolves legend for Wolves for today and for always. It's towards the Premiership this year, Billy, and I hope you are looking over us and are happy. Yours sincerely Miss.T.M. GILBERT Although I am only 16 years old, I can understand what an amazing person Billy Wright was. I think Steve Bull is one of the most fantasic sportsmen ever, and in comparison to him and knowing how much Billy Wright achieved makes it easier to understand what a person he was. If you mention Wolves to most people they will think of Billy Wright. He is a true Wolves Legend, and ALWAYS will be. TOM MULLER It was the 1955/56 season and I think it was against Newcastle United. As usual my dad had got tickets from Auntie Lil (she sold programmes on the corner opposite the Molineux Hotel). We walked down the passage way next to the south bank and reached the "green door" on the Waterloo Road. Uncle Bill took our tickets and we were in. Dad collected his beer-crate and we hustled our way through the crowd and reached the top of the enclosure terrace. The next thing I knew I was being passed above everybody's heads towards the pitch.Sitting on the wall correctly (the policeman always made us sit legs in,not on the track) I was hit in the face by a football from one of the Wolves team warming up. A lot of people seemed to amass all around me but the one I remember most was Billy Wright asking if I was ok and ruffling my hair.Billy Wright actually looking at me, my hero really talking and touching me.I've bragged about it ever since. During the next week I accompanied dad to Molinuex (he was picking up something or other). As we passed the players entrance Billy Wright was leaving. He stopped and recognised me and asked if I alright from the knock I took on the wall. I can still recall Dad telling everyone since how wonderful it was that a football legend could not only remember his son but take time to speak to him. My dad's passed away now and I live far away from my roots. I'm a Bushbury boy who played for and captained his school and town in the early sixties before joining the RAF. I now live in Victoria on Vancouver Island Canada. But despite the distance and the time lapse, the memory of Billy Wright will live with me forever. CHRIS CROWE, Canada (no relation to the Chris Crowe who played for Wolves in the 1960s!) I am delighted that a new book on Billy is being written. I have all Billy's books that I know of and most of the programmes for games he played in, including his last pre-season match, colours versus whites; also a large number of his England appearances. I was not fortunate to see him play but would like to give you my small tribute: I was born the year after Billy retired so was not fortunate enough to have seen him play in the flesh. There were many great players for Wolves in the fifties but in my view Billy was the greatest. It is almost certain that he gave Wolves an era of football they will never repeat. However, greater than his football skills, was the character of the man. To be so humble and considerate after all he achieved is remarkable. MIKE INMAN, Australia While I was Commercial Manager of Stoke City (way back in the seventies), I played in a charity golf tournament with Billy Wright and Derek Lymer, a golfing business friend of mine. After the game we sat down to the usual post-match presentation dinner and football stories. Finally it was my friend's turn to speak. Proud to be sitting next to the ex-captain of England, then working in television as Controller of Sport at ATV, Derek turned to Billy and said, "Do you know, Mr.Wright, when I was 12 years old, my father allowed me out of Stoke-on-Trent for the very first time on my own. Stoke were playing Wolves at Molineux in the old First Division in the 1940s." My friend went on to tell Billy that after the game he went to the players' entrance for autographs. He looked at Billy and proudly added. ".... and when you finally came out you signed my programme." Billy, with a completely straight face, immediately replied. "Yes Derek, so you did. I remember it well." Although my friend hadn't had a good time on the golf course this reply by Billy Wright made his day. "Do you really, Mr Wright! I am honoured." Another life-long fan was made. DUDLEY KERNICK, Jupiter, Florida |