Jody Craddock: Time for Wolves to get physical in the Championship

But the much-loved former defender is full of optimism for the club's future after marvelling at the transformation under Kenny Jackett this season.

Craddock is getting ready for a special Molineux weekend which will see Wolves close their League One champions season against Carlisle on Saturday before Jackett and his players return to parade the trophy at Craddock's Bank Holiday Monday testimonial.

The former Wolves defender has gathered together promotion-winning teams from Wolves and previous club Sunderland to celebrate his big day and bring to a close a year of rehabilitation for the club.

"I've seen a lot of the team this season and they have proved themselves to be a class above the opposition as the record shows," says Craddock.

"The Championship is next and I don't see why the team should not go into the division confidently. They are certainly ready for it.

"But they should know it will be a lot tougher. I always found a Championship season the most demanding physically. The Premier League has extra quality but fewer games. The Championship is a bit of everything – good players and teams but a 46-game schedule and a lot of tough physical football as well. It is never easy; you don't get anything for free in that division. If the boys can handle that part then I am confident they can go in and challenge competitively." He added: "When I have been involved in broadcasting I was very impressed with the way they moved the ball around the pitch."

"The fans are enjoying it too and it's just great to feel the club on the 'up' again."

Nearly 4,000 tickets have already been sold for Craddock's big day which climaxes a testimonial year the proceeds of which the defender is sharing with Birmingham Children's Hospital, where his four-year-old son Toby continues to be treated for leukaemia.