League One campaign the best thing for Wolves - Craddock
Jody Craddock today declared Wolves' time in League One was the best thing that could have happened to the club.
The former Wolves defender, who celebrated his testimonial against old club Sunderland yesterday, believes relegation a year ago for the Molineux men was a blessing in disguise because it gave them chance to appoint head coach Kenny Jackett and transform the squad.
The club is now riding the crest of a wave after winning League One and smashing numerous records along the way.
"Fans just want to see their team win, and if it meant dropping into League One for us to then get promoted and get that feelgood factor back in the club then so be it," said Craddock.
"They've done it and it could be a great season next year as well.
"It was tough last season but they have bounced back in style.
"They've got momentum and they're full of confidence."
Craddock believes credit for the turnaround must go to Jackett and the new players who hit form immediately, plus others who hadn't been given much of a chance, such as Danny Batth.
"Kenny's done a really good job," he said. "It's virtually a new team but with Carl Ikeme, Richard Stearman and Dave Edwards, and Danny Batth who was here but had to wait for his chance.
"A couple of key players have stayed and credit to the players that have come because they settled really quickly, pulled their weight and done a good job."
Craddock is hoping the momentum of Wolves will absorb the increased physical challenge that awaits them in the Championship.
"The Championship is a tough division, it's seriously physical and a very difficult league to get out of – and stay in, I suppose," he said.
"But they've done really well and I hope that momentum will continue into next season and the morale will be great."
Craddock's former Wolves team-mate Seyi Olofinjana has just finished a season in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday and believes his old side must recruit well – and quickly.
"The earlier the better – that's my message," said the 33-year-old midfielder.
"It depends on how prepared the club is to do the right things and getting the right players in as quickly as possible so they can put pre-season together and gel the squad.
"The Championship is all about momentum – if you start slowly, that's it but if you start well, you can keep going."
