Jody Craddock: I'd have kept Wolves up

The veteran defender, who is in the throes of launching a testimonial year awarded by the club for his 10 years at molineux, is beginning a new life as a retired footballer and budding artist.

But the 37-year-old does so still nursing a huge sense of frustration that he watched last season's catastrophic collapse into the third tier from the stands after being frozen out by former boss Stale Solbakken.

In an exclusive interview today, Craddock reveals how he was given just two days of a two week trial by the Norwegian coach last summer before being told he would be surplus to requirements.

He said: "I love Wolves and was busting a gut to get fit and get involved," says Craddock. "I was seriously pleased with how i fared in the fitness tests – I was in better shape than ever in my view.

"I was desperate to be involved, but in the end I watched all the home games from the stands – and I honestly think I could have changed it. I really do.

"I know it's easy to say that.

"You can never know now what would have happened, whether injuries might have intervened.

"But I do feel I could have given the club something that could have changed how things turned out."

For the full interview, see your Weekend Express & Star