Neil Emblen planning a Rapid reunion in the US
Former Wolves man Neil Emblen has spoken of his delight at the current team topping the Championship table.
Emblen has just landed the assistant coach job at Colorado Rapids – where he’ll be coaching ex-Wolves man Jack Price.
Previously based in New Zealand, Emblen returned to England for the first time in 13 years at the weekend and watched Wolves beat Sheffield United 3-0.
Speaking at the game he spoke of his fondness for the club he spent six years at over two spells.
“Sixteen years ago I left the club – I have fond memories of this place, I really loved playing here,” Emblen said.
“I didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye to the fans. It’s lovely to come today after not being in the country for 13 years and see the way the new team is playing, the new breed, it’s just fantastic to watch and I’m so happy for all the fans – you’ve got a great team to watch.
“I’m on my way to Colorado Rapids now to be an assistant coach.”
Like Benik Afobe, Emblen returned to Wolves not long after leaving, with a move to Crystal Palace not working out.
He added: “My scenario, it was agreed for Crystal Palace, they offered a huge amount of money at that time for me, it was accepted by the club, it wasn’t a move that I pushed.
“Coming back after eight months it probably proved I was a Championship player only. I was happy to come back and do another four years at this great club.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching these past few months. I’m so pleased that you’re all watching this great football team now.
“The club’s moving forward and I’m so happy for everyone involved.”
Another ex-Wolves midfielder Keith Downing, also speaking at the game, spoke of his time at Molineux, being part of the side that rose from the Fourth Division to the Second Division in consecutive seasons.
“They were very special players,” he said. “Steve Bull, Andy Thompson, Robbie Dennison, Andy Mutch; it was a team that had real characters in there.
“We played hard on the pitch, we were together off the pitch, they were real special memories.
“Special times, special players and it was great to be part of the revival...to see the club how it is now, it’s fantastic.”
Downing is now involved in the England set-up and recently guided the under-19s to European Championship glory.
He said the likes of Wolves’ Morgan Gibbs-White could be part of an exciting future for the senior side.
“It just emphasises that we’ve got some great youngsters – you’ve got one here, Morgan Gibbs-White, who was part of the U17s team in India.
“There’s some real talent out there and obviously it’s important to gain their development and hopefully one day they’ll play in the senior team.”
