Wolves blog: An alternate end of season awards

Ruben Neves predictably cleaned up at the End of Season Dinner on Tuesday night, claiming both Player of the Season prizes and winning in the Ruben Neves’ Goal of the Season competition with a worldie against Derby, beating himself against Sheffield United.

This last week has been a Wolves carnival, with the Bank Holiday celebrations providing unbelievable and unforgettable memories.

Nuno singing along to Living on a Prayer, Wolves fans mimicking Conor Coady’s Scouse accent when giving an interview at Starworks Warehouse, Danny Batth singing every Wolves fan’s favourite song about Neil Warnock, Neves saying he is staying for another year, the trophy being dented during the bus parade and the stunning weather – all particular highlights in a day of many.

Most consistent player

Three players managed to play in 45 of the 46 league games – Matt Doherty, Conor Coady and John Ruddy. Both Doherty and Coady would have completed the whole set but both were given one-match suspensions for red cards. For me, Matt Doherty has had a solid season. When Wolves last went up, fellow right-back Kevin Foley won the Player of the Season award and Matt finished third in this season’s, behind Neves and Coady. He always gets a reasonable amount of goals but his stamina and attacking prowess make him a dangerous player and he has rarely, if at all, let Wolves down this season.

Worthy mentions – Ruben Neves, Conor Coady, Barry Douglas, Willy Boly

Most improved player

There are a few players who could lay claim to this award – particularly those who joined last season but have thrived under the Nunolution. Any other season and Conor Coady would have won the full Player of the Season award – but for that man Neves. Coady probably thought he was on his way out when Nuno came in and announced Wolves would play in a new tactic, but he has been a revelation at the heart of the defence. His passing range is exemplary and he is a natural leader. What a season Conor has had – and he has ingrained himself into the hearts of Wolves’ fans.

Worthy mentions – Ivan Cavaleiro, Romain Saiss

Unsung hero

We’ve all seen Nuno celebrating the dramatic last-minute winner at Bristol City from the stands, fists pumping and roaring as Ryan Bennett completed the comeback in the 94th minute to seal three points and put the first piece of the promotion jigsaw in place. But as the security guard took Nuno inside, away from the irked men sat down next to him, super Jeff Shi comes and sticks up for him.

Worthy mentions – Medical staff, Ryan Bennett

Terrace cult hero

We’ve had some good ones over the years – the likes of George Elokobi and Ronald Zubar. This season, Willy Boly has captured the imagination, perhaps even more so by his mysterious nature, never giving interviews. He is a superb footballer who is comfortable on the ball, and is a tank of a man who will likely thrive in the Premier League. His name is the source of some great chants but he has contributed massively to Wolves’ promotion – keeping him is a priority.

Worthy mentions – Carl Ikeme, Barry Douglas, Ivan Cavaleiro

The weirdest fan award

Tito Jackson, of Jackson Five fame, has appeared sporadically throughout the season and keeps popping up to talk about Wolves. He previously said he was looking to move to the area and on Monday we were treated to his new song, which he dedicated to the city and gave as a free download. Bizarre, but fun.

Worthy mentions – Mark Hammill

Worst haircut

There is only really one contender for this one – Romain Saiss. His tribute to Robbie Williams in January coincided with Wolves’ blip, so he has to take the blame for that one. He must have received blonde hair dye for Christmas as he turned up to Oakwell for Wolves’ goalless draw with Barnsley sporting the new look. Wolves won just three of the next eight games until his return to normal coincided with Wolves returning to normal, as he scored the first goal in a 3-0 win at Leeds.

Worthy mentions – John Ruddy

The what could have been moment

Etihad Stadium, October 25, Man City away in the League Cup. Man City vs Wolves Reserves. Man City, who had scored in every single game leading up to it. Three times Bright Enobakhare had glorious chances to put Wolves in front, the best of which came in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes. He performed admirably but has shown he lacks that killer touch in front of goal which could have sealed a remarkable victory. Still, Wolves did so well to run Man City to penalties and keep a two-hour clean sheet.

Best moment

Naturally, a title-winning season brings more than your fair share of great moments. But one game will live long in the memory of Wolves fans, thanks to the most bizarre injury time antics I can remember in a game. Ruben Neves’ glorious free kick had put Wolves ahead at eventual runners-up Cardiff, but Conor Coady had brought Gary Madine down in the box on 93 minutes. John Ruddy came up with his own best moment of the season, tipping the penalty round the post. But moments later, you’d have thought Wolves had blown it again as Cavaleiro fouled on the edge of the box for a second failed penalty. That was Wolves’ Derby 2009 moment – the moment you knew they had done it. Cue wild celebrations and a Neil Warnock rampage.

Worthy mentions – Villa at home, Bristol City away, Middlesbrough away, Bank Holiday celebrations