Wolves heroes of Sherpa Van Trophy roll back years at charity dinner

The anniversary event was organised by Steve Bull and he was joined by former boss Graham Turner and team-mates Andy Mutch, Robbie Dennison, Ally Robertson, Andy Thompson, Micky Holmes and Jackie Gallagher.

A packed audience, who paid £45 per ticket, filled the suite inside the ground as they heard tales from that historic final 30 years ago.

The event also raised money for The Steve Bull Foundation where a charity auction took place with signed memorabilia by footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Alan Shearer, sold off.

The panel of former Wolves men recalled back to that bygone era and painted a stark contrast to the club’s fortunes of today.

Playing in the Fourth Division, the players had to train on the club’s car park and a hockey pitch.

“That was how bad it was,” said Turner.

He remembered that when the going was tough, the players relied on their camaraderie to help see them through. They enjoyed socialising together – Turner said they didn’t lose their focus.

“We were aware of the players going out (drinking) but come Tuesday morning the lads used to run their socks off in training,” said the former boss. “I think we wouldn’t have had success if we didn’t do it right. We wouldn’t have had success if we didn’t have a serious side.”

It was that togetherness that helped them in their cup final at Wembley, beating Burnley 2-0.

“We had a three-week break before the Sherpa but we looked like we knew we were going to Wembley to win it,” said Turner.

“That showed in our performance.”

Wolves had won the league title weeks earlier and both victories marked a turning point in their fortunes.

The result at Wembley put the squad into the club’s folklore.

Former midfielder Holmes said: “It was a great time to play for Wolves, it was a great era.

Dennison added: “It was great to be part of a fantastic club.”