Carl Ikeme: Matt Murray picks out five of the Wolves goalkeeper's best showings
After Carl Ikeme announced his playing retirement following his recovery from cancer, former team-mate and fellow goalkeeper Matt Murray has picked out five memorable games from Ikeme’s Wolves career.
Wolves 5 Chester 1, August 23, 2005
It was the game where Ikeme made his senior debut, a Carling Cup tie.
While he didn’t have too much to do, it paved the way for his future.
Murray said: “It was nothing spectacular but he did good.”
Chester’s goal was a consolation.
Colchester 0 Wolves 3, October 5, 2013
Wolves easily swept aside Colchester in League One.
They were riding high in third position while Colchester were 14th.
And that difference in positions matched the result.
However, Ikeme gave away a penalty, providing a chance for the home side to get into the game, after fouling Marcus Bean.
But he superbly saved the resulting spot-kick from Freddie Sears.
Murray said: “I remember Carl celebrating with the Wolves fans.”
Leyton Orient 1 Wolves 3, April 21, 2014
Wolves had clinched promotion from League One and this victory paved the way for winning the title.
And Ikeme made a number of vital saves to help earn the win.
Murray said: “Again, he was fabulous, outstanding.”
Brighton 0 Wolves 1, January 1, 2016
Wolves travelled to high-flying Brighton in the Championship with a tough New Year’s Day game.
However, Wolves ground out a 1-0 victory thanks to an own-goal from Connor Goldson.
Murray said: “I commentated on the game thinking Carl was brilliant. It was New Year’s Day and he made save after save.”
Brighton had 19 shots but couldn’t find the net.
Ikeme pulled off a great save to deny a late Lewis Dunk’s header and tipped over a well-struck long-range volley from James Wilson.
Stoke City 0 Wolves 2, January 7, 2017
Wolves went on a memorable FA Cup run that season reaching the fifth round where they were eventually knocked out by Chelsea.
In the previous round they beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.
But Ikeme was on hand in the third round to see that Wolves were on their way, pictured centre.
He made four excellent saves against Stoke to help earn Wolves victory.
Murray said: “I thought he was absolutely top drawer that game.”
