Bradshaw and Palmer back at Molineux
The names Bradshaw and Palmer will be on a teamsheet at Molineux tomorrow for another big cup game, writes Nick Elwell.
Former keeper Paul Bradshaw and defender Geoff Palmer were key members of the Wolves side in the late 70s early 80s and both played in the League Cup final success over Nottingham Forest at Wembley in 1980.
But on this occasion it’s their respective sons, Ryan and Richard, who will be looking to cause an upset when they line up for Emerald Athletic in the Wolverhampton Sunday League Charity Cup final.
They face Premier Division champions AFC Jacks Bar, who are chasing a fourth straight success in the competition.
Striker Ryan is relishing the chance to tread the hallowed Molineux turf again after a brief cameo 13 years ago in the same competition for Goodyear.
“It will be nice to play there with my dad’s connections. From what I have heard he was very popular there,” said 33-year-old Ryan.
“We have also got another player in our team, Richard Palmer, whose dad Geoff also played for Wolves in the same League Cup-winning team as my dad.
“I have played at Molineux before, but it was only a brief substitute appearance for Goodyear when we lost 2-0 to Ounsdale.”
Emerald will not only be looking to upset the odds tomorrow, but also gain a touch of revenge and end their final heartache.
Last season saw them lose to Jacks in the League Cup shootout for silverware while they were beaten by Austin Ex-Apprentices in the Birmingham Senior Cup.
“It’s the first time Emerald have got to the final of the Charity Cup and if we could turn them over it would be a big achievement,” continued Ryan.
“They beat us in the league twice this season and also in the final of the League Cup last year.
“Jacks have won the competition for the last three years and haven’t lost in the league for two seasons.
“I think most of the Sunday League will be rooting for us!
“So if we beat them it will be a big upset, really.
“But it’s all on the day and we have surprised a couple of other sides on the way and in the Birmingham Senior Cup as well.”
Tomorrow’s clash kicks off at 7pm and admission is £5 adults and free for children.
