Thanks for having me

From Turner to Taylor and Nuno to Bruno, if the Wolves have taught me one thing, then it’s that nothing lasts forever. And so it came to pass that the Wolves Blog has written its final chapter, in another inevitable ending that deserves a final farewell. My first-ever post was back in 2009, for a […]

From Turner to Taylor and Nuno to Bruno, if the Wolves have taught me one thing, then it’s that nothing lasts forever.

And so it came to pass that the Wolves Blog has written its final chapter, in another inevitable ending that deserves a final farewell.

My first-ever post was back in 2009, for a defeat to West Ham United in our opening fixture back in the Premier League under Mick. Full of verve and vigour, I poured over each syllable like I was holding the back page, in what felt like an act of duty to the handful of Wolves fans reading it – and my good friend Thomas who I was always so eager to please.

Since that 2-0 defeat to the Hammers, I’ve seen 11 managers come and go and hundreds of players do likewise, with varying degrees of success. The highest of highs will forever be *that* Neves goal at home to Derby County, as my Dad and I held eachother in the purest footballing moment I’ve ever witnessed. The low probably arrived during a midweek trip to Oakwell, which pushed us further to life in League One. As was ever the case as a dedicated blogger, I savoured writing both.

And a line I’ll always remember penning? It would inevitably revolve around Ruben, whose powers could ‘kiss the South Bank net and the hands of the stand’s old clock simultaneously’ (or something along those lines).

In the time it took to get from McCarthy to O’Neil, my Dad (‘Scooped’ for all you old school readers!) has gradually stepped away from the walk we’ve made since I was a little boy. It’s a walk that defines me more than any other. My son accompanies me these days in a circle of life that reminds me that the end is where we always start again.

It’s been some journey and I’ve felt genuinely blessed to document much of it through this platform over the years – and even more humbled that a few of you have read them and even posted some positive comments. Each and every one was savoured like a dog with a treat and I never took a single word for granted.

But anyone who knows me has seen a bloke that has gone from Paxman to pacifist in what feels like the blink of an eye. Where I’d once wage war with Moxey and Morgan as if I was channelling my inner Erin Brockovich, I would now cross the road to avoid a second of conflict. I’m not the same bloke anymore and the days of scheming over semantics like a Kevin McDonald maestro has been replaced by a Matt Doherty muddle. I struggle to make a meaningful contribution like the glory days. In truth, I’m struggling full stop.

I’m not great with endings, precisely because I have to let go of the past (if not the future I thought I’d be typing about), but life is nothing if not circular. We end in much the same place where I began typing back in 2009; fearful that the Premier League might chew us up minus a budget to make a good fist of things. The meat in the sandwich was tasty though, wasn’t it? It featured a double dip relegation, a European adventure, a trip to Wembley and a couple of Championship wins – all to a slogan that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

Speaking of which, the restorative comfort I’ve felt from Wolves Blog has only been enhanced by the bloke who owns the platform.

Thomas.

My friend who will hopefully understand how much he means to me. He’s the most measured, mature, philosophical, knowledgeable and humble bloke I’ve ever met, with Yoda like qualities that separate him from anyone else I’ve ever met. It’s a relationship I hope will endure for many, many years to come.

In 15 years of contributing on this site, it’s time for us to ramble on as the world keeps on turning to a pace I can barely keep up with. During which time, I’ve seen my little boy grow into a young man and have bid too many farewells that my fragile old soul can deal with adequately.

But in saying goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello, so here’s to a beer if you fancy one in future.

Thanks for having me, Wolves Blog.