It was the finale of the 95/96 season. Oakwell was packed to the rafters, just over 6,000 in attendance. It was the inspiration performance of a young Glynn Hurst, despite a 1-1 draw, that prompted me (aged 7) to turn to my brother (aged 4), and say: "do you believe that this side is on the cusp of greatness"? My brother turned to me and said, "you know something, with the right level of investment from the board, and a foray into the international market, I honestly believe this side could challenge the automatic places next season. The club has the right dynamic, the stadium is ready for the Premier league, and the town needs this! It needs the economic boost that is brought about by having a Premier league football club." I wept, and the whole Ponte end applauded.
After the 2-2 draw away at promotion rivals Bolton towards the end of November. A brilliant game (as was the home game a few weeks earlier, same scoreline too) between two brilliant teams. Possibly the first match when I can remember the "Brazil" chant being heard. It was one of the most entertaining games I've ever watched at any level, the standard of football was miles ahead of anything else in the division. It wasn't just a case of endless passing, both sides could mix it up and tough it out, the desire and commitment complemented the skill level of both teams, but I remember saying to the lads I'd gone to the match with when we were walking back to the coach - "We've just seen the top two playing today", and so it proved.
After the Oldham game, the one we had in hand. I was teaching a class listening to the commentary at the same time! Happy days!!
I was a bit too young to remember the games but I always remember my dad & grandad been convinced Wolves would end up finishing above us & we would end up in the play offs. I don’t think they ever really believed it would happen until Marcelle got that second. My Grandad had watched us for over 60 years & had come to expect the worst.
Me and the brother were in with the blunts fans. What a day. He reckons we are going up this year, who am I to argue. Coyr
I started to think it was possible when we beat the filthy Pigs at home. That Eaden goal - reight move leading up to the finish, which was worthy of a striker.
Man City away 5 games in when Clint scored in the 90th. It was obvious something special was happening. maybe even before, we played Stoke off the park at oakwell. But it was a culmination of the previous 2 seasons.