Prior to their Portman Road encounter against Ipswich Town on 21st April 1973, Wolves were unbeaten in nine First Division matches. However, two weeks before their match against Ipswich, Wolves were beaten by Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final and although Bill McGarry's team beat Everton at Molineux the following week, the heartbreak of their narrow semi-final defeat would subsequently signal an inconsistent end to what otherwise was a fine season for Wolves. A fifth placed finish in the league was certainly a notable achievement but defeat in both the FA Cup and League Cup at the semi-final stage was most unfortunate, a poor reward for such an excellent team.
The 1972-73 season was the pinnacle of the potent Derek Dougan and John Richards partnership. Richards top-scored with 36 league and cup goals whilst 'The Doog' contributed with 17 goals. An England cap was just reward for Richards at the end of the season but, in the Home Championship match against Northern Ireland on 12th May 1973, 'King John' was played out of position by manager Alf Ramsey. It would thus prove to be Richards' only England appearance, scant reward for such an accomplished goalscorer of that period.
The Wolves strikers were supported by a highly capable midfield, led by inspirational captain Mike Bailey, with the very efficient Jim McCalliog as Bailey's partner in the centre of midfield and the creative talents of left winger Dave Wagstaffe and Kenny Hibbitt on opposite flanks. Wolves were fortunate to have good cover in reserve with the versatile Alan Sunderland, the enigmatic Danny Hegan and the skilfull Barry Powell - a replacement for Hibbitt at Portman Road.
Under Bobby Robson, Ipswich proved to be a formidable team during the 1972-73 season. A fourth placed finish in the First Division and victory in the Texaco Cup Final against East Anglian rivals Norwich City was the beginning of a very successful spell for the Suffolk side over several subsequent seasons.
Originally broadcast by Anglia Television with Gerry Harrison providing commentary.
6 сен 2024
