Wolves are saddened to announce that legendary Wolves goalkeeper Paul Bradshaw has passed away at the age of 67.
Bradshaw, nicknamed ‘Braddy’, is Wolves’ fifth most-used goalkeeper, and 50th most selected player of all time, having represented the Old Gold during one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
The Altrincham-born stopper turned out 243 times between 1977 and 1983 and starred in the 1980 League Cup final – the last time Wolves won a major trophy.
Jumping two divisions when he signed from third tier Blackburn Rovers in September 1977 for a then club record fee of £150,000, the popular Bradshaw made his debut the following month, beginning his long association with Wolves.
The stopper had previously graced Molineux in England’s first ever under-21 international, which was held at the stadium he’d go on to call home for seven years.
Following his Old Gold bow against Leicester City, also at Molineux, Bradshaw quickly became the undisputed number one under Sammy Chung and then John Barnwell.
Two appearances FA Cup semi-finals followed in 1979 and 1981, but he was on the losing side on both occasions, as the Old Gold were beaten by Arsenal at Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur at Highbury.
Between those disappointments however, the goalkeeper played a crucial role in the club’s second and most recent League Cup victory, keeping a clean sheet as Wolves beat European champions Nottingham Forest at Wembley to lift the trophy.
Such was his influence that season, Bradshaw was voted the club’s Player of the Season come May – a feat he achieved 12 months later too, claiming the top prize in consecutive First Division campaigns.
Bradshaw also represented Wolves on the continent, playing in the UEFA Cup for Barnwell’s side, and he remained at Molineux for promotion back to the top tier in 1983, last playing in the December of that year against Leicester, who he’d debuted against seven years previous.
The goalkeeper left Molineux for a fresh challenge with Vancouver Whitecaps in 1984 and played out his career with the likes of Newport County and Peterborough United, retiring in 1992.
The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.
Click here to read a tribute to Paul, courtesy of Paul Berry
