The fascinating story about how Wolves helped pioneer European football 70 years ago has now been told in the latest Wolves Studios production Wolves: Champions of the world.
On 13th December 1954 Wolves beat Honved in their most famous of floodlit friendlies, during the maiden days of football under the lights, which led to the birth of competitive European football as we now know it.
Now, that story is told through an insightful 13-minute show which takes supporters on a journey, starting with England’s shock defeat to Hungary, into the 3-2 win over Honved in question and the reunion at Molineux 40 years later.
Written and produced by Greg Whelan, the Wolves Studios exclusive delves into the archives, looking at interviews from yesteryear with Old Gold heroes, including manager Stan Cullis, goalkeeper Bert Williams, captain Billy Wright and match winner Roy Swinbourne.
Further interviews with Ron Atkinson, a member of the ground staff at the time, lifelong supporter Paul King and Wolves supporter and footballing legend George Best further tell the story of an iconic game in Wolves’ history.
Wolves: Champions of the world presents footage of the famous floodlit friendly series, including all of the goals from the Honved success, as Wolves came from two goals to spark what the press deemed the ‘Rebirth of English football’.
On the documentary, Ron Flowers said: “Them matches, we didn’t treat them as friendlies. I mean, we were all out and I’m sure they were as well.”
“It was marvellous to play with players who wanted to play, wanted to win. We never thought of losing,” Wright added.
On the show, writer and journalist Jonathan Wilson goes into detail about exactly why Wolves’ win is deemed the formation of European football, explaining how the Daily Mail’s headline riled the rest of the world, providing L'Équipe with the impetus to start the European Cup.
Authentic news broadcast and commentary from the time guide supporters back into the past, while the archived interviews provide more insight into the occasion and the key figures involved.
Looking back on that famous night, Eddie Stuart said: “I came off the pitch and I must admit I’d got tear in my ears and so did Billy Wright. We came into the dressing room and even Stan Cullis had tears in his eyes.”
On Cullis, Williams added: “He was never very forthcoming with his praise, maybe a pat on the back. But on this occasion he came on to the pitch, put his arms around us and said, ‘Well done’.”
On 13th December 2024 Wolves will celebrate the 70-year anniversary of Wolves’ historic floodlit victory over Honved with the unveiling of a permanent sculpture outside Molineux.
Now, football supporters across the globe can indulge in the fascinating story of how Wolves created European football.
Watch Wolves: Champions of the world now on Wolves TV and Wolves' official YouTube channel.
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Honved victory, special edition replica shirts and special edition boxes are available to shop in-store from Friday 13th December at 9am. Click here to own a piece of history.
