Derby County will conclude their pre-season preparations at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday 28th July against newly promoted Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Ahead of the contest, dcfc.co.uk has taken a look back over Wolves’ decorated history to provide an in-depth profile of the Rams’ final pre-season opponents.
A Moment In History…
Wolves enjoyed much success in the 1950s, claiming three league championships. Captained by Billy Wright, the first came in the 1953/54 season, overhauling local rivals, West Bromwich Albion, late in the campaign.
Further titles were added in 1957 and 1958 as Wolves vied with Manchester United to be the best club in England.
That decade was also significant for Wolverhampton’s involvement in the emergence of European competition. As one of the first clubs in Britain to invest in floodlights in 1953, Wolves were renowned for staging the “floodlight friendlies” against other top sides from around the world.
In the 1957/58 season they were one of the first British clubs to compete in the European Cup, now known as UEFA Champions League, beating Real Madrid 5-4 over two legs.
What Happened Last Season?...
The arrival of manager Nuno Espirito Santo and a summer of big signings brought huge success to Wolverhampton who finished top of the Sky Bet Championship to earn automatic promotion after a six-year absence from the Premier League.
Wolves held the top spot from mid-October through the end of the season, collecting a club-high 99 points.
A 4-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on April 21st secured their title, coming a week after they had guaranteed automatic promotion with four games remaining.
Who’s The Boss?...
Former goalkeeper, Nuno, enters his second year as the manager of Wolverhampton.
The Portuguese manager, who was relieved of his duties at Porto, signed a three-year deal with the club in May 2017 and his impact was immediately apparent.
Who To Look Out For…
Diogo Jota was one of a handful of Portuguese players Nuno brought in on his arrival last summer. The 21-year-old was sent to Molineux on loan from Atletico Madrid having spent the season before on loan at his hometown club, Porto.
While at Porto, Jota made eight UEFA Champions League appearances, scoring once against Leicester.
The attacking midfielder was top scorer in his debut season at Wolves scoring 17 times in the league, one coming against the Rams. His immediate impact at the West Midlands club lead to a permanent deal being agreed in January to come into effect in July.
Did You Know?...
Wolverhampton were awarded and scored the Football League’s first ever penalty kick on 14th September 1891.
Wolves were also the first club to score 7,000 league goals when Seol Ki-Hyeon scored in a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace in December 2006.
