Chris Iwelumo isn’t your typical footballer, explains Tim Nash.
In keeping with the enlightening experiences of playing in four different countries, Wolves’ latest signing has broadened his horizons more than most of his contemporaries.
At 6ft 3in tall, the uncompromising reputation Iwelumo displays on the pitch is in sharp contrast to his more subtle interests off it, which include opera and poker.
He said: “Myself and my missus went to Venice a couple of summers ago so we saw some opera there – I’m getting old!”
“I can’t remember what it was but we were in a lovely big house and it was one of those operas that went on around you. The man at the side of you would start singing.
“It was fantastic. I’d like to get more into it. I keep telling the missus to buy all the CDs that come out but she’s slacking a bit!
“But I’m into all different kinds of music.”
As for the poker, fans shouldn’t fear the 29-year-old is going down the destructive path as some of football’s famous gamblers.
Nor is he about to plough headlong into a career on the growing lucrative circuit surrounding the card game like another ex-Colchester striker, Teddy Sheringham.
He said: “Darel Russell got me involved in that about six years ago but it’s not reckless. I do the leagues and play a few tournaments now and again but it’s nothing ridiculous.”
Being a few years older than most of his “young and hungry” team-mates, Iwelumo has a few more rounded edges on the wheel of life.
As one of six senior strikers in which four are likely to survive the summer, he knows he won’t walk into Mick McCarthy’s team, despite being an ever-present for the last two seasons at Colchester and Charlton.
He said: “Competition drives people on to get the best out of themselves. The right man on the day will play.
“It’s a long, hard season and it’s a squad game. Gone are the days when you can play every match but I’ve done that for the last two years.
“I’m looking forward to a massive challenge and I’m looking at it really positively.”
Iwelumo feels he can he can a big influence – whether he’s in the team or not.
He said: “If I’m not chosen to play, I still have a job to do and it’s important everyone knows that. It’s a pretty big squad and everyone needs to come together.”
As a youngster, Iwelumo experienced low key spells with Aarhus in Denmark after leaving St Mirren and German side Alemania. He believes those experiences have helped him become a better player.
He said: “I went to Denmark pretty early in my career. St Mirren offered me another contract but I never really wanted to stay.
“By going to Denmark, it was the only way I could get out without the move going to a tribunal.
“But I wouldn’t change things. I had a great time out there. I went to Germany and it was a fantastic set-up at Alemania.
“I’m happy with the outcome. There are different styles of football and cultures and things you pick up, such as how managers put things to players.
“You take it all in and pick out what’s useful to you.”
As a striker who has scored 28 Championship goals in the last two seasons, Iwelumo feels he can offer more than just an aerial presence.
He said: “I get labelled as a target man but I enjoy scoring goals. I’ll make goals for others and I’m just here to be a complete nuisance for every other team.
“It’s a fantastic division and there are a lot of massive clubs – there are expectations on 24 teams.
“There are favourites such as Birmingham, Derby, Reading and Sheffield United but we’ll give it our all.”
Expectations of Wolves fans are demanding but Iwelumo is happy to embrace the pressure, after experiencing similar hopes at The Valley.
He said: “Coming from Charlton, the expectation was exactly the same there. I was on nine goals by the first week of December but in the latter part of the season I was in and out. The boss brought in Andy Gray and Leroy Lita.”
Iwelumo only has one thing to put right now he is a Wolves player – after scoring against them for Colchester when he handballed!
He said: “Most people will remember my handball against Gary Breen at Layer Road for Colchester where I was accused of using my hand and I scored.”
“‘Breeny was up my back and I flicked it over him with my hand – it wasn’t intentional – and I was left one on one.
“The gaffer has already given me a bit of stick over it!”
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