Ince set the standard for skipper
Tuesday 28th July 2009, 2:00PM BST.
Jody Craddock has revealed Milton Keynes Dons manager Paul Ince provided the inspirational example he has tried to follow as Wolves captain.
As the only outfield player still at the club who played with the former England international at Molineux, tonight’s friendly at Stadium MK is extra special for Craddock.
Recently re-installed as boss of the League One club, Ince was the man Craddock took over the armband from at Molineux.
The former Manchester United No 8 was arguably Wolves’ most influential captain since Mike Bailey, leading the club to promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 2003 – his first season at the club – before waging a tireless battle to keep Wolves up in 2003/04.
By that time, Craddock had joined up and he saw at first hand what an inspiration Ince was to those around him.
The centre-half said: “Paul was a quality player and inspirational around the club. With what he had achieved in his career, it was a pleasure to play alongside him.
“I took over as captain after Paul left. He was a bit louder than I am on the pitch but he led by example, which is what I hope I do now.”
Ince locks horns as a manager against Wolves for the second successive season, having been in charge of Blackburn who were beaten 4-1 in a friendly at Molineux last August.
His time at Ewood Park was a short one, but Craddock is convinced his old team-mate can repeat his success at MK Dons, who he led to promotion to League One at the first attempt in 2007/08.
The Wolves captain said: “He did an excellent job at Milton Keynes before he went to Blackburn and I’m sure he will do again now he’s back.”
Tonight’s game promises to be something of a reunion in the dugout, with Ince having fellow former gold and black midfield warrior Alex Rae on his backroom staff.
Rae and Wolves boss Mick McCarthy are long-term friends from their time at Millwall, while the manager pipped Ince to the Molineux hotseat three years ago.
Craddock is focusing firmly on events on the pitch, after Wolves suffered back-to-back pre-season defeats against Port Vale and Bristol City.
He added: “These matches are about our fitness and getting the new lads settled in.”
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both great captains for wolves !!!
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Hi its me Jody Paul really did lead by example an outstanding captain and player for Wolverhampton Wanderers good luck for the future U WOLVES!
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Incey was an absolute inspiration. Huge factor in our previous promotion winning season. The man is a winner. Good luck again at MK Incey.
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Paul Ince, Wolves legend!
I will always remember the away game against Leeds when he was by far the one guy in our midfield engine room “putting in a shift” whilst that numpty Mark Kennedy just stood and watched! Wish we had someone like Incey in our midfield. If we has someone combative as Ince I would be alot more confident rather than as much as Henry is a likeable player, he is no way a leader of men on the pitch. But I hope he proves me wrong!
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I know he is 35 but the only player I can think of, who has the same experience as a player like Ince had, is didi hamann. The last time I saw him play for man city he still looked a class act. We need an experienced defensive midfielder, and he’s a free agent. I know he may pick up injuries, but he could be affective for a number of games during the season. Plus he would add a wise head to the dressing room.
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a great captain and leader one that has never been replaced we need somebody of that ilk to lead us to premiership stability. c-mon the wolves
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mick out ince in
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7.Paul was an inspirational leader and a great player, but how can you say get rid of mick, the man who took us from a team about to have a relegation battle to stay in the championship, to a team that won the league?
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Gold n black we need to keep Mccarthy and we don’t want ince u muppet mccarthy has way more experiance and knows the game inside out
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Mick out? you having a laugh?
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7. gold n black said:
mick out ince in
Have you thought that one through ?
Mick – patched up the mess left by the clown prince, Hoddle. Nearly got us up that year when we should have gone down. OK the season after was average, then we win the league and in the Prem.
Ince – Typical has been player while at Wolves, on very high wages that was our big problem. Managed OK at a couple of small clubs and failed big time in the Prem.
YEA, SMART MOVE …
Mick might fail too, but for Christ sake can you and any other whingers just enjoy the now. Whinge when you have something to whinge about and until then leave it to the supporters (The clue is there – SUPPORTERS)
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7. gold n
black said: mick out ince in
Have you thought that one through ?
Mick – patched up the mess left by the clown prince, Hoddle. Nearly got us up that year when we should have gone down. OK the season after was average, then we win the league and in the Prem.
Ince – Typical has been player while at Wolves, on very high wages that was our big problem. Managed OK at a couple of small clubs and failed big time in the Prem.
YEA, SMART MOVE …
Mick might fail too, but for Christ sake can you and any other whingers just enjoy the now. Whinge when you have something to whinge about and until then leave it to the supporters (The clue is there – SUPPORTERS)
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Three games,three defeats and no goals. What a preparation for the toughest league in the world.
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Incey was a legend to the club, a great captain, especially during our 2002/03 promotion season. However Jody won’t be getting much playing time, if any next season, he’ll just proberly be there to guide the younger players and act as a coach and keep the defensive department stabalised. We need another defensive centre midfielder like Ince with Premier League experience to link up with Milijas who can guide the team and lift up the spirits when the going gets tough. Hamann is on a free. Ok he’s getting on, but I think he’ll do a good job for us. :D
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A Man City friend asked me the same question the other day number 5. He’d be a class act even if he only played every other week
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another defeat last night,never mind best you get used to it,aye boing boing down down
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no disgrace to lose to mk dons,they beat walsall last season,aye boing boing shadrag
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c’mon the three M’s go and rescue robbie keane from spurs he desperatley wants to come home
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Terry welcome back, I guess you are back from your holiday in Tipton. How did West Brom get on last night playing against Swindon……. SSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh!!!!
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The only unusual aspect of this article was not hearing Ince bleating and playing the race card, a mickey mouse club like MK Dons suits him, as for Jody Craddock how on earth does anyone beleive he will cope in the premier league, can hear the boo boys warming up already
as a businessman jez moxley shoud realise mad mick mccarthy is not a premier league manager, please bring in graeme souness.
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