Wolves players pulled the reins on their successful season with a fun day out at the races where they met supporters and signed autographs.

The squad, who wrapped up their season with victory over Sunderland at Molineux, celebrated Premier League survival at Dunstall Park. They lined up in the winner’s enclosure and penned their names for scores of fans.

The signature everyone wanted was Kevin Doyle’s. The Players’ Player of The Year said: “Some of the lads went off with their families after the game but six or seven of us went out for a meal and a few drinks — but the head’s not too bad.”

The 26-year-old fans’ favourite said he was now looking forward to his wedding in Ireland in three weeks’ followed by a honeymoon in the Maldives.

“It’s a relief now the season’s over, although I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said. “We’ve got two months off and I think we’re all looking forward to a rest so that we can be ready for next season. We all want to stay up again and for that we’ll need more players to make us more competitive. We’d like to finish above 15th next time.”

Club sponsors Sportingbet laid on yesterday’s celebration, with fans who turned up wearing the club’s colours allowed in for free. Races were named after club icons, including Billy Wright, Stan Cullis and Jack Harris.

Retired plumber Barry Roberts, who has been following the team for 68 years, was thrilled to meet his heroes.

He travelled from his home in Middle Lane, Oaken, Codsall, with wife Beryl and friends Tony and Deanna Allsop.The 73-year-old said: “I virtually live at the Molineux, I live and breathe the club. This was a nice chance to tell the players well done in person.

“I voted for Jody Craddock for Player of the Year so it was good to meet him. This season’s been hard work but they’ve done it.”