Wolves' 1974 cup glory inspiring Kenny Jackett
Kenny Jackett today declared Wolves' League Cup heroes of 1974 are an inspiration to the current team as fans celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Wembley triumph.
It's 40 years tomorrow since Bill McGarry's underdogs Wolves toppled all-star Manchester City 2-1 as Mike Bailey lifted the trophy for the first time.
Now 52, Molineux's present-day head coach Jackett watched Wolves' exciting early-70s team as a starry-eyed schoolboy Tottenham fan with his father, remembering captain Bailey as a stand-out figure.
And as Wolves remember one of their best and most-loved teams, Jackett says their achievements give the modern-day players something to aim for as they look to write the next chapter of club history.
See also:
Were you there when Wolves won the League Cup?
Wolves at Wembley in 1974: A magical match that will live with me forever
"I remember that early 70s team because my dad used to take me to Spurs, and they played Wolves in both cup semi-finals the previous season," recalled Jackett. "I remember watching that Wolves side and Bailey in midfield was terrific. Then you get to meet the man a few years later at a game.
"But you don't want to hurt his feelings too much by saying 'I used to watch you as a lad' because it doesn't make him feel too good!
"The history of the club is a fantastic one and it only drives myself and the players on to create our own to put alongside it. It's something everyone should be proud of and genuinely spurs us on to emulate."
Some Wolves managers have tried to distance themselves from the club's past because of the pressure they thought it placed on their players.
But Jackett said: "I don't think it's a weight – if you come to a club with a history, fanbase and facilities, they're all things that class it as a big club."
The Wolves boss also feels the history is a big pull for prospective signings too.
"It does make it very appealing for people to join and play for," he said.
"It's something you can use because people come in wanting to make their name having a high motivation to do it and try to emulate the success Wolves have had through many decades."
