Fan column: Super professional Matt Doherty a credit to Wolves

Any player who racks up almost 400 games in a Wolves’ shirt has my undiminished admiration and respect.

Recalling Matt Doherty’s introduction to Molineux resembles an archaeological study it’s so long ago. Back in 2010, playing for Bohemians against Wolves in a routine pre-season friendly, he caught the eye of Mick McCarthy and the £75,000 budget price paid for Doc’s signature was by any interpretation an outstanding transaction.

Playing for Wolves at Dalymount Park that afternoon were the likes of Ronald Zubar, Andy Keogh and Karl Henry; Doc does indeed go back a long way.

Taking out his time at Spurs and the brief dalliance in Madrid, he has spent the best part of thirteen years at the club which is a truly remarkable statistic and testament to his levels of professionalism and fitness. After loan spells at Hibernian and Bury, Doherty established himself under Kenny Jackett in the team that won promotion from League One in 2014.

He proved himself a committed competitor, a defensively sound full-back, unobtrusive but consistent which led to him being voted our Player of the Year in 2015/16. But it was his conversion to wing-back under Nuno that really allowed Doherty to flourish; he was an integral cog in that system defending competently, providing valuable offensive assists and retaining a keen eye for goal.

His cool, last-gasp finish to beat Manchester City after we had trailed 2-0 under the lights at Molineux will linger in the memory for a long time. This was Doherty at his best; mature as a player, tactically aware and solidly assured in the role he was instructed to fill.

Judgement was split when the club sanctioned his move to Tottenham; in fact, Doc divided opinion amongst Wolves’ supporters almost from the outset. He didn’t possess any great pace and found tracking back a chore on occasions; he was viewed as a cold fish by some, slightly disengaged from the fans but his desire never wavered and overall, his contribution to the club is undeniably outstanding.

His frankly expressed criticism regarding inadequate performances earlier this year was challenged by some as self-indulgence, but it was a cry from the heart. Like the rest of us, his pride was hurt.

If he has left Molineux disgruntled that’s a real pity.

Again, the fans were split, many believing that his experience could still have been utilised. Great career and a credit to the club; a super professional.