Jody Craddock paints his life's portrait at Molineux exhibition

But that was the case at Molineux last night where footballer-turned-artist Jody Craddock showcased some of his life's work at the easel.

While the man himself may have left his footballing day job behind, his enduring popularity ensured there were scores of fans and art lovers as the Stan Cullis Stand's WV1 Bar was turned into an art exhibition for three hours.

Mel Eves, Steve Bull, Andy Thompson and Matt Murray, as well as current Wolves players Wayne Hennessey and Danny Batth, chief executive Jez Moxey and director John Gough, turned up to show their support for the third event of Jody's testimonial year.

Starting with the roots of Jody's art career – beautifully illustrated letters from his great-granddad Harold Craddock writing home during the First World War – to his 'A' level studies and all the way to his latest project and current favourite, a study of sweets with the original wrappers painstakingly covering the frame called 'Time for Celebration', it's clear what has occupied Jody's time when he hasn't been putting his head where it hurts.

There were signs of Jody's talent as an artist during a time when he was cycling to games and playing for a pub team for the promise of a pair of boots he never received.

But as his football career blossomed through moves to Cambridge, Sunderland and Wolves, so did his art.

Poignantly, there was his first portrait in oils, of Jody's son Jake, who tragically died of cot death syndrome in 2002, which he gave to wife Shelley as a Christmas gift.

For Wolves fanatics, there were eight eye-catching silhouette-type paintings – six depicting various poses of Jody in action, complete with bloodstained headband, all entitled 'Walking in a Craddock Wonderland' – and prints of legendary manager Stan Cullis, Billy Wright, Bert Williams, Derek Dougan, Steve Bull, Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle.

Just one of the personally signed portraits of legendary goalkeeper Bert remains, priced £195.

There were also images of the Championship title-winning squad in 2008-09 which he captained and the team's 'huddle' before a game.

The organisers said there was something to suit every pocket and items ranged from £1.50 for a set of handcrafted gift cards to £2,995 for that 'Time to Celebrate' masterpiece – part of his latest collection entitled 'Sweet Temptation' – which took 40 hours to paint.

Jody, who has set up a company for his art called Art Affect, said: "I've always been passionate about my art just like my football, and that's what this is about – trying to showcase my art, because apart from my family, this is how I spend my days.

"This is my career now and I really want to succeed at it."

Frank Breakwell, 64, a retired teacher from Codsall and a Wolves season ticket holder in the Billy Wright Stand, said: "I think it's great because Jody's art maybe only came through because he didn't have an easy route to become a footballer. He has something he can do now he's not a footballer."

Wolves defender Danny Batth, who has proudly succeeded Jody in the No.6 shirt, said: "As a player Jody was an inspiration – he was always a good person to look up for a young player like me in the way he conducted himself.

"He's a passionate person with his art and his football and he is what he stands for.

"Now he's got more time to elaborate on his art you can see his passion shine through for that too."

Matt Murray said: "It's great to come and support Jody. His work is awesome.

"And seeing the former and current players shows not just what people think of Jody but also the sort of club Wolves is.

"He was a very talented footballer but he's a very talented artist too.

"I know what it's like to retire from the game and it's difficult to find a focus but he's definitely found that with his art and it's a very impressive exhibition.

"A lot of the players buy his work and I've got four of his paintings hanging up at home, including a massive one of Muhammad Ali, a portrait of daughter Taliya and one of my holding the play-off trophy aloft.

"Mind you, he never gives any of us a discount!"

Around 30 pieces were on display, including 10 originals, and 80 per cent of them were up for sale.