Yahoo Sports Statue marks Wolves' epic win 70 years ago
A sculpture has been unveiled at the Molineux to celebrate Wolverhampton Wanderers' famous victory against Honved Budapest 70 years ago.
Almost 60,000 fans watched Wolves take on the Hungarian champions in December 1954, in a game which saw the home side come from 2-0 down to ultimately win 3-2.
Honved was one of the greatest teams of the era, with the victory by Wolves paving the way for the European Cup.
Crowds gathered outside the stadium on Friday to watch the unveiling of a new steel and gold leaf sculpture, marking one of the most important matches in the club's history.
Reverend Andrew Cullis, son of former Wolves manager Stan Cullis, said the "match was so special".
"Interestingly, I think he did shed a tear after they won, which was most unusual," he said. "That really meant a lot to him."
Cullis, who died at the age of 85 in 2001, also led Wolves to their first league titles in the 1950s.
Describing the atmosphere during the game 70 years ago, Ivor Wherton said the crowd were "shouting and screaming and cheering" for the team.
"It was a wonderful win at the time," he said.
The sculpture celebrates the importance of the match and serves as a permanent reminder of the role Wolves played in the formation of Europe's premier club competition.
During the game, the team's manager and former footballer Cullis gave his apprentices, including a young Ron Atkinson, a secret mission.
"It's absolutely bucketing down with rain... and you know what the manager, the legendary Stan Cullis had us kids doing?"
"Watering the pitch. And it's raining," Mr Atkinson said.
Diane Williams, whose dad Dennis Wilshaw set up the second goal during the match said he was an "incredible player and incredible goalscorer."
"I just feel very proud," she said.
Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
