Wolverhampton Wanderers, affectionately known as Wolves, have a rich and storied history filled with triumphs, heartbreaks, and legendary players who left an indelible mark on the club. Throughout the decades, certain individuals have risen above the rest, etching their names into the hearts of supporters with unforgettable performances that transcended mere statistics. In this article, Win Tips celebrates the top 7 Wolves best players whose influence, loyalty, and brilliance have made them icons of Molineux.
Top 7 Wolves best players with unforgettable performances
Below, we will be ranking their 10 Wolves best players ever:
7. John Richards
Nicknamed “King John,” John Richards is celebrated as one of the finest marksmen ever to grace the pitch for Wolves. Joining the club in 1969, Richards spent almost his entire professional career at Molineux, becoming a symbol of loyalty and dedication. Over 14 glorious years, he made 485 appearances and scored an astonishing 194 goals, a record that stood proudly until surpassed by another legend.
Richards was a critical figure during one of Wolves' most successful periods, lifting the League Cup twice. His crowning moment came in the 1974 final, where he scored the winning goal, forever endearing himself to the Wolves faithful. In addition to domestic triumphs, Richards played a pivotal role in Wolves’ memorable journey to the UEFA Cup final, narrowly losing to Tottenham Hotspur. Though he earned just one cap for England, his influence at club level was monumental.
Richards paved the way for future generations of strikers at Wolves. His impeccable finishing, intelligent movement, and relentless work ethic made him a nightmare for defenders. Today, John Richards is not just remembered for his goals, but for the sheer passion he brought to the Old Gold shirt every time he stepped onto the field.
6. Derek Parkin
When discussing Wolves’ most dependable servants, Derek Parkin’s name shines brightly. Having joined the club in 1968 from Huddersfield Town for a then-record fee for a full-back, Parkin proved to be worth every penny. Over 14 seasons, he amassed an incredible 724 appearances - a record that remains untouched to this day.
Parkin was the epitome of reliability and consistency. During the 1968/69 and 1969/70 seasons, he played every single minute, a testament to his physical durability and tactical intelligence. His style combined strength, speed, and positional awareness, making him a formidable opponent for any winger.
Throughout his Wolves career, Parkin won three major trophies: two League Cups and the Second Division title. His loyalty, resilience, and unwavering performances saw him earn a place in the club’s Hall of Fame in 2009, an honor befitting his immense contribution to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ storied past.
5. Dennis Westcott
Dennis Westcott’s name might not be as widely recognized as others, but within the halls of Molineux, he is revered as one of the greatest goal-scorers to wear the Old Gold. Between 1936 and 1948, Westcott scored an astounding 124 goals in just 144 appearances, showcasing a level of efficiency that few could match.
The 1946/47 season saw Westcott at his blistering best, netting 38 goals, a club record for most goals in a league season - a record that stood for half a century. His natural goal-scoring instinct, combined with agility and sharpness, made him a terror for defenders.
Sadly, Westcott’s career was significantly disrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War, depriving him of his peak years and likely denying him even greater glory. Nevertheless, in the matches he did play, he left a lasting impact, even earning four caps for England and scoring a memorable hat-trick.
Dennis Westcott’s legacy is a reminder of the immense talent that sometimes goes underappreciated due to circumstances beyond a player's control. Yet, within Wolves’ history, his place among the club’s finest is undisputed.
4. Bill Slater
Bill Slater was a paragon of adaptability, leadership, and excellence. Joining Wolves from Brentford in 1952, Slater initially operated as a midfielder before seamlessly transitioning into a dominant centre-back, a change that revolutionized the team’s defensive solidity.
Slater's contribution to Wolves' golden era cannot be overstated. He helped guide the club to three First Division titles (1954, 1958, 1959) and an FA Cup victory in 1960. His performances were so outstanding that he was named Footballer of the Year in 1960, one of the most prestigious individual honors at the time.
Across 339 appearances, Slater’s leadership at the back laid the foundation for Wolves' dominance. His calmness under pressure, impeccable tackling, and ability to read the game made him one of the best defenders of his generation. Internationally, he earned 12 caps for England, further underscoring his quality.
Bill Slater remains a symbol of Wolves' success in the 1950s, embodying the fighting spirit and technical prowess that defined the club’s golden age.
Join today and experience top-notch gaming at a trusted international betting site.
3. Stan Cullis
Stan Cullis is a name that resonates deeply with anyone familiar with Wolverhampton Wanderers. As a player and later as a manager, Cullis’s influence shaped the very identity of the club. Joining Wolves in 1934, Cullis was an elegant yet tough-tackling defender, captaining the side to two consecutive runner-up finishes in the First Division during the late 1930s.
His playing career, like many of his contemporaries, was interrupted by the Second World War. However, his performances before and after the war established him as one of the leading figures at the club. Cullis’s dribbling ability, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities were extraordinary, making him a modern defender ahead of his time.
Though his playing days ended in 1947, Cullis’s connection to Wolves deepened as he transitioned into management, leading the club through its most successful period, winning three First Division titles and two FA Cups. His statue outside Molineux stands as a testament to his colossal contribution.
Stan Cullis did not merely play for Wolves; he embodied everything the club stood for, and his unforgettable performances on the field laid the groundwork for the glorious years that followed.
2. Billy Wright
Few players in football history possess a legacy as vast and enduring as Billy Wright’s. Joining Wolves in 1939, Wright went on to become not only a club legend but also a national hero. His 541 appearances for Wolves over a remarkable 20-year career reflect his incredible durability, consistency, and love for the club.
Wright was the first footballer in history to earn 100 caps for his country, representing England with distinction in three World Cups and serving as captain for most of his international career. Voted Footballer of the Year in 1952, Wright was renowned for his impeccable tackling, extraordinary positional sense, and unparalleled leadership qualities.
Under Wright’s stewardship, Wolves captured three First Division titles and the FA Cup, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in English football. His loyalty to Wolves never wavered, turning down opportunities to move elsewhere, and his statue outside Molineux immortalizes his place in football folklore.
Billy Wright’s performances were not just unforgettable; they were inspirational, lifting the standards of those around him and setting benchmarks that few have matched.
1. Steve Bull
No discussion about Wolves’ greatest players would be complete without mentioning Steve Bull. Revered as perhaps the greatest icon in Wolves’ history, Bull’s story is one of loyalty, passion, and an extraordinary goal-scoring ability that remains unrivaled.
Arriving from West Bromwich Albion in 1986, Bull immediately set about rewriting Wolves' record books. Over 13 years at Molineux, he scored a jaw-dropping 306 goals in 561 appearances, becoming the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer. His tally included an incredible 18 hat-tricks, a figure that speaks volumes about his predatory instincts in front of goal.
Bull’s performances earned him 13 caps for England, where he managed to score on his debut. His contributions were even more remarkable considering Wolves were playing in the lower divisions for much of his career. Despite interest from top-flight clubs, Bull remained fiercely loyal to Wolves, embodying the spirit of the club.
Although he made just one appearance in the top flight - ironically for West Brom - his legend was built on his love for Wolves and the countless unforgettable performances he delivered week in, week out. Steve Bull didn’t just play for Wolves; he was Wolves.
To wrap it up
In every era of Wolverhampton Wanderers' proud history, there have been individuals who stood above the rest, leaving behind moments that fans will cherish forever. From legendary captains to record-breaking goal scorers, these remarkable figures have shaped the identity of the club both on and off the pitch. The Top 7 Wolves best players showcased not only their incredible skills but also an unwavering passion for the Old Gold shirt. Their unforgettable performances continue to inspire new generations, ensuring that their legacies will live on at Molineux for many years to come.
Refer to: Meet the 7 West Ham best players who became club legends.
