The 2000s is a belter
That back four!
To pick the best Wolves XI of the 2000s, we'll need to balance players who made a significant impact during the decade, with a focus on those who were standout performers across various seasons. Here’s my take on the ideal lineup:
### 4-4-2 Formation
**Goalkeeper:**
- **Matt Murray**
Murray was the best Wolves keeper of the 2000s. His performances between the sticks, particularly in the early 2000s, earned him cult hero status. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his career, but when he was fit, he was one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship and Premier League.
**Right-back:**
- **Paul Butler**
While Butler was more of a central defender, he filled in admirably at right-back in the early 2000s, especially during the promotion-winning season in 2003-04. He was known for his solid defensive abilities and leadership.
**Centre-back:**
- **Jody Craddock**
A key figure at the heart of the Wolves defense for much of the 2000s. Craddock was a consistent performer, offering leadership and solid defending. His contributions were vital in the team’s promotion to the Premier League and their survival in the top flight.
**Centre-back:**
- **Rob Edwards**
Edwards was another reliable central defender for Wolves during the decade. His versatility meant he could also play in midfield, but he was at his best in a defensive role. His performances were key to Wolves’ successes in both the Championship and Premier League.
**Left-back:**
- **Neil Emblen**
Emblen was a workhorse who could fill in as a full-back and in midfield. Although not a specialist left-back, he often played there during Wolves' 2003-04 promotion season and contributed with defensive solidity and leadership.
**Right-midfield:**
- **Matt Jarvis**
Jarvis was a standout winger for Wolves in the late 2000s. His pace, skill, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses made him a key figure for the team. He was one of the few bright spots in Wolves' Premier League campaigns in the late 2000s.
**Central midfield:**
- **Karl Henry**
As a defensive midfielder, Henry was the engine in the middle of the park for much of the 2000s. His tough-tackling, high work rate, and leadership were vital in Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League and their survival in the top flight.
**Central midfield:**
- **Seyi Olofinjana**
Olofinjana was a powerful presence in midfield, known for his passing range, physicality, and ability to score goals from midfield. His contributions were essential for Wolves during their time in the Championship.
**Left-midfield:**
- **Michael Kightly**
Kightly’s pace and dribbling ability made him a huge threat down the left wing. He was a standout player in Wolves’ promotion-winning side in 2009-10 and was a key part of their Premier League survival in the early 2010s.
**Striker:**
- **Jemal Johnson**
Johnson was one of the most potent attacking threats in the Championship during the early 2000s, with his speed and clinical finishing. While injuries did limit his career, he was a crucial player in Wolves' push for promotion during the 2003-04 season.
**Striker:**
- **Steven Fletcher**
Fletcher had a standout spell with Wolves after joining in 2009. His all-around forward play, aerial ability, and knack for scoring goals made him one of Wolves' best strikers of the decade.
### Manager:
- **Mick McCarthy**
Mick McCarthy, who managed Wolves from 2006 to 2012, deserves a mention here for leading the club back to the Premier League in 2009 and keeping them there for several seasons. His pragmatic style and ability to get the best out of his squad were crucial during the 2000s.
### Honorable Mentions:
- **Kevin Foley** – A solid and reliable right-back, who contributed both defensively and going forward.
- **Richard Stearman** – Played a significant role in Wolves' defense in the latter part of the 2000s.
This lineup balances experience, skill, and the players who were key to Wolves' success in both the Championship and their brief stays in the Premier League during the 2000s.