Wolves were founded in 1877 as St Luke's FC in Blakenhall where the local cricket and football clubs merged and the original club colours were red and white stripes. In 1889 the club settled at Molineux, now one of the classic stadia, on 2nd September against Aston Villa. I went there when I was pursuing the 12 clubs that founded the Football League, which you know began in 1888.
The club was relegated from the First Division in 1905-6, conceding 99 goals and earning only 8 wins and 7 draws. In 1922-3 they sunk to the Third Division North (relatively newly formed) and were promoted back immediately. promotion occurred in 1931-2, by 1937-8 they came second in the Division One behind Arsenal and the next season second to Everton. This period was encouraged by Major Frank Buckley, their innovative manager, who introduced all kinds of new training methods including the injection of monkey gland "sauce" into his players which apparently enhanced performance.
The club has been in the highest tier for 63 seasons since their fist appearance in the F.L. including 4 seasons in the Premier League and now they are back in the top flight, the first since their last run in 2009-12
Wolves were top club when I was a youngster and getting interested in footy, winning First Division league titles in 1953-4, 1957-8 and 1958-9. The Wolves won the FA Cup in 1960 too, beating Blackburn Rovers 3-0, who look as they might get promotion as well this time.
Wolves also were cup winners in 1893 (see below), 1908 and 1949.
Post War, there was an investment in floodlighting (one of the first clubs to do so) which led to some wonderful "friendly" fixtures during European nights, with the club being the first English club to agree to play in European competitions. The FA was not very keen on this "new venture". Wolves held the Football League Cup in 1974 and 1980.
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