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Stan Cullis, Champions League Forefather   

In the modern era of the Premier League, the Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) have been far from a force. They have floundered and have had only brief appearances in the top division. The majority of their play has been at the lower levels, battling for promotion. Most recently they found themselves relegated in consecutive seasons to now play in League 1. They are a shell of a team that glory has forgotten. However, there was a time; an era of greatness when Wolves were the force in England and the world. Sixty years ago one man built a dynasty that forever changed football as it gave rise to the greatest competition in the world: the UEFA Champions League.

Stan Cullis took over as manager for Wolves in 1948. Under his guidance the team immediately performed, winning the FA Cup. He would go on to guide the team to three league titles, two FA cups and four Charity Shields. His first league title came during the 1953-54 season and kicked off a period of dominance that would never be seen again in Wolverhampton. While he enjoyed a great deal of success domestically, he is most remembered for a game played in December of 1954 that returned pride to English Football.

Ferenc Puskas (right) & Billy Wright (left)

English football was in disarray following their embarrassing 6-3 loss to Hungary in May 1953. It was the first time England lost to a foreign team while playing at home. The English team then fell again, the following May in Budapest. As the final whistle blew, England had been battered 7-1; English pride was non-existent. Enter Stan Cullis. On December 13th, 1954 the top club team in England, Wolves, took on the top club team in Hungary, Budapest Honvéd FC. It was a club friendly that would give birth to the European Club Championships we know today. At the time of their match Honvéd had 7 internationals that had demolished England and as they took on Wolves, many expected a repeat of the English failure. Losing 2-0 at half-time, Wolves would storm back and win the match 3-2. Following the match, Wolves were declared "champions of the world"; sparking interest throughout Europe as many wondered who was the greatest. While a movement had already begun to introduce a European Cup, the match is believed to be the final push as UEFA officially introduced a club competition in 1955. The competition would be known as the European Champion Club’s Cup; the present day Champions League.

Thank you Mr. Cullis.

By Fabio Petosa