Shropshire man named Wolves fan of the year

John Pappas grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and started a love affair with the boys in gold and black when he married a third generation Wolves fan from Tipton in the 1960s.

The 73-year-old suffered a debilitating stroke in 2001, but following years of recuperating Stateside he decided the team needed his support following their relegation to League One in 2013.

"I couldn't stand the fact that they had dropped two divisions and knew they needed my support more than ever," Mr Pappas said.

"When I had my stroke the doctors thought I was going to die but I recovered. My son Jed stood by me through some pretty dark days and we talked Wolves all the time.

"It kept me strong. Coming back here to see them play was just something I needed to do."

By now retired, the former shopkeeper moved to Wellington, and bought a season ticket in the Billy Wright Stand for the 2013/14 season, taking in numerous away games as the club celebrated promotion.

What was intended as a one-season stay was soon extended with another season ticket and renewed hope Kenny Jackett's men could make a swift return to the top flight.

Although Wolves fell agonisingly short on the final day – missing out on a play-off place on goal difference – Mr Pappas said it would be his "dream" to see them back in the Premier League.

He was nominated by his son, Jed, who has followed in his father's footsteps and keeps a close eye on Wolves from his home in Kentucky.

"I think you'll have to go a long way to find a Wolves fan born in the USA that, despite health issues and being a pensioner, remained stoic in his support for the team that he adopted nearly 50 years ago," said Jed, 42, who makes an annual pilgrimage to Molineux.

Mr Pappas added: "It's a real honour to be named fan of the year. I'm sure some might deserve it more than me, but I'm happy to receive the award." Mr Pappas, who was left with a speech impediment and cognitive issues following his stroke, started watching Wolves in 1968 during a stint living in the Black Country before he moved to South Wales to run a children's clothing shop.

He followed the club from afar after he moved back to New Jersey in 1994, keeping up with events at Molineux via matchday programmes he had sent out to him and returning to the UK for key games.

He cites Derek Dougan as his favourite Wolves player of all time, and also has fond memories of watching Dave Wagstaffe, Peter Knowles, Mike Bailey, Derek Parkin and Phil Parkes.

"I know the 50s gets mentioned a lot, but the late 60s into the 70s was a special time," he said. "We were in the First Division and had some really great players."