When Wolfie the Wolves mascot took on the three little pigs in a memorable altercation
There are many things which contribute to a memorable away-day.
Perhaps the manager going into his first game in charge can mastermind one of the most stunning victories in recent history?
Maybe the team might score six goals?
The striker who hasn’t found the net in 15 appearances for the club could grab four of them.
And just maybe, a furry life-sized mascot could end up fighting with three little pigs who were promoting the wares of a double glazing company?
Who knows? There could even be all four of the above.
Bristol City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 6. Twenty-five years ago, on Tuesday of next week. And certainly, among one of the most dramatic away trips enjoyed by the Molineux faithful over the last quarter of a century. A delightful cocktail of football, pugilism and pantomime.
The backdrop to the entire proceedings began in the Wolves dugout, where Colin Lee, previously assistant manager, had been put in interim charge following the dismissal, 48 hours previously, of Mark McGhee.
The two knew each other well having initially been apprentices together at Bristol City and, as a manager and assistant, joined in a coaching trio by Mike Hickman, had dovetailed perfectly to achieve success at Reading and Leicester.
But, despite several moments of promise, with McGhee ultimately unable to deliver the Holy Grail of promotion, he was sacked in November 1998, with Lee asked to take the helm, initially temporarily.
Their relationship, and indeed friendship, was strong, but was sadly ultimately unable to survive Lee eventually being handed the reins on a full-time basis.
“When it was announced that Mark was leaving, it was difficult because we had worked together for so long,” Lee explains.
“The club wanted me to stay and take the team – they weren’t asking me to leave – and I wasn’t in a financial position to be able to just up and go and be out of work.
“I clearly remember helping Mark to pack his things and then spending a few hours at his house, talking it through, where he said he had no problem with me taking over and understood my position.
“Following that, however, our relationship became more difficult because Mark wouldn’t speak, and I think he had listened to stuff from a few members of staff who had got to him.
“For me it was a hard time but not a hard decision because there was no decision; I had a young family and a mortgage to pay and couldn’t just walk away.
“Honestly, I had a great time working with Mark McGhee, we had a fantastic period in football with nothing I would change, but I can’t have any guilt about what happened at the end.”
McGhee was dismissed on November 5, but the real fireworks arrived less than 48 hours later, after a quick transition for Lee from being assistant to the man calling the shots.
