Former Wolves and Sunderland players reveal shocking final salaries: “The worst Championship contract in history”…

Jody Craddock, a former Wolves defender, disclosed the startlingly low salary he received during his playing career.

The 48-year-old played for the Midlands team for ten seasons at Molineux, amassing over 230 games. He had been signed for a one-year contract back in 2012, but he never played for the team.

However, through his involvement with the academy, Craddock was able to help the younger Wolves players at the time. He was mostly granted a one-year extension so that he could participate in a testimonial in 2014, and now he’s been granted a glimpse into his last year.

‘They signed me for £90 a week,” revealed Craddock on the In the Stiffs podcast, which is hosted by former Wolves midfielder David Edwards.

“I think that was the absolute minimum wage you could give a footballer. I think that’s what it was.”

Sam Aiston, an ex-professional footballer for Sunderland, Shrewsbury Town, and Wrexham, said, ‘We’ll put that as the headline: the worst Championship contract in history! Jody Craddock is on £90 a week.
Asking for more clarity on the situation, podcast host and Wales international Edwards asked, “So that was Jez (Moxley), was it? Kind of saying, so at least they said, ‘We want you to get your testimonial’.

Craddock responded, “Which I never understood. If Jez would have said I’ll give you a grand if you go in and train every day and try and get in the team, I’d have gone and done that. 90 quid a week, and I’m thinking I’m not going in for that.

“Well, he just said, ‘We’ll sign you on a contract so that you get to your testimonial’. So you know, I’m grateful that they did that to get me to my testimonial.”

Craddock’s testimonial was eventually played in 2014, a year after his contract at Molineux expired. He was offered a glimmer of hope to extend his 10-year Wolves stay by Kenny Jackett, who offered the experienced campaigner a two-week trial. However, it became apparent that Jackett was not serious in his desire to keep hold of the defender.

“Look, you know you go away at the weekend; are you going to give me a fair crack at this?” he questioned upon returning to meet him on the first day. By the way, I’m about to start my tenth year with the Wolves. On the first day, I went to see him.

“Since my son is in the hospital and I’m not traveling to Ireland, I asked, are you going to give me a fair shot? Should I simply go there, you will eventually say, “Oh, we don’t want you.” The moment he said, “No, I’m not signing you,” my career was essentially over.”