Wolves Sign Dennis Irwin!

Last updated : 23 July 2002 By Steve Hermon
Since the announcement of the signing of former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland defender Dennis Irwin on a one year deal, there has been mixed reactions from many sets of supporters.

Many have reservations due to his age, but personally I think his experience will provide confidence and stability to players young and old.

At 36, he may be no spring chicken but I agree with Dave Jones that, "You don't stay at a club like Manchester United for the amount of time that he has without being a quality player."

During his twelve years at Old Trafford Irwin, capped 50 times by his country, won seven Premiership Titles, two FA Cups, one League Cup, one Cup Winners Cup and a European Cup Medal when he played in the team that beat Bayern Munich 2-1 at The Nou Camp in 1999.

Jones added: "His winning culture will rub off on both senior and younger players here at Molineux - a player of his calibre is a great addition to the squad."

If Irwin's winning ways do rub off on the Wolves squad then nobody will be complaining.

Irwin gave some words of encouragement for Wolves fans by saying: "I had a great 12-years at United but now I'm looking forward to working hard here and hopefully winning the First Division Championship."

He also said that he wouldn't take playing for Wolves lightly as he added: "A lot of people have said to me go out and enjoy it, but I can only enjoy it if I'm winning."

All new signings who arrive at Molineux say the same things along the same lines of we are a club with ambition, we should be up there and I am here to win and we don't believe them, but with Irwin I honestly think he wouldn't have joined us if he didn't believe we could win the title.

For me I look at it like this; Stuart Pearce was the same age when he captained Manchester City and won the First Division last season, so why can't Irwin help us do the same?

Hopefully he can.

steve_hermon@wolves-mad.co.uk