Promotion heroes meet fans in Wolves charity night

Captain Danny Batth, Championship keeper of the year John Ruddy, defensive rock Ryan Bennett and assist king Barry Douglas were at the Cleveland Arms to take part in a Q&A in front of hundreds of supporters.

The night was hosted by ex-keeper Matt Murray and money raised went to Batth's charity Foundation DB.

Murray quizzed the quartet on the secrets behind Wolves' success this season, their personal highlights from a remarkable campaign and what it's been like to work for Nuno Espirito Santo.

The players have had time off since Saturday's 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, after which Wolves lifted the Championship trophy, and Batth told the Express & Star he was grateful to his team mates for giving up their time for a great cause,

"Matt wanted to help us out which is very generous, he spoke to Will at the Cleveland and they've managed to put on a great night for us.

"I've dragged a few of the lads in on their day off! They've given up their time to support us.

"There are a lot of happy fans here which is great to see, it's a great turnout.

"We're all on a high, especially when you see so many people turning up here. The city is booming.

"It's a great feeling at the moment. It's been a long, hard season, a lot of the lads have played almost every game and we've enjoyed the past couple of weeks."

Ruddy said it was great to meet supporters who have been with the club for many years.

"You have that core group of fans who are there through thick and thin," the 31-year-old goalkeeper said. "It's been great hearing from some of the fans tonight how many years they've been supporting the club and how proud they are of what we've managed to achieve.

"It's really special to be a part of that – it's as much for them as it is for us.

"The support has been tremendous all season. Credit to them for turning up week in, week out."

And on Batth's charity exploits Ruddy added: "It sums him up as a guy, Dan is a top man. It's a pleasure being here trying to raise as much money for the foundation as we can."

Douglas admits it's a surreal time for the players, who won promotion more than two weeks ago, with the celebrations continued after winning the title and then lifting the trophy on Saturday.

"It's been a bit surreal because we're in the moment and living it. It's probably something we'll look back on and say wow, we were there, we part of that," he said.

"We speak to the fans when we get a chance but this is the first night I've done like this, in their comfort zone in a pub!

"It's great to get a feel for it. Some people can't afford to go to executive events or big dinners so it's nice to come to these places for the real fans and interact.

"You need to buy into the city you're playing it. Some of the foreign lads as well have embraced the culture, having been abroad myself I know you need to do that."

Visit www.foundationdb.co.uk for more details on Batth's charity.

The Cleveland Arms will host a special Sherpa Van Trophy 30th anniversary evening on Thursday May 17 with Ally Robertson, Keith Downing and Robbie Dennison in attendance.

Visit clevelandarms.com or call 01902 451021 for tickets.