Craddock- I almost joined Perth
07 Jul 2009 - 06:38:16
Speaking after Wolves' first training session in Perth on their Australian tour, Craddock said the time had not been right to join the Hyundai A-League club, despite admitting he had been struggling for selection at the time following a broken metatarsal.
Fortunately for Craddock he persevered, with the 33-year-old central defender winning his place back in the side to play 11 matches in a row as Wolves marched to the Championship title.
And there was another bonus as well, with Craddock earning himself a one-year contract extension that sees him lead Wolves back to the Premiership for the first time since 2003-04.
"I spoke to Dave (Glory coach Dave Mitchell). It just wasn't the right time and thankfully I didn't agree because I got another contract at the Wolves," Craddock said.
"It was a massive decision I had to make, whether to make that step or not, to come to Australia.
"At the time I was being asked the question, it was when I wasn't in the team and I got back in the team and trained the place down and managed to lift the cup at the end of the season, which was fantastic for me."
"So I got my reward, which was another contract which I'm happy with."
Despite being captain, Craddock's position could still come under threat as manager Mick McCarthy looks to strengthen his defence against the Premier League's top strikers.
But Craddock is not concerned despite the signing of French centre half Ronald Zubar from Marseille on Sunday.
Zubar will arrive in Perth on Tuesday for the pre-season camp, which includes matches against Hyundai A-League sides Perth Glory (July 10) and the North Queensland Fury (July 15).
Celtic defender Bobo Balde will also trial at the club while they are in Western Australia and may play against Perth or North Queensland.
Having seen off several challengers over the years, Craddock said the pressure from below can only improve Wolves' defence.
"These are great additions to the team," Craddock said. "We want to stay in the Premiership and these are the players you need.
"You need a squad, you need the size of the squad, you need strength and these are good players that are coming in."
