Wolves' League One Promotion Heroes: A Look Back at the Goalscoring Trio
It has been 14 years since Wolverhampton Wanderers faced relegation from the Premier League, finishing at the bottom in 2012 before dropping to League One the following season. In today's evolving football world, such a double demotion seems improbable for the club. However, back then, Wolves demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing straight back to the Championship by clinching the League One title at their first attempt.
This success was largely fueled by three key strikers who shared the goal-scoring burden, propelling the team upward. Their contributions were instrumental in not only securing promotion but also paving the way for Wolves' eventual return to the top flight for an extended period. But what became of these pivotal players after their time at Molineux? Let's delve into their journeys.
Bakary Sako: From Wolves to a Global Football Odyssey
Bakary Sako joined Wolves for £2.2 million from Saint-Étienne after their initial relegation to the Championship. His debut season was challenging, with nine league goals not enough to prevent another drop. However, he rebounded strongly in League One, netting 12 goals and finishing as joint second-top scorer as Wolves roared back to the Championship. The following campaign saw him add 15 more goals before departing for Crystal Palace upon contract expiration.
With 38 goals, Sako ranks 29th on Wolves' all-time scoring list. After Palace, he had a brief stint with West Bromwich Albion before returning to Palace. His career then took him across Europe, with spells in Cyprus and Greece, followed by a move back to Saint-Étienne. More recently, he played for FC 93 and, last year, signed for LB Châteauroux in France, where he continues to play at age 37.
Nouha Dicko: A Promising Start Hindered by Injuries
Nouha Dicko, a French-born Malian international, initially arrived at Wolves on loan during their Championship relegation season. He made his mark in League One, scoring 13 goals after a permanent £300,000 transfer from Wigan Athletic, following loan spells at Blackpool and Rotherham United. His efforts were crucial in firing Wolves back to the second tier.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued his Wolves career, sidelining him for over 12 months and limiting his scoring in subsequent years. He left for Hull City in 2017, with later moves taking him to Turkey, Greece, and Paris FC in France. Now 33, Dicko is playing in Saudi Arabia for Pro League side Al Bataeh, having signed in February this year. He sits 32nd on Wolves' all-time scorer list with 35 goals.
Leigh Griffiths: A Colorful Character with a Prolific Spell
Leigh Griffiths, known for his vibrant personality, contributed 12 goals during Wolves' promotion season after joining for £150,000 in 2011. Despite limited appearances in the Premier League and Championship, he excelled on loan at Hibernian, scoring 33 goals in 61 games, prompting Wolves to extend his contract in 2013.
His 12 goals in League One were vital for promotion, and he moved to Celtic in January after that success. At Celtic, Griffiths truly shone, netting 123 goals in 261 appearances. Post-Celtic, he played for Falkirk before moving to semi-professional Australian side Mandurah City in 2022. In 2025, he joined Stirling Macedonia, taking on a coaching role while playing. Last month, he hinted at a potential return to Scotland in an interview with the Scottish Sun.
These three strikers left an indelible mark on Wolves' history, showcasing the power of teamwork and resilience in football. Their careers have taken diverse paths, but their legacy at Molineux remains a testament to a pivotal era in the club's journey.
