Chatting to a guy like Conor Coady reminds me why I do these Big Interviews. The Wolves’ centre-back’s enthusiasm for football is infectious and engaging.

Brought up a Liverpool fan, he lived the dream for a while playing under youth coaches like Steve Highway, Steve Cooper and Rodolfo Borrell, men who made him a better person as well as a better, problem-solving player. Conor loved playing top clubs in the NextGen European tournament for under-19 footballers. A visit to Dortmund and a painful 6-0 lesson from Ajax stick in the mind. Being released from Anfield broke Conor’s heart, but his dad encouraged him to take his time and wait for his body to fill out, and he has flourished at Wolves.

We chat about Wolves’ recent Europa adventures. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo is a hard taskmaster who hates losing. Even after the delicious victory at Beşiktaş he said he wanted more.

Thanks Conor

Graham

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Conor Coady: Wolves’ Rough Guide to Europe