Former Wolves favourite who made over 250 appearances across two spells in Old Gold has announced his retirement.
Throughout recent years, Wolves have had plenty of memorable faces who have played key roles at Molineux.
Whether it was when the club were considered one of the best in the world or the days when fourth-tier football was on offer, it has been a ride for many of the supporters.
In recent years, the Molineux faithful have had plenty of players they have really got behind.
Now one of Wolves’ most memorable from the 2010s, Richard Stearman, has announced that he has hung up his boots.
Former Wolves defender Richard Stearman retires from his playing career
Stearman first joined Wolves back in June 2008, joining from the relegated Leicester City.
In his first season at the club, he played a huge role as Mick McCarthy’s men secured the Championship title and a return to the Premier League. His performances saw him named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
From here, he oversaw three years as a regular in the Premier League before being sent out on loan to Ipswich Town in January 2013 as Wolves fell into League One.
Under Kenny Jackett, Stearman returned to the Wolves fold and became an indispensable player as the club won League One with record points.
The 2014/15 campaign was his best yet in an Old Gold shirt as he won both the Fans’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year Awards as the club just missed out on the playoffs.
Soon after, he was sold to Fulham but returned to Molineux on loan for the 2016/17 campaign. Here, he scored a highly memorable goal past Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup as Wolves went on to win 2-1.
Since then, he helped Sheffield United secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2018/19 campaign as well as had spells at Huddersfield, Derby and recently Solihull Moors.
Now, after a long career, Stearman announced on Thursday that he is calling time on his playing career.
In a statement on Twitter, formerly X, the defender put out his thanks to all the fans, players, managers, clubs and his family who had supported him throughout.
Richard Stearman is a modern-day hero for Wolves
Whatever way you look at it Stearman is a modern-day hero for Wolves. The defender stuck at the club throughout its hardest days as they dipped into the third tier and made sure it rose its head once more.
Without players such as Stearman at the club during that time, Wolves could well still be stuck in League One now.
For many, the defender delivered many memorable moments during his career in Old Gold. Whether it was his last-gasp winner versus Doncaster before lifting the Championship trophy, his iconic runs from defence with the ball or the previously mentioned header against Liverpool a minute in.
Players such as Stearman gave everything to the club and should always be welcomed back to Molineux.