By Ian Winter
Wolves fans of a certain age will be saddened to learn that John Pike has passed away at the age of 91.
For more than 30 years, John was the “voice of Molineux” for the BBC in the Midlands – first, with BBC Radio Birmingham in the 1970’s with Nick Owen, and later, with BBC WM in the 1980’s and 90’s alongside Ian Winter (both are pictured below)
A lifelong Wolves fan, “Pikers” covered the club, home and away. One of his most memorable moments came in 1988 as he described his pride at watching his beloved club being crowned champions of the old fourth division. That clip of John’s commentary still exists today.
“Ally Robertson lifts the trophy… Molineux goes wild… the great days are on their way back … I can hardly take any more … it’s finished Wolves 2 Hartlepool 0.” And then suddenly – live on air – his voice cracked and he filled up with tears!
That same year saw another of John’s many highlights at the old Wembley Stadium. More than 80,000 fans saw Wolves win the Sherpa Van Trophy. A couple of days before the final, John had already played a blinder by persuading his good friend, the Wolves and England legend Billy Wright, to join the BBC WM commentary team.
John’s job during the game was to be the roving reporter on the touchline. At half-time, he had some hot exclusive news to deliver. “Micky Holmes won’t be coming out for the second half,” he said. “I’ve just been for a pee in the Wolves dressing room and I’ve seen him sitting with his foot in a bucket of ice.” We never did find out how Pikers managed to sneak past the Wolves manager Graham Turner, to spend a penny during such an important game.
John Pike … a fine broadcaster and loyal friend to so many in the Wolves family. RIP.
