Wolves' League One Promotion Heroes: Where Are They Now?
Remember the trio that fired Wolves back to the Championship from League One? Bakary Sako, Nouha Dicko, and Leigh Griffiths were instrumental in that 2013-14 campaign. Since then, their careers have taken wildly different turns, spanning multiple countries and leagues, from England's top flights to semi-professional football and new coaching roles.
Bakary Sako: The French Winger's Global Tour
Bakary Sako was a standout during Wolves' challenging period. He arrived from Saint-Étienne for a solid £2.2 million and, despite the club's relegation from the Premier League, managed to bag nine league goals in his first season. The following year, during the League One promotion push, he truly shined, netting 12 goals and proving crucial to their immediate return to the Championship. He continued his strong form with another 15 goals before eventually leaving Molineux on a free transfer to Crystal Palace.
His career post-Wolves became quite a tour. After a stint at Palace, he had a brief spell with rivals West Brom, then surprisingly found himself back at Selhurst Park. From there, Sako ventured abroad, playing in Cyprus and Greece, before making a sentimental return to his former club, Saint-Étienne. More recently, he's been seen at FC 93 and, as of last year, LB Châteauroux, where the now 37-year-old winger continues to play. Impressively, Sako sits 29th on Wolves' all-time goal-scorers list with 38 goals.
Dicko and Griffiths: Varied Paths After Molineux
Nouha Dicko's time at Wolves began with a loan spell during the relegation season before he made his move permanent for £300,000. He quickly repaid that faith, becoming a vital part of the League One title-winning squad with 13 league goals. However, the years following promotion were challenging for Dicko. A significant injury sidelined him for over a year, severely impacting his form, and his goal-scoring touch dwindled over the next three seasons.
In 2017, Dicko sought a fresh start and moved to Hull City. His career then took him to various international destinations, including Türkiye, Greece, and a return to French football with Paris FC. At 33 years old, he's currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, having signed for Pro League side Al Bataeh in February. Dicko's contribution to Wolves is also remembered, as he ranks 32nd on their all-time scorers list with 35 goals.
Leigh Griffiths' journey at Wolves was perhaps the most turbulent of the trio. Signed for £150,000 in 2011, he struggled to make a significant impact during his two Premier League seasons and one Championship campaign with the club. It was during a loan spell at Hibernian that Griffiths truly found his scoring boots, bagging an impressive 33 goals in 61 appearances. This strong form earned him a contract extension from Wolves in 2013.
He carried that momentum into the League One season, contributing 12 goals before making a high-profile move to Scottish giants Celtic in January. It was at Celtic where Griffiths cemented his legacy, becoming a prolific striker with 123 goals in 261 appearances. After his successful tenure in Glasgow, his career saw spells at Falkirk and even semi-professional football with Mandurah City in Australia in 2022. By 2025, he was with Stirling Macedonia, where he began combining playing duties with coaching, showcasing a new chapter in his football career.
The Lasting Legacy of the Promotion Season
The 2013-14 League One promotion season was a pivotal moment for Wolves, and this attacking trio was central to their success. Here's a quick look at their contributions during that campaign:
- Bakary Sako: 12 league goals, joint second top scorer for the team. Known for his powerful shots and attacking flair.
- Nouha Dicko: 13 league goals, offering pace and clinical finishing up front.
- Leigh Griffiths: 12 league goals, before his mid-season transfer to Celtic. His goals were crucial in the first half of the season.
Their combined efforts provided the firepower Wolves needed to secure the title and return to the Championship at the first attempt, marking a significant turnaround for the club after successive relegations.
Key Takeaways:
- Bakary Sako, Nouha Dicko, and Leigh Griffiths were instrumental in Wolves' 2013-14 League One promotion.
- Their post-Wolves careers saw them play for numerous clubs across different countries and leagues.
- Sako continued his career in France, with stints in England, Cyprus, and Greece, and is still playing at 37.
- Dicko faced injury challenges but found new opportunities in Türkiye, Greece, France, and currently Saudi Arabia.
- Griffiths achieved significant success at Celtic after leaving Wolves, later transitioning into player-coach roles.
— Editorial Team
