Hubbry Logo
Steve BullSteve BullMain
Open search
Steve Bull
Community hub
Steve Bull
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Steve Bull
Steve Bull
Steve Bull
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Stephen George Bull MBE (born 28 March 1965) is an English former professional footballer who is best remembered for his 13-year spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He played there from 1986 until his retirement from playing in 1999, and holds the club's goalscoring record with 306 goals, which included 18 hat-tricks for the club.

Key Information

He was capped 13 times for the England team between 1989 and 1990, scoring four goals.

Playing career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Bull was born in Tipton and started school in September 1969 at Wednesbury Oak Primary School and moved up to Willingsworth High School in September 1976, by which time he was excelling in school football teams. The junior teams he played for included Ocker Hill infants, Red Lion and Newey Goodman. He left school in 1981 to join non-league Tipton Town. During this time he also held down a succession of factory jobs in addition to playing local league games.

He began his professional career, aged 19, after being recommended to West Bromwich Albion in 1984 by his Tipton Town manager Sid Day, who also worked as a scout for the Baggies. After initially having to train with the club's youth ranks, he was quickly offered a pro contract and moved into first team contention. He made his senior debut on 23 October 1985, replacing Garth Crooks in a 2–1 Full Members Cup win against Crystal Palace.[3][4] He made his league debut as a substitute against QPR, away, on 12 April 1986 (lost 1–0), and his full debut at home to Sheffield Wednesday on 22 April (drew 1-1); they were his only league appearances that season and only appearances in top flight football.[5]

Bull played three Second Division games for Albion after they were relegated in 1986, scoring twice, and also scored one goal in two League Cup appearances for the club.[6] Bull knew it would be difficult to break the Crooks/Varadi partnership, so was prepared to drop to the bottom tier in search of first team football.[7] In November 1986, he was sold to local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, along with Andy Thompson, for £65,000 where he remained until the end of his professional career in 1999, being one of Wolves' most loyal players.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

[edit]

Bull's debut for Wolves, then languishing in the Fourth Division, was against Wrexham on 22 November 1986. His first goal for the club came on 2 December 1986 in the Associate Members' Cup as Wolves beat Cardiff City 1–0 at Ninian Park.

In over 13 years at Wolves, Bull broke four of the club's goalscoring records. He became their all-time leading goalscorer with 306 goals in competitive games (250 of them in the Football League, also a club record) and became their highest goalscorer in a single season when he scored 52 goals in competitive games during the 1987–88 season. Bull also scored a club record of 18 hat-tricks - the first of them against Hartlepool United in a 4-1 Fourth Division home win on 9 May 1987,[8] the last on 17 August 1996 in a 3-1 Division One away win over Grimsby Town.[9]

Bull's first season at the club saw him score a total of 19 goals for Wolves - 15 of them in the Fourth Division, in which they finished fourth - although they lost out on promotion after being beaten by Aldershot in the playoffs.[10]

In the 1987–88 season, Wolves won the Fourth Division championship and became the first of only five teams (later matched by Burnley, Preston North End, Portsmouth and Sheffield United) to have been champions of all four divisions in the English league. Bull's impressive total of 52 goals in all competitions during the season included 34 goals in the league, with league hat-tricks against Exeter City and Darlington. He also scored hat-tricks in cup competitions against Cheltenham Town and Brentford.[11] His 50th goal came just 15 months after signing for Wolves, when he found the net twice in a 4–0 home win against Peterborough United on 9 February 1988.

On 24 January 1989, after just over two years at the club, he took his Wolves goal tally to over 100 with a hat-trick in a Third Division game against Bristol City at Molineux, which Wolves won 3–0.

In the 1988–89 season, Bull inspired Wolves to a second successive promotion, this time as Third Division champions, with 50 goals - marking a tally of 102 goals in two seasons. While still playing in the Third Division, he was selected for the England team and scored on his debut against Scotland at Hampden Park. Thirty-seven of his goals that season came in the league for Wolves. He achieved his first four-goal haul on 26 November 1988 in a 6–0 home win over Preston North End, scoring a hat-trick the following month in a 6–2 home victory over Mansfield Town. He managed a third league hat-trick that season in a 5–2 February home win over Fulham. He also scored freely in the cups, scoring four against Port Vale in the Associate Members' Cup and then against Bristol City in the same competition.[12]

In 1989–90, he finally played Second Division football for Wolves, his first goal at this level coming on 26 August 1989 in a 1–1 home draw with Bradford City. On Boxing Day, he scored his 10th Second Division goal of the season, before impressively grabbing all four goals for Wolves in their 4–1 win at promotion-chasing Newcastle United on New Year's Day 1990. On 20 March, in the Black Country derby at Molineux (the first to be played there for six years), as Wolves beat struggling Albion 2–1 to boost their promotion hopes, Bull scored his 20th league goal of the campaign. A hat-trick against Leicester City followed a month later, and he finished that campaign with 24 league goals and 26 in all competitions, although Wolves missed out on the playoffs and the chance of a third successive promotion.[13]

He started the 1990–91 season in style with both goals at home to promotion favourites Oldham Athletic, who came away from the Molineux with a 3–2 victory. These goals took his tally in all competitions to 150 goals in just under four years with Wolves. A hat-trick in a 4–0 home win over Bristol City took him to 11 Second Division goals by 6 October, and he reached the 20-goal margin (for the fourth season running) on 26 February as they beat Port Vale 3–1 at home. A hat-trick at home to Oxford United in a thrilling 3–3 draw came the following month, and Bull finished the season with 25 goals in the league and 26 in all competitions, although once again Wolves missed out on the playoffs and the chance of promotion.[14]

Late in the 1991-92 season, he scored his 195th competitive goal for Wolves after just over five years at the club, breaking the club's decade-old goalscoring record set by John Richards. Early in the following season he became the first player to score 200 goals for Wolves, less than six years after signing.[15] It came on 18 August 1992 in a 3–0 home win over Leicester City in the new Division One, as the Second Division was renamed that year with the creation of the new FA Premier League as the top division of English football.

At the end of the 1994-95 season, when Wolves finished fourth in Division One but lost in the playoff semi-finals, Bull came close to making a £1.5 million transfer to Premier League club Coventry City, then managed by Ron Atkinson, but ultimately turned it down. Bull revealed in a 2012 interview that Torino, Celtic and Newcastle United also showed an interest in signing him while he was at Wolves. Media reports at different stages of his career also linked him with moves to numerous other top division clubs.[16] During the 1991-92 season, press reports suggested he was a transfer target for Leeds United, who went on to win the league title that season.[17][18]

He scored his 250th goal for Wolves in a 1–1 league draw with Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on 3 May 1995.

Bull played only one game in the English top flight — coming on as a substitute, ironically replacing Andy Thompson (who would follow him to Wolves the following season), for West Bromwich Albion in 1986 — the rest of his career was spent in the lower divisions. He came close to achieving his ambition of reaching the Premier League in 1995 and 1997, but Wolves lost in the play-offs both times.

During his final two seasons at Molineux, his chances of first-team football were reduced by a series of knee injuries. He reached the 300-goal milestone[19] on 18 February 1998, scoring in a 2–0 home win over Bradford City in the league.[20] It was the last of nine goals he would score for Wolves that season, as he missed many games due to injuries.

He scored his last hat-trick in all competitions, two years after his final league hat-trick, on 18 August 1998 in a 5–0 home win over Barnet in the Football League Cup first round first leg.[21]

Bull's final goal for the club came against Bury on 26 September 1998[22] and his final competitive appearance for the club came on the last day of the 1998–99 season against Bradford City.[23] By January 1999, however, reports were circulating that Bull would soon be retiring as a player due to an ongoing knee problem.[24]

On 13 July 1999, at the age of 34, Bull finally admitted defeat in his battle to fully regain fitness and announced his retirement after 13 years with Wolves.[25]

However, he soon returned to playing as player-coach of Hereford United for a season in the Conference, working with Graham Turner, the manager who had signed him for Wolves.

Known by his fans as 'Bully' for his club loyalty, rapport with supporters and passion for the game and also known as the "Tipton Skin" for his trademark closely cropped haircut, he received an MBE for services to Association Football in December 1999, shortly after retiring as a first class player.

Bull is regarded as a legend at Wolves and one of the main stands at their home ground, Molineux, is named after him. This commemoration was made in June 2003, with the stand having previously been known as the John Ireland Stand.

On 29 July 2006, Bull made one final appearance for Wolves in his 20th anniversary testimonial game against Aston Villa at Molineux, playing the first seven minutes of the match.

International career

[edit]

Bull was capped 13 times by England, and scored 4 goals, all coming in the buildup to Italia 90. He scored his first goal on his debut after replacing an injured John Fashanu against Scotland on 27 May 1989, with a low right-footed shot to the net. Two more goals came in a friendly against Czechoslovakia on 25 April 1990. His final England goal came against Tunisia, which earned him a place in Bobby Robson's World Cup squad.

Despite starting his international career well, he did not score another goal for England after this. He played four times during Italia 90 – three times as a substitute against Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium and once as a starter against Egypt. His final match for England was on 17 October 1990 against Poland, but he was not picked again by his future Wolves manager, Graham Taylor.

Bull was still technically a Third Division player when he won his first cap, at the end of the 1988–89 season, as Wolves had not yet played in Division Two after their promotion that season. He remains the last player to be capped by England from outside the top two tiers, and one of only five post-war players so honoured.[26]

In total, he scored nine goals in 23 appearances for his country at full, U-21 and "B" team levels.

Management career

[edit]

On 21 February 2008, Bull entered management with Conference National side Stafford Rangers. He had previously worked as a coach at this level with Hereford United in the 2000–01 season and had completed his UEFA Pro B coaching licence in the years in between. The team was in the relegation zone at the time of his appointment and he was unable to prevent relegation. He parted company with the club on 12 December 2008.[27]

Personal life

[edit]

He is the cousin of West Bromwich born former footballer Gary Bull, who played for clubs including Barnet, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City.[28] In November 2022, Bull launched his own clothing line entitled 'SB9' using the famous gold and black; it comprises t-shirts, hoodies, caps, beanies, polos, gilets, track suit trousers and shorts.

Honours

[edit]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Individual

Career statistics

[edit]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other[33] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
West Bromwich Albion 1985–86 First Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0
1986–87 Second Division 3 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 6 3
Total 4 2 0 0 2 1 3 0 9 3
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1986–87 Fourth Division 30 15 0 0 0 0 7 4 37 19
1987–88 Fourth Division 44 34 2 3 4 3 8 12 58 52
1988–89 Third Division 45 37 1 0 2 2 7 11 55 50
1989–90 Second Division 42 24 1 1 4 2 1 0 48 27
1990–91 Second Division 43 26 1 0 2 0 2 1 48 27
1991–92 Second Division 43 20 1 0 2 3 1 0 47 23
1992–93 First Division 36 16 2 1 2 1 2 1 42 19
1993–94 First Division 27 14 2 0 0 0 1 1 30 15
1994–95 First Division 31 16 2 0 3 2 3 1 39 19
1995–96 First Division 44 15 4 2 5 0 0 0 53 17
1996–97 First Division 43 23 1 0 2 0 2 0 48 23
1997–98 First Division 31 7 3 0 5 2 0 0 39 9
1998–99 First Division 15 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 17 6
Total 474 250 20 7 33 18 34 31 561 306
Hereford United 2000–01 Conference 6 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 2
Career total 484 254 20 7 35 19 38 31 577 311

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Bull

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Steve Bull (born 28 March 1965) is an English former professional footballer who played primarily as a striker and is best known for his prolific 13-year tenure at Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., where he holds the club record for most goals scored with 306 in 561 appearances. Born in Wednesbury and raised in Tipton, Staffordshire, Bull began his football journey playing for local non-league side Tipton Town before signing as a trainee with West Bromwich Albion in 1982. He made his professional debut for West Brom in 1985 but transferred to rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on 20 November 1986 for a fee of £35,000 (as part of a combined deal with Andy Thompson for £65,000), marking the start of his legendary association with the club. During his time at Wolves, Bull was instrumental in the club's revival from the lower divisions, scoring over 50 goals in each of the 1987–88 and 1988–89 seasons to help secure the Fourth Division and Third Division titles, respectively—the only player in English football history to achieve this feat in consecutive seasons. He also netted 18 hat-tricks for the club, another record, and contributed to their Sherpa Van Trophy victory in 1988. His scoring prowess continued as Wolves rose through the leagues, including a memorable four-goal performance in a 4–0 win over Newcastle United on 1990. Bull earned 13 caps for the national team between 1989 and 1990, scoring four goals, including on his debut against in 1989—a remarkable achievement as a Third Division player at the time. He was part of the England squad for the but did not appear in any matches. After leaving Wolves in 1999 due to injury, he briefly returned as a at Hereford United in the 2000–01 season before retiring. In recognition of his contributions to football, Bull was appointed Member of the (MBE) in the 2000 New Year's Honours List and inducted into the Wolverhampton Wanderers Hall of Fame in 2009. Post-retirement, he obtained a UEFA B coaching licence and briefly managed Stafford Rangers in 2008, though the club suffered relegation later that year. As of 2025, Bull serves as Wolves' honorary vice-president and , and in November 2025 became an honorary patron of the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation, remaining a cult hero among fans for his humility and local roots; the Steve Bull Stand at has borne his name since 2003, and he holds the of .

Early life and youth career

Family and background

Steve Bull was born on 28 March 1965 in , , , and was raised in nearby from the age of three, a town in the heart of the region. Standing at 1.80 meters tall, Bull's physical stature suited his role as a forward in professional football. Raised in a working-class family in , Bull experienced the industrial heritage and community spirit of the , an area known for its and history. This environment instilled values of hard work and resilience, as Bull later reflected on his early jobs in a builders' yard, bed factory, and warehouse before pursuing football full-time. His family had ties to the sport, notably through his cousin Gary Bull, a professional footballer who played for clubs including Barnet, , and Birmingham City. From a young age, Bull was immersed in the local football culture of the West Midlands, surrounded by the rival passions for nearby clubs West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Growing up in this football-mad region, he often played informally by kicking balls against walls and in gardens, fostering a deep connection to the game that would define his life. This early environment in laid the foundation for his transition to organized youth football at Tipton Town.

Introduction to football

Steve Bull's upbringing in Tipton, an industrial heartland in the Black Country where his family relocated when he was three, played a key role in igniting his passion for football from a young age, amid a community where the sport served as a vital outlet. Bull began his organized football journey in 1981 at the age of 16, joining the youth team of Tipton Town, a non-league club competing in the West Midlands League. He remained with the club until 1984, where he quickly established himself by scoring initial goals in local non-league matches, honing his skills on makeshift pitches near his home that demanded tenacity and an unyielding appetite for the game. His standout performances at Town, characterized by regular goal-scoring, drew the attention of scouts, leading to his transfer to Albion's in 1984. Recommended by Tipton Town manager Sid Day, who doubled as a scout for Albion, Bull entered a structured environment focused on development, training on Tuesday and Thursday nights while balancing demanding factory work that tested his endurance. Under local coaches, he refined his raw talents through rigorous sessions emphasizing technique and fitness. From the outset, Bull exhibited key attributes that marked him as a promising prospect: a prolific scoring driven by a thunderous right foot and bravery in challenges, coupled with physicality from his strong physique and lightning pace, and an unwavering determination evident in his ability to juggle laborious employment with football commitments. These qualities, noted by observers like Sid Day who described him as energetically "buzzing around" despite his smaller stature, set the foundation for his progression toward professional levels.

Club playing career

West Bromwich Albion

Bull signed his first professional contract with West Bromwich Albion on 24 August 1985, at the age of 20, joining from non-league side Town on a free transfer after a prolific spell scoring in local leagues. He made his professional debut for the club during the 1985–86 First Division season, a campaign in which West Brom ultimately suffered relegation. Despite showing promise as a striker, Bull struggled to secure a regular place in the first team, making just four league appearances and scoring two goals amid fierce competition from established forwards like Imre Varadi, who formed a strong partnership up front. Determined to gain consistent playing time, Bull requested a transfer and moved to local rivals Wanderers on 20 November 1986 for a combined fee of approximately £65,000 along with teammate Andy Thompson—a deal that deepened the longstanding derby tensions between the two clubs, both based in the West Midlands.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Steve Bull joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from local rivals West Bromwich Albion on 20 November 1986 for a combined fee of approximately £65,000 along with teammate Andy Thompson, bringing prior experience in the Football League that helped him quickly adapt to the demands of competitive senior football. Over his 13-year tenure, he made 561 appearances and scored 306 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as the club's all-time leading scorer by surpassing John Richards' previous record of 194 goals; of these, 250 came in league matches across various divisions. Bull's debut season in 1986–87 laid the foundation for his prolific partnership with the club, but it was the following 1987–88 campaign in the Fourth Division where he truly announced himself, netting 52 goals in 58 appearances to spearhead Wolves to the league title and promotion. He replicated this extraordinary feat in 1988–89, scoring 50 goals in 55 games as Wolves secured the Third Division championship and another promotion, becoming the only player in English football history to score 50 or more goals in successive seasons for the same club. These back-to-back triumphs marked the beginning of the club's revival from the lower tiers, with Bull's relentless finishing from close range and headers proving instrumental in their ascent. Following these promotions, Bull remained a consistent and influential figure in the Second Division, contributing to several play-off campaigns in the while maintaining double-digit goal tallies each season despite increasing physical demands. His loyalty to Wolves, as a lifelong supporter from nearby , endeared him to fans, earning him the affectionate nickname "Bully" that symbolized his bulldog-like determination and deep connection to the club. However, persistent injuries ultimately forced his in July 1999 at age 34, ending a career that had transformed Wolves' fortunes and cemented his status as a club legend.

Hereford United

In July 2000, at the age of 35, Steve Bull signed for Hereford United in the Football Conference as a , reuniting with manager who had originally brought him to Wanderers in 1986. Bull's decision to join was driven by his wish to remain involved in football following his 1999 retirement from Wolves, prompted by persistent knee injuries that had plagued his later years. He initially took on a part-time role but transitioned to playing in January 2001 to help address the team's goal-scoring issues, making a substitute appearance on against Forest Green Rovers. During the 2000–01 season, Bull made six appearances for Hereford United, scoring two goals—one against Nuneaton Borough in February 2001 and another against in April 2001. His contributions were limited due to his age and ongoing recovery, but they provided a brief and nostalgic return to the pitch under Turner's guidance. Bull retired from playing for the final time on 1 July 2001, concluding his on-field career after this short stint and shifting focus fully to coaching and other post-playing pursuits.

International career

England debut and caps

Steve Bull earned his first call-up to the national team in May 1989, while playing for Wanderers in the Third Division, prompted by his prolific goal-scoring form of 50 goals in the 1988–89 season. Under manager , Bull was selected for his finishing ability and work rate, with Robson noting that a player capable of scoring at lower levels could succeed internationally. Bull made his debut on 27 May 1989 against in a match at , , coming on as a substitute for and scoring the second goal in 's 2–0 victory, securing the trophy. This appearance marked him as the first player from the third tier since Peter Taylor in 1976. Over the course of 1989 and 1990, Bull accumulated 13 caps for , scoring four goals in total. His international career highlighted a rare achievement, as he remains the last third-tier player to earn a senior cap, a milestone unbroken for over 36 years as of 2025.

1990 FIFA World Cup

Steve Bull was selected for England's squad for the in , earning his place as the third striker behind and following strong performances in qualifying matches, including a goal against that secured qualification. During the tournament, Bull made four appearances, primarily as a substitute in the group stage and one knockout match. He came on for the final six minutes of the opening 1-1 draw against the on 11 June, followed by a seven-minute substitute role in the goalless draw with the four days later, where he missed a notable chance to score. Bull started his only match of the competition in the final group game, a 1-0 victory over on 21 June, though he did not score amid limited service compared to his club form. In the round of 16 against on 26 June, he entered as a late substitute in extra time to help preserve the 1-0 win after David Platt's decisive goal. Bull remained an unused substitute in the quarter-final victory over and the semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to on 4 July, despite warming up for potential entry in the latter as chased an equalizer before Gary Lineker's late goal. His limited starting opportunities stemmed from intense competition for places among the forward line, with Lineker and Beardsley preferred by manager . Bull scored no goals during the tournament and did not feature in the third-place match, a 2-1 loss to . Following England's semi-final run—the nation's best performance since 1966—Bull's international career concluded after the , with his final cap coming in a qualifier against on 17 October 1990.

Post-playing career

Managerial role

After retiring from playing, Steve Bull's interest in coaching, which had developed during his time as assistant manager at Hereford United in 2000–01, led him to pursue a managerial role. Bull was appointed manager of Stafford Rangers on 21 February 2008, taking over the Conference National (Blue Square Premier) side amid a desperate fight against relegation. Despite his efforts to stabilize the team, Rangers were relegated to the Conference North following a 4–0 defeat to York City on 7 2008. Bull continued in charge during the 2008–09 season in the North, but a poor run of results contributed to ongoing challenges, including the club's . His tenure ended on 12 December 2008 when he departed by mutual consent. Bull has not taken any further managerial positions as of 2025.

Ambassador and media work

Following his retirement from playing, Steve Bull transitioned into ambassadorial roles at Wolverhampton Wanderers, leveraging his lifelong loyalty to the club to engage with fans and support its activities. Appointed honorary vice-president in July 2006, Bull has remained actively involved, attending matchdays at and participating in club events to promote Wolves' heritage. As a club , Bull contributes to community initiatives and promotional efforts, including becoming an honorary patron of the Wolves Foundation in November 2025 alongside fellow legend John Richards, focusing on grassroots development and fan outreach. In November 2025, Bull is scheduled to be inducted into the Sporting Hall of Fame. His presence at events underscores his enduring connection, often seen interacting with supporters and representing the club in public capacities. In the media sphere, Bull has established himself as a regular columnist for the Express & Star during the 2020s, offering insights on Wolverhampton Wanderers' performances through match previews and post-game analysis. For instance, in his October 2025 column, he previewed the upcoming fixtures against Sunderland and Burnley, emphasizing the need for fan support amid a challenging season start and highlighting the importance of securing points to build momentum. He continued this commentary in November 2025, discussing the team's resilience but urging quicker results to avoid relegation concerns. Bull maintains an active social media presence on platforms like and , where he shares updates on club matters, personal appearances, and reflections on his , amassing thousands of followers. In an 2025 article, he highlighted a unique milestone from his international : the last player to earn an call-up while playing in the third tier, a feat from the 1988–89 season that no one has matched since, making him the only such player in over 36 years.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Steve Bull has been married to his third wife, Kirsty Bull (née Powell), since 2004, when they wed in . The couple welcomed their daughter, Gracie Jo Bull, in November 2007, and Bull has expressed hopes that her arrival would strengthen family bonds. Kirsty has been a supportive partner throughout Bull's post-playing endeavors, including joint charitable work, while maintaining a relatively private family life centered on their home in Compton Park, , in the West Midlands. Prior to his current marriage, Bull was married to Julie Dace from 1991, with whom he has two sons, Jack and Joe. The family has resided in the West Midlands region, reflecting Bull's Tipton upbringing and deep-rooted local connections. Bull shares a family link to football through his cousin, Gary Bull, a former professional striker who played for clubs including Barnet, Nottingham Forest, and Birmingham City during the 1980s and 1990s. This parallel career path underscores a familial passion for the sport, though Bull has kept his personal relationships out of the public eye, prioritizing family support over media attention.

Business ventures and later years

In November 2022, Steve Bull launched his own clothing line named 'SB9', drawing inspiration from his longstanding nickname "Bully" and the number 9 shirt he wore during his at Wanderers, while incorporating the club's iconic gold and black colors to appeal to its dedicated fanbase. The collection, produced in collaboration with local businesses, initially featured ten items including t-shirts, hoodies, caps, beanies, polo shirts, joggers, shorts, a , and a quarter-zip , each embroidered with the SB9 and accompanied by a handwritten signature from Bull along with motivational messages like "Forever Wolves" and "Wolves ay we". Bull received the Member of the (MBE) in the 2000 for his services to , recognizing his contributions both on the pitch and through subsequent community involvement. Reflecting on his later years, Bull has spoken about the lasting impact of the repeated knee injuries that forced his from professional football in 1999, noting at age 60 that his knees were "26 years past their sporting sell-by date" yet crediting them for enabling his enduring connection to the sport and Wolverhampton Wanderers community. Bull marked his 60th birthday on 28 March 2025 with a special tribute from Wanderers, including a bespoke video poem titled "Ode to Bully" produced by the club's studios and featuring contributions from notable figures such as musician , broadcaster , and former teammates, filmed at iconic local sites to celebrate his legacy. This milestone highlighted his continued role as an honorary vice-president and ambassador for the club, where he remains actively engaged with fans at matches and events.

Honours and legacy

Club achievements

Steve Bull played a pivotal role in Wanderers' resurgence from the lower tiers of English football during the late 1980s, contributing significantly to the club's back-to-back promotions. In the 1987–88 season, Bull scored 52 goals across all competitions as Wolves clinched the Fourth Division title, marking their return to prominence after years of financial and competitive struggles. The team also lifted the Sherpa Van Trophy at that year, defeating 2–0 in the final, with Bull's prolific scoring form—including multiple hat-tricks—providing the firepower needed for success. The following 1988–89 campaign saw Wolves achieve another promotion, this time as Third Division champions, with Bull netting 50 goals in 55 appearances to secure the title and elevate the club to the Second Division. These consecutive triumphs, driven by Bull's goal-scoring prowess, helped stabilize fan support and club finances during a period of recovery. Throughout the , Bull remained a consistent top scorer for Wolves in the Second Division, frequently exceeding 20 goals per season in the early years but later impacted by injuries, though the club did not secure further major trophies or promotions during his tenure. His efforts helped maintain competitiveness, including several play-off campaigns, but injuries forced his in 1999 without additional silverware.

Individual recognition and impact

In 2000, Steve Bull was awarded the (MBE) for his services to . Bull was named to the for the 1987–88 Fourth Division, 1988–89 Third Division, 1989–90 Second Division, and 1990–91 Second Division. Bull holds the distinction of being Wolverhampton Wanderers' all-time leading goalscorer with 306 goals, a record that underscores his prolific output during his 13-year tenure at the club. This achievement has cemented his status as a cult hero among Wolves supporters, with his unwavering commitment and goal-scoring prowess earning widespread admiration. In recognition of this legacy, he was featured prominently in the Daily Mail's 2024 ranking of the club's greatest players, where his contributions were highlighted as pivotal to the team's identity. A 2025 profile in further explored his enduring iconic status at age 60, portraying him as a of and authenticity in an era dominated by high-profile transfers. In 2003, the John Ireland Stand at was renamed the Steve Bull Stand in his honour. He was inducted into the Wolverhampton Wanderers Hall of Fame in 2003 and awarded the of in 2018. Bull's unique legacy extends to his international career, as he remains the only player from England's third tier to earn a senior cap since 1989, a feat accomplished while playing for Wolves in the then-Third Division. This milestone, achieved amid the club's rise through the divisions, exemplifies fan loyalty and grassroots perseverance in modern professional football, inspiring narratives of dedication over commercial mobility.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition in which Bull has played.
ClubSeasonLeagueOtherTotal
West Bromwich Albion1985–8620215
West Bromwich Albion total20215
Wanderers1986–872006228
Wanderers1987–884027958
Wanderers1988–894245455
Wanderers1989–904224250
Wanderers1990–914514454
Wanderers1991–924424252
Wanderers1992–934324251
Wanderers1993–944223148
Wanderers1994–954623051
Wanderers1995–964645055
Wanderers1996–974112549
Wanderers1997–983535043
Wanderers1998–99802010
Wanderers total474255431584
Hereford United1999–200000000
Hereford United2000–0100011
Hereford United total00011
Career total476255633590
Note: The totals for Wolverhampton Wanderers differ slightly across sources; the official club record is 561 appearances and 306 goals in all competitions. The table above uses aggregated data from Soccerbase for consistency, adjusted for known discrepancies.

International

National teamYearAppsGoals
England198973
England199061
Total134

References

  1. https://www.wolves.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/steve-bull/
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6235168/2025/03/28/steve-bull-60-wolves/
  3. https://biographyonline.net/sport/football/steve-bull.html
  4. https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/on-this-day-november-edition/
  5. https://www.englandstats.com/player.php?pid=1015
  6. https://foundation.wolves.co.uk/goalscoring-legends-become-foundation-honorary-patrons/
  7. http://englandfootballonline.com/TeamPlyrsBios/PlayersB/BioBullSG.html
  8. https://www.transfermarkt.us/steve-bull/profil/spieler/101389
  9. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=1112
  10. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2025/07/14/theres-nowhere-else-like-us-steve-bull-is-black-country-and-proud-heres-why/
  11. https://www.transfermarkt.us/gary-bull/profil/spieler/227857
  12. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/steve-bull.html
  13. https://www.facebook.com/groups/lostfootballgrounds/posts/2017644038756379/
  14. https://wolvescompletehistory.co.uk/bull-cbe-steve/
  15. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2016/11/19/steve-bulls-old-gold-makeover-marks-30-years-at-wolves/
  16. https://bullybully.net/bio/
  17. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/steve-bull-10543/league-appearances-for-wolves_a13267/
  18. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/feb/05/steve-bull-small-talk
  19. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/01/26/west-brom-vs-wolves-rivalry-fa-cup-fourth-round-midlands/
  20. https://www.wolves.co.uk/club/about-us/directors-profiles/steve-bull-mbe/
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2195372/2020/11/15/steve-bull-wolves-whats-it-like-to-score-52-goals-in-a-season/
  22. https://alwayswolves.co.uk/steve-bull-our-best-striker-ever-full-stop/
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/jul/14/newsstory.sport3
  24. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bull-has-to-retire-1106384.html
  25. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/hereford_united/828724.stm
  26. https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/5667306.15700-bull-happy-to-be-back-with-his-old-boss/
  27. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/jan/04/newsstory.sport10
  28. https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/5706214.bull-comeback-on-new-year-cards/
  29. http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/2022/04/throwback-thursday-steve-bull-scores.html
  30. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/steve-bull-just-scored-two-goals-for-england
  31. https://www.englandstats.com/matches.php?mid=646
  32. https://www.planetfootball.com/lists-and-rankings/england-players-capped-playing-below-premier-league
  33. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-england-steve-bull-90-14816175
  34. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2015/06/29/bull-at-the-world-cup-memories-of-1990/
  35. https://www.thesoccerworldcups.com/players/steve_bull.php
  36. https://www.transfermarkt.us/steve-bull/profil/trainer/130908
  37. https://www.staffordrangersfc.co.uk/history/
  38. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2008/12/12/bully-out-as-stafford-rangers-boss/
  39. https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/2008/12/12/bull-rocked-by-stafford-axe/
  40. https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/foundation/20251107-goalscoring-legends-become-foundation-honorary-patrons/
  41. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2025/11/13/steve-bull-among-wolverhampton-sporting-heroes-set-to-be-recognised-by-city-this-weekend
  42. https://www.molineux.news/news/steve-bull-actually-almost-regretted-transfer-to-wolves-in-1986-as-he-recalls-scary-moment/
  43. https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/2025/10/18/steve-bull-wolves-face-two-huge-matches-and-need-fans-to-keep-the-faith/
  44. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2025/11/01/steve-bull-wolves-have-the-fight-to-get-it-right-but-we-need-results/
  45. https://www.facebook.com/bullybully9wwfc/
  46. https://www.instagram.com/stevebullmbe/?hl=en
  47. https://www.molineux.news/throwbacks/wolves-legend-steve-bull-has-england-milestone-that-nobody-has-achieved-in-36-years/
  48. https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2007/11/20/legend-bulls-new-arrival/
  49. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/08/24/at-home-with-mr-and-mrs-steve-bull/
  50. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/10/23/from-football-to-property-investment-a-career-change-for-bully/
  51. https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2007/11/20/star-hopes-baby-will-unite-family/
  52. https://www.alamy.com/footballer-steve-bull-and-his-wife-julie-with-his-sons-jack-and-joe-after-collecting-the-mbe-at-buckingham-palace-image330844764.html
  53. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2022/11/15/wolves-legend-steve-bull-launches-clothing-collection/
  54. https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20250328-an-ode-to-bully-on-his-60th-birthday/
  55. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13727285/WOLVES-GREATEST-PLAYER-Englands-100-cap-man-led-club-successful-spell-hero-striker-Steve-Bull-holds-scoring-record-think-clubs-time-star.html
  56. https://www.itv.com/news/central/2018-09-11/football-legend-steve-bull-granted-freedom-of-wolverhampton
  57. https://www.transfermarkt.com/steve-bull/profil/spieler/101389
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.