Jody Craddock ready to serve up six masterpieces for Tony Pulis

Jan 30 2011 by Bill Howell, Sunday Mercury

JODY Craddock reckons Tony Pulis is a masterpiece in the rough, tough world of footballing management.

And what better way of proving it than to deliver him six-of-the-best from your own fingertips.

The veteran Wolves defender snubbed the Stoke boss as a teenager and will today do his best to send Pulis spinning out of the FA Cup.

But then the 35-year-old will get his brushes and paints together to help turn Pulis’ seaside Devon retreat into a work of art.

Craddock’s painting skills – which will be exhibited at the lucrative 2011 Spring Fair at the NEC from February 6 – have been turning heads for years.

There is now talk of giants Castle Galleries taking him on as a full-time painter – all of which would ease any pain should he not win a further one-year contract at Molineux when his present deal expires in the summer.

Craddock spent six years on the south coast living in Ferndown, Dorset, up to the age of 18. Then Bournemouth boss Pulis tried to sign him from non-league Christchurch but Craddock chose Cambridge United instead.

The snub has been long forgotten.

Craddock spent a month on loan at Stoke only to be recalled after playing four games in September 2007.

Their respect for each other is a healthy one.

“I’m doing some work for Tony for his house down in Bournemouth,” said Craddock.

“I’ve known him since he was boss at Bournemouth from before I even first started out and I have a good deal of affection for him. I also spent that month on loan. So yes, I know Tony and he loves my art which is nice because he has commissioned some pieces.