Molineux tribute for Wolves steward after coronavirus death aged 58
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Wolves club steward following his death from Covid-19.
Paul Nightingale fought a seven-week battle with the virus before the 58-year-old from Lunt died in mid-January at New Cross Hospital.
His death has led to an outpouring of tributes from the club, as well as colleagues and supporters who knew Mr Nightingale from his time working in the Stan Cullis Stand at Molineux.
Mr Nightingale's smiling face was shown on the big screen at the stadium before the match against Leeds on Friday, the day of his funeral.
It followed a tribute in the matchday programme for the game against Leicester earlier this month.
Meanwhile fellow steward Dave Parsons paid tribute by putting Mr Nightingale's steward's coat on one of the seats in the Stan Cullis Stand for the match.
Mr Parson's described his former boss as a really down to earth and nice man who would be sorely missed.
"He was my supervisor and friend for 20 years and was one absolutely fantastic chap," he said.
"He would always have a laugh with all the people in the stand, nicking sweets off of them and speaking to everyone and he would do anything for the disabled people, getting them hot drinks and things like that.
"He will be much missed by everyone and I and the stand manager Julie Ballinger thought it would be a nice thing to do to put the coat on one of the seats."
Other tributes were paid on Twitter by supporters who knew him from, who described him as a "top man," a "proper character and all-round nice bloke".
The tribute in the Wolves matchday programme said: "Sadly, the Wolves family had to say goodbye to one of our own this week.
"After a seven-week battle with Covid-19, long-serving steward Paul Nightingale passed away at the untimely age of 58.
"Paul worked in the Stan Cullis Stand on matchdays, and started as a steward at Wolves in 1989, working for the club for just over 31 years.
"Our thoughts go out to Paul’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew and loved him during his time at Molineux."
