Wolves legend Dave Wagstaffe dies at 70

Tributes have been flooding in for the former player, known affectionately as Waggy, with many fans calling him the best winger ever to pull on a Wolves shirt. Those who knew him off the pitch said he was a 'funny, kind and loving' man.

Wagstaffe, who lived in the Tettenhall area, died at home yesterday after a short illness. He played 404 games for Wolves from 1964 to 1976 and scored 31 goals.

Wolves players wore black armbands last night in their Capital One Cup first round clash with Morecambe as a mark of respect. A tribute is also being planned for Saturday's home match at Molineux against Gillingham.

• Wolves pay tribute to 'terrific' Dave Wagstaffe

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Wagstaffe's partner of 20 years Val Williams paid tribute to him and said he was 'the kindest, most loving and thoughtful man'. She said he had loved being part of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC's rich history and his induction into the club's Hall of Fame earlier this year had 'meant the world to him'.

After retiring from football, Wagstaffe ran a pub in Blackpool, before returning to Wolverhampton to run The Butler's Arms in Bushbury, Castlecrofts' Old Wulfrunians' Club and Hednesford Ex-Servicemen's Club. He later ran Waggy's bar in the Stan Cullis Stand at his beloved Molineux.

Wagstaffe also spent two years penning his own popular autobiography 'Waggy's Tales'.

Dave Wagstaffe spoke to the Express & Star in January as he was inducted into the Wolves Hall of Fame:

He leaves behind children Scott, Gary and Mandy, as well as step-children Claire, James and Ian.

The grandfather-of-five and step-grandfather-of-six had suffered a heart attack in April and underwent emergency surgery.

Bosses at Molineux said the club was 'deeply saddened' to hear of his death.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said Wagstaffe was an integral part of the team which reached the UEFA Cup Final in 1972 and won the League Cup two years later.

He added: "Dave's team-mates, and the fans who saw him play always speak so highly of his skill and ability.

"For those of us who have since worked for Wolves, he has been terrific company when attending events and functions, always ready with a tale or two and his infectious personality shining through."

Wagstaffe joined Wolves from Manchester City on Boxing Day in 1964 for 12 years before moving to Blackburn Rovers.

Charles Ross, editor of the former Wolves fanzine A Load of Bull, said: "He was one of my boyhood heroes. He was arguably the finest left winger never to play for England." Mr Ross added: "They say you should never meet your heroes but in the case of Dave Wagstaffe that's completely wrong."

Waggy - A true football great. See today's Express & Star for a double-page tribute to Dave Wagstaffe and leave your tributes in the comments below: