Centre honour hope for ex-Wolves star Bert Williams

A £15 million leisure centre being built in Bilston could be named after former Wolves and England goalkeeper Bert Williams, it emerged today.

The planned accolade was today described as a "wonderful honour" by Peter Creed, secretary of the Wolves Former Players Association. Mr Williams, known as The Cat for his spectacular saves, played for England in the 1950 World Cup.

He was also in the Wolves team that won the FA Cup in 1949.

An official motion calling for the centre to be named after the 90-year-old football star, who lives in Shifnal, will be put to a full council meeting in Wolverhampton on November 3.

Mr Creed said: "Bert was born in Bradley and is very proud of his roots. It is a wonderful honour for him after a wonderful year which has seen him awarded an MBE. He will be going to Buckingham Palace on November 9 to receive it."

Labour councillor Steve Simkins said he wants the Bankfield Road centre named in honour of Mr Williams who ran a sports business in Bilston when his career with Wolves ended.

He has also called for the Bilston Crest to be used on the building which is under construction.

Councillor Simkins said: "Bert Williams was born and bred in Bradley and deserves to have the work he did here properly recognised."

Mr Williams retired from football in 1957. He was awarded an MBE for services to football and to charity earlier this year.

The council meeting will also see a vote on granting Wolves vice-president Rachael Heyhoe-Flint the freedom of the city. The last person to receive the honour was former world champion cyclist Hugh Porter.

By Heather Large and Daniel Wainwright