Wolves pay tribute to 'terrific' Dave Wagstaffe

Chief executive Jez Moxey said everyone at Wolves was 'desperately saddened' to hear of Wagstaffe's death and pledged that his contribution to the club would be honoured at the home match against Gillingham on Saturday.

News of the popular winger's passing was confirmed in the hours before last night's Capital One Cup match at Morecambe, and the players wore black armbands throughout the match.

Wagstaffe spent 12 years of his playing career at Molineux after joining at the end of 1964, and later ran Waggy's Bar in the Stan Cullis Stand. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in January.

• Wolves legend Dave Wagstaffe dies at 70

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Mr Moxey said: "Everyone at Wolves was desperately saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Dave's teammates, and the fans who saw him play, always speak so highly of his skill and ability, and he was of course an integral part of the team which reached the UEFA Cup Final in 1972 and won the League Cup against his former club Manchester City at Wembley two years later.

"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.

"It was only back in January that he was in typically sparkling form at Molineux, taking his rightful place in the club's Hall of Fame along so many other Wolves legends.

"Our sincere condolences go to Dave's partner Val, his children Gary, Mandy and Scott, and Dave's wider family.

"Scott works for Wolves at Molineux, and has been keeping the club informed during Dave's recent battle against illness.

"Everybody at the club and supporters will get the chance to join together to pay tribute to Dave ahead of our game with Gillingham on Saturday."

He added that former teammates who played with Wagstaffe would be contacted in the next few days to give them an opportunity to pay tribute.

Meanwhile, supporters are being invited to leave their own comments on the club's official Facebook and Twitter sites.

Wagstaffe made 404 appearances for Wolves, scoring 31 goals including a memorable strike in the second leg of the UEFA Cup Final against Tottenham who ran out narrow winners on aggregate. Regarded as one of the last of the great wingers, Wagstaffe died at home at the age of 70 after a short illness.

Wolves are yet to confirm exactly what nature Saturday's tribute will take but discussions are under way, with a minute's applause among the options being considered.