Tributes for former Walsall footballer and 'perfect husband' Jack

Jack Hughes starred as a forward for Walsall for three seasons in the 1950s.

Remembered for his skill and dribbling abilities, he scored 10 goals in 44 league appearances during his time at Fellows Park.

After retiring from football he went to work in steel factory and lived with his wife Janet in Greets Green, West Bromwich.

She remembered going to watch her husband play in Walsall, despite actually being a West Bromwich Albion supporter herself.

He died on February 23 from heart failure. He had been suffering with a long illness.

His funeral will be held at West Bromwich Crematorium on Monday.

Mrs Hughes said: "He was laid back. He wasn't one for dashing up and down the field. He focused on accuracy, he was very good at passing and heading.

"I was a football fan, I was an Albion supporter, but they (Walsall) never seemed to win when I went."

Jack was an instant hit at Walsall, scoring on his debut against Port Vale.

He scored five more times in that first season, 1950/51.

After leaving Walsall, he played in the lower leagues with Stourbridge, Worcester City and Evesham United.

Among memories that stick out for Mrs Hughes was watching her husband play in a competition called the Festival of Britain, which was organised by the Football Association in 1951.

"I remember a game that took place as part of the Festival of Britain and he scored a goal in that game if I remember rightly.

"That is what sticks out in my mind," she said.

"He had a good height so was very good at heading the ball."

Jack was born in West Bromwich in 1929 and went to All Saints School in the town.

His progress as a footballer was interrupted by national service.

After leaving the army he signed on amateur forms for home town team West Brom.

But with first team opportunities appearing slim, he left them behind and was signed by Walsall soon after.

After his retirement from football, he relied on his skills with his hands rather than his feet, becoming a factory worker again.

[comments_cta header="Pay tribute" text="Share your memories and tributes to Jack here." button="Log in and start commenting"]

Mrs Hughes actually had no idea her future husband was a footballer when they first met.

She said it was a week later that she found out what Jack did for a living.

They married in 1952 and had two children, Jane and Jill.

They also have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mrs Hughes said: "He was a fantastic husband and a fantastic grandfather and great grandfather.

"He was the most reliable man.

"He was very caring and dependable. He was everything a husband should be."