Baggies Bill dies aged 82

Bill Hicklin, who earned just £5 per week plus bonuses when he signed at the Hawthorns in 1948, passed on tips to Manchester United legend Duncan Edwards when he went into Dudley schools for coaching sessions after quitting the game.

Mr Hicklin served in Middlesex for the RAF during the Second World War and was snapped up by Birmingham City in 1945.

He went on to play for Watford and the Baggies professionally before turning out for Kidderminster Harriers, Bilston and Dudley Town, where he also had a spell as player-manager in 1958 and was a prolific goalscorer.

After quitting the game professionally, Mr Hicklin worked as a turner at Beans Industries in Tipton, where he lived at various addresses for much of his life after moving from Dudley.

His other great love was cricket, and he served Dudley Cricket Club for more than 40 years, playing alongside legendary West Indies batsman George Headley.

Mr Hicklin had lived alone in Bilston since the death of his wife Margaret eight years ago and died earlier this month.

He leaves three children – Glynn, Terry and Melanie – seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Glynn, 59, a Sandwell Council worker from Oldbury, said: "Dad was always absolutely mad about his sport, especially football and cricket.

"He lived and breathed it and whenever there was a game on the TV you knew where to find him.

"He was an inspiration to a lot of people and will be sorely missed."

Daughter Melanie, of Newbridge Drive, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, said: "Dad used to absolutely spoil me rotten, being the first girl.

"We dont know a great deal about his sporting past apart from a scrapbook he kept, even though he loved talking about it.

"He was a wonderful man."