Battle kick-started for 'Sir' Billy Wright

A campaign has been launched to honour Wolves and England football hero Billy Wright with a posthumous knighthood.

Supporters of the player are being urged to sign a website petition calling for him to be recognised for his contribution to the game as a player and as a "wonderful ambassador" for the sport.

Bryan Yeubrey, an FA- licensed players' agent from Perton, is spearheading the campaign.

He has already written to Buckingham Palace, the Prime Minister, the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Football Association to drum up support.

Relatives of the footballer, who died 15 years ago at the age of 70, said they were "thrilled to bits" with the campaign.

Mr Yeubrey said: "Billy Wright is a legend, but we need people's help too. I want to make Billy Wright CBE, Sir Billy Wright."

Mr Yeubrey, who is friends with the footballer's family, said: "I was so in awe of his achievements I felt he should have been knighted in his life.

"His unique contribution as a player and as a wonderful ambassador for the sport, in particular at a time of post-war depression, was exceptional beyond imagination.

"So profoundly outstanding was his career that I am sure that a posthumous knighthood would be globally welcomed by our nation's footballing peers, football's governing bodies, by every football fan, regardless of club loyalties, and by individuals throughout the United Kingdom and beyond."

Billy Wright - who was married to Joy, one of the famous Beverley Sisters - made 490 appearances for Wolves over a 20-year career at the club.

His daughter, Vicky Wright, said: "We are thrilled to bits. The extent of love for my dad is overwhelming."

People can register their support to the campaign at www.sirbillywright.com