Family pay tribute to former Walsall player and 'real gentleman' Ken Hill

Born in Walsall in 1938, Hill was a regular on the local football scene and worked on the railways after leaving school.

He served in the army and was a boxer during his time there before embarking on a career with Walsall, joining the club in 1956.

Hill's first team debut came in 1959 in a 0-0 draw against Hartlepool United in the old Division Four.

He moved to Norwich City in 1963 for a fee of £17,000, making 44 appearances for the Canaries.

After three years away, Hill returned to Walsall in 1966 and remained with the club until he retired from the game, making a total of 130 appearances for the Saddlers.

The 82-year-old passed away on Monday and his great nephew Adam Stanley has paid tribute to him on behalf of the family.

"Ken was football mad," Stanley said.

"He only scored one goal in his career and he never let me forget that. He always went on at how good he had hit the ball from 35 yards into the top right hand corner.

"Ken was more than a great uncle to myself and my two siblings Kieran and Charlotte but he was a hero in my dad Mark's eyes.

"He always had time for us and was always there for us as we grew up. Ken was a kind soul and a real gentleman. Unfortunately he never married or had kids so he treated us like his own.

"Ken will be missed by all in the community in Coalpool and the surrounding areas but even more so by Mark, Mark's wife Marie, myself, Kieran and Charlotte.

"He was a massive family figure and will always remain so. Ken will always be in the heart of his nephew Mark who has always expressed that Ken was a important figure in his life.

"Rest in Peace Ken. Love you always."