Former Wolves forward Ernie Hunt dies aged 75

Hunt enjoyed a glittering playing career that is perhaps best remembered for the famous 'donkey kick' goal he scored while playing for the Sky Blues against Everton.

The audacious free-kick saw his friend and team mate Willie Carr flick the ball up between his heels for Hunt to then volley home.

It was a goal that created a worldwide stir which eventually led to the move being outlawed by the football authorities.

It was also one of the first goals shown in colour on Match of the Day.

Born in Swindon, Hunt made more than 200 appearances for the Robins before joining Wolves in 1965.

And he went on to score 35 goals in 82 league and cup appearances for the men in gold and black before joining Everton in 1967.

A year later he moved to Coventry and it was there he struck up an instant rapport with Carr both on and off the pitch.

"It's a very sad day," Carr said.

"Ernie was somebody that everybody loved. He was a cheeky chappy, he could talk his way into anywhere.

"And he was the type of person that would do anything for you.

"We hit it off straight away. On the pitch we just seemed to know where the other one was. He was so easy to play with.

"He had a fantastic career and scored goals wherever he went. And he was also a fantastic man."

On their famous free-kick, Carr added: "We tried it a few times in training and it never came off!

"But Ernie hit the ball so sweetly against Everton that day and it flew in.

"It's something I'll never forget and was one of the first goals shown in colour on Match of the Day."

Richard Green, from the Wolves Former Players' Association, also paid tribute to Hunt.

He said: "We've heard the sad news and we pass on our sincerest condolences to Ernie's family.

"Ernie brings back many fond memories from his time at Wolves.

"Supporters of a certain age will remember him as a barrel-chested attacking midfielder who scored plenty of goals in gold and black.

"In many ways, he was a pre-cursor to the modern No.10 player. He will be very fondly remembered by all those who saw him play for Wolves in the 1960s."

Hunt, who had been suffering from dementia, had two daughters, Nikki and Sallyann as well as step-daughter Simone.

And Nikki said she is incredibly proud of her dad.

“It is an honour to be his daughter,” she said.

“He was a character, he was always getting into trouble and he was great fun to be around.

“He loved being a footballer. But after he retried we moved to Ledbury where we had a pub.

“The locals loved him because he never shut and that was in the days you had licensing hours.

“He loved a lock-in and often the local constabulary would pop in!

“I’m incredibly proud to be his daughter.”