Wolves gent Bobby remembered

He was a footballing legend and a true gentleman. The funeral of Wolves' finest full-back Bobby Thomson took place this afternoon.

The church was filled with family, friends and ex- teammates. As his coffin was led into All Saints Church, Sedgley, it was followed by his three grandchildren wearing Wolves and England shirts bearing the name "Grandad".

Superstars including John Richards, Dave Wagstaffe, Mike Bailey, Phil Parkes and Bert Williams all attended.

Former striker Mel Eves said of Bobby, who died, aged 65, after a battle with prostate cancer, said: "I saw him play in my first ever match when I was seven years old. He was my Wolves hero but he was so down to earth. People as good as Bobby don't need to make a fuss, he was a gentleman."

Bobby made 300 appearances for Wolves and won eight England caps. He died in Dudley's Russell's Hall Hospital on August 19.

Ex-keeper Phil Parkes, now aged 62, said he nicknamed his teammate Peter Pan as he never looked any older and was always immaculately turned out.

He said: "He was still the same weight as he was when he played and he always looked the part.

"It is a very, very, sad day, he was such a nice guy."

Former Wolves captain Mike Bailey, now 67, gave a speech during the service.

He said: "He was an extremely popular member of the team. He was always reliable, always loyal and always a gentleman both on and off the pitch."

Winger Dave Wagstaffe said: "He was a gentleman and considering he was a full-back, I never saw him make a malicious tackle.

"He was a very quiet man, just a normal, peaceful guy."

As well as Wolves he played for Birmingham City, Walsall, Port Vale, Stafford Rangers and Luton.

About 100 people were at the funeral.

Ex-striker John Richards said Bobby never forgot his roots. "He was from Smethwick and moved to Sedgley when he moved to Wolves, he was very much part of the community,"

Mr Richards said. "He will always be remembered as one of the finest full-backs in the country."