Tributes as former Wolves player dies aged 83

Wolverhampton Wanderers have paid tribute to former player Terry Wharton, who has died aged 83 following a short illness.

Wharton was born in Bolton but signed for Wolves on his 15th birthday, making them his first club, and turned professional two years later in October 1959.

The winger represented the club until 1968, later playing for teams including Crystal Palace, Walsall FC and Kidderminster Harriers.

Wolves said players would wear black armbands for their match against West Ham United at Molineux on Saturday afternoon, with a minute's applause taking place before the match.

The club said Wharton was "a popular character off the pitch", playing for the club on 242 occasions - the most times he represented any club in his career.

He was handed his debut by manager Stan Cullis in November 1961 and scored in a 2-0 over Ipswich Town, beginning a hugely successful spell at Molineux.

A spokesperson for Wolves said: "He quickly became the club's regular right-winger at that point, holding the position for the next five seasons and enjoying his finest hour in old gold with a hat-trick in a 7-0 win over rivals West Bromwich Albion in 1963."

Despite the club suffering relegation to the second tier in the mid-1960s, Wharton played his part in returning the club to the top flight via promotion in 1967, scoring on 17 occasions that season.

The winger also played 10 times for Los Angeles Wolves, winning the first official US soccer title in 1967, before contributing to the club's film about the triumph and playing a key role at the premiere in Wolverhampton three years ago.

After ending his playing days in the mid-1970s, Wharton remained living in the local area, regularly attending Wolves' Former Players Association events and supporting Wolves Foundation activities, particularly Molineux Memories.

A spokesperson for the club said: "The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Terry's wife Sue, and his family and friends at this sad time."

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