Former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Terry Wharton is being remembered against West Ham United
Terry Wharton
A former Wolverhampton Wanderers footballer has been hailed as a ‘penalty king’ and ‘one of life’s good guys’ after his sad death.
Tributes have flooded in after former Wolves winger Terry Wharton died at the age of 83 following a short illness. He has since been praised for being a ‘humble’ and ‘wonderful’ man.
The Premier League football club issued a tribute to Wharton – a key player during the 1960s with more than 200 appearances.
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A special pre-match tribute was due to be paid at Molineux this afternoon, Saturday, January 3. Players will wear black armbands before their Premier League clash with West Ham and a minute’s applause will also take place.
A spokesperson for Wolves said: “We are saddened by the passing of our former winger Terry Wharton, at the age of 83, after a short illness.
“Terry made more than 200 appearances for the club and was a key part of our side during the 1960s, including the LA Wolves team who won the United Soccer Association championship in 1967.
“Everyone at Wolves sends their condolences to Terry’s friends, family and loved ones, and supporters will have the chance to pay their respects during a pre-match tribute at Molineux this afternoon.
“The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Terry’s wife Sue, and his family and friends at this sad time.”
Peter Knowles (left) keeps his team mates amused: Terry Wharton, Alun Evans and manager Ronnie Allen.(Image: Clive Corbett)
Wharton played for the club almost 250 times in a nine-year spell between 1959 and 1968, scoring 69 league goals and becoming well-known for his penalty taking prowess.
After leaving Wolves, Wharton spent time at Bolton, Crystal Palace, Durban City, Walsall and Kidderminster Harriers before retiring in 1974.
The Wolves Foundation meanwhile wrote: “We share the club’s sadness about the loss of Terry Wharton, who has passed away at the age of 83. Terry was a supporter of our Molineux Memories project, and with wife Sue attended a November session for an online Q&A with a similar group at Stockport FC. Will be sorely missed.”
Fans have also been paying tribute online.
One wrote: “So very sad to hear of the passing of Terry Wharton. A truly wonderful and humble man. Not only a brilliant player and a penalty king but one of life’s good guys.”