Old Wolves wing half dies at 83

A former Wolves player who had to cope with being in the shadow of the legendary Billy Wright has died, aged 83.

Alexander Simpson signed for Wolves in 1947 but only got to play for the first team twice in two years.

The Glasgow-born wing-half eventually moved to Notts County in 1949 for the then impressive sum of £7,500.

After 80 appearances for the Magpies he transferred to Southampton in 1952 before going on to Shrewsbury Town in 1955, where he played 100 games. He played for Wolves against Derby in 1947.

He took his place alongside Billy Wright and goalkeeper Bert Williams.

Mr Williams, 88, told the Express & Star: “Alex played with us at an unfortunate time. He was a wing half at a time when Wolves were very strong on the back line.

“The reserves had to have a lot of patience and Alex certainly had that.

“He played whole-heartedly for the club even though he was only asked to join the first team twice.”

The teams drew 2-2 during that match. Mr Williams was also in goal when Mr Simpson joined Wolves, and Billy Wright, to beat Stoke 3-2 away in 1948.

Mr Simpson lived in Sytch Lane in Wombourne with his wife, Alma, aged 81.

His son Ian, of Botany Drive, Sedgley, said his father had always been proud to have played for Wolves even if it was only for two games.

The 55-year-old who works in the construction industry, said: “He was a wonderful father and he lived for his grandchildren.”

Mr Simpson also leaves another son, Alan, aged 58 and daughter Andrea, 47.

The funeral will be held on Friday at Gornal Wood Crematorium at 2pm.