The legendary football scout who discovered Wolves’ record goalscorer Steve Bull and a host of other well-known Black Country players has died at the age of 79.

Ron Jukes, who lived in Walsall, spotted Bully while he was playing for West Bromwich Albion and recommended him to Wolves. Mr Jukes earned the nickname Super Scout for his ability to find future star players and went on to become chief scout for Wolves, Birmingham City, Walsall, Derby County and Shrewsbury.

He also unearthed other fans’ favourites at Molineux, with the likes of goalkeeper Mike Stowell, midfielder Keith Downing, full-back Andy Thompson and winger Robbie Dennison all discovered by him during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Wolves spokesman John Hendley said today: “We are very saddened to hear about the death of Ron. He was instrumental in bringing some fine players to this club, including of course Steve Bull. He knew football inside out and his passing is a sad loss to the game.”

As well as the Wolves stars, Mr Jukes spotted players for Walsall such as Colin Taylor, Ron Green, Stan Bennett, Frank Gregg, Craig Shakespeare, Mark Rees, Colin Harrison and also David Preece.

Read the full story in the Express & StarThe legendary football scout who discovered Wolves’ record goalscorer Steve Bull and a host of other well-known Black Country players has died at the age of 79.

Ron Jukes, who lived in Walsall, spotted Bully while he was playing for West Bromwich Albion and recommended him to Wolves. Mr Jukes earned the nickname Super Scout for his ability to find future star players and went on to become chief scout for Wolves, Birmingham City, Walsall, Derby County and Shrewsbury.

He also unearthed other fans’ favourites at Molineux, with the likes of goalkeeper Mike Stowell, midfielder Keith Downing, full-back Andy Thompson and winger Robbie Dennison all discovered by him during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Wolves spokesman John Hendley said today: “We are very saddened to hear about the death of Ron. He was instrumental in bringing some fine players to this club, including of course Steve Bull. He knew football inside out and his passing is a sad loss to the game.”

As well as the Wolves stars, Mr Jukes spotted players for Walsall such as Colin Taylor, Ron Green, Stan Bennett, Frank Gregg, Craig Shakespeare, Mark Rees, Colin Harrison and also David Preece.Walsall chief executive Roy Whalley said: “His name will forever be linked with Walsall following his discoveries in the 1950s and 1960s of such Saddlers’ legends as Colin Taylor, Allan Clarke, Colin Harrison, Phil Parkes, Stan Bennett, Frank Gregg and many, many more.

“He has to be one of the most talented and able football scouts of all time.”

In 2006 Mr Jukes published his book The Ron Jukes Story – Super Scout.

Outside of football, he worked as headteacher at Mesty Croft Junior School in Wednesbury and a magistrate in West Bromwich.

He leaves behind his wife Molly. The funeral details are yet to be confirmed.

By Tom Edwards