Matt Murray was the best goalkeeper Wolves rarely had and the best goalkeeper England never had.

At 29, Murray’s career is over, an announcement that did not come as any great surprise to his many well-wishers but one which nevertheless crushed the tiny light of hope they held for this athlete one day fulfilling his potential.

He played less than 100 times for Wolves but any who saw just a handful of those performances will know that the club, and the country, have been deprived a sensational goalkeeper.

Without the constant trail of injuries, which have plagued him since his teenage years, Murray would have kept goal for England at the last two World Cups – that’s not hype but a logical assessment of the scale of his ability.

His contribution to Wolves was ultimately distilled into two short but memorable sequences – the 2002-03 promotion run concluding at the Millennium Stadium and his key role in helping launch Mick McCarthy’s managerial reign with that over-achieving run to the 2007 promotion Play Off semi-finals.

The rest of the time, Murray spent in often lonely, gruelling labour fighting against the messages Mother Nature was sending his body while, looking on plaintively, Wolves fans yearned for his recovery.

But that is only part of the story. For Murray’s popularity is not linked solely to his capabilities; throughout it all, he has endeared himself to every supporter with his courtesy, good humour and unfailing respect.

In short, Murray is a good ‘un, a modern day footballer whose approach to life strikes a blow for his profession and its fight against the grubby tide of unsavoury headlines that have eroded the reputation of today’s footballers.

That’s why, when news of his retirement arrived yesterday, the tributes started pouring in.

When Murray first pitched up at Wolves he struck an immediate rapport with a young Irish lad who, he could immediately see, possessed a special talent.

He and Robbie Keane have been best mates ever since and the much-travelled Tottenham player – having perhaps enjoyed the kind of illustrious career denied his pal – was straight on the phone when the news broke.

Keane said: “Matty’s my best friend in football and a very talented goalkeeper. He played a big part in getting Wolves through to Premier League back in 2003 and it’s such a shame he didn’t get to reach his full potential and play much in the Premier League due to injury.

“I know how hard it’s been for him and the amount of times he’s been knocked down only to get back up again really shows his character.

“It’s a great shame that injury has now forced him to retire prematurely -  If it wasn’t for his injury troubles I know he would have gone all the way in the game.’”

His promotion-winning manager Dave Jones, now at Cardiff, joined in.

He said: “It’s sad – really sad. A top goalkeeper,  a top boy. I was probably fortunate enough to enjoy the longest consecutive run of appearances he was able to make.

“What a goalkeeper. You would probably pick out his kicking as his only weakness – hand to foot was alright but off the ground was a weakness.

“But the rest of his game was magnificent – great hands, big presence, and there is no doubt he would have got even better as he matured.”

“His part in the promotion run was vital, right up to his performance at Cardiff and that penalty save.

“But he’s been fighting these problems for the best part of 10 years and that’s a long time – his body has obviously told him to give it a rest.

“It’s very sad news.”

When Murray fought his way back into Mick McCarthy’s team three years later his progress was immediately monitored by England’s staff – and his stature was such that coach Ray Clemence broke off from his holiday to offer his thoughts.

He said: “I am really sorry to hear of Matt’s retirement. He was a goalkeeper who, when he appeared at under-21 level, we had very high hopes of going right to the very top.

“Unfortunately a series of cruel injuries has curtailed that happening and now we wish him the very best in whatever he chooses to do in the future.”

But perhaps the most telling snapshot of Murray is provided by the bond he formed with Wolves celebrated goalkeeping legend, the now 90-year-old Bert Williams.

This was no lip-service PR to suit the club, Murray held genuine admiration and respect for Williams’s achievements from a distant era and shared many conversations talking about their mutual obsession, the madness of goalkeeping.

And no-one was more upset to hear of the young giant’s despairing news yesterday.

Williams said: “I always say to make it in this profession you need 50 per cent ability and 50 per cent luck.

“Matt had one but not the other. He’s super lad, the sort of person that should be in the spotlight. He had everything going for him.

“It was really upsetting to hear this news. we all set off with our dreams of following our idols and Matt was just about to make the final step when he had it all taken away from him.”

By Martin Swain